"Shape notes" are called that because the note heads are in four distinct shapes to aid sight-reading. Shape note singing is alive and well; see http://fasola.org/ for more information about the history of shape note singing, how it's done today, and where it's done today. I've done it myself (but only as a rank beginner) and the sound is beautiful. According to the Sacred Harp website, there's a group in Richmond, and here's their website: http://members.cox.net/rshs1/. Martha Katz-Hyman To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html