Sacred Harp singing became popular after the publication of The Sacred Harp in 1844 by Benjamin Franklin White and Elisha J. King. This book started the shape note tradition. Mr. White organized singing schools, where participants were taught to sing using the shapes of the notes. Most chutch congregations during this time had o piano or other type of music. Learning to sing by the notes enabled people to sing in harmony. There was an instrument called a harp that was used for pitch, and some think this is where the name Sacred Harp originated. Singers of Sacred Harp music sit in a square, each side facing each other and representing the four musical parts: treble, alto, tenor, and bass. All singing is done a cappella . There is not just one leader; all members are free to lead a song of their choosing. Leaders stand in the middle of the square. At one time, women were not allowed to be leaders, but most groups tod...
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