The Wake

Every Tuesday night, a mighty bellow emanates from the University Baptist Church near campus. The collective sound of multiple people singing together rings out throughout the space. Participants of all ages gather here once a week to participate in the storied tradition of shape note singing.

Shape note singing is also known as “sacred harp singing” because the music is made using nothing but the human voice, the sacred instrument you are born with. A powerful, boisterous sound emerges when a number of people begin to belt out tunes, one that is at the same time raw and immaculate. The effect is almost startling and the sound is nothing if not awe-inspiring.

The term “shape note singing” refers to the notation used in the standard hymn book The Sacred Harp, published in 1844 and still utilized today. In it, notes on a scale are replaced with shapes to make sight-reading easier. The book simplifies musical notation, allowing those with little or no experience with music to follow along with only basic knowledge. This format exemplifies the basic philosophy surrounding shape note singing: Everyone can do it. “The idea is everyone should be able to participate, regardless of musical experience,” says Kim Bahmer, one of the student organizers. “There have been a lot of people who have never sung before and thought they couldn’t sing… My belief is if you can talk, you can sing.”

The University Baptist Church has been hosting shape note singing since 2001, when U of M professor Tim Eriksen asked to use the space in hopes of drawing in more young people to the singings. Eriksen is also a professional musician who helped to raise awareness of shape note singing through his work on the soundtrack of the 2003 film Cold Mountain. The movie is set during the Civil War and features shape note songs in the soundtrack as well as scenes in which characters are the midst of a Sacred Harp singing at a church. In addition to providing his own music for the soundtrack, Eriksen also acted as a musical consultant on the picture. The film bolstered shape notes singing groups nationwide.

In addition to individual singings like the one at the University church, groups will hold shape note conventions, which function similarly but on a much larger scale. “All these people get together and just create this wall of sound that’s just so badass. You wouldn’t think people could make that much sound,” says University student Will Gilman, who went to a convention last summer.

In addition to giving shape note singing national exposure through Cold Mountain, Eriksen helped to raise local exposure by bringing singings close to students and encouraging them to partake. The group as it stands today consists of a wide range of people, with only a handful of students appearing at the last event. Students involved in the singings are trying to change that, encouraging their friends to join and attempting to start a student group for the events. Newcomers hesitant to become involved should not shy away from the event for its religious connotations: though it is hosted in a church and the songs are hymns with religious themes, the group is non-denominational and open to all who want to sing.

Bahmer related the history of the youth in shape note singing: “These singing schools were always done in a social context outside of church. It was a chance for young folks to get together and hang out.” The setting is comfortable, with no pressure from anyone as far as singing ability. “Two hundred some years ago in America,” Kim continues, “this was kind of a young people movement. It’s definitely something that if young people don’t continue to sing it, it will die out.”

The mantra is “All Are Welcome,” even those who don’t wish to sing. Just listening to the music is impressive enough, but, as Tim Eriksen says, the experience is truly in the singing. Upon being coaxed, I belted out a few songs while preparing this article.

The process is simple: At 5:30 p.m. sharp, regardless of who’s shown up, the singing begins. The leader picks a song from The Sacred Harp, and after a first go sung with “Fa,” “So” and “La” in place of lyrics, the song is sung. Repeat. As more people make their way in, the sound grows in strength. The singers are divided into four sections depending on their vocal range, creating a powerful harmony. There were songs that were difficult to keep up with, but I was encouraged by the other singers and amazed to be contributing to the boisterous noise.

While those who attend regularly are encouraged to purchase a book, there are loaner copies for anyone who happens to stop in. Those who are in the group tend to remain active for a long time. University alum Cassie Lang has been going since she was a freshman six years ago: “It’s so laid back. With a music major, it’s so uptight, but here I can come and just sing. I just liked hanging out and being able to sing without worrying about my voice.” The atmosphere lives up to the accessible nature of the shape notation, standing as an outlet for those who just want to sing.

The group meets every Tuesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University Baptist Church near campus at 1219 University Avenue SE. For more information on shape note singing, visit http://www.fasola.org.