Called Palo Alto Shape Note for traditional reasons, this group meets all over the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay area, singing from the Sacred Harp songbook, 1991 edition. Beginners & visitors are welcome! We have loaner books available. There is no commitment involved -- this is strictly singing for the joy of singing.

We sing twice a month, on the second Sunday of the month from 11am-1pm or 4-6pm and on the fourth Sunday of the month from 4-6pm. Food is sometimes served afterwards, by the host, or the host can specify potluck. Details for each singing are sent via email to the group.

About Shape Note Singing:

Shape note notation is a traditional form of music notation, using different shapes (oval, triangle, rectangle, diamond) as the noteheads, as an aid to sightreading. Popular in the fledgling U.S. at the time of the revolutionary war, it continued as a tradition in the south, but now has spread to the entire country. Generally written in four parts, it has a very distinctive sound, quite different from standard choral harmonies.