Shape-note singing is community music that takes its name from the four shaped notes patented in Philadelphia in 1798: Fa, Sol, La, and Mi. This living singing tradition is unlike any other form of American sacred music both in its vibrant sound and in its distinctive singing practice. See this article for more about singing in Philly.

Our regular meetings are

• Second and fourth Thursdays at the DuBois-Robeson People’s Center, 4515 Baltimore Ave, 6:30-8:45. Contact Rachel Hall, 215-605-1621 or rachelwellshall@gmail.com.
• Second Saturdays at the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust, 6133 Germantown Ave, 3:00-5:30. Contact Sophie Sokolov 857-413-0808 or sophiegsokolov@gmail.com.

Please see our events page for more information about special events, including all-day singing, house singings, and social events, and up-to-date covid protocols. See Pennsylvania Sacred Harp for information about regular and all-day events outside the Philadelphia area.

For more information or to be added to our mailing list, contact Rachel Hall at rachelwellshall@gmail.com or 215-605-1621.

Here’s a playlist of Philadelphia singings from years past.

This site was designed and maintained by Rachel Hall.