Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Monday, June 30

Arrival, Registration, and Orientation

Registration for Camp FaSoLa began at 4:00 p.m. Campers were issued t-shirts, schedules of classes, electives, and recreational options for the week, maps, and identification buttons. Campers had supper at 6:00 p.m. Everyone attending camp met with David Ivey in Lakeview Lodge at 7:00 p.m. for general orientation.

Class Singing

7:30 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Bridge Hill Kennedy welcomed the class, and then led 37b. Blake Sisemore offered the opening prayer. Leaders and selections: Rachel Speer, Dean Jens, and Calvin Jens 53; Taylor Cook 146; Blake Sisemore, Kason Stone, Joseph Watts, Toby Bagley, Elijah Harris, and Rob Tibbs 276; Meredith Ivey, Everett Ivey, and Kelsey Ivey 153; Nicholas Thompson and Abigail Cannon 336; Alex Forsyth, Cecil Godfrey, Leon Godfrey, Mark Jones, and Landon Kiser 59; Andy Ditzler and David Brodeur 542; Lauren Bock, Jesse P Karlsberg, Lucey Rose Karlsberg, and Hattie Karlsberg 377; Gillian Inksetter, Sasha Hsuczyk, Mamie Sisemore, Grace Whitener, and Vivian Ivey 33b; Cathay Bonk and Bill DuPre 155; David Ivey and Chris Parris 421; Lily Hammond and Esther Morgan-Ellis 344; Anne Evers and Tom Evers 565; Adrian Eldridge and Rob Tibbs 77t; Troy Sherman, Jonathon Smith, and Nathan Rees 408; Lela Crowder and Pam Nunn 186; Jenny Solheim and James Solheim 318; James George, Tom George, Sarah George, and Levi Trumbore 56t; Karen Ivey and Allison Ivey 182; Cara Wareh and Pattie Wareh 178; Jerusha Wheeler and Shawn Taylor 362; Samuel Sommers and Rachel Hall 200; Idy Kiser and Anna Hinton 208.

Gillian Inksetter presented the following devotional: As I was reflecting on what I wanted to say this evening, my mind went blank. “Sure I’ll do the devotional”, I said and immediately all thought left my mind. I got nervous and had to trust that something would inspire me. What came to my mind was my first time at Camp FaSoLa, and how life changing it was for me. I was so nervous and excited and nervous, but it was great! I made a ton of friends. I un-learned some bad habits. I talked more about Sacred Harp in my community. I learned a lot about the book, and most important in my view, it planted me firmly in a living tradition. There is a passage in the book of Jeremiah that says stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies, and walk in it. I had an Old Testament professor who said a prophet is someone who has one foot rooted in the past and is also looking to the future. I think we’re like prophets. We are learning and preserving this tradition, while we eagerly and nervously await the arrival of the new edition of the Sacred Harp tune book. So, whether this is your first time at camp, whether you’ve been here many times, whether you’re a brand new singer, or have been singing your whole life, we are all at a crossroads of one kind or another. Even the most exciting crossroads can bring anxiety because from our own perspective, we can’t see what’s around the corner. We have to trust! Trust the tradition, trust the camp organizers and staff, trust the revision committee, trust the Divine, and all will be well.

Bridge Hill Kennedy led 440 as the closing song. Blake Sisemore offered the closing prayer. The class was dismissed to enjoy an ice cream social until 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 1

Campers could elect to hike Camp Lee trails, Pilates exercise, or sing on the Dining Hall porch at 7:00 a.m. Breakfast was served at 8:00 a.m.

Lesson: Rudiments I / Adult Emphasis-Basics. Teacher: Samuel Sommers

9:00 a.m. Lakeview Lodge. Sam welcomed the class, led 88t, and then offered prayer. He noted that the only requirement to sing Sacred Harp is the desire to sing. He discussed the seven modes of time and how to beat time for each. The class discussed the various types of repeats and how to sing them and lead them. Campers practiced leading skills. Leaders and selections: Samuel Sommers 569t; Deborah Taube 133; Emily Raffensberger 111t; Helen Cepero 323t; Susan Louckis 547; David Brodeur 420; Anabel Gravel-Chabot 65; Darrell Lahm 378t. Sam led 348b, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments I / Adult Emphasis-Advanced. Teacher: Nathan Rees

9:00 a.m. Genesis Lodge. Nathan introduced himself and welcomed the class. He began by having a short discussion of Sacred Harp trivia, and then directed attention to the major scale stating that focus should be on rhythm / time, dynamics, and melody. The class practiced singing the major scale. Nathan directed the class in practicing singing intervals: 5ths, 4ths, 2nds, and 7ths. The class sang the major scales in parallel 3rds and 5ths, and then discussed the difference in the sound of those chords. The class sang the song on page 82t, in four parts. Nathan drew attention to the very impactful sound of the 4th interval at the beginning of the chorus. Nathan and the class discussed rhythm and time signatures. A question was presented about the difference between 2/2 and 4/4 time. Mathematically, they are the same. In Sacred Harp music they help indicate tempo. For example, compare Old Hundred (in 2/2) to Bear Creek (in 4/4). The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments I / Youth Emphasis-Basics. Teacher: Lauren Bock

9:00 a.m. The Ark. Lauren called the class to order. She invited singers to share things they like about Sacred Harp singing. She then gave some definitions for new singers: sound, music, pitch, volume, rhythm, etc. She described the hollow square, song anatomy, and also, the shapes that represent the tones of the musical scale. The class sang 45t. The class practiced singing the major scale. Recess. Lauren and campers created a human scale for the purpose of practicing sounding the notes, and by moving campers around creating intervals, the class practiced singing. Lauren described note durations, rest durations, time signatures, and the class practiced beating time. The class sang 49t. RECESS. Lauren referred to page 15 in Rudiments. She reviewed character durations and described measures. Lauren defined the seven modes of time in the Sacred Harp. The class practiced building measures and singing them together. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Learning Songs / Basics. Teacher: Richard Ivey

10:45 a.m. Lakeview Lodge. Richard welcomed the class and led 101t. He and the class discussed some strategies for learning songs, such as audio and video recordings, attending singings, and sitting beside experienced singers. Richard led songs to practice different aspects of music. Richard Ivey 48t, 38b, 208, 228, 318, 448t, 417; Nicholas Thompson 304; Richard Ivey 178; Judy Caudle 459; Bill DuPre 454. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Dr. Watts. Teacher: Will Fitzgerald

10:45 a.m. Genesis Lodge. Will Fitzgerald called the class to order, and Mitchell Gustin offered a prayer. Becca Harrington led 28b. Will described Dr. Watts as a poet, hymnodist, logician, theologian, and preacher. There are over one hundred fifty songs in the Sacred Harp with words from Watts’ poetry and/or hymns. Watts studied at the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington, London. Watts preached his first sermons in Freeby, Leicestershire. He was apparently an inspiring preacher. Because of health issues in 1712, he went to stay with Sir Thomas Abney in Hertfordshire, and remained with the Abneys for the rest of his life. Rachel Hall led 96, with words from a handout. Tom Evers led 229, with words from a handout. Dean Jens led 181, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: The Denson Revision (1936) of The Sacred Harp. Teacher: Jesse P. Karlsberg

1:00 p.m. Jesse welcomed the class and distributed pamphlets outlining the topic. An excerpt from the writings of Ruth Denson Edwards follows: In 1933; Thomas Jackson Denson organized the Sacred Harp Publishing Company, Inc. This company purchased the book and all legal rights from the J.S. James family, and in 1934 he began the work of revising the James book. He died while the work was in progress, but the revision work was not destined to fail, for his older son, Colonel Paine Denson, of Birmingham, Alabama, fulfilled his father’s mission by completing the revision in 1936. The book was then entitled the Original Sacred Harp, Denson Revision. Many of the tunes added to the book were composed by Denson family members.

Leaders: Samantha Adioetomo and Cooper Sandefur 283; Andy Ditzler 295; Tom George and James George 197; Jerusha Wheeler 392; Anton Popov and Lily Hammond 455; Esther Morgan-Ellis 411; Dean Jens 399t; Dami Osoba Endless Praise (1936); Paul Chamberlain 454. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Learning Songs / Youth. Teachers: Sasha Hsuczyk and Blake Sisemore

1:00 p.m. The Ark. Blake and Sasha led 46 to bring the class together. The campers and teachers discussed the anatomy of a song: major or minor music, time signature (how many beats per measure and tempo), repeats, start to sing on downbeat or upbeat, and option to bring in parts. Campers turned to page 59 and noted the following characters: time signature indicates 4 beats to each measure, rest at the beginning, sing on upbeat, fermata, and repeats. The class sang 59. Leaders: Mark Jones 274t; Toby Bagley, Kason Stone, and Lucey Rose Karlsberg 117; Toby Bagley 457. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Introduction to Leading. Teacher: Gillian Inksetter

2:15 p.m. Gillian welcomed the class, and began with a short question and answer session about things to do when leading and things not to do when leading. She reviewed number 12 on page 16 of the Rudiments. Gillian led 47t, 48t, and 45t. Anton Popov led 490. The class turned to page 448t, and Gillian explained mandatory repeats and optional repeats. The class turned to page 171. Gillian talked about tempo, and changing tempo without stopping the song. She addressed tempo again using the song on page 503. Gillian demonstrated a preparatory gesture using both songs on page 448 (t? b?). Leaders: Emily Raffensberger 56b; Annie Reynolds 277; Jon Adler 327. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Attributions in The Sacred Harp. Teacher: Rachel Hall

2:15 p.m. Genesis Lodge. Rachel Speer brought the class together by leading 82t. Rachel Hall welcomed the class. She said that almost all songs in the 1991 edition, and all songs in the 2025 edition, have the words author or source and the composer’s name in the attributions. She recommended reading The Makers of the Sacred Harp by Warren Steel to learn more. Attributions had different styles in different editions of the Sacred Harp, such as footnotes in the 1911 edition with anecdotes about authors and composers or alto attributions which were removed in the 1991 edition. In the 2025 edition, there will be separate voice part and verse attributions, a composer and music source index, and an author and text source index. Cooper Sandefur led 47b (Kentucky Harmony). Rachel explained the differences of “arr.”, “arr. from”, and “alt.”. June Murphy led 98, arranged by E.J. King from a Tory newspaper text, with alto by S.M. Denson. Jesse P Karlsberg led 185, after the class learned about changes in its words and music throughout the years. Esther Morgan-Ellis led 68b as an example of a song “arranged from”. Daniel Lee led 410t. Many Sacred Harp songs from the early 1800s came from the camp meeting tradition. Revival choruses generally have unknown authors. Many camp meeting songs come from Black spirituals. Sasha Hsuczyk led 345b as an example, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Scales and Intervals. Teacher: Gillian Inksetter

3:30 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Gillian began by leading 76t, and stated that the song was a good one for interval practice. She gave the class definitions of a scale, an interval, and melodics: all things having to do with pleasing musical tones and the relationships among them. The class practiced singing scales. Then Gillian focused the class on singing major scale intervals. David Brodeur led 358 and 459. The class turned to page 218 and practiced singing the tenor runs. Gillian introduced the minor scale, and the class sang with her, focusing on the intervals. Anne Evers led 411. There was discussion on sight reading music, and the class shared tips and suggestions for practice. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Design of a New Shape-Note Typeface for The Sacred Harp. Teachers: Jesse P Karlsberg and Jeff Kellem

3:30 p.m. Genesis Lodge. Jesse began by telling the class about early prints of tunebooks. The Easy Instructor was printed through the use of engraved plates. Cases of these metal types, shown in a picture portion of a handout, were arranged in matrices to print music. Collins was a printing firm in Philadelphia that was hired to print tunebooks.

Jesse introduced Jeff Kellem, a music and text typeface designer and the owner of Slanted Hall Type Foundry in San Francisco, California. Jeff is a member of ASCAP, a voting member of the Recording Academy, and 2nd Vice President of the ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers) Board of Directors. Jeff talked about the efforts made to maintain consistency and legibility throughout the new book. He talked about achieving a clean design through the use of computers and notation software. There was a question and answer session, and then the class was dismissed.

Elective: How to beat the 7 modes of time / Youth. Teacher: Jonathon Smith

3:30 p.m. The Ark. Jonathan led 59 to bring the class together. He reviewed modes of time by referring to the Rudiments, pages 15—16. There are three modes of common time (2/2, 2/4, and 4/4); two modes of triple time (3/2 and 3/4); and two modes of compound time (6/4 and 6/8). The top number denotes how many; the bottom number denotes what kind. In each measure of music, the number “how many” will also denote the beats. For example, the time signature 3/4 means three quarter notes or equivalent to fill a measure and each note gets a beat. Leaders: Mamie Sisemore 65; Elijah Harris 43; Mark Jones and Kason Stone 569b; Everett Ivey and Joseph Watts 347; Calvin Jens and Landon Kiser 207; Meredith Ivey 76b; Toby Bagley 146; Avaré Gass and Rob Tibbs 45t; Kason Stone, Taylor Cook, and Mark Jones 72b; Mamie Sisemore, Avaré Gass, and Meredith Ivey 37b. The class was dismissed.

Keying Music. Teachers: Lauren Bock and David Ivey

4:45 p.m. Genesis Lodge. David Ivey noted that keying classes may have started at Camp FaSoLa with much assistance from Jeff Sheppard. David talked about different approaches to finding the tone and the importance of listening when learning to key. Lauren Bock discussed ranges of notes in songs (fa to fa, for example). Samantha Adioetomo, Will Fitzgerald, and Daniel Lee also offered advice on keying. Leaders and keyers: Randy Neufeld 29t; Daryl Chesney 277; Paul Chamberlain 504; Bridge Hill Kennedy 460. David ended the class with a homework assignment: to help the keyers by being good class singers, waiting silently until the key is sounded, and then sounding your part’s opening note. The class was dismissed.

Class Singing

7:30 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. The class was called to order by Paul Chamberlain leading 46. Leaders: David Smead, Lisa Bennett, and Dami Osoba 165; Jeff Kellem and Rachel Hall 302; Bridge Hill Kennedy, Mitchell Gustin, and Rebecca Harrington 276; Avaré Gass, Shelby Castillo, Meredith Ivey, and Lucey Rose Karlsberg 354b; Emily Stutzman and Mark Jones 361; Daniel Lee, Anton Popov, and Cooper Sandefur 378b; Samantha Adioetomo and Susan Loucks 215; Elea Regambel and Anabel Gravel-Chabot 500; Gillian Inksetter and June Murphy 501; Emily Raffensberger, Jonas Powell, and José Martinez 479; Judy Caudle, Gioia Fonda, and Rowan Marye 113; Jeannette DePoy, Jeanne Plekon, and Jacob Lindler 421; Richard Ivey, Lydia LaRoux, Seth Rutledge, and Maygan Barker 277; Paula Oliver, Daryl Chesney, and Leanne Carter 86; Randy Neufeld, Anita Landess, Lori Rodgers, and Helen Cepero 99; Patricia Davis and Will Fitzgerald 504; Jon Adler and Annie Reynolds 287; Darrell Lahm, Deborah Taube, and Shannon Tibbs 515; Taylor Cook and Joshua Herron 59; Cora Wareh and Anna Hinton 87; Blake Sisemore and Mamie Sisemore 388; Alex Forsyth and Rachael Geary 142; Esther Morgan-Ellis and Abigail Cannon 430; Jerusha Wheeler and Shawn Taylor 505; Vivian Ivey and Grace Whitener 45t. Paul Chamberlain led 69t as the closing song.

The devotional was given by Maygan Barker, as follows: When I first started singing I was terrified to stand here in the hollow square and lead. So many worries swirled in my head I thought it would split in two like an over ripe watermelon. A singing friend sent me a recording of his local group singing 337 Mercy’s Free and suggested I carry this song in my pocket as a bit of courage when trying to lead. And you know as I’ve held 337 in my heart, I have seen how singers offer mercy to each other in small quiet ways. For many of us, leading and singing in a group is an act of trust: trust in ourselves; trust in the front bench; trust in the class. I think the inverse is also true. Following a leader’s lesson is an act of trust: trust that the leader will call a needed song; trust that they will lead clearly enough to follow; trust that the song will end, but the community won’t. Both parties are vulnerable, and as such require a moment of mercy and grace to be given and returned. It’s hard work, this singing we’re doing. The good thing? As 337 teaches us, mercy’s free. As we go about the rest of our week, I hope we can pause to extend mercy and grace when one of us falls short of the vision. We all are deserving of such wondrous love. It’s free.

Wednesday, July 2

Campers could elect to hike Camp Lee walking trails, Pilates exercise in the Ark, or sing from the Lloyd’s Hymnal on the Dining Hall porch at 7:00 a.m. Breakfast was served at 8:00 a.m.

Lesson: Rudiments II / Basics. Teacher: Samuel Sommers

9:00 a.m. Lakeview Lodge. Sam Sommers welcomed the class, led the song on page 34b, and offered prayer. Sam and campers practiced singing scales. Sam referred to the Rudiments, page 17; Chapter III, Melodics, during the class. Troy Sherman and Gioia Fonda led 358. Shawn Taylor and Esther Morgan-Ellis led 121. Sam explained clefs. Emily Raffensberger and Darrell Lahm led 410b. Sam spoke about the difference in major and minor music. Major and minor are different modes. A song’s mode is determined by the last note in the bass part, which is always the tonic note. If it’s a fa, the mode is major; if it’s a la, the mode is minor. Do not believe the myth that all minor music is sad. The open fifth is the same in both. Leaders: Helen Cepero and Jeanne Plekon 313b; Anne Evers 82b; Sam 385b. Sam discussed slurs and rests, stating that rests have the same integrity as notes. Leaders: Sam Sommers 254; Marjorie Harrington 132. Sam led 207, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments II / Advanced. Teacher: Nathan Rees

9:00 a.m. Genesis Lodge. Nathan and the class practiced singing intervals in major and minor scales. Nathan talked about some songs in the Sacred Harp that are traditionally sung in ways other than notated, as in the songs on pages 159, 278b, and 183. The voices in the four parts of the hollow square produce dispersed harmony. That is, unique harmonies which cross each other instead of running parallel to each other. Nathan led an exercise for the class by rotating the tenor part to each of the other part sections. He led 285b, first with tenor singers singing tenor, then the bass singers sang tenor rotating the class clockwise, and so on. Nathan instructed on dotted notes. Annie Reynolds led 47t. Nathan talked about the fermata (the “bird’s eye” or hold), particularly how to mark the time, hold, and begin singing again. Elea Regembal led 48t and Jon Adler led 96. Nathan also spoke about repeats stating that if a leader repeats on the shapes, they should also repeat the words on the last verse. Paul Chamberlain led 48b, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments II / Youth. Teacher: Lauren Bock

9:00 a.m. The Ark. Lauren called the class to order. She talked about the differences in minor music and major music. Lauren Bock and Lucey Karlsberg led 274t. Lauren and Calvin Jens led 168. RECESS. The class reassembled, and campers formed a human minor scale. The class practiced singing the minor scale. Lauren shows and explains notes and symbols. Lauren and Vivian Ivey led 45t, and then Lauren led 64, 63, and 274b. RECESS. Campers made another human scale, and they practiced singing the scale. The class was dismissed.

Campers enjoyed snacks and recreation time.

Elective: William Walker and his influence on The Sacred Harp. Teacher: Jonathon Smith

10:45 a.m. Lakeview Lodge. Jonathon welcomed the class, and distributed pamphlets to the campers. The class sang many of the tunes composed by William Walker, and published in various tunebooks including The Sacred Harp. Leaders: Jonathon Smith 213t; Rachel Speer “Solemn Thought”; Jonathon Smith “French Broad”, “Solemn Call”; Esther Morgan-Ellis 146; Paul Chamberlain “An Address for All”; Patricia Davis “Invitation”; Marjorie Harrington “The Babe of Bethlehem”; Rachel Hall “Tender-Hearted Christian”; Gillian Inksetter and Samantha Adioetomo “Animation”; Jonathon Smith “Spartanburg”, “The Angel’s Whisper”, “Burning Lamp”, “I Want To Go To Glory”. Jonathon led 62 as the closing song, and the class was dismissed.

Elective: Organization and Conduct of Singings. Panel Discussion

10:45 a.m. Genesis Lodge. Jesse P Karlsberg served as Chairman of the panel, which included Judy Caudle and Blake Sisemore. Jesse stated that singings can be structured in more or less formal ways in different communities. The class asked questions about how scripted parts/roles at the singing should be, such as in holding a business meeting, how to serve in different roles (chairman, secretary, finance, and etc.), schedule for the day, pitfalls, singing schools, and starting a new singing class. Jesse talked about the terminology of leading a lesson. He noted different ways that people can serve (leading, cooking, singing, recording) and also, seeing more formal individual roles as an act of service to the community. He referred to page 25 of the 1991 Rudiments for an overview of organization and conduct of singings.

Judy Caudle talked about the role of secretary, and many times that officer role may be introductory in nature. She noted that instructions for the submission of minutes may be found in the front pages of the Minutes Book in both hard copy and online versions. The Minutes Book can be a good resource including various reports such as Resolutions, Finance, Secretary/Arranging Committee, etc. Serving as secretary or on the arranging committee is a good way to get to know fellow singers.

Blake Sisemore spoke about serving in different roles at the singings at Liberty Church in Henagar. Planning for the singing can change over time, for example, fewer people are able to cook, so need to supplement food with catering services. He talked about the written ballot system that is used for electing Vice Chairman and Secretary. He also suggested that it can be helpful to have a bank account established for the singing.

Jesse talked about the business meeting, which is not required and can be more ceremonial, but also functional. He recommended that checking the minutes for a particular singing will yield information about when to hold a business meeting, what officers are elected, and what committees are appointed. He suggested that Roberts Rules would be a good resource for structuring a simple business meeting. He recommended Linton Ballinger’s Arranging Tips in the Huntsville Sacred Harp newsletter. The class was dismissed.

Lunch was served at noon. Campers could visit the Camp Lee Store located in the Dining Hall.

Lesson: The 1960/1966/1971 Revisions of The Sacred Harp. Teacher: Nathan Rees

1:00 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Nathan Rees, Lily Hammond, and Esther Morgan-Ellis led 546. Nathan said that there were some significant differences within the revision committee than in prior years: Ruth Denson Edwards was the only woman on the committee and Hugh McGraw being only 29 years of age and singing consistently only since the late 1950s. Mitchell Gustin led 500, a song by composer Hugh McGraw, added to the 1960 book. Elea Regembal led 480, another addition to the 1960 revision, and composer John T. Hocutt wrote both tune and words. Each page in the book had to be engraved for the plates to be made for the printing. This resulted in printed pages that were crowded and hard to read. Owen Denson gave one of the three quotes for the binding of the book. He ended up being the one to publish the revision.

In 1966, the revision committee wanted to improve the physical book, and replace some of the songs only added in 1960. They also updated the typeface and edited songs. Jenny Solheim led 542, a song written by A.M. Cagle. The alto part was changed from the alto in the song previously published in 1960.

In 1970, a board meeting was held by the Sacred Harp Publishing Company to discuss the next revision. They established a new music committee and a historical committee. The revision committee mostly added historical notes and edited some voice parts. H.N. (Bud) McGraw, Tom McGraw, and A.M. Cagle passed away before the completion of the 1971 revision. Nathan Rees led 521, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Learning Songs / Youth. Teachers: Alex Forsyth and Gillian Inksetter

1:00 p.m. The Ark. Gillian and Alex introduced the STARS system. The acronym stands for Signature, Tempo, Accent, Rests, Stuff. They instructed that these components will help campers to learn a song they wish to lead. Each student leader chose a song, and related the STARS criteria, and then led the song. Leaders: Toby Bagley 457; Mamie Sisemore 65; Kason Stone 480; Grace Whitener 276; Everett Ivey 274b; Alex Forsyth and Gillian Inksetter 333; Kason Stone 145t; Mark Jones 146; Calvin Jens 481. The class was dismissed.

Campers could choose recreation (swimming, canoeing, or crafts) or electives.

Elective: The Afternoon Session. Teacher: Tom George

2:15 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Tom brought the class together by leading 270. He spoke of a number of things that make the afternoon session a success. There is high energy after enjoying a good meal and fellowship. Front row singers should strive to be engaged with the leaders, and help maintain energy throughout each section: beat time from the seats, sing out, accent, and stay present. Tom related some thoughts from Buell Cobb on convention etiquette, such as limit verses and make good song choices. Tom stated that Terry Wootten gave similar advice saying that there is a time and place for everything. Leaders: Blake Sisemore 373; Andy Ditzler 411; Alex Forsyth 216; David Smead 203; Samantha Adioetomo 542; Abigail Cannon 187; Nicholas Thompson 436; Paul Chamberlain 280; David Brodeur 222; Dami Osoba 506; Rachael Geary 426t; Levi Trumbore 186; Jon Adler 228; Seth Rutledge 163t; Anne Evers 290. There was discussion with Tom and Blake about arranging the afternoon session. Tom led 348b, and the class was dismissed.

Elective: Meter in The Sacred Harp. Teacher: Samuel Sommers

2:15 p.m. Genesis Lodge. Sam welcomed the class, and led the song on page 124 using words from Amazing Grace. Sam instructed the campers that knowledge of meter is not required in order to sing, but adds another layer to the experience. Esther Morgan-Ellis led 85. This song is an example of 7s & 6s meter with a revival chorus. The building blocks of meters are two syllable feet called iambs and trochees. Jenney Solheim led 33t. Isaac Watts wrote poems in three meters which he called common meter, short meter, and long meter. The stress or emphasis of the words is the vehicle for the music. Becca Harrington led 30t. Music in the iambic meter usually starts on a pickup, while the trochaic meter starts on the beat. Samuel Sommers led the song on page 384, which is an example of poetic emphasis and musical accent in conflict. Darrell Lahm led 100 and Samuel Sommers led 76t. The class identified the foot and meter of various poetic examples. Rachel Hall led 342; Emily Raffensberger led 512, and Samuel Sommers led 62. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: The Memorial Lesson. Teacher: Kelsey Ivey

3:30 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Kelsey Ivey brought the class to order by leading the song on page 564. Kelsey discussed the logistics and operations of the memorial lesson. She shared a memory of going with a group to sing for Jimmy Denney when he was in a nursing home. Afterwards, Kelsey decided that she could never stop singing for those who are homebound or sick because it is too important. Kelsey led 111t. Kelsey shared another story about singing with a group for Joann Bowman at the end of her life. Kelsey led 448b, and introduced the memorial committee.

Elea Regembal read aloud the following list of names of the sick and shut-ins: Joyce Walton, Nate Green, Bill Denney, Cecil Roberts Judy Henry, Betty Shepherd, Ed Thacker, Margaret Thacker, Cornelia van den Doel; CJ Delfino, Ben Shirey, Dan Phemayotin, Larry Ballinger, Paula Springfield, Margaret Keeton, Beth Wallace, Janet Fraembs, Peggy Brayfield, Terry Hogg, Don Bowen, Michael Cleary, and James Morgan. Elea led 70t.

Annie Reynolds read aloud the following list of names of the deceased: Buell Cobb, Earl Ballinger, Lucy Heidorn, Julia Poston, Henry Guthery, Pauline Oliver, Theresa Bethune, Ozella Blackmon, Malik Williams, and Chris Shepherd—Alabama; Bob Goodman, Susan Johnson, Hazel Lingerfelt—Georgia; Tom Tucker, David Bennett, Donelle Raffensberger—Pennsylvania; Johanna Fabke—Wisconsin; Laurie Woodall—Indiana; Susan Fetcho—California; Chloe Webb—Texas; Jeff Bell—Minnesota; Sloane Spencer Pennington and Thomas Reynolds—Oregon; Stephanie Weigel Dougal—Massachusetts; Alfred Sausotte—Colorado; Phil Perrin—North Carolina; John Smead—Missouri; Ginette Lavoie—Canada; John Bennett—Germany; Rob Mahoney—United Kingdom. Annie led 37b in memory of the deceased. Bill DuPre offered prayer to close the memorial service. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Leading Practice / Youth. Teachers: Sasha Hsuczyk and Tom George

3:30 p.m. The Ark. Sasha and Tom helped campers develop leading skills. Leaders: Kason Stone 74b; Vivian Ivey 46; Avaré Gass 64; Everett Ivey 565; Grace Whitener 421; Meredith Ivey, Vivian Ivey, and Grace Whitener 163t; Mamie Sisemore, Haven Carter, Kason Stone, and Joseph Watts 208; Mark Jones, Rob Tibbs, and Elijah Harris 385b. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Etiquette and Unwritten Observations of Sacred Harp. Teacher: Sarah George

4:45 p.m. Genesis Lodge. The class was brought together by Abigail Cannon leading 166. Nicholas Thompson led 200 and Emily Stutzman led 84. Sarah spoke on values that help Sacred Harp singers respect each other and how to take care of folks in the community. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Leading Workshop. Teacher: Bridge Hill Kennedy

4:45 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Bridge welcomed the class, and led the song on 31t. Bridge made comments about communication, community, and grace as applies to standing in the hollow square. Campers led song selections while Bridge offered support and instruction. Leaders: Helen Cepero 133; Darrell Lahm 378b; Emily Raffensberger 344; Troy Sherman 38b; Patricia Davis 384; Cathy Bonk 198; Marjorie Harrington 159; Rowan Marye 455; Annie Reynolds 186; Anabell Gravel-Chabot 383; Jeanne Plekon 225t; Maygan Barker 35. The class was dismissed.

Supper was served at 6:00 p.m. in the Grove Dining Hall. Campers had free time until class singing.

Class Singing

7:30 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. The class was called to order by Mamie Sisemore leading 59. The opening prayer was offered by Grace Whitener. Leaders: Nathan Rees, Andy Ditzler, and Samuel Sommers 422; Rachel Speer and Dean Jens 335; Kelsey Ivey and Lauren Bock 326; Rob Tibbs, Avaré Gass, and Lucey Karlsberg 45t; Bill DuPre and Chris Parris 358; David Ivey, Everett Ivey, and Meredith Ivey 569b; Jonathon Smith and Samantha Adioetomo 130; Lela Crowder, Pattie Wareh, and Allison Ivey 187; Anne Evers and Tom Evers 36b; Gillian Inksetter, Karen Ivey, and Idy Kiser 217; Emily Raffensberger and Emily Stutzman 344; Bridge Hill Kennedy, Tom George, and James George 377; Susan Loucks and Catherine Bonk 496; Calvin Jens, Elijah Harris, and Landon Kiser 168; Mitchel Gustin, Anton Popov, and David Brodeur 137; Jenny Solheim and James Solheim 472; Lori Rodgers and Paula Oliver 198; Lydia LaRoux and Lisa Bennett 291; Jesse P Karlsberg and Paul Chamberlain 195; Adrian Eldridge and Cooper Sandefur 70b; Levi Trumbore, Alex Forsyth, and Nicholas Thompson 384; Lily Hammond and June Murphy 112; Pam Nunn and Judy Caudle 522; Sarah George and Racheal Geary 222; Annie Reynolds 186; Rachel Hall and Jeannette DePoy 328; Grace Whitener and Vivian Ivey 46; Blake Sisemore and Richard Ivey 556; Youth campers sang “Camp FaSoLa” led and composed by Gillian Inksetter. Calvin Jens led 323t as the closing song. Vivian Ivey offered the closing prayer. Mark Jones delivered the devotional at the fireside.

Thursday, July 3

Campers had their choice of hiking Camp Lee trails, singing from the Lloyd’s Hymnal, or discussion of the future of Camp FaSoLa. Breakfast was served at 8:00 a.m.

Lesson: Rudiments III / Basics. Teacher: Samuel Sommers

9:00 a.m. Lakeview Lodge. Samuel Sommers welcomed the class, and led 314. He stated that “I am a Sacred Harp singer, like everybody here is a Sacred Harp singer. You have met all of the requirements.” Deborah Taube led 28b. Sam suggested that accent is musical and stress has to do with text. He encouraged students when attending a singing class to try to do one thing really well. Then next time try to do a different thing really well, and so on. Gioia Fonda and Esther Morgan-Ellis led 98. Sam used four boxes to illustrate accents on four quarter notes in a 4/4 common time measure. The first box is heavy, the second box is empty, the third box is slightly weighted, and the fourth box is empty. Accent is done with the voice, not the hand. Leaders: Cathy Bonk, Susan Loucks, and Darrell Lahm 170; Emily Stutzman and Anton Popov 123b; Samuel Sommers 153, 29t, 76t; Helen Cepero and Anabel Gravel-Chabot 168; Samuel Sommers and Shannon Tibbs 412. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments III / Advanced. Teacher: Nathan Rees

9:00 a.m. Genesis Lodge. Nathan began this class with Sacred Harp trivia (song title edition), songs names for places, people, etc. Nathan directed attention to the board, and the class practiced singing scales and intervals: a note only exists in the context of other notes. He reviewed measures of time and accents, noting the importance of accent to a good singing, and stating that common, triple, and compound time each have their own accents. Nathan led 320 to demonstrate changing modes of time within a song. Other leaders and selections: Cooper Sandefur 448t; Lily Hammond 43; Jenny Solheim 329; Elea Regembal 417; Jon Adler 455. Nathan reminded campers that tempo may change without a time change, as in 183 or 291. Other unwritten changes, regional or otherwise, may appear—Watch the Leader! Consider the song on page 408. The class was dismissed.

Lesson: Rudiments III / Youth. Teacher: Lauren Bock

9:00 a.m. The Ark. Lauren brought the class to order. There was discussion about observations from the previous evening singing. Lauren referred to page 13 of the Rudiments where it states that in addition to pitch, a musical tone has accent, length, and volume. Lauren referred to page 15-16 in the Rudiments and reviewed modes of time. Toby demonstrated 2/2 time; Vivian did 4/4 time, and Elijah beat time in 2/4. Other leaders and other time signatures: Lucey 3/2; Calvin 3/4; Everett 6/4; and Kason 6/8. Leading practice included Kason Stone 360; Meredith Ivey 45t; Toby Bagley 45b; Bonnie Bagley and Toby Bagley 46; Matthew Kallikkadan, Avare’ Gass, and Lucey Karlsberg 59; Calvin Jens, Landon Kiser, Elijah Harris, and Toby Bagley 87; Everett Ivey and Lucey Karlsberg 93. The class was dismissed.

Campers were served snacks, and then could choose recreational activities, crafts, and electives.

Elective: Dinner On The Ground. Teachers: Pam Nunn and Nicholas Thompson

10:45 a.m. Lakeview Lodge. Pam and Nicholas welcomed the class, and shared a packet of recipes with the campers. They talked about dishes suitable for bringing to singings, and shared personal experiences about dishes, both disasters and triumphs. They spoke about utensils and supplies including crockpots, coolers, ice packs, and serving spoons. Pam talked about packing food, both warm and cold, and for travel. Nicholas suggested labels for dishes such as vegan, vegetarian, or spicy. Pam, Nicholas, and campers made a pink stuff dessert using angel food cake, strawberries, strawberry gel, and cool whip to be shared with the rest of the campers at lunch today. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Accent. Teacher: Nathan Rees

10:45 a.m. Genesis Lodge. Nathan welcomed the class, and suggested that campers consider what accent is and how it is achieved. He referred to page 16 of the Rudiments, section 14 that describes accent. He reviewed each mode of time, stating that the primary accent always lands on the first note of the measure. Nathan noted that besides the distinctive sound, accent is used for other reasons such as it helps save your voice from strain, it helps keep the class singing together, it brings energy, and because it gives the words cadence. Singing without an accent can be like listening to someone drone on in a monotone voice. The class practiced singing with accent while Jeanne Plekon led 32t. Other leaders: Helen Cepero 49b; Troy Sherman 64; Marjorie Harrington 360. The class was dismissed

Lunch was served at noon in the Grove Dining Hall.

Lesson: The 1991 Revision of The Sacred Harp. Teacher: David Ivey

1:00 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. David welcomed the class, and led the song on page 464. David talked about the tradition of passing down books, generationally. He reminisced about being on the 1991 revision committee and being one the youngest members. He outlined the different committees created in 1988, and gave brief biographical information on the revision committee: Hugh McGraw—Chairman, Richard DeLong, Raymond Hamrick, Toney Smith, Jeff Sheppard, Terry Wootten, and himself, David Ivey. He explained the shape of the meetings, and the role of consultants. Andy Ditzler led “Jordan’s Shore” and Rachel Hall led “A Few More Years”. He reviewed the numbers for songs removed from 1971 and songs added for the 1991 revision. The class sang the top twelve songs from the 1991 revision. Leaders: Jenny Solheim 504 (#12); Susan Loucks 66; Annie Reynolds 86; Abigail Cannon 347; Dami Osoba 344; Paul Chamberlain 225t; David Brodeur 472; Cooper Sandefur 163b; Emily Stutzman 34b. David told of the December, 1990, event wherein the composers and committee members met at Sanford University in Birmingham, Alabama, to sing songs from the new song booklet. The class then sang the top three songs from the 1991 revision. Leaders: Esther Morgan-Ellis and Marjorie Harrington 503 (#3); Rowan Marye 178 (#2); Paula Oliver 475 (#1). David read the acknowledgements page from the 1991 revision, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Learning Songs and Youth Memorial Lesson. Teachers: Kelsey Ivey and Richard Ivey

1:00 p.m. The Ark. Richard and Kelsey led 448b to bring the class together. They reviewed jobs that have to be done at a singing event such as arranging leaders, keying, chaplain, memorial committee, and others. Usually, a sheet of paper will be placed conveniently for writing names of sick and shut-ins or homebound, and also names of recently deceased. The list of names is read aloud, followed by the singing of a song. Leaders: Toby Bagley 457; Everett Ivey 39b (in memory of Marie Ivey); Vivian Ivey, Grace Whitener, and Meredith Ivey 384 (in memory of Coy Ivey); Rob Tibbs, Avaré Gass, and Lucey Karlsberg 333 (Rob requested this song in memory of Curtis Cook); Kason Stone and Joseph Watts 143; Landon Kiser, Calvin Jens, Joseph Watts, Mark Jones, Cecil Godfrey, Leon Godfrey, Elijah Harris, Toby Bagley, and Kason Stone 274t; Bonnie Bagley, Mamie Sisemore, Meredith Ivey, Lucey Karlsberg, Avaré Gass, Grace Whitener, Vivian Ivey, and Haven Carter 45t; Cora Wareh 163b; Blake Sisemore, Alex Forsyth, and Kelsey Ivey 432 (in memory of Oliver Kindig-Stokes); Karen Ivey 108t. The class was dismissed.

Campers could choose recreational activities, crafts, and electives.

Elective: Lost and Found, 1991 Edition Songs Dropped in Previous Revisions. Teacher: Esther Morgan-Ellis

2:15 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Esther welcomed the class and stated that many songs disappear from the book for a time, but reappear in a future revision. Oftentimes, the song added back in a future revision would have different verses or an alto part added. Leaders and songs: Jerusha Wheeler 35; Samuel Sommers 133; Jon Adler 107; Esther Morgan-Ellis and Troy Sherman 442; Anne Evers 444; Samantha Adioetomo 229; Marjorie Harrington and Samantha Adioetomo 565; Lisa Bennett 567; Tom Evers 489; Jon Adler and Pattie Davis 496; June Murphy 513; Shannon Tibbs 473; David Smead 266; Rachel Speer 230. Esther Morgan-Ellis led 152, and dismissed the class.

Elective: Charming Sounds: Unusual Chords in the Sacred Harp. Teacher: Tom George

2:15 p.m. Genesis Lodge. Tom led the song on page 48t, and asked the class about interesting chords in the song. He pointed out that the chord at the start of measure three, with 3-la, 6-la, 2-sol, and 1-fa. Tom described different types of chords. He referred to page 22 in the Rudiments, and defined dyads, triads, and chords with four notes. He pointed out the major and minor (and diminished) chords built on the scale degrees in major keys. The class sang the tonic triads in root position in major and minor using the starting chords of 318 and 216 as examples. Tom discussed the Sacred Harp practice of sharpening the 6th scale degree in minor. He said that this practice has declined but is coming back. He supports it. Tom led the song on page 63, and the class held the secondary dominant in measure nine. Tom led the song on page 38b, and the class held the chord with a 7-sol in measure eleven. He led 38t and the class held the chord on the second half of measure eleven where the treble part has a 4-fa. Tom led songs on pages 291, 99, 113, 454, and 309. The class discussed with Tom the unusual chords, and their charming sounds. Tom played a recording of the Wootten family in the 1980s singing the song on page 163t, and the class was dismissed.

Lesson: Lemonade Making and Watermelon Picnic. Teachers: Alex Forsyth and Blake Sisemore

3:15 p.m. House Lawn. Alex and Blake supervised youth campers in the squeezing of lemons and adding spring water and sugar to make an icy cold, refreshing drink for everyone to enjoy. Blake and Alex gave a talk on the historical importance of treats such as ice-cold lemonade at Sacred Harp singings. Wedges of sweet watermelon were also served. A good time of relaxation and fellowship was had by all.

Campers could choose swimming, paddle boards, fishing, and electives.

Elective: Mysteries of the Alto Part. Teacher: Rachel Hall

4:15 p.m. Lakeview Lodge. Rachel welcomed the class, and passed around packets of information. The class sang the song on page 112 without the alto part, as it was originally written, and then they sang the song with the alto part that was added in 1902. Questions arose from the class: Why write only three-part harmony? Why was alto added? Who should sing the alto part? Rachel discussed the English church music of the 1700s that was almost all four-part harmony. It is not historically true that women always sang the alto part, men also sang this part. Contemporary letters lamented how difficult it was to find male alto voices. In the early 1800s, all new compositions were written in three parts, then in the 1870s new compositions were written in four parts. In the 1870 revision, 95% of the songs were in three part harmonies, but in the 1911 James Revision only 14% were in three parts. The class sang songs from the following pages: 335, 163t, 176t, 285t, 92, and 269. The class was dismissed.

Elective: Reading from Antigodlin Stories of Sacred Harp. Teacher: Larry Brasher

4:15 p.m. Genesis Lodge. David Ivey gave an overview talk about the class, and introduced Larry Brasher, author of the book. Larry spoke of his friendship with Buell Cobb and their relationship through writing. He defined antigodlin, stating that the word describes something at an odd angle. Larry read excerpts from his book. “These stories about Sacred Harp singing are often at a slant. They all lead to singing, but they angle through the lives, politics, and personalities of the singers. To get to the singing, the stories follow vanished chert roads of the southern countryside, taking in its colors and curiosities, its human characters, customs, and convictions.” Larry talked about families of singers that he knew in the area around Oneonta, Alabama. He talked about churches where he attended Sacred Harp singings, and about changes that he has observed over the years. The class was dismissed.

Class Singing

7:00 p.m. Lakeside Lodge. Campers and community singers gathered to sing for a time. The class was called to order by Jon Adler, who welcomed everyone and led 40. Dami Osoba offered the opening prayer. Leaders: Anna Hinton, Avaré Gass, and Shelby Castillo 430; Jonas Powell, Mitchell Gustin, and Rowan Marye 171; Will Fitzgerald and Samuel Sommers 230; Erica Hinton and Matt Hinton 76b; David Ivey, Allison Ivey, Everett Ivey, Kelsey Ivey, Richard Ivey, Karen Ivey, Kevin Krupnick, Vivian Ivey, and Grace Whitener 146; Karen Rollins and Barry Rollins 268; Helen Cepero and Emily Raffensberger 168; David Brodeur and Marjorie Harrington 360; Adrian Eldridge and Darrell Lahm 426b; Paula Oliver and Emily Stutzman 222; Lela Crowder, Gillian Inksetter, and Gioia Fonda 122; Lauren Bock, Jesse P Karlsberg, Lucey Rose Karlsberg, and Hattie Karlsberg 421; Toby Bagley, Landon Kiser, and Mark Jones 452; Rebekah Gilmore, Shane Brown, and Garrett Morton 220 Patricia Davis and Bill DuPre 335; Esther Morgan-Ellis and Shawn Taylor 528; Leanne Carter and Shannon Tibbs 479; Tom George, Sarah George, and James George 56t; Cody Gonzalez, David Smead, and Lisa Bennett 183; Rachel Speer and Maygan Barker 417; Blake Sisemore and Alex Forsyth 110; Nicholas Thompson and Judy Caudle 431 (in memory of Henry Guthery); Lily Hammond, Samantha Adioetomo, and Rachel Hall 506; Cora Wareh and Pattie Wareh 299; Pam Nunn and Lori Rodgers 556; June Murphy, Randy Neufeld, and Jacob Lindler 93; Dean Jens and Calvin Jens 481; Nathan Rees and Bridge Hill Kennedy 536; Jeanne Plekon and Anita Landess 111b; Daniel Lee and Susan Lee 278t; Troy Sherman and Jonathon Smith 68b; Daryl Chesney and Deborah Taube 155; Jenny Solheim and James Solheim 543; Dami Osoba, Annie Reynolds, and Levi Trumbore 277; Anabel Gravel-Chabot, Susan Loucks, and Elea Regembal 31t. Anton Popov led 235 as the closing song. Dami Osoba offered the closing prayer. David Ivey made announcements, and the class was dismissed.

Friday, July 4

Campers met with David Ivey in the Ark after breakfast at 8:00 a.m. David led 62 as the closing song, and those who wished took the parting hand. Samuel Sommers offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Camp Director—David Ivey