Social singing from The Sacred Harp, The Shenandoah Harmony, The Valley Pocket Harmony, The Christian Harmony, and other tunebooks using 4-shape "fasola" and 7-shape "doremi" notation
Shape-note singing is an American a capella tradition of community singing. Characterized by open 4-part harmonies and a powerful sound, shape-note music is composed primarily for participation, rather than for performance. Shape notes serve as a sight-reading tool; we sing the solfege syllables before singing the poetry. All are welcome to join us in singing; no experience is necessary, and songbooks will be provided.
For more information, check out: Introduction to Shape-Note Singing and links to online resources
If you would like to receive monthly email reminders about singings in Central Florida, or if you have any questions, contact Rachel Speer at respeer@gmail.com.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrlandoFaSoLa
Upcoming Shape-Note Singings in Central Florida
Updated April 1, 2026
Weeknight Singings at the home of Dean and Rachel in Oviedo. Scheduled on an ad hoc basis; please contact Rachel at respeer@gmail.com or 301.943.0515.
Sunday, April 12, 1pm-5pm, Orlando Monthly Singing at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1655 Peel Avenue, Orlando.
Saturday, April 19, 3:30pm – 5:30pm: Sweetwater Monthly Singing at Church of the Mediator, 501 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, FL. Singing from The Sacred Harp: 2025 Edition. Every 3rd Sunday of the month.
Sunday, April 26, 1:00 – 5:30pm: Jacksonville Monthly Singing at St John's Lutheran Church, 1950 Silver St, Jacksonville, FL, United States, Florida. Every 4th Sunday of the month.
Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16: Tallahassee Singing from The Shenandoah Harmony on Friday evening and from The Sacred Harp, Revised Cooper Edition (2012) on Saturday.
Friday through Sunday, May 22-24, Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. Please contact Rachel at respeer@gmail.com by April 13th if you would like to participate.
Sunday, May 31, 10am – 2:30pm: Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, 17385 Bethlehem Road, Lithia (Old Chicora), Florida. Singing from The Sacred Harp, Revised Cooper Edition (2012), every Fifth Sunday.
For the most complete listing of shape-note singing events throughout the US & around the world, see https://shapenotesingings.com/
See more details on our Events page. Hope to sing with you soon!
Annual All-Day Singings in Central Florida
August: Saturday before 3rd Sunday
August 15, 2026
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, at 525 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
More information to come!
Central Florida Sacred Harp Singing Weekend
January: 2nd Sunday and the Saturday before
Saturday, January 10, 2026
at St Paul's Presbyterian Church, 4917 Eli St, Orlando, FL
9:00am―10:00 am Singing school
10am―3pm: All-Day Singing from The Sacred Harp 2025 Revision with dinner on the grounds
4:30 pm―6:00 pm: Singing from The Christian Harmony, 2010
6:00pm―8:00pm: Social with bonfire, chili and hot chocolate (and maybe more singing from other books)
Sunday, January 11, 2026
9:30am―12:15pm: informal brunch & home-singing from The Shenandoah Harmony and The Valley Pocket Harmonist
1:00 pm―4:00 pm: Cooper Book Singing from The Sacred Harp, Revised Cooper Edition (2012) at St Paul's
RSVP (optional) and more information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/9147390731973186
