This is an introductory shape-note class using Jim's book The Harp of Life. The class assumes students can read music. Students will get an introduction to four-shape notation and basic performance practice. The book includes music in 1, 2, 3, and 4 voice parts. We will start with the simpler tunes, singing through the individual parts and then putting the tunes together. We will also sing some of the rounds. If the class seems able and time allows, we will move on to some of the more challenging music.
The purpose is to give students an introduction to this early American tradition, but also by use of non-traditional hymns, offer an expanded view of how this tradition may be used. Although Jim may use some of his own music in the class, his main focus will be on music from early American sources.
Instructions: Please bring water to stay hydrated, and dress for the weather. This class will take place outdoors under an open-air shelter. Feel free to bring snacks or cough drops if desired. Picnic tables will be available, but feel free to bring your own chair if you like.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages: 12+
Level: Intermediate
Location: Viroqua, WI
Materials fee: $7
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $65
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $50
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $35
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — James P. Page
Jim is a shape-note singer, composer, and independent scholar living in Madison, Wisconsin. He was first exposed to the music while singing in a chorus at Goddard College in the Fall of 1977. He has been singing regularly since 1983. Jim has attended Sacred Harp singings around the Midwest, as well as in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He has also sung from the seven-shape New Harp of Columbia in eastern Tennessee. Jim was one of the main organizers of the Southern Wisconsin All-Day Shape-Note Singings for 31 years. Jim has taught shape-note singing workshops at the Driftless Folk School, the Monroe Arts Center, and the Madison Early Music Festival. Jim's compositions and arrangements have appeared in The New Millennium Harp, An Eclectic Harmony II, The Shenandoah Harmony, and The Trumpet, as well as in his own collections The Wisconsin Harmony, Music for Christmas & Midwinter, and The Harp of Life.