Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Monday, July 2

The 5th Camp Fasola kicked off on Monday, July 2nd, at Camp Lee near Anniston, Alabama, with 139 campers from 27 states, three provinces of Canada, plus England, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Camp was preceded by the Independence Day Singing (traditionally held at Muscadine Church) at Camp Lee’s Ark building from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Most of the singers in attendance had also sung at Liberty Church and/or Crossroads Church on Saturday and Sunday.

The registration process was efficient and orderly, and all registered campers arrived on time before supper. Many campers were refreshed late this afternoon with a swim in the Camp Lee pool. We were treated to three varieties of pasta, salad, Camp Lee’s famous rolls, and apple cobbler for supper.

Camp orientation was conducted at 7:00 p.m., and 19 campers were recognized for attending all five years of Camp Fasola, 2003-2007. Counselors, teachers, and staff were introduced; and an overview of the schedule was given.

Matt Hinton of Atlanta, Georgia, taught our first class of camp, “The Theology of Sacred Harp”, tracing the teachings of salvation in Christianity from the Garden of Eden to Abraham to Moses to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The class sang 82t and 159. Matt closed his session with a devotional, which he summarized with the statement, “Ultimately, the Bible is about God’s grace”.

Campers enjoyed an ice cream social time and retired to their lodges at 9:45. The first day of camp ended with lights out at 11 o’clock with anticipation of a full day of lessons, singing, and recreation ahead on Tuesday.

Tuesday, July 3

Nineteen of the Camp Fasola campers got an early start at 6:50 a.m. with a vigorous hike led by Aubrey Hemminger. At the summit of an especially long hill, the hikers reached the edge of the Camp Lee property. The hikers all stood together for a few moments in silence and awe at the beauty of the morning. . a great cardiovascular workout and an inspiring meditation to begin the day.

Our first breakfast consisted of cheese grits, scrambled eggs, bacon, and French toast. Yum. . hearty and delicious! Morning 9 o’clock sessions included “Rudiments I” taught to the youth by Tom Malone (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and Judy Caudle (Gum Pond, Alabama); “Rudiments I” to older youth by Richard DeLong (Whitesburg, Georgia); an “Adults Rudiments/Basics” class taught by David Ivey (Huntsville, Alabama); and “Advanced Rudiments Review” for adults taught by Judy Hauff (Chicago, Illinois).

Judy outlined some of the unique aspects of Sacred Harp music. The music has relatively few dynamics. A couple of exceptions are in songs on pages 143 and 177. Sacred Harp has unique four part harmony (dispersed) with tenor and treble parts double octave with both men and women singing those parts. Each part has its own melody in the ideal Sacred Harp song. She contrasted Pisgah vs. Martin. Sacred Harp uses a solfege method to teach intervals and sight reading. Leaders spontaneously select songs at each individual singing. Auditions are never conducted—all vocal qualities are welcomed. Few accidentals appear, which preserves the modal scale, a unique quality of southern music. The most desirable tone has no vibrato. Music is written to be comfortable for the singer.

After recess and snacks, 10:30 recreation activities this morning included canoeing and fishing, Pilates exercises, and making decorative buttons for crafts class. Thanks to Jeannette DePoy and Idy Kiser for their expertise with exercise and crafts. Sixty campers enjoyed a supplemental rudiments class taught by Hugh McGraw of Bremen, Georgia.

Lunch consisted of pizza, salad, chicken wings, and pudding. We sang “Northfield” (155) in the dining hall.

After lunch, Tom Malone led a class titled “The Music and Times of Marcus Cagle”. Quotes and stories from the mouths of singers who personally knew Mr. Cagle intertwined singing. We sang the entire collection of Marcus Cagle Sacred Harp tunes, and the class appreciated and enjoyed the session greatly.

As the introduction, Tom Malone read a Marcus Cagle quote, “One of the most enjoyable, inspiring, and loveable moments of my life is when I am associated with or in the company of a Sacred Harp singer who understands our music and knows when he is singing or pitching a song correctly.” Joyce Walton led 455 and admonished the class to “. . honor the person who wrote the song by singing it like it’s written.” Jeff Sheppard led 439. Jeff Sheppard and Shelbie Sheppard led 316. Jeff related a Marcus Cagle saying that he remembered: “Before you try to key a song, you ought to know the tonic.” Jesse Pearlman Karlsberg read a letter from Raymond Hamrick to Tom Malone that covered some of his memories of his friendship with Marcus Cagle. Regarding the use of “bird’s eyes” and accidentals in composing a tune, Raymond wrote, “Marcus liked to add a little science into his music”. Hugh McGraw told a story about how intensely Marcus Cagle believed that Sacred Harp music should be sung correctly. Occasionally, if things weren’t done the way Mr. Cagle believed they should be, Hugh said that he’d just pitch a tantrum, no matter who he was around; then, just a little while after he’d pitched it, he’d be alright. Hugh McGraw then led 462. Leaders: Judy Caudle 507; Reba Dell Windom 542; Richard DeLong 522; Judy Hauff 536; Karen Willard 550; Rachel Speer 573; Kathy Williams 456; James Eldridge 318. Tom Malone read another Marcus Cagle quote: “I’m not trying to write any jawbreakers; I like a good plain tune best”. The lesson was dismissed in prayer led by Carol Mosley.

The afternoon was full of activity. Classes included leading lessons for youth (taught by Richard DeLong); leading lessons for adults (taught by Jeff and Shelbie Sheppard); and Sacred Harp experience stories told by Hugh McGraw and Jeff Sheppard. As for fun and recreation, campers were spotted at the swimming pool, on a hayride, and gliding down the zip line, just to name a few of the exciting things going on at Camp Fasola. Electives taught in late afternoon were “Camp Meeting Songs and Spirituals” by Tom Malone and “Keying Music” by David Ivey.

Dinner was a bountiful meal of ham, potatoes, fried okra, corn, and cake for dessert.

After dinner, we met at the church for the evening singing time. A total of 36 songs were skillfully led and enthusiastically sung! It sounded wonderful. . the little Camp Lee wooden church building rang again with Sacred Harp songs! Leaders: David Ivey 90; Helen Brown and Ted Brown 276; Chris Holley 503; Claire Singleton 163b; Rob Kelly and Jonathon Smith 162; Richard DeLong and Jeannette DePoy 411; Melanie Hauff and Kathy Williams 271t; Dean Jens and Rachel Speer 266; Chuck Crawford and Pleasance Crawford 378t; Jo Pendleton and Idy Kiser 72b; Joyce Walton and Reba Dell Windom 192; Nathan Rees and Laura Borelli 148; Adrian Eldridge and Virginia Eldridge 180; Kristie Harju and Karen Swenson 312b; Aubrey Hemminger and Bob Meek 441; Ann Sibole and Henry Schuman 52t; Eugene Forbes and Carolyn Thompson 358; Paul Figura and Shirley Figura 323b; Margaret Gillanders and Carmel Wood 228; Rodney Ivey and Stuart Ivey 172; Elizabeth Stokes and Ted Stokes 102; Jennifer Allred, Bridgett Hill, and Judy Caudle 142; Will Fitzgerald and Jerry Creason 77t; Steve Helwig 523; Melody Johnson and Terry Ryan 566; Ann Webb and Anne Patten 76b; Don Bowen and John Plunkett 494; Aldo Ceresa and Joanna Lampert 564; Fred Schau and Kathy Schau 45t; Frank Strickland 82t; Allison Ivey and Brittany Lea 313t; Daryl Chesney and Richard Chesney 128; Dorothy Robinson and Darrell Swarens 198; Sam Sommers and George Sigut 100; Carol Mosley and Donna Bell 114; Jeff Sheppard and Shelbie Sheppard 216.

Adrian Eldridge of Orleans, Indiana, led a moving devotional with scripture, prayer, and singing. The evening time together in the church building was a fitting end to a great first full day of camp. We are a unique group for our hosts at Camp Lee, and several of their staff told us that they look forward to having us on their campus every year. Special thanks also to Pam Nunn for providing delicious, nutritious snacks for us throughout the day.

Wednesday, July 4

The day started for earlybirds with (optional) Pilates exercise class by Jeannette DePoy of Atlanta, Georgia, or a hike with Aubrey Hemminger. Several campers elected to forego the physical exercise and warmed their voices by singing from Lloyd’s Hymnal (led by Eugene Forbes of Mount Olive, Alabama) on the screen porch of the Dining Hall.

Following breakfast, the 9 o’clock rudiments classes continued for the two youth and two adult groups. Judy Hauff’s advanced class, “The Mysterious Raised 6th”, had lively discussion.

After recess and snacks, 10:30 recreation activities included canoeing and fishing, the unique Camp Lee Rock Slide, and crafts class (lanyards). Terry Wootten of Ider, Alabama, taught a supplemental rudiments lesson to more than 60 pupils. He led off his class by emphasizing that mastering the scales is the most important skill in learning to sing Sacred Harp. Shelbie Sheppard led a class on the very important topic of preparing and taking dinner to singings. The campers enjoyed the resulting dessert products of Shelbie’s class following an enjoyable Camp Lee lunch.

We sang Happy Land (354b) during the lunch time in the dining hall and then had the group photo of all campers. The Camp Lee dining hall treated us to a traditional cookout of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in celebration of Independence Day.

In the 1 o’clock time slot Tom Malone led a session entitled, “Reese’s Pieces”, in which the class heard a historical overview of the contributions of the Reese (twin) brothers, J.P. and H.S., and sang most of their songs in The Sacred Harp. In a parallel session, Terry Wootten worked with the youth in a time of singing practice.

A highlight of the 2:30 recreation time was the Low Ropes course activity, which had 20 participants involved in teamwork skills development. During this time others opted to hike, swim, or attend classes on dispersed harmony composition (by Judy Hauff) or leading (by Shelbie Sheppard and Judy Caudle).

We continued to be spoiled by Pam Nunn’s healthy snacks in mid-afternoon. Three 4:00 p.m. classes were taught: “Traditions and Decorum for Youth” by David Ivey; “Raised 6th and Accent (Basics)” by Judy Hauff; and “Sacred Harp Q&A” by Terry Wootten.

Electives, “Landmark Tunes” (Tom Malone) and “Keying Music” (Terry Wootten), as well as recreation offerings (zip line, adult swimming, teenager dodgeball, and free recreation) were available at 5 o’clock.

After dinner, the youth led the evening class singing time in the church building. Chairman Ben Bath (Cambridge, Massachusetts) and all of the youth officers and committees did an impressive and inspiring job of moderating the session. Campers were treated prior to the evening singing by the boys “ensemble”, which sang what they termed, “A Melancholy Medley” (29b followed by 419). The boys then did an excellent rendition of “Anthem on the Savior” (355). The campers showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.

The class singing concluding this day of camp was led by youth campers. Officers: Chairman—Ben Bath; Vice Chairman—Jackson Harcrow; Secretary—Rachel Ivey; Chaplain—Drew Smith; Arranging Committee—Jennifer Allred, Alex Makris, and Michael Mosley.

The singing was called to order by Ben Bath leading 59. Drew Smith offered the opening prayer. Leaders: Jackson Harcrow 32t; Alex Makris and Rachel Ivey 276; Michael Mosley 501; Casey Castillo, Sarah Jenkins, and Jordan Taylor 303; Israel Lewis and Malik Williams 37b; Kalee Duncan and Briana Meek 49b; Jonathan Pendleton and Luke Strickland 354b; Rebecca Eldridge 110; Brandon Acton and B.J. Schnorenberg 319; Emma Robbins, Rachel Shelly, and Jane Fitzgerald 30t; James Eldridge 383; Cheyenne Ivey and Olivia Hill 76b; Tony Kiser 457; Katherine Eldridge, Paige Gilbert, and Brittany Lea 117; Andrew Kiser 300; Shelbie Castillo and Kalee Duncan 155; Oliver Stokes 133; Lela Crowder, Ariela Perry, Melissa Troyer, and Chelsea Rhoades 40; Stuart Ivey and Drew Smith 183; Will Kerby 107; Blake Sisemore 423; Rodney Ivey 56t; Jennifer Allred 336; Joel Jenkins 176t; Aldo Ceresa 214; Jesse Pearlman Karlsberg 492; Rachel Shavers and Heather Sutton 142; Bentley McGuire 428; Nathan Rees and Jonathon Smith 434; Allison Ivey 138t; Rachel Speer, Laura Borrelli, and Justin Squizzero 522; Carmel Wood 282.

Youth chaplain Drew Smith (Ider, Alabama) conducted the devotional based on the poetry from “Horton” (330b). He spoke of how Sacred Harp music brings people together from every background and religion, and still connects us with those who have gone before us. He led 330b, and offered the closing prayer. The class was dismissed.

Free time followed until campers reported to lodges at 9:45 with “lights out” following at 11 o’clock.

Thursday, July 5

The optional 7:00 a.m. recreation for today was a bird watching hike led by Ann Sibole of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Surprise sightings of nuthatches were among many native bird species heard and viewed during this outing.

The track of four 9 o’clock rudiments classes concluded this morning and was followed at 10:30 with recreation opportunities (zip line and crafts—decorative flip-flops); and elective classes, “Keying Music” by Richard DeLong and “Rudiments Review” by Karen Willard of Buckley, Washington.

Jo Pendleton of Waco, Texas, led the campers in a devotional during lunch time, and campers moved along to 1 o’clock classes. Judy Hauff worked with the youth class during the 1 o’clock class period. John Plunkett of Atlanta, Georgia, led a session entitled, “A Sacred Harp King”. In this lesson John introduced the class to Elisha J. (E. J.) King, co-publisher of the 1844 Sacred Harp with B.F. White. He also provided historical background on Elisha King’s brothers, Joel and Elias, who served on the 1859 revision committee. E.J. King died in 1844 just before “The Sacred Harp” was printed. The class sang several of the King brothers’ songs: John Plunkett 109; Aldo Ceresa “Invitation”; Elizabeth Stokes 33b; Richard DeLong 513 (treble by E.J. King); Jeff Sheppard 116; Joyce Walton 227; Jeannette DePoy and Jeff Sheppard 234; Rodney Ivey 113; Carmel Wood 76t; Justin Squizzero 77t; Rachel Speer and Dean Jens 82t; Laura Borrelli 87; Joanna Lampert 102; Tom Malone “Fort Valley”; Allison Ivey 101t; Jessie Pearlman Karlsburg 160b; Rob Kelley 123t; Claire Singleton 93; Anna Mays 308; Sam Sommers 98; Steve Helwig 100; Carol Mosley 99; Nathan Rees 33t; John Plunkett “The Lost City”.

Swimming and Pilates exercise were available at 2:30, in addition to elective classes; “Sacred Harp in Church Hymnals” by Karen Willard and “Leading Practice” by Jeff and Shelbie Sheppard.

For the fifth consecutive year Bud and Sammie Oliver of Collinsville, Alabama, provided a lesson on making fresh lemonade. Then campers enjoyed this special treat provided by Bud and Sammie as well as Pam Nunn’s special snacks.

From 4:15-5:30 p.m. recreation (adults swimming, zip line, and canoeing) was enjoyed as well as a showing of Matt and Erica Hinton’s film, “Awake My Soul”. A dozen tables were manned by campers in the Ark to offer books and CDs, and information on singings, publications, and websites; to display quilt tops; to sing new compositions; and more. This provided an informal venue for campers to show their talents, interests, and wares in a trade show/flea market environment.

The campers recognized and presented certificates of appreciation to the Camp Lee staff for their cooperation and support of Camp Fasola. The class then sang “New Britain” (45t) in their honor.

Thanks to our camp counselors for their work to enhance our learning, make camp activities safe, and, in general keep the week running smoothly: Joel Jenkins (Lafayette, Georgia); Jesse Pearlman Karlsberg (Troy, New York); Aldo Ceresa (Brooklyn, New York); Rodney Ivey (Henagar, Alabama); Sarah Jenkins (Lafayette, Georgia); Brittany Lea (Auburn, Alabama); Jennifer Allred (Hanceville, Alabama); Lela Crowder (Fayetteville, Georgia); Karen Ivey (Huntsville, Alabama); Jeannette DePoy (Atlanta, Georgia); and LaRue Allen (Lanett, Alabama).

The last full day of camp concluded with the Camp Fasola Community Singing. Approximately 175 singers attended, including many friends and family members of campers. David Ivey and Jeff Sheppard brought the class to order leading 39b. Ricky Harcrow offered the opening prayer. Leaders: Shelbie Sheppard and Karen Willard 183; Joel Jenkins and Sarah Jenkins 31t; Carol Mosley, Melody Johnson, and Julie Smith 178; Casey Castillo, Shelbie Sheppard, and Reba Windom 142; Jackson Harcrow 159; Frank Strickland and Luke Strickland 354b; Emma Robbins and Jane Fitzgerald 40; Bridgett Hill, Olivia Hill, and Malik Williams 168; Joyce Walton 67; Carmel Wood and Donna Bell 209; Hobert Ivey 448t; Sam Sommers and Jeannette DePoy 569t; Chelsea Rhoades, Melissa Troyer, and Ariella Perry 163t; Judy Hauff, Judy Caudle, and Jennifer Allred 385t; Rene Greene 137; Ted Brown, Helen Brown, and Margaret Gillanders 373; Nathan Rees, Jonathan Smith, and Lela Crowder 400; Rachel Ivey, Heather Sutton, and Rachel Shavers 155; Ted Stokes, Elizabeth Stokes, Oliver Stokes, Rebecca Mays, and Anna Mays 315; Louise Holland, Kathy Williams, and Jenny Pruett 186; Erin Mills and Rachel Speer 530; Allison Ivey and Brittany Lea 270; B.J. Schnorenberg 319; Idy Kiser, Tony Kiser, and Andrew Kiser 218; John Carson and Martie Hoadley 38b; Paul Figura, Shirley Figura, and Ann Fox 481; Aubrey Hemminger, Philippa Rispin, Laurie Dempsey, Lynn Wilson, Chuck Crawford, and Pleasance Crawford 38t; Don Clark and Karen Clark 503; Bob Meek and Brianna Meek 47b; Willie Nell Lewis, Ruthena Lewis, and Israel Lewis 28b; Scott Ivey and Tony Ivey 442; Kristie Harju and Karen Swenson 128; Terry Ryan 334.

RECESS

The class was brought back to order by Aldo Ceresa and Jesse Pearlman Karlsberg leading 105. Leaders: Rodney Ivey and Cheyenne Ivey 48t; Chris Holley, Karen Keller, and Kathe Pilbosian 39t; LaRue Allen 328; Bentley McGuire 86; Drew Smith and Blake Sisemore 385b; Laura Borrelli, Joanna Lampert, and Robert Kelly 300; Richard DeLong and Jennifer Allred 411; Alex Makris 418; Sandra Wilkinson and Judy Crawford 540; Adrian Eldridge, Virginia Eldridge, James Eldridge, Rebecca Eldridge, and Katherine Eldridge 314; Susan Harcrow and Ricky Harcrow 145t; Benjamin Bath and Justin Squizzero 326; Claire Singleton, Steve Helwig, and Anita Landess 350; Sharon DuPriest and Daphene Causey 434; Tom Malone and Melanie Hauff 512; Dennis George and Tommy George 63; Carolyn Thompson 101b; Will Fitzgerald and Ann Sibole 421; Fred Schau and Kathy Schau 338; James S. Wagner 282; Eugene Forbes 299; Carol Mosley and Michael Mosley 547; James Wagner 268; Scott Kennedy and Dorothy Robinson 347; Mary Jo Shafer 229; Holly Reed, Anne Patten, and Ann Webb 146; Will Kerby and Laura Kerby 182; Darrell Swarens 217; Carol Selman and Rachel Shelly 59; Karen Ivey, Pam Regan, George Sigut, Robert Walker, and Kyle Massengale 479. The secretary reported that 63 songs had been led by 141 leaders. David Ivey led 56t as the closing song. The closing prayer was offered by Chaplain Sam Sommers.

Friday, July 6

It seemed that the final day of camp arrived quickly, as 139 campers sang, played, and worked hard through a very busy and fun schedule. Sixteen additional people made day visits to teach, sing, or observe camp happenings for a total of 155 directly influenced by Camp Fasola 2007. We used our voices to the fullest this week. We received high quality teaching and heard inspirational lessons. We renewed and deepened old friendships and started new ones with singers from across two continents. We made memories that we will always remember.

Following breakfast, we packed and loaded our belongings. After a brief time of fellowship we sang 63. Then all campers were individually recognized by their counselors with certificates of participation and appreciation. The class then sang 62 and took the parting hand.

We thank all who helped to make Camp Fasola possible with their financial support. This includes individuals who supported the Shmha general camp fund and the scholarship fund; the Alabama State Council on the Arts, which has provided support for all five years of Camp Fasola; and the Sacred Harp Publishing Company.

SHMHA President—Jeff Sheppard; Camp Director—David Ivey; Secretary—Allison Ivey