March 12 Sacred Harp Singing | CANCELED

Sacred Harp singing is a uniquely American tradition that brings communities together to sing four-part hymns and anthems. It is a proudly inclusive and democratic part of our shared cultural heritage.

We sing loudly together in very close proximity and also share food.

Many singing organizers are taking pre-emptive action and canceling upcoming events, whether they be annual conventions expected to draw a hundred singers, or small weekly and monthly gatherings of just a dozen or fewer.

The 40th Annual Vermont All-Day Singing has been canceled.

The CDC says, "Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:

• Individuals and communities should familiarize themselves with recommendations to protect themselves and their communities from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
• Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness."

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I don't feel great about exposing our singers, or other members of our community who share our singing space and who may be more vulnerable to coronoavirus due to weakened immune systems, to any unnecessary risk.

Therefore, I've decided to cancel tonight's singing. 



Stay tuned for information on our next singing, currently scheduled for March 26th at the Jackson Old Library.

In other news, I just stumbled upon perhaps the weirdest instance of "Sacred Harp as Art" I've seen in awhile.  Check out our Vermonter pals Scott, Moira, Elizabeth (I haven't met her before) and Kerry singing Idumea in a wind tunnel.  I think this is what it feels like when Goaty sings in your face.

Stay healthy, friends.  If you need hand washing inspiration, I recommend singing  verses 1 and 4 of page 341 in the Sacred Harp as you wash your hands with soap and warm water. 
"He met the contagion and sank to the tomb..."

Take good care!
Carly
 

4th Thursday Singing & Tamworth Traditional Arts Fest

We're not always great at keeping things updated over here.  Typically we sing every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 6-9pm at either Whitney Community Center or the Jackson Old Library, both in Jackson, NH.  If you are coming from out of town, or are ever unsure about our plans for the evening, drop Carly and Chris and email at singers@northcountrysing.com and we'll let you know what we're up to!

This week we have TWO opportunities to sing together!  Stay tuned to the weather though, because Thursday's snowstorm could change our plans.

Regular 4th Thursday Sacred Harp Singing!
Thursday, February 27: 6-9 pm
Whitney Community Center
Black Mountain Road
Jackson, NH
Right next to the Jackson Grammar School. 

We sing from the 1991 Sacred Harp and The Shenandoah Harmony.  Tune books are available for loan or for sale.   All you need to bring is you, maybe a friend, and a potluck snack to share if you can.

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Sacred Harp is a uniquely American tradition that brings communities together to sing four-part hymns and anthems. It is a proudly inclusive and democratic part of our shared cultural heritage.  Check out fasola.org for general information and for singings around the world.

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Tamworth Traditional Arts Fest!
Saturday, February 29: 9am-2pm
Tamworth Town House
The Sacred Harp singing portion of the day is from 9-11 upstairs.
There will also be a song circle, contra dancing, and of course, the Tamworth Farmers Market downstairs.  The Fest was begun in Tamworth's 250th year to celebrate the town's singing and dancing traditions, and people enjoyed it so much that we have kept doing it pretty much exactly the same way.  Admission is by donation.  More info here.

This event is a benefit for the Arts Council of Tamworth.