Thank you for visiting our website and seeking out Maryland singers of Shape Note music. Sacred Harp singing, a powerful and participatory form of a cappella music, has deep roots in American history, characterized by its unique “fa-so-la” notation system and rich harmonies. We are dedicated to carrying on this living tradition, gathering together to sing in a style that has been passed down through generations.
Our website is designed to connect you with local groups throughout Maryland. Here, you’ll find contact information for communities near you, as well as a comprehensive calendar that lists both regional and local singings, from large conventions to small gatherings. We hope this resource helps you find your place in our vibrant singing tradition.
You can find our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandShapeNote/
You can chat with others on the Telegram app here: https://t.me/MDFaSoLa
While we try to keep the calendar up to date, you can find more information on regional groups below.
Annapolis First Saturdays / 2-4pm
Location: The Pendulum Pit, Mellon Hall, St. John’s College Annapolis, 12 St Johns St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Books: The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://www.marylandshapenote.org/annapolis/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandShapeNote
Email: Thomas – fasolannapolis at gmail dot com
Baltimore 2nd Mondays* & 4th Tuesdays / 7-9:30pm
Location: Three Hour Day Lutherie, 4305 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD
Books: The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://www.baltimoreshapenote.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmoreshapenote
Mailing List: https://groups.google.com/u/2/g/baltimore-shape-note
Email: Nora or Isaac – baltimoreshapenote at gmail dot com
*Beginning Nov. 11th, 2024!
Easton Second Saturdays / 2-5pm
Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship At Easton, 7401 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601
Book: The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://www.marylandshapenote.org/easton/
Contact(s): Topher – hieanon+fasola at gmail dot com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Our Neighbors
District of Columbia
DC Shape Note Singers / Capitol Hill 3rd Wednesday Singing
Where: Capitol Hill Presbyterian, 201 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
When: 3rd Wednesdays
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: http://dcshapenote.squarespace.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcshapenotesingers/
Contact(s): Alexa Silverman, silvermanalexa at gmail dot com and David Shulman, davids.wdc at gmail dot com
DC Shape Note Singers / Upshur Community Garden Regular Sing
Where: Upshur Community Garden, 1325 Upshur St NW, Wash., DC 20011
When: 2nd Sundays (generally) from 12-3pm
Book(s): The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: http://dcshapenote.squarespace.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcshapenotesingers/
Contact(s): Maria Cramer – mariacramer5610 at gmail com
Note: The regular Garden sing is outside for most of the year. Check with the organizer if the weather is bad, there may be an alternate location.
Pennsylvania
Lancaster Sacred Harp
Where: (email contact for location)
When: First Sundays from 3-5:30 PM
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson)
Website: https://pennsylvaniasacredharp.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/473979995946738/
Contact: Elizabeth Patton sacredharp.lanc.pa@gmail.com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Virginia
Richmond Shape Note Singers
Where: St.Giles Presbyterian Church 5200 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23226
When: 1st Tuesdays from 7-9pm and 3rd Sundays from 2-4pm
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://pennsylvaniasacredharp.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048973548444
Contact: Adrienne – adrienne.e.robertson at gmail dot com
Northern Shenandoah Valley Shape Note Singers
Where: 2336 Salem Church Rd, Boyce, VA 22620
When: 3rd Saturdays, 3-6pm
Book(s): The Sacred Harp (Denson) & The Shenandoah Harmony
Website: https://www.shenandoahharmony.com/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/55734393949/
Contact(s): Kelly Macklin – skmack02 at gmail dot com
Mailing list: (email contact to request signup)
Note: Stay for potluck and conversation!