All-day singings
One of the best ways of experiencing Sacred Harp is by attending an all-day singing. These events are held up and down the country throughout the year, almost always on Saturdays, usually in a village hall or similar. The singing normally starts between 10 and 11 a.m. and continues, with breaks for refreshment and socialising, until around 4 p.m. At midday, everyone shares another great Sacred Harp tradition - a delicious 'dinner on the grounds' (bring and share). Conventions have the same format as an all-day singing, but take place over a weekend.
Singing days are open to anyone regardless of experience, religious background (or lack of) or musical proficiency.
Attending is free, although a hat is usually passed around to help cover the cost of hiring the room.
All-day singings, like all Sacred Harp events, are neither rehearsals or performances: we just sit and sing together. Anyone attending is invited to stand in the middle of the square and lead a song of their choice, the only rule being the same song cannot be sung more than once in one day. Even if you're not comfortable leading by yourself, we encourage newcomers to stand in the centre of the square of singers and experience the 'surround sound'. The day usually includes time set apart to remember those in the community that have passed away during the past year, or are unable to attend the singing due to ill health or infirmity.
The schedule of singing days can be found on the UK Sacred Harp website.
There are two singing days held annually in South Yorkshire:
The Saturday before the fourth Sunday in February in Stannington
The Third Sunday of May, venue tbc, singing from the Christian Harmony (a seven-shape book)
Details will be posted in the Events section of the home page.
If a group of singers from Sheffield are going to a singing day we usually try to co-ordinate our journeys, either by sharing lifts or by travelling together on public transport. If you do plan to go to a singing day, please get in touch and we'll see if we can help.
Singing days are open to anyone regardless of experience, religious background (or lack of) or musical proficiency.
Attending is free, although a hat is usually passed around to help cover the cost of hiring the room.
All-day singings, like all Sacred Harp events, are neither rehearsals or performances: we just sit and sing together. Anyone attending is invited to stand in the middle of the square and lead a song of their choice, the only rule being the same song cannot be sung more than once in one day. Even if you're not comfortable leading by yourself, we encourage newcomers to stand in the centre of the square of singers and experience the 'surround sound'. The day usually includes time set apart to remember those in the community that have passed away during the past year, or are unable to attend the singing due to ill health or infirmity.
The schedule of singing days can be found on the UK Sacred Harp website.
There are two singing days held annually in South Yorkshire:
The Saturday before the fourth Sunday in February in Stannington
The Third Sunday of May, venue tbc, singing from the Christian Harmony (a seven-shape book)
Details will be posted in the Events section of the home page.
If a group of singers from Sheffield are going to a singing day we usually try to co-ordinate our journeys, either by sharing lifts or by travelling together on public transport. If you do plan to go to a singing day, please get in touch and we'll see if we can help.