"The Toronto Shape Note Group is holding a Sacred Harp song book singing at 1:45pm. Everyone is welcome to participate and sing as we sit together around a “hollow square” with a side for tenors, trebles, altos, and basses. Each song starts by singing the “shapes” Fa, Sol, La and Mi. Then we sing the poetry (lyrics), written between 1700 and 2025. Themes are spirituality, our lives, our deaths, our struggles, and the world around us.
There’s no audience—it’s not a performance. We sing for each other. Each singer, new or old, can choose a song from the book to lead, or have help leading. It’s loud. It’s not perfect. We welcome everyone who wants to sing, no matter what faith, sexuality, or politics, and support each other as we form harmonies together.
A quick introduction to shape note singing starts things off. Then we sing until 4 pm, with a recess in the middle. Loaner songbooks are available for the singing (or can be purchased). There is no charge to participate, but donations are welcome to help cover rent.