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History of Sacred Harp
Sacred harp or shape note singing has its roots in churches of the New England states and American South. Despite its Christian origins, singers today are encouraged to participate regardless of religious or political affiliations.
Sacred Harp in the United States
Shape notes originated as a way to make learning and teaching sacred music easier. The primary songbooks used by shape note singers today are descended from The Sacred Harp first published in 1844. The Sacred Harp, Cooper Edition was most recently published in 2012. The Sacred Harp, Denson Edition was most recently published in 1991, and there is a new edition coming out this year.
Sacred Harp in the Pacific Northwest
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