Shape Note Singing @ Floyd Country Store

Join us for Shapenote Singing every first and third Sunday from 12:00pm – 1:20pm. This is a free event.

Shapenote is a unique singing tradition, dating back to early America. Singers sit in four voice parts facing each other, forming a “hollow square.” Unaccompanied, they sing hymns and anthems in a style that is often loud and raw. It is a participatory practice, not framed as performance. Some folks may have seen an example of shapenote singing in the movie “Cold Mountain.”

Shapenote SingingThe term “shape note” comes from the notation; the notes are written with different shapes- triangle, square, diamond as well as circle. This helps singers to sight read tunes. The most popular book among shapenote singers is probably “The Sacred Harp” but many singings have adopted “The Shenandoah Harmony” as well. The lyrics of many of the songs are religious, but the tradition can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of his or her religious affiliation. All are welcome.