Dear VA-Histers,

On Thursday, February 6, 2003, at noon, the Richmond Sacred Harp Singers
will perform and explain this unique musical form at the Library of
Virginia. Audience participation is welcome.

The Richmond Sacred Harp Singers were established in 1990 to carry on the
Sacred Harp tradition in central Virginia. Sacred Harp singing is named for
The Sacred Harp, an oblong tunebook which has been continuously in print
since 1844. Sacred Harp is a shape-note form of singing, which uses notes
with specially-shaped noteheads to show the position of the notes on the
scale. The Sacred Harp uses a four-syllable system rather than the familiar
seven note "Do-Re-Mi" system. Singings are held in a hollow square with the
singers sitting so that each of the four parts occupies one side of the
square. Each singer sings "full voice" rather than the more traditional
choral blending style.

This free program complements the Library's exhibition, Virginia Roots
Music, and is sponsored in part by a Folklife Grant from the Virginia
Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy and the Virginia Commission
for the Arts.  The Library is located at 800 East Broad Street in historic
downtown Richmond. There is free parking for this event in the Library's
underground parking deck.  For further information, call 804-692-3592.

Gregg D. Kimball
Director of Publications
  and Educational Services
Library of Virginia
804/692-3722
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