Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual meeting of the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association (SHMHA) was held at Jefferson State Community College on Saturday, November 27, 2010. Approximately 35 members were present.

President Jeff Sheppard called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. Jeff welcomed the assembly and thanked the members for their support this year. He stated that the SHMHA financial report covering its January 1—December 31 fiscal year will be available in February. Jeff then turned the meeting over to Secretary David Ivey.

David presented a handout that covered the history of SHMHA, its purpose, and project highlights of 2010. David also presented a summary of the 2009 financial statement. Treasurer Pam Nunn presented a report on the SHMHA accounts balances. David stated that, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SHMHA files a IRS Form 990 report each year.

David provided a report on Camp Fasola. In 2010, there were 101 Youth camp participants and 85 Adult camp participants. SHMHA will again sponsor two Camp Fasola sessions in 2011. Adult Camp will be held at Camp McDowell at June 12-16, 2011 and Youth Camp will be held at Camp Lee on July 4-8, 2011. David recognized the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Sacred Harp Publishing Company for continued grant funding in support of Camp Fasola.

Judy Caudle gave a report on the Minutes book including the cost of printing. Judy reported that some singings have requested the option of receiving no Minutes books in exchange for a reduced charge, and Judy discussed charge options. David thanked the proofreaders for their work on the Minutes. It was suggested that older Minutes books be scanned and posted on line.

David then recognized Matt Hinton and Mark Godfrey for a brief presentation on the concept of smart phone mobile apps for Sacred Harp singers.

There being no further business, President Jeff Sheppard adjourned the meeting at 3:25 p.m., and the meeting was dismissed with prayer by Henry Johnson.

SHMHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in Alabama, whose purpose is the perpetuation and preservation of Sacred Harp singing and its traditions. SHMHA publishes the Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings, operates Camp Fasola, sponsors the fasola.org website, and supports other activities related to the history and traditions of Sacred Harp singing.

President—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—David Ivey