An introduction to shape note singing by Rhodyjane Meadows at the First Sunday Singing School, Roan Mountain (TN) Methodist Church. Recorded and produced by T. Michael Gilley, 2014.
Thanks so much for a great explanation. I've gone to two or three "intro instructionals" and they are never basic enough. It's always: here's the shapes, here's the sound, okay, let's do #344."
This introduction to shape note singing was made for a college course introducing the different styles of traditional Appalachian music in the Central Appalachian region. Historically, shape note singing was a way to teach church members to sing hymns in harmony as a choir.
I agree. For someone just beginning, I think this is difficult. This was a basic introduction to introduce this type of teaching harmony singing in a religious setting for people without training in reading music or singing in church choirs.
This is a "fixed do" system of solfeggio. Most schools in the U.S. use a "moveable do" system. Europe and South America are almost all "fixed do" like this shaped-notes system. I enjoy bringing my shaped-notes books to my classes at the university where I teach and show them this system and its history.
The song leader sets the key of the song by setting the pitch of doe at the beginning of the song. Everyone finds their starting pitch based upon the setting of doe for the song.
Very helpful. Thank you so much. I would like to look for a place nearby to learn to sing this way. It's helpful I'm an alto but it seems like I sing even lower haha.
I like to remember ray because it's half a circle. The circle is a sun, a ray comes from the sun, therefore the ray is the shape that is half a circle.
Yes, it should have been longer for teaching a group how to sing; however, we were introducing this as a style of religious singing in the central Appalachian region.
We start by teaching the single notes, their shapes and pitches, then work with the different vocal parts which form the chords or harmonies. Begin with the basics and build upon that.
Thanks so much for a great explanation. I've gone to two or three "intro instructionals" and they are never basic enough. It's always: here's the shapes, here's the sound, okay, let's do #344."
This introduction to shape note singing was made for a college course introducing the different styles of traditional Appalachian music in the Central Appalachian region. Historically, shape note singing was a way to teach church members to sing hymns in harmony as a choir.
I agree. For someone just beginning, I think this is difficult. This was a basic introduction to introduce this type of teaching harmony singing in a religious setting for people without training in reading music or singing in church choirs.
"Me like diamonds!" I love it! This is a wonderful introduction to Shape Note singing. Thank you!
You are welcome.
This is a "fixed do" system of solfeggio. Most schools in the U.S. use a "moveable do" system. Europe and South America are almost all "fixed do" like this shaped-notes system. I enjoy bringing my shaped-notes books to my classes at the university where I teach and show them this system and its history.
The song leader sets the key of the song by setting the pitch of doe at the beginning of the song. Everyone finds their starting pitch based upon the setting of doe for the song.
Very helpful. Thank you so much. I would like to look for a place nearby to learn to sing this way. It's helpful I'm an alto but it seems like I sing even lower haha.
Very helpful because it's so basic and logical.
Thank you! That is what we hoped it would be.
I like to remember ray because it's half a circle. The circle is a sun, a ray comes from the sun, therefore the ray is the shape that is half a circle.
Thank you!
Double thank you.
Thank you so much for posting this video - explaining shaped-note singing and its history. I love it!
Caklvary xfu ton
You are welcome.
Thank you for your comment about Shape Note singing. I was unfamiliar with the other post until tonight
The video cut off before y'all sung the notes.
Needed to be longer
Yes, it should have been longer for teaching a group how to sing; however, we were introducing this as a style of religious singing in the central Appalachian region.
@@t.michaelgilley9974 I got ya. I was really curious as to the reason behind the shapes. My church use to use songs with shape notes for accapella.
Great video and well done....thank you
You are welcome.
Thought it was "la" not "law"?
Please learn about accent mergers
It depends upon where you live and the custom of speaking in that area.
I sing with a group from the Christian Harmony book. I'm still trying to learn the notes.
Yes, I remember trying to learn the shapes of the notes and their corresponding pitch within the scale. I thought this was difficult.
She’s such an expert.
I wonder why they didn't just use letters.
This video cuts off abruptly, while Rhodyjane is still explaining. Is there a follow-on video that you could post the URL of, please?
try this: th-cam.com/video/b8cDFPcUNmQ/w-d-xo.html
Where would I get the hymnals?
www.christianharmony.org/harmony/purchases/purchases.html
I can load ya up with some.
Got 125 in house ¬her 150 in car.🎼
@@dogchaser8656 do you still have some?
It's a parallel to "Nashville notation", only with single notes instead of chords! :-)
We start by teaching the single notes, their shapes and pitches, then work with the different vocal parts which form the chords or harmonies. Begin with the basics and build upon that.
Nice.
Is the "peace" symbol a broken upside down cross?
I was wondering why she is wearing a broken cross. Guess she is not a Christian.
@@jeneham5406 She may not know any better or she may be a "nominal" Christian only which would be like what you said.
😢
Maybe shes just a hippie? Don't be such a negative nancy. Broken upside down cross... give me a break.