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. Upcoming regional all-day singings are (click on links for details)

• The Twenty-Third Annual Keystone Sacred Harp Convention in Philadelphia, January 27-28, 2024.

Our regular meetings are

• Second and fourth Thursdays, 6:30-8:45 pm at Mosaic Church at 123 S 51st Street in West Philadelphia. Singing from the Sacred Harp and Shenandoah Harmony. Contact: Rachel Hall at rachelwellshall@gmail.com or 215-605-1621.
• Second Saturdays, 3:00-5:30 pm at the Historic Germantown Mennonite Trust at 6133 Germantown Ave. Singing from the Sacred Harp. Contact: Sophie Sokolov at sophiegsokolov@gmail.com or 857-413-0808.

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.