Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The shape note singing at Genesee Country Village and Museum allowed visitors to experience music from this country’s early history. The singing took place in a Civil War period Town Hall, surrounded by historic buildings and historical re-enactments. A brief introduction to the history and basics of shape note singing was provided, and visitors were invited to join experienced singers in the hollow square. During the singing, onlookers were repeatedly invited into the center of the square to experience the power of the music.

The class was called to order by Ginny Huszagh leading 34b. Leaders: Ginny Huszagh 49t; Anne Wheeler 49b; Robert Wheeler 45t; Thom Metzger 40; Scott Wakefield 47t; Jason Jones 282; Helen Haller 159; Dev Crasta 39t; Rebeka Radra-Crasta 38b; Ginny Huszagh 148; Anne Wheeler 163b; Robert Wheeler 105; Scott Wakefield 143; Thom Metzger 274t; Jason Jones 122; Helen Haller 46; Dev Crasta 178; Rebeka Radra-Crasta 107; Rachel Fox Von Swearingen 294; Ginny Huszagh 228; Anne Wheeler 551; Robert Wheeler 155; Thom Metzger 29b; Scott Wakefield 146; Jason Jones 270; Helen Haller 198; Dev Crasta 47b; Rebeka Radra-Crasta 312b; Rachel Fox von Swearingen 209; Daegan Von Swearingen 334; Ginny Huszagh 56b; Anne Wheeler 86; Robert Wheeler 63; Thom Metzger 542; Jason Jones 87; Helen Haller 481; Dev Crasta 268; Rebeka Radra-Crasta 36b; Rachel Fox von Swearingen 457; Ginny Huszagh 276; Anne Wheeler 504; Robert Wheeler 569b; Thom Metzger 376; Scott Wakefield 549; Jason Jones 340; Helen Haller 223; Rachel Fox von Swearingen 159 (the repeat of this tune was allowed, as new singers were in the audience).

Thanks were offered to Marisa Covert from Genesee Country Village, who had organized and publicized this singing as a way to introduce a larger audience to the music and tradition of Sacred Harp singing. Ginny Huszagh led 62 as the closing song. She then offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Ginny Huszagh; Secretary—Kathy Chillemi