JACKSON, Tenn. — March 11, 2009 — 51社区鈥檚 music department will hold a 鈥淪acred Harp鈥� sampler March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Hartley Recital Hall.
The 鈥淪acred Harp鈥� hymnal was first published in 1844 and is still published in revised editions. Union music professor Michael Penny and his hymnology class will host the event, which will be what Penny called a form of 鈥渟hape note hymn singing.鈥�
鈥淎 shape note singing is not a concert, but rather a participatory, choir-type experience,鈥� Penny said. 鈥淭here is no requirement or audition for any singer. Everyone is encouraged to sing with our group, or they are welcome just to observe.
鈥淲hen great-grandma spoke of 鈥榓ll day singing and dinner on the grounds,鈥� chances are she meant shape note singing like this. So this will be a little piece of American history.鈥�
The event is free and open to the public. An offering will be taken, with funds being used to purchase more hymnals.
Hartley Recital Hall is located in Jennings Hall on the west end of Union鈥檚 campus. For more information, call (731) 661-5345.