Mountain View, Arkansas – The Ozark Folk Center State Park hosts Traditional Shapenote Singing classes July 7-9.
The tradition of Shapenote singing has American origins dating back as far as the early 1800’s and was common practice in many parts of rural America through the turn of the 20th century. Shapenote singing offers a different approach to teaching music and singing using symbols, shapes and other notations as a way of reading written music and song.
Instructor and Shapenote singer Charley Sandage noted “the resurgence of interest in Shapenote singing has really shined as a result of this yearly event. We are looking forward to having some new folks join the fun and learn about this traditional style of singing and learning music”.
Instructors Charley Sandage, Dan Brittan, Gayon Powell and Holly Ruth Gale headline a 3 day event open to the public, free of charge.
Thursday July 7- Introduction to Shapenote Singing concert/discussion at the White Oak Auditorium (Administration Building), Ozark Folk Center 7-8:00 p.m.
Friday July 8 -Singing and teaching sessions on the stage of the main auditorium at the Ozark Folk Center, classes from 9:00- 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session from 1:30-4:00p.m.. Those attending the Shapenote sessions only can enter free of charge at the front entrance of the auditorium. Crafts ground visitors may come and go to the Shapenote session via the rear entrance of the auditorium.
Saturday July 9 – A traditional singing, using both four-shape and seven-shape books will be held in the old Mountain View High School auditorium on School Avenue, one block south of East Main (the turn is between Best Drug Store and Conoco) in Mountain View. The morning session will run from 9:00 a.m. until noon and the afternoon session from 1:30-4:00 p.m.
The mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner; through craft demonstrations, musical programs, the Heritage Herb Garden, workshops and other special events. For more information on this and other events visit OzarkFolkCenter.com or call 870-269-3851.
