Rust Memorial All-Day Sacred Harp Singing

ABOUT

Singers and the curious are invited to join us for the Rust Memorial All-Day Sacred Harp Singing. The event takes place in the basement of Fairview United Methodist Church (600 W 6th St) on Saturday, Oct 26th, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. We will sing from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a traditional potluck dinner on the grounds at noon. *Local singers are encouraged to bring a dish to share. We will be singing from both the 1991 revision The Sacred Harp and The Shenandoah Harmony. Loaner song books will be available. A voluntary donation will be taken to help cover expenses.

Shape note singing also goes by “sacred harp” — referring to the human body (like a harp) as an instrument. Developed in North America from 1770 to the mid 1800s as a way for teachers to instruct students how to read music and sing, it shared a comeback with the revival of folk singing in the 1960s. - The Herald Times. This style of singing was featured in the 2003 film, "Cold Mountain," and recently in the Ken Burns, "Country Music," documentary.

Last year, the group voted to rename this singing as a memorial to David Rust who was one of the founding members of the Bloomington group along with his wife, Marlen.

Around 80 people joined us over the course of last year's event from many states–singing 70+ songs. We hope to see you all again, and many more, for this very special 16th annual All-Day Singing! An evening social will be held right next door from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Learn more: www.bloomingtonsacredharp.org