 |
| 1 | |
Using the shape note notation of "Old Hundred" (http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/ssb/display.cfm?TitleID=610&Format=jpg&Pagenum=048), try to sing it (in fa-sol-la solfege) in single lines, then together as its intended four-part harmony version. Do you find it easier or harder? Discuss your experience of this. |
| | |
|
|
|
| 2 | |
Watch the documentary entitled "Sweet is the Day: A Sacred Harp Family Portrait" a production of the Sacred Harp Video Project ; produced by Erin Kellen ; directed by Jim Carnes. Alabama: Alabama Folklife Association , c2001, for a contemporary look at shape-note singing today. Near the end of this documentary several people express concern over the survival of this family tradition. Given your understanding of today's "modern" world what do you think will happen? |
| | |
|
|
|
| 3 | |
The lives of black singing artists Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson are extraordinary examples of courage in gaining entrance into an often exclusively white concert world. Their efforts made way for many black artists that followed in their footsteps. The web site for Paul Robeson contains excellent questions you can answer after viewing the documents:(http://www.scc.rutgers.edu/njh/PaulRobeson/). The Web site for Marian Anderson at http://www.mariananderson.org also contains excellent documents and audio files. |
| | |
|
|
|
| 4 | |
Find out if a shape note convention occurs near you and plan to attend it for the full experience of shape-note singing. |
| | |
|
|
|
| 5 | |
Incorporating music education in the public school systems required a tremendous effort on behalf of physicians, "scientists" and musicians. The fascinating debate that took place in Boston's School Committee is reprinted in "Music of the U.S.A.: A Documentary Companion" edited by Judith Tick and Paul Beaudoin, Oxford University Press, forthcoming. Reflect on and discuss how the vigorous debate that needed to happen to get music education in the school at that time has nearly evaporated from public education today. How did this happen? |
| | |
|
|