Resounding Voices

Sacred Harp Singing in Williamson County

by Charlotte Kovalchuk I photos courtesy of Gaylon Powell

Heart For Singing

A unique musical performance –sacred harp singing, which does not involve harps and is more participation than performance – is coming to Williamson County this month. On October 28-29, the Austin Sacred Harp Singers will bring their a cappella skills to the Jarrell Memorial Park Community Center (1651 CR 305, Jarrell) and invites singers of all levels to join in this community event.

Also known as shape-note singing, sacred harp singing originated in the United States during the early 19th century and was named after Benjamin Franklin White’s The Sacred Harp hymnal, first published in 1844. The “sacred harp” refers to the human voice – the musical instrument given at birth. This singing style is notable for its notation system, which uses shapes (squares, circles, triangles, and diamonds) to represent musical notes, making it easier for singers to read and sing the music even if they are not formally trained in music theory.

For Gaylon and Kristie Powell, members of the Austin Sacred Harp Singers, sacred harp singing isn't just a hobby they enjoy; it’s what brought them together. “I grew up doing it and I just love the music. It’s raw energy, very personal and spiritual. The poetry has such beauty and power,” Kristie says of the religious folk songs. She met her now-husband at a singing in Minnesota and the couple continues to travel all over the country for singings. In October, up to 100 singers from Austin, other areas of Texas, and a few other states will come together for the Southwest Texas Sacred Harp Singing Convention.

Serenading the Community

The Austin Sacred Harp Singers will serenade the community from 9:30am to 3pm on Saturday, October 28 and 9:30am to 2:30pm on Sunday, October 29 with around 70 songs each day from the 2012 Sacred Harp: Revised Cooper Edition. The free event, which has taken place since 1900, is open to all ages and will feature singers sitting in a square arrangement facing each other while they take turns leading songs.

As sacred harp singing events emphasize participation over performance, audience members are welcome to join in the singing, and books will be available to borrow during the event. “We’re singing to each other. It’s not a performance-type music,” Gaylon says. “If you like to sing in the shower and in your car, come sing with us. There are no auditions. It’s just for the love of singing.”

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