Shape notes were invented in the late eighteenth century to simplify teaching people to sight-read unaccompanied sacred musical scores. They were called shape notes because instead of drawing all of the music scales seven notes with round shapes, each note was represented by either a triangle, square, oval, or diamond shape called Fa, So, La, or Me, depending on the position on the scale. Singers usually perform four-part harmony-(alto, tenor, treble, and bass) unaccompanied by instruments. Shape note singing has enjoyed wide popularity in Appalachia, and dozens of hymn books have been produced, with the most popular called, “The Sacred Harp.” All day singings accompanied by covered dish meals are held on church grounds. They are most often scheduled outdoors in the summertime. To hear more about shape note singing, visit DigitalHeritage.org.

Digital Heritage Moments are produced at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
(In Photo: Shape note singers performing at Mountain Heritage Day. Photo courtesy of Western Carolina University)