The Sacred Harp (book)

*The Sacred Harp* is a tunebook first published in 1844 that compiles traditional American sacred choral music, primarily shape-note singing. It features hymns and anthems arranged in a unique notation system using shapes on note heads to aid singers in sight-reading. The book emphasizes communal, participatory singing without instrumental accompaniment, rooted in early American religious and cultural traditions. It has inspired a dedicated singing community, known for spirited, improvisatory performances often held in social gatherings called singing conventions. The Sacred Harp continues to celebrate folk and spiritual music’s enduring significance, fostering a sense of community and musical heritage.