Randy,
I'm sure that someone at Eastern Mennonite University in the Music Dep't in
Harrisonburg can answer your question about the history of shape notes. If
not, they should be able to point you to a resource. I well-remember the
all-day singing at Weaver's Mennonite Church in Rockingham County on each
New Years Day during the late 1930s and 1940s, using the Harmonia Sacra
book, sung a capella using shape notes. The church was always filled to
capacity. More than two generations have passed since that time, so I have
no living references for you. Singer's Glen was the early seat for that kind
of music- mid-19th century (the Showalters), before Ruebush brought it to
Dayton near the end of the century.
Wilmer L. Kerns
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Cabell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2002 3:33 PM
Subject: Tin-Pan Valley
Though not generally known, the Valley of Virginia was a major center of
music publishing in the first half of the 19th century, primarily 'Shape
Note' AKA 'Sacred Heart' books. This was considerably before Nashville, and
probably even a bit ahead of Broadway's (NY) Tin Pan Alley. The publishing
industry was centered around Dayton which may say something about why
Shenandoah Conservatory of Music spent its formative years in Dayton.
This week, I dug out some of my original books to set texts of a few of the
gripping post-9/11 hymns to. (Some suggested early American hymtunes like
BANGOR and DETROIT) And wonder-of-wonders, I found that my new installation
of FINALE music printing will actually let me print shape note music!!!! So
with some spilled coffee and an hour or 2 in the sun for the paper to
'cure', I can produce genuine imitation simulated 19th century Sacred Harp
music. Just kidding.
My question is about the shape of the shape notes. While I am sure they
evolved before 'focus groups' and even psychological evaluation, I am
interested in how the shapes were chosen for each note of the scale......
itty bitt triangles for the TONIC, BIG SQUARE note for the minor third
below, other triangles, diamonds, etc. Is there any shape-note capital of
Virginia out there who might have some insight into this?
Randy Cabell
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