Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Arrival, Registration, and Orientation

Campers arrived at 4:00 p.m. and received their room assignments, schedules, and t-shirts. Campers had free time until dinner at 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. staff and campers met with David Ivey in Phifer Hall for an orientation meeting, followed by a class singing.

Class Singing

7:30 p.m. Led by Gribbon Lodge campers. The class was called to order by Helen Brown leading 52t. The opening prayer was offered by Ted Brown. Leaders: Lela Crowder 32t; Molly Bagley, Melissa Bagley, and Evelyn Bagley 49t; Ted Brown 101t; Gillian Inksetter 448t; Jesse P. Karlsberg 375; Priscilla Rice 38b; Bill Hayes 209; Dan Comstock and Ann Mashchak 551; David Smead 95; Eileen Ferguson 36b; Justin Bowen 228; Jamie Yeats 154; Katie Kellert 49b; Jonathon Smith 131b; Stephen Ray Miller 277; Susan Cherones and Deborah Taube 84; Margaret Gillanders 39t; Kerry Cullinan 26; Lucas Jordan 117; Nancy Novotny 150; Daniel Lee 489; Beverly Dayton 515; Tom Booth 523; Bridgett Hill Kennedy 212; Pat Morse 300; Nathan Rees 374; Robbie Hooper 565; Ann Blake 324; Yosef Trachtenberg 503. The class remained together for a devotional service, and then was dismissed.

Monday, June 11

At 7:00 a.m. each day, campers could participate in activities that included hiking, aquasize, and singing on the porch. Breakfast followed at 8:00 a.m.

Lesson: Rudiments I / Beginner

9:00 a.m. Teachers—Lauren Bock and Jonathon Smith. Lauren and Jonathon introduced themselves, and welcomed the class. Each camper gave their name and a brief summary of how they became interested in Sacred Harp. Lauren talked about pitch, rhythm, tone, and tempo. She asked the class to stand, and then they practiced some voice exercises, making some pleasing sounds and some not so pleasing sounds, illustrating the difference between noise and music. Jonathon reviewed the information found on each song page in the book, and led 45t. He talked of the four harmonies used in Sacred Harp singing, and illustrated the hollow square, and where each part of the class is seated. The class practiced singing the major scale, and some intervals, and was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments I / Basics

9:00 a.m. Teacher—Nathan Rees. Nathan welcomed the class, and led 31b. Nathan began a discussion with campers about why they sing Sacred Harp. Some reasons suggested were that Sacred Harp singing is less restrictive as far as rules, and the special sound of the harmonies and singing open chords. Nathan referred to the Rudiments as the source of his instruction, as well as lessons learned from singing schools he has attended. The class sang the major scale several times, and then moved on to singing intervals. The class sang the notes on 47t, 82t, and 146. Nathan encouraged campers, when leading, to sing the lead part. He demonstrated the basics of leading and accenting, and dismissed the class.

Lesson: Rudiments I / Advanced

9:00 a.m. Teacher—Warren Steel. Warren and campers discussed the scale and its progression over the years to the present day four shape system. Notable milestones of the origin of four shapes were reviewed. The word gamut was removed from the Rudiments and the syllables “ut and re” were no longer used. Leaders: Nancy Novotny 129; Warren Steel 240, 68b; Susan Cherones 349; Warren Steel 80b. The class practiced intervals in their melodic form, singing concords and discords. The class sang a five part song (Green Fields) from a handout, and was dismissed.

Elective: Learning Songs / Basics

10:45 a.m. Teacher—David Ivey. David welcomed the class, and began a discussion with campers about their interests. David addressed the shapes of the notes and their names. He passed out a sheet with this information for campers to put in their song book. He then talked about sight reading, stating that the key to sight reading is mastering the scales, which takes a lot of practice. The class sang the scales. David led 49t, 49b, 27, 388, 40, and 31t. Campers were instructed to concentrate on saying the correct note and singing the correct tone. David called attention to the structure of the music: line of music to sing for the different parts; repeats (both mandatory and optional); rests and triplets. He suggested that campers choose an area of interest to concentrate on during practice singings, and when one felt comfortable with that aspect, then move on to another. Prisca Rice led 47b. David led 64, and the class was dismissed.

Elective: Team Tunesmith I / Sacred Harp Composition

10:45 a.m. Teacher—Aldo Ceresa. Aldo welcomed the class, and led 101t. He described how practicing composition deepens the connection to the music. He quoted George Seiler, who said that people came to Sacred Harp for the music, stayed for the food, and came back for the people, but first is the music. Aldo reviewed styles and methods of composition by various authors. The class was divided into three teams of three people on each team. They were given a copy of a song with only the tenor part, and the teams were to write harmony parts, creating songs that would be sung at a composium on Wednesday. The class was dismissed.

Elective: More Rudiments / Questions and Answers

1:00 p.m. Teacher—Dan Brittain. Dan opened the floor for questions. He addressed time signatures, pointing out the beats in each. Dan talked about chord structure in the Sacred Harp, and named authors who have influenced his writing. Dan led 434. There were questions about accidentals in the Sacred Harp, and Dan said that most traditional singers ignored them. He made comments about the raised sixth, and how the use of it varies within the singing community. Dan led 209. There was further discussion about the importance of the Rudiments, and the focus on accent, rhythm, and pitch. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Conduct of Singings and Conventions

1:00 p.m. Teacher—Jesse P. Karlsberg. Jesse welcomed the class, and introduced the other members of the panel, Judy Caudle and David Ivey. Jesse referred to the Rudiments, Chapter XI, Organization and Conduct of Singings and Conventions on page 25. The panel discussed committees, keeping minutes, terminology of singings, and basics of the memorial lesson. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: The Music and Legacy of Hugh McGraw

2:10 p.m. Teacher—Jesse P. Karlsberg. Jesse welcomed the class, and Shannon Primm led 500. Jesse stated that Hugh McGraw had as great an impact on Sacred Harp and its community as any other person. He was born in Georgia in 1931, and lived there for the rest of his life. He attended singings as a child but was not very impressed. He attended the Chattahoochee Convention in 1952, and was struck by the sound. Hugh was elected Executive Secretary of the Sacred Harp Publishing Company in 1958, and served on the committee for the 1960 revision of the book, which included four of the songs he had written (three remain in the current edition). Nathan Rees led 527. Hugh served as chairman of the committees for the 1966 and 1971 revisions. He enlisted professionals to update the attributions of songs in the 1971 edition. The 1991 revision was the second complete revision of the book (the other being the 1911 edition), and again, Hugh chaired the committee that consisted of esteemed members of the singing community. David Ivey shared memories of singing with Hugh and working with him on the 1991 revision. Pam Nunn led 548. The 1991 edition reflected the new geography of Sacred Harp including songs written by singers in the Midwest and the Northeast. Hugh recognized the growing interest in Sacred Harp, and dreamed of and worked to bring people into the Sacred Harp fold. He commissioned recordings, and presented at countless folk festivals, academic conferences, and other places to showcase Sacred Harp singing. Buell Cobb and P. Dan Brittain shared their reminiscences of singing with Hugh on the road. Hugh helped found many conventions around the country, and in 1980 founded the National Sacred Harp Convention. Warren Steel shared his memories of early days of singing in Michigan. He related that Hugh said that four things were needed at a Sacred Harp singing: sitting in a hollow square; alternating leaders; singing the shapes; and prayer. Hugh was honored as a fellow of the National Endowment of the Arts, and has been awarded many recognitions throughout the years. Helen Brown led 549, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Leading Workshop / Beginners

3:40 p.m. Teachers-Bridgett Hill Kennedy and Judy Caudle. Bridgett welcomed the class, and led 37b. Judy read the Rudiments, page 16, section 12, about leading. She continued by directing campers attention to page 15, and the class practiced the exercises found there for each mode of time. Leaders: Marcia Willsie 49t; Cameron Holly 32t; Natalie Ciccariello 30t; Deborah Taube 31t; Karen White 45t; Prisca Rice 146; Jonathan Kihyet 64.

Elective: Time and Tempo

3:40 p.m. Teacher—Warren Steel. Warren welcomed the class and distributed a hand-out highlighting common, triple, and compound moods of time. He explained the common moods according to the Rudiments of B.F. White. Warren showed the hand position for leading each common mood, comparing it to a pendulum swing. He briefly touched on accent, noting that accents are brought forth not by singing accented notes louder, but by singing non-accented notes softer. He led 268, and the class practiced accent. Warren distributed a hand-out that addressed poetic meter in the Sacred Harp. He led 39b as an example of common meter (iambic). He directed the class to look at 330b as an example of short meter. Warren led 335, and then the class looked at 384 and 151. David Smead led 151, and the class was dismissed.

Elective: Readings and Reflections / An Hour with Buell Cobb

4:50 p.m. Teacher—Buell Cobb. Buell welcomed the class. He read excerpts from his book “Like Cords Around My Heart”. He spoke of Ruth Denson Edwards, who was a daughter of Uncle Tom Denson. Her training and experience as a school teacher came across in her interactions with others. Buell read family recollections of Miss Ruth, and added a few of his own. He talked of Elder Roy Avery, who was a Primitive Baptist elder and a traveling salesman. He said that Elder Avery lived to the age of 93, and was a charming man with a sly sense of humor. Buell read passages about the Jackson family and the wiregrass singers, especially Jewel Jackson. He demonstrated her kick and karate chop when she led. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Keying Music

4:50 p.m. Teacher—David Ivey. David welcomed the class, and referred to the Rudiments (page 17, section 4) which says that Sacred Harp music should be pitched so that all singers can reach their parts comfortably. David gave campers tips on how to establish the tonic sound, and how to build a chord. Class members practiced keying songs, with encouragement and instruction from David. The class was dismissed.

Class Singing

7:30 p.m. The Monday night singing was held in Phifer Hall, and the class was brought to order by Lisa Bennett and David Smead leading 81t. Dan Comstock offered the evening prayer. Leaders: Tiffany Hooper and Robbie Hooper 35; Jonathon Smith 129; Shannon Primm and Delynne Lilly 47t; Marcia Willsie 277; Warren Steel 32b; Sasha Hsuczyk 542; Eileen Ferguson 84; Lela Crowder and Natalie Ciccariello 146; Jamie Yeats 501; Karen Mathews 457; Lauren Bock and Lucey Rose Karlsberg 464; Mary Rose O’Leary 108b; Dan Brittain 458; Jeannette DePoy 201; Aldo Ceresa 297; Deborah Taube 34b; Pam Nunn and Justin Bowen 196; Helen Brown 430; Linda Booth 224; Susan Cherones and James Champagne 460; Stephen Ray Miller 178; Tim Gregg 90; Judy Caudle 540; Margaret Gillanders 492; Molly Bagley 344; Gillian Inksetter 456; Ted Brown 113; Nancy Novotny 550; Yosef Trachtenberg 40; Katie Kellert 282; Bridgett Hill Kennedy 309; Bill Hayes 354b; Pat Morse 147t; Ann Blake 472; Nathan Rees 353. Dan Comstock conducted the devotional, and the class was dismissed. An ice cream social followed.

Tuesday, June 12

Lesson: Rudiments II / Beginner

9:00 a.m. Teachers—Lauren Bock and Jonathon Smith. Lauren and Jonathon welcomed the class, and addressed any questions that campers had after experiencing the first day of camp. Lauren directed the practice of the major scale. Jonathon talked about melodics, rhythmics, and dynamics. The class practiced beating time, and sang 48t. Lauren and Jonathon demonstrated tips on how to follow a leader and how to indicate choices when leading a song. The class practiced the minor scale, and then was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments II / Basics

9:00 a.m. Teacher—Nathan Rees. Nathan welcomed the class, and campers practiced the major scale and intervals. He said that about 25% of the songs in the Sacred Harp book are in a minor key. He introduced the minor scale, and campers practiced singing along with him. He led 278b, a minor tune, and also an example of common time. He continued talking about time, tempo, and accent. The class practiced triple time by singing 348b, and compound time by singing 75. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments II / Advanced

9:00 a.m. Teacher—Aldo Ceresa. Aldo welcomed the class, and introduced a fasolawesome journey through the seven modes of time with some interesting stops along the way. He directed the class to the Rudiments (page 14; Chapter II, Rhythmics). The modes of time were discussed by the class, and songs were led as examples. The first mode of common time (2/2) was demonstrated by Gillian Inksetter leading 344 and Lisa Bennett leading 149. Next was the third mode of common time (2/4) and Judy Caudle led 80b; David Smead led 80t, and Sasha Hsuczyk led 145t. The second mode of common time (4/4), by far the most common mode of common time in the Sacred Harp, always involves a secondary accent in the measure. Accent was discussed, and Aldo encouraged campers to over emphasize the accent. Aldo Ceresa led 56t and Susan Cherones led 209. The first mode of triple time was discussed. Nancy Novotny led 29b and Daniel Lee led 31t. Justin Bowen led 54, an example of 3/4 time. Aldo again referred to the Rudiments, and the class discussed syncopation. Warren Steel led 97. Aldo also talked about word fit. He led 335; Mary Rose O’Leary led 38b, and Helen Brown led 384. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Thoughts on Sacred Harp Etiquette

10:45 a.m. Teacher—Buell Cobb. Buell welcomed the class, and began by stating that standards of decorum change with the times. He noted changes in manner of dress, number of leaders and songs during a singing day, and environmental consciousness in many areas. He talked of the Southern Musical Convention (1845) actually expelling members for violations of etiquette. He reminded the class that early on, conventions adopted a position to exclude divisive elements, and concentrate on the things that bind singers together. Other topics mentioned were the memorial lesson, leading, and front bench etiquette. Buell read an excerpt from a newsletter article titled Dear Miss Grace Notes that touched on convention etiquette based on practical consideration and common courtesy. Buell said that arranging the leaders for a day of singing at its best is a kind of theatre, noting a few suggestions for successful arranging. He encouraged the class to take these notes as suggestions, not absolutes, and then dismissed the class.

Elective: Learning Songs / Basics

10:45 a.m. Teacher—Helen Brown. Helen welcomed the class, and distributed a hand-out with an outline of the class topics. She led the class in singing the scales. She led 569t, a major tune, and 39t, a minor tune. Next, campers practiced keeping time while Hayley Aaron led 87, and Helen led 155. Helen demonstrated beating triple time by leading 503. Leaders: Bill Hayes 312b; Bridgett Hill Kennedy 65; Helen Brown 378t; Helen Brown and Prisca Rice 448t; Helen led 274t. She encouraged campers to ask for help, if needed, and to practice, practice, practice. The class was dismissed.

Elective: My Sacred Harp Journey

1:00 p.m. Teacher—P. Dan Brittain. Dan welcomed the class, and distributed a hand-out he had prepared for the lesson. Camper sang songs with Dan leading “Garden State”, “Maquoketa”, “Hauff”, “Pohick”, “Chmielno”, “Cowling”, “McGraw”, and “Dean Street”. Leaders: Dan Brittain 313b; Warren Steel 472; Jeannette DePoy 353; Dan Brittain 481. Songs were interspersed with comments by Dan on song origins and inspirations as he shared where and when compositions came to be. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: A Window Into Paine (Denson)

2:10 p.m. Teacher—Aldo Ceresa. Aldo welcomed the class, and distributed a hand-out he had prepared for this lesson. The following is an excerpt from that hand-out: Heir to a rich singing legacy, chief architect of the 1936 Denson revision, and song leader of the highest order; few have equaled Paine Denson’s outsized contributions to the Sacred Harp tradition. Brilliant, blustering, and behemoth-like, both in personality and physical stature—and with a big, brash, booming voice to match—Paine was in many ways the Mr. Sacred Harp of his era, much as Hugh McGraw would be to later generations of singers. Whatever his accomplishments as a singer, leader, impresario, and editorial visionary, Paine’s most enduring legacy may be the music he contributed to The Sacred Harp songbook itself. Along with his father, Thomas J. Denson and uncle, Seaborn M. Denson, Paine ranks among the top Sacred Harp composers not only of the twentieth century, but of all time. That Paine was also a successful trial lawyer, civic and church leader, and would-be politician means that Paine left behind a unusually well recorded legacy with many details—both personal and professional—that have only recently come to light. Today, we will celebrate the life and music of this remarkable man in story and song.

Leaders: Jeannette DePoy and Helen Brown 392; Gillian Inksetter 447; Stephen Ray Miller 294; Nathan Rees 292; David Smead 330t; David Ivey 502; Judy Caudle 518; Pam Nunn 524; Dan Brittain 553; Bridgett Hill Kennedy 532. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Not the Last Word “Makers of the Sacred Harp” Updated

3:40 p.m. Teacher—Warren Steel. Dr. Warren Steel presented an update on his important book on the history behind the Sacred Harp song book, covering what has been learned since 2010. Leaders: Sasha Hsuczyk 489; David Smead 445; Justin Bowen 429; Nathan Rees 277; Lisa Bennett 57; Warren Steel 312t.

Lesson: Leading Workshop

3:40 p.m. Teacher—Helen Brown. Helen welcomed the class, and led 33b. She referred to the Rudiments, page 16, section 12, about leading. She demonstrated the basics of beating time in common, triple, and compound time. Helen invited campers to practice leading songs and ask questions. Leaders: Yosef Trachtenberg 148; Haley Aaron 45b; Jamie Yeats 504; Margaret Gillanders 64; Deborah Taube 31t; Aldo Ceresa 300; Lucy O’Leary 189; Nancy Novotny 222. Helen suggested that if one plans to repeat on the words, also repeat on the notes. Aldo assisted Helen by demonstrating dos and don’ts of leading, e.g. things that upset the flow of a singing. Helen discussed tempo as outlined in the Rudiments, and the class was dismissed.

Elective: Accent

4:50 p.m. Teacher—Nathan Rees. Nathan welcomed the class, and talked about the importance of accent to the sound of shape note music. He said that the class would focus on the mechanics of accent. He read from the Rudiments, page 16, section 14. Nathan said accent is important because it keeps the group singing together, and brings greater emphasis to the words. Accenting also makes singing easier, and helps singers preserve their voices. The class sang the exercises on pages 15 and 16 of the Rudiments, and Nathan explained the accented notes. Nathan led 303 and 347. The class practiced accenting in compound time and time changes. Nathan led 360, 227, and 378t. The class was dismissed.

Class Singing

7:30 p.m. The Tuesday night singing was held at Phifer Hall. The following officers were elected by St. Mary’s Lodge to serve: Co-chairmen—Nancy Novotny and Prisca Rice; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders; Arranging Committee—Sasha Hsuczyk, Hayley Aaron, and Karen Mathews. The class was called to order by Nancy Novotny and Prisca Rice leading 155. Shannon Primm offered the evening prayer. Leaders: Idy Kiser 122; Lucas Jordan 361; Jamie Yeats 314; David Ivey 317; Lisa Bennett 436; Tiffany Hooper 59; Lela Crowder and Betty Banks 63; Beverly Dayton 567; Daniel Lee 28t; Robbie Hooper 312b; Justin Bowen 536; Dan Comstock, Marie Comstock, and Ann Mashchak 373; Jesse P. Karlsberg 377; Tim Gregg 92; David Smead 76b; Ted Brown 287; Lucy O’Leary 340; Warren Steel 360; Mary Rose O’Leary 475; Kerry Cullinan 501; Margaret Gillanders 203; Shannon Primm 42; Deborah Taube 31t; Helen Brown 432; Cameron Holly and Lucy O’Leary 565; Stephen Ray Miller 376; Katie Kellert 547; Dan Brittain 387; Jonathon Smith 48t; Judy Caudle 323t. Margaret Gillanders offered the closing prayer. Pam Nunn conducted the devotional. She spoke of Jeff and Shelbie Sheppard, and their vision for Camp FaSoLa. Pam and Helen Brown led 556 (in memory of Jeff and Shelbie). The class was dismissed.

Wednesday, June 13

Lesson: Rudiments III / Beginner

9:00 a.m. Teachers—Lauren Bock and Jonathon Smith. Lauren and Jonathon welcomed the class, and began class by singing the minor scale and intervals. Lauren led 274t, and then 49b, illustrating the difference in sound of minor music and major music. Jonathon led 146, and reviewed rests, slurs, ties, and repeats. Jonathon led 378t, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments III / Basics

9:00 a.m. Teacher—Nathan Rees. Nathan welcomed the class, and campers practiced scales and intervals in both major and minor. Nathan referred to page 359 as a song with challenging intervals. He led 359. He discussed with campers some preparations for leading which included the following: confirmation of page number; repeats present and whether they are optional or required; number of verses; time of day for particular song selection (example—an anthem); and awareness of undocumented time changes (examples—pages 183, 455, and 291). Nathan led 45b as the closing song, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments III / Advanced

9:00 a.m. Teacher—Dan Brittain. Dan welcomed the class, and led 48t. The class sang 50t. There was vigorous discussion about songs where the raised sixth is used and/or accidentals appear. Page number of songs used during this discussion are 209, 300, 268, 260, 86, and 180. Dan moved on to talk about accent. Aldo played a recording of Paine Denson singing the tenor line of 346 as an example of well-done accent. Warren Steel led 360, and the class focused on accent. Beverly Dayton led 32t. Other songs used were 34t, 163t, 43, and 481. The class was dismissed.

Elective: History of Shape Note Singing in Mississippi

10:45 a.m. Teacher—Warren Steel. Warren welcomed the class, and led 89. He offered a preliminary history of the shape-note traditions of the state, showing the diversity of local customs, and recognizing that it is difficult to separate the Sacred Harp, Christian Harmony, and gospel traditions. Sacred Harp singing in Mississippi, especially in Calhoun, Chickasaw, Webster and adjoining counties, has long been identified by a unique practice not found elsewhere: the use of seven syllables (doremi) to name the four shaped notes. The Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention was founded in 1929 at Houston. Despite its name, it included Christian Harmony singers from the beginning, and allowed songs from both books. Warren mentioned the radio program, The Sacred Harp Hour. The class was dismissed.

Recreation: Alabama Neighbors

10:45 a.m. The Camp McDowell staff presented a program featuring various species of wildlife. First, was a yellow spotted salamander, native to Alabama. The salamander belonged to a professor who donated it to Camp McDowell. Next, was a Eastern box turtle, and then corn snakes and gray rat snakes. Last, was a black vulture that flew into the classroom. The vulture was raised as a pet, and given to the center.

Lesson: The Memorial Lesson

2:10 p.m. Teachers—Scott DePoy and Jeannette DePoy. Scott and Jeannette talked about memorial lessons appearing in minutes from singings for a least a hundred years. They gave examples of texts to use in a memorial lesson (words of songs, poems, Bible verses, devotional texts, or one’s own words). Ted Brown shared his experience with the memorial lesson when he was attending a convention in the U.S., and his mother died while he was away. The memorial committee presented the Camp FaSoLa memorial lesson. Nancy Novotny spoke on behalf of the sick and shut-ins. Yosef Trachtenberg read the following list of names of the sick and shut-ins: Velton Chafin, Ozella Blackmon, Linda Sides, Ottis Sides, John Hollingsworth, Macy Kay Kraus, Geraldine Sheppard Rice, Don Bowen, Concetta Branson, Aubrey Barfield, Roni Robbins, David Elliott, Chris Brown, Stephen O’Leary, and Roy Davis. Karen Mathews led 330b. Priscilla Rice spoke in memory of the deceased. Yosef Trachtenberg read the following list of names of the deceased: Eloise Wootten, Daphene Causey, Caleb Allred, Glenda Hopper, Johnnie Chafin, and Floy Wilder—Alabama; Louise Holland, Daniel Evans, and Ruth Ayers—Georgia; Darrell Swarens—Indiana; Steve Helwig—Oregon; Linda Domholt—California; Julie Vea—Wisconsin; Ann Sleeva—Illinois; Edith Owen—Texas; T.J. Funderburk—Arkansas. Kerry Cullinan led 378t. Natalie Ciccariello offered prayer to close the memorial service.

Elective: Leading Workshop

3:40 p.m. Teachers-Judy Caudle and Bridgett Hill Kennedy. Bridgett brought the class to order by leading 101t. She emphasized that leading is about communication. She recommended learning a wide selection of songs to lead so one can pick something that fits the mood of the class, and will have a song to lead if first choices are called by someone else. Campers were encouraged to lead a song of their choice. Tim Gregg led 43, focusing on the time change. Lucas Jordan led 149, focusing on the fermatas. Helen Brown recommended emulating, but not imitating experienced leaders. Katie Kellert led 455, focusing on the time change. Yosef Trachtenberg led 47b, focusing on not chopping while accenting strongly. Bridgett said not to let the elbow go back. Judy suggested beating time with the palm held vertically. Delynne Lilly led 347; Pat Morse led 125; Marilyn King led 105 (her first time, Yay!!), Haley Aaron led 59; Deborah Taube led 268, and Tim Gregg led 96. A discussion ensued about how the leaders can communicate with the class, and then the class was dismissed.

Elective: Team Tunesmith II—Composium

4:30 p.m. Teacher-Aldo Ceresa. Aldo welcomed the class, and talked about writing music, and the styles of different composers. Nine participants in the team tunesmith exercise presented nine tunes with four parts. The participants were David Smead, Yosef Trachtenberg, Pat Morse, Dan Comstock, Molly Bagley, Lucas Jordan, Robbie Hooper, Gillian Inksetter, and Eileen Ferguson. Composers and other campers sang each exercise, and then had discussion. The class was dismissed.

Elective: May I Never Read In Vain

4:30 p.m. Teacher—Lela Crowder. Lela welcomed the class, and led 52t. She instructed the class to pay attention to the poetry of the song. She discussed items that make up a good speech or presentation. The class sang 391, and Lela pointed out that the poetry is the basis of a lesson. There was discussion of sets of patterns in the Sacred Harp. It’s the literary language that connects us. The class examined the poetry in 448t (a good example of alliteration) and 113 (an example of a conflict metaphor), both examples important in singing. Most Sacred Harp songs could be placed in a journey (121), battle (129), race (564), or rhetorical question (349, 47b). The class was dismissed.

Community Singing

7:00 p.m. The following officers were elected to serve by Advent Lodge: Chairman—Justin Bowen; Arranging Committee—Tim Gregg and Jamie Yeats; Secretary—William Hayes. Leaders: Justin Bowen 171; Jesse P. Karlsberg, Lauren Bock, Tom Bock, Shelley Bock, and Lucey Rose Karlsberg 45t; Susan Cherones 300; Gillian Inksetter and Haley Aaron 52t; Sasha Hsuczyk 400; Scott DePoy and Jeannette DePoy 277; Nancy Novotny 74b; Randy Webber 150; Lucas Jordan 63; Ann Mashchak, Dan Comstock, and Marie Comstock 148; Warren Steel 53; Molly Bagley 56t; Richard Mauldin 288; Pam Nunn 186; Yosef Trachtenberg 40; Natalie Ciccariello and Lela Crowder 166; Eileen Ferguson 504; Nicholas Thompson 304; Bridgett Hill Kennedy 383; Ann Blake 121; Kerry Cullinan 38b; Cameron Holly and Lucy O’Leary 36b; Nathan Rees 138t; Pat Morse 125; Mark S. Davis 378b; Tiffany Hooper and Robbie Hooper 58; Lisa Bennett 297; Daniel Lee 489; Eugene Forbes and Idy Kiser 384; Mary Rose O’Leary 274t; Shannon Primm 142; Judy Caudle 208; David Smead 418; Katie Kellert 339; Aldo Ceresa 182; Jonathon Smith 402; Dan Brittian 220; Deborah Taube 34b; David Ivey 455; William Hayes 163b; Tim Gregg 228; Jamie Yeats 169; Stephen Ray Miller 66; Hazel Heinze 347; Karen White, Marie Comstock, and Lauren Bock 480. Justin Bowen led 69b as the closing song. Announcements were made. The closing prayer was offered by Jamie Yeats, and the class was dismissed.

Thursday, June 14

Following breakfast at 7:00 a.m., campers departed, some headed for the National Convention in Birmingham, and some for other parts of the world. “Jesus, grant us all a blessing; Send it down, Lord, from above. May we all go home a’ praising and rejoicing in Thy love. Farewell brethren, farewell sisters, till we all shall meet again.”

SHMHA President and Camp Director—David Ivey