We'll be singing on February 9th in the Shiloh Meeting Hall...

Hello Everyone... 

I hope all of the Shiloh Singers enjoyed the singings in January. February singing will start with our usual 2nd Sunday singing on February 9th in the Shiloh Meeting Hall from 1:30 to 4:00 P.M. The usual group will gather at AQ Chicken House in Springdale around noon for lunch and catching up on news from all present. All singers or potential singers are invited. Just ask the reception desk for "the singers" and you'll be pointed in the right direction. 

We're already a week into February and only three weeks remain to make reservations and travel arrangements for the 35th Annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention in St. John's United Church of Christ on Highway 94, 11.5 miles west of Marthasville MO. Our group normally stays in Washington MO. Thanks to Darryl for sending out copies of the Missouri Convention Flyer with his monthly 2nd Sunday reminder. If you didn't get a reminder, click on the underlined flyer link above to download a full-sized, two page PDF copy that you can save, print or share. The flyer also contains information about convenient motels and phone numbers. Another consideration is travel. Car pooling is encouraged to save gas, reduce costs and generally have more fun. As usual, the Shiloh Singers will be in recess for the March 8th Sunday Singing to attend the Missouri Convention.

The Missouri State Convention attracts singers from the South-
East to the Mid-West; small towns and major cities. Come and
join in the good singing and fellowship that's open to all.

Don't forget the 4th Sunday Singing Class in West Fork!

Late January Post to get the latest Weather Forecast...

Hello Everyone...

Just a few quick notes to confirm that we do plan to have a 2nd Sunday Sacred Harp Singing in Springdale at the Shiloh Meeting Hall on Jan. 12th from 1:30 until 4:00 P.M. Those who think chicken and dumplings make a good lunch on a cool day are invited to gather at AQ's Chicken House around noon for food and fellowship. Everyone is invited, old singers or new.

With the Friday night and Saturday weather so undecided , I waited until the very last minute to work on the January update. Saturday's weather is showing a mix of sleet and snow along the western Arkansas border region. After that passes over us, the weather looks clear all the way west to Ogden, Utah! The Sunday forecast for Springdale is for "Sunny" and highs in the high 40's or low 50's.

Please check Arkansas' I-Drive traffic and weather monitoring system at https://www.idrivearkansas.com/#winter_conditions for the latest winter weather information. It's quick, simple easy to understand and works with any current Android or Apple smart phone, laptop or desktop that I know about. I use it all year but most of all during the winter.

If you're snowed in or iced in, or driving conditions are not favorable in your area, please stay safe and remember we also now have a 4th Sunday Singing in West Fork at their Library Meeting Hall behind the city library. It's a good place to sing, bring some snacks or cookies for the break and I think you'll have a good time and plenty of opportunity to learn new songs. That singing will be on January 26th at 1:30 until 3:30 P.M. Bring a friend too.

Syd leads the MO Convention

Long Range Planning
Join folks from all over the central and southern states for the 35th Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention, Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, St. John's United Church of Christ on Highway 94, 11.5 miles west of Marthasville MO (GPS: 38.668206, -91.237433), 9:30 to 3PM both days. Loaner books available.

I'll post a copy of the printed flyers when available, but circle the dates. It's a good way to finish off a winter season and get ready for Spring.

Special Thanks
Thanks to Darryl, for getting out the earlier email about the singing.

Thanks to Walt who will have the Meeting Hall open and warm in time for our Sunday Singing.

Thanks to all of you who come and sing, share your knowledge of Sacred Harp, and share in the fellowship that comes from being part of a group of people who enjoy singing old songs as they were sung so many decades ago and preserving a tradition that we can pass on to another generation of singers.

Just stay safe while you're getting here.

February Singing, Missouri Convention, 4th Sunday Singing in West Fork

Hello Everyone...

Cory Winter leading the Shiloh Singers in the Meeting Hall

The Shiloh Singers enjoyed having 22 singers at the February Singing on February 10th in the Shiloh Meeting Hall. There was a fine contingent of young people who jumped right in and joined our singing with just a short introduction from Dan Brittain and other experienced singers. We always enjoy having visitors and we were certainly glad to have the students with us and hope they'll bring a few more students with them next time, which will be on April 14th from 1:30 P.M until 4:00 P.M. Early arrivals are always invited to join the Sacred Harp lunch group at the AQ Chicken House in Springdale at noon. Just ask where the singers are at the reception desk.

The 34th Missouri Sacred Harp Singing Convention is on the schedule for March 9 and 10 in St. John's United Church of Christ located in Pinckney Township, MO. The two day singing and dinner on the grounds (actually in a kitchen and dining hall) sets a high standard for singers to attend and start off the new year. Singers converge on the Missouri Convention from all four directions and it's usually a good idea to make reservations early. Click on the following link for a PDF copy of the flyer with information about the singing, lodging and directions to the church.

If you'd like to car-pool to save on trip expenses, send an email using this email link: B. R. Black and include your phone number and we'll see if we can find an available seat.

Starting a 4th Sunday Sacred Harp Singing in West Fork: Thanks to Ray and Karen Towne, who have been laying the groundwork to start another opportunity for the Shiloh Sacred Harp Singers to spread the word about shape note singing in the southern part of Washington County. The present plan is to sing in the West Fork Library Hall at 210 Garfield Ave. from 1:30 until 3:30 P.M on February 24th and each 4th Sunday thereafter if there are sufficient singers both to help lead and and local singers from the surrounding area who want to learn about singing on the frontier before most churches could afford pianos and organs. If you live in south Washington County or North Crawford County, or anywhere within driving distance, please mark your calendar and join us on February 24th.

Directions:
From I-49 take the "West Fork" exit (Hwys. 156 and 170).  Turn eastbound onto Phillips Street and after you pass the Harps you'll follow the curve to the south onto McKnight Ave.  Continue to the stop sign at Main Street and turn left.  This takes you eastbound again, across the railroad tracks and you'll come to Garfield Ave..  Turn left and you may park on the street, at the Library or in the grass lot just south of Library Hall.

From Hwy 71 turn westbound at the only flashing yellow light in town.  This is Main St.  When you get to Garfield Avenue you'll see the new Library on the north side of the street.  Turn right on Garfield Ave. and Library Hall is on the right at the next corner, #210 Garfield.

Dress is informal, and all who want to learn are invited to sing, listen or just tap their feet. We hope you'll join us. Just to be fair, we may pass a hat for a dollar or two to help the Friends of the Library  cover any cost of heating, lights and other minor expenses. We're a "non-profit" too. 

We'll post any changes or updates on this webpage so please check this webpage for any updates.

Hope to see you at one or more of our singings...

Singing in the New Year

Sacred Harp Friends,

Let's sing in the new year! Our next regular singing will be on Sunday, January 14th at 1:30 pm at the Shiloh Meeting Hall. As always, visitors warmly welcome.  Those interested can meet at AQ Chicken in Springdale at noon for lunch.

The Missouri Sacred Harp Convention is right around the corner, and will be held on March 9th and 10th at St. John's United Church of Christ in Pinckney, Missouri.  Singing starts at 9:30 am on Saturday the 9th.  Several Shiloh Singers typically attend, so, as the time gets closer we'll likely start talking about travel plans at upcoming meetings. Also, feel free to get in touch digitally about this.

Looking forward to singing with you soon!

mb

We'll be singing in Missouri on March 10 and 11...

It looks as if the Shiloh Singers will be well represented at the Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention next weekend. I just wanted to post a reminder for anyone who might have planned to show up at the General Store next Sunday. I wish everyone could be there with us to enjoy one of the best early singings of each year.  

Our next local singing at the General Store at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History will be April 8, 2018 at 1:30 PM. We'll also need to do the final planning for the Spring NWA Sacred Harp Singing in Harrison, AR on Saturday, May 6th. 

Keep on singing...

Singing on Sunday, February 11th and Missouri in March...

Just a couple of quick items. The Shiloh Singers of NWA will be singing on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 1:30 until 4:00 P.M. in the General Store at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. As always, children, visitors and guests are welcome. Bring someone with you. We'll also have a table at the Springdale AQ Chicken House "around noon" if you want a warm lunch before singing. 

Click on image for full .PDF

One of the items will be a short discussion on the Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention on March 10 & 11, 2018. The important details are included in the .PDF copy of Missouri Convention flyer. Click on the image for a full size copy. The Shiloh Singers usually stay in Washington, MO and two motels are listed on page 2 of the flyer with discounted rates and phone numbers. Don't wait until the last minute. Besides the Missouri Convention schedule, we also need to talk about ride sharing and trying to make sure that everyone who wants to sing in Missouri can get there. If you plan to attend the Missouri Convention but can't get to February's Springdale singing, please send me an email so we help coordinate a "share-a-ride." 

One more thing: Get a pencil or your smart phone and mark your calendar. The Saturday before the first Sunday in May, which is Saturday, May 6th, the NWA Sacred Harp Singing Convention will be held in Harrison. More details will be published in March and April.

We'll send out another reminder about being "in recess" during March before leaving for Missouri. Hope to see you in Springdale this Sunday and at the Missouri State Singing Convention in March. ...And we'll all sing on!

Oops! January Singing on Sunday Canceled...

UPDATED: Saturday, 1/13/18

A little October snow and ice in
Yellowstone National Park, not
a prediction for Arkansas...yet.

After waiting until the last minute to send out the January singing reminders on Friday, I checked the Saturday noon weather forecast and found that the Saturday night and Sunday forecast had flipped-flopped overnight. Out of "an abundance of caution" and after several phone calls, we've canceled the Sunday, January 14th, singing in the General Store due to inclement weather. Syd has called the museum and asked for a note to be put on their Facebook page and the front door of the General Store while I work on this 2nd edition of the January newsletter. The official forecast for tonight and Sunday:

NWS Forecast for: Springdale Municipal AR
Issued by: National Weather Service Tulsa, OK
Last Update: 12:55 pm CST Jan 13, 2018
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values between 5 and 15. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

That usually means we might see anything from a few flurries to a slight accumulation in spots or no snow at all. We just don't know where any of those conditions may or may not happen. What I worry about are the places where a slight accumulation has turned into ice in a shady spot just beyond the crest of a hill. There's no need to take any chances. So we'll miss the usual chicken and dumplings at AQ's, visiting and singing with everyone and just make plans to try to get together again in February.

We've also had two additional updates that we had planned to mention at the singing and in a 2nd newsletter update next week:
From Bill Caldwell in Joplin...

I have a general update that can be shared with our singers.  I was able to
take the collar off on Thursday, the 11th.  I'm still going to physical therapy
to get the range of motion back for my neck.  I can move it but it's stiff and I
don't have fast enough reaction time looking left or right yet to drive. 
That'll take a couple more weeks or so.  But I'm back to work part time and have
been able to do a good portion of my regular duties in a half day.  I'm hopeful
to be able to be at February's singing barring weather excitement. Thanks to
everyone for their care and prayers!

Syd Caldwell and Bill both mentioned the sad passing of Darrel Swarens, one of
the singers we used to see each ear in Missouri. 

His smiling face was always a welcome sight at Missouri and any other
singing he attended. He put his whole heart into his singing.  We'll miss him.

Be safe out there. We'll try again on February 11th. Hope to see you then.

==========

ORIGINAL NEWSLETTER, Friday, 01/12/18

Bring a sweater...

Singing on Sunday ~ The Shiloh Singers will conduct their regular January singing on January 14, 2018 in the General Store on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History from 1:30 until 4:00 P.M. One of the reasons I've waited to send out the newsletter has been to keep an eye of the weather. I was once told that three days was about as far as our Army weather forecasters could see ahead with their M-1 crystal ball. The forecast for Sunday is for "Partly Sunny" with sweater weather and not very highs in the upper-thirty degree range. It certainly looks like roads around Springdale will be dry. The store's heat pump has always produced enough heat to stay warm. We also know that spirited singing will add a few more degrees of warmth to the gathering. As usual, the "early arrivals" are invited to share a table at Springdale's famous AQ Chicken House around noon. 

If you have any concerns about the weather, we all now have a tool that even our Army didn't have during those long winter maneuvers in Germany's snow 50 years ago. You can check the driving conditions before you leave home visiting the "I Drive Arkansas" website at http://www.idrivearkansas.com/  then click on the blue snow flake to check out the current winter road conditions. I've recently used similar road condition websites in several other western states, and in my opinion the Arkansas' site is one of the best for being easy to use and understand.

Long Range Planning ~ People have already asked about the dates for the Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention and the NWA Singing Convention in Harrison. 

The Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention is scheduled for Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11, 2018. I expect the St. Louis Shape Note Singers will likely put their flyer on their website in late January or early February. I usually post a link or copy on the website and in the newsletter.
The NW Arkansas Sacred Harp Singing Convention is scheduled for May 5th this year. We'll try to include more info in the newsletter or on the website as we get closer to that date.
The Fayetteville Public Library's Summer Reading Club has requested our help with a program during June or July. We need to discuss how we could assist and possible dates at this month's singing. 

Sacred Harp Publishing Company Newsletter ~ The December 1917 issue of the publishing company's newsletter is available online. Covering a wide range of topics from the history of Sacred Harp singing, building a community of singers, lessons learned from other singers and even a detailed article about how to repair songbooks or any book for that matter. You can check out the current edition at: http://originalsacredharp.com/newsletter/  and if you enjoy learning more about Sacred Harp singing you may sign up on their "infrequent newsletter mailing list."

That's all for a quick update. Hope to see you in Springdale on Sunday afternoon.

April Singing in Shiloh Museum General Store...

I'm sure everyone marked their calendars for the Shiloh Singers next regular singing which is this Sunday, April 9th from 1:30 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. in the General Store at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. As usual, visitors are always welcome and hope you'll bring a friend. That also goes for Sunday lunch at Springdale's AQ Chicken House around noon. Just ask for the Sacred Harp Singer's table.

Photo: Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention, St. John United Church of Christ, Pinckney Township, MO.

Thanks to all the St. Louis hosts and all the singers at the Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention on March 11th and 12th. It's always an excellent event to start the spring and summer singings for those living in the nation's heartland.

Hope that all of you will come to sing with us on Sunday and visit with friends.

Shiloh Singers in recess for Missouri Singing Convention...

I don't have an accurate headcount on all the folks with plans to attend the Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention in Pinckney Township, north of Washington, MO this weekend, March 11-12, 2017, but it's not too late to bring a few friends to join in the singing and tune up the vocal cords for spring and summer singings. All the details are in the February newsletter posted on the Shiloh Singers webpage or download the PDF flyer from the St. Louis group.  One caveat that applies to any travel north and northwest of Arkansas during winter and early spring months (Yes, I'm thinking of Missouri, but any other state north of the Arkansas line too) please check the latest local forecast before you leave just to be on the safe side. You may need to bring an extra sweater this year.

Second, please mark your calendars for the Shiloh Singers next regular singing on April 9th at 1:30 P.M. in the General Store at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. Hope that all of you will come to sing and visit with friends. God bless you all...

February 12th Singing and Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention in March...

February is a short month but things start happening quickly. First on the list is this Sunday's, Feb. 12th, monthly singing in the General Store on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. As usual, singing will start about 1:30 in the afternoon and we'll sing until 4:00 P.M. Visitors and potential singers who want to learn more about Sacred Harp or shape note singing are always welcome. If you arrive in Springdale early, you're always invited to have lunch with other early singers and friends who gather at the AQ Chicken House "around noon" each singing Sunday. Just ask for the "singer's table."

I hope our February singing is a good "warm-up" for the next big event which is considered to be one of the best of the early state singing conventions each year and being centrally located, enjoys participation by singers from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Since so many of our local Shiloh Singers attend the Missouri Convention each year, the Shiloh Singers' March singing is declared in recess on March 12th and our next local singing will be on April 9th. Please mark your calendars.

******

The St. Louis Shape Note Singers are well into preparations for the 32nd Annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention, March 11th and 12th, and Missouri singers are hoping to see and sing with many friends and friends-we-have-not-yet-met.  It is not too early to make your motel reservations for this year's convention - especially since there is a Feb 17th cut-off date at two of the motels where we have secured reduced rates.

Photo: St. John's United Church of Christ, Pinckney, MO

Here are the reduced rates they have obtained.  In all cases, the stated rates are prior to taxes and the group name is "Sacred Harp".  Call the motel directly to obtain the reduced rates.

Washington, MO (location of the Saturday evening social) -

    Super 8, 636-390-0088:  $70 for 2 Doubles or 1 Queen.

    Best Western, 636-390-8877:  $102.60 for 2 Queens or 1 King.  Cut-off date for this rate is Feb 17th.

Warrenton, MO –

    Baymont Suites, 636-456-6000:  $50/night for either 2 Queens or 1 King.

    Holiday Inn Express, 636-456-2220: $120/night for 2 Queens or 1 King.  Cut-off date for this rate is Feb 17th.

Union, MO –

    Super 8, 636-583-8808: $70 for 2 Doubles or 1 Queen.

To see where these lodging options are relative to locations for the Convention and the Saturday evening social and the St. Louis metropolitan area and airport, visit:  www.tinyurl.com/pinckney

There are also a large number of Bed and Breakfast establishments in this popular area: www.tinyurl.com/BandBWashMO  Note that additional B&Bs will be displayed as you pan across this map.

We hope that the wide array of lodging choices will suit any who might want to come.  Come sing with us !

View a YouTube video from the 2016 Convention:

Thanks and a hat-tip to Paul Figura for developing and posting the above information. Visit the Google group at https://groups.google.com/group/fasola-singings.

******

While you're marking your calendars, circle or highlight May 6, 2017 which is the date of the Northwest Arkansas Convention at St. John's Episcopal Church in Harrison, AR. Singing will be from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. with a break for a pot-luck lunch. There are more annual singings on tap for the rest of the year.

One More Thing:  We just got the 2016 Minutes/2017 Directory Books from Judy Caudle in Alabama this week. (Thank you Judy!) We'll be updating the Regional Singings webpage for 2017 in the next several days. Please let me know at Sunday's singing or with an email if you have a special singing in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas or Louisiana that you want to promote so we can make sure your special event is added to the regional singings list on page 4 on the Shiloh Singers website. We can always add items during the year but we want to continue to promote the local events within easy driving range in our part of the country.

Hope you can get to the Shiloh Singers Singing on Sunday or sing somewhere on Sunday...

Wish you were here...

While there is no Sunday Sacred Harp singing in Springdale on March 13, 2016, there was plenty of good singing in St Johns United Church of Christ in Pinckney Township along the Missouri River. I understand that not everybody can free up the time to attend, but we wanted you to have a small sample of what has been an enjoyable weekend of singing.

Note: You can click on the box in the lower right hand corner after loading to view full screen.

One more thing. The Shiloh Singers website now has a new "tab" which leads to a 4th page designed to promote neighboring groups, and singing events in north and south Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, East Texas and Louisiana. It builds on a list of Arkansas and Texas singings put together last year by Robert Vaughn, Mount Enterprise, TX. It's a new page and we're still checking the layout against a variety of browser software and devices -- all of which may look a little different than the others. If you see something on the new page that looks out of place or needs correction, please send us a quick email with your correction or suggestion.

Hope you're having a good weekend wherever you happen to be. We'll look forward to seeing you in the Shiloh Museum General Store on April 10, 2016 when we'll be singing again in Springdale. 

Shape Note Singing Events for February, March and April...

There are so many things to talk about, we'll have to be brief in the newsletter and hope you'll check out the webpage for more information and pictures about what's on the schedule for the next month. We're even working on a schedule page for the website!

First up, thanks to Frank Christel in Tulsa. There is a Sacred Harp concert to be held this Thursday evening on the University of Tulsa campus at 7:30 P.M. The program, Concerts with Commentary: The Sacred Harp will be conducted in Lorton Performance Center, Gussman Concert Hall 550 South Gary Place Tulsa, Oklahoma. See http://calendar.utulsa.edu/event/concerts_with_commentary_feb2016 for more information.

Thanks to Public
Radio Tulsa
Classical 88.7
website

UPDATED: 2/24/16 Thanks are again due Frank Christel and the Tulsa singers for sharing the Public Radio Tulsa Classical 88.7 website with photos and recordings of individual tunes and commentaries from a recent concert at the University of Tulsa dedicated to Sacred Harp music. The February 11th concert in the Lorton Performance Center was interspersed with commentaries about old time singing traditions and how the tunes were written and sung.

I have often suspected that many of our Sacred Harp tunes are only one musical arrangement away from concert halls or church choirs as well as movies. The songs sung and played during this concert presentation are an example of that close relationship with traditional singing. It's refreshing to hear our Sacred Harp tunes sung with such care and the emotion that they deserve. 

As I listened to the tunes in the set of audio recordings available on the site, I was convinced the University of Tulsa Music Department, Dr. John S. Powell and Prof. Dana Maher and all the participants deserve our appreciation for taking our traditional music to a new audience. I only wish I could have been there.

If you missed it the performance, the next best thing is to visit the concert's website at:
http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/concerts-commentary-sacred-harp#stream/2

Singing in General Store on Feb 14.

Second on the calendar: We've had over 30 singers and visitors at both the December and January monthly singings. I hope everyone can attend our February Singing in the General Store on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History this Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. We'll be singing from 1:30 until 4:00 P.M. and you're invited to bring a friend (also known as a new singer) with you. There are two events we also need to discuss briefly during the meeting.

St. John's UCC

Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13, 2016, the Saint Louis Shape Note Singers will sponsor the 31st Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention in the historic St. John's United Church of Christ, located near Marthasville, MO. The church was constructed in the 1870's in the rich farm land on the banks of the Missouri River. Besides singing in a marvelous old church setting, a relatively new singer has the opportunity to absorb enough Sacred Harp singing to make the trip worthwhile. Even a more experienced singer will learn new songs, and how other groups sing your old favorites. In the past, sufficient Shiloh Singers have attended that we've declared a recess to our own March singings in Springdale. If you want more information, visit the St. Louis Shape Note Singers website at: http://www.stlfasola.org/  The official 2016 Missouri Convention Flyer with specifics, directions and suggested accommodations in Washington, MO:  http://www.stlfasola.org/2016MissouriConventionFlyer.pdf

George M. Murrell Home Historic Site

In the long range planning department, there's also an invitation to conduct a Sunday afternoon singing on the grounds of the George M. Murrell Home Historic Site in Park Hill, OK on October 9th in conjunction with their Antique Agriculture Festival. We could sing in our traditional square starting after lunch and sing until 3:00 P.M. which allows singers and visitors an early start back home. This event would be a cooperative event with the Oklahoma City Sacred Harp Singers, Shapenote Oklahoma in Tulsa, and the Shiloh Singers of NWA and provide a wonderful opportunity for outreach and promote Sacred Harp singings in Eastern Oklahoma and NW Arkansas as well as help promote the historic Murrell Home. Since we operate by consensus and are all volunteers, we need to talk about it and make sure we have a full crew on board before we set sail.

Finally, please circle April 30th on your calendar for the annual Northwest Arkansas Convention on Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Harrison, AR. There's also a pot luck lunch during the noon break. We'll be singing from The Sacred Harp and Missouri Harmony.

If that sounds like we're going to be busy, it's also an opportunity to enjoy some great singing that will fit a variety of calendars and schedules. We'll try to post the regional calendar (subject to further suggestions and changes) on the website next week after the February singing.

One more thing: For those who can get to Springdale's AQ Chicken House on Sunday, Feb. 14th about noon, there's usually a table (or two) with singers from the Shiloh group. It's a good place to catch up on news, events, ask questions and enjoy each others company. Singers, friends and visitors are welcome.  We might even find a place for dessert after the singing!

Take a break and sing with the Shiloh Singers of NWA on Sunday, April 12th...

It's that time of the year when those among us who have done their taxes can rejoice that the task is completed. Those of us who are using a new tax software application are still trying to figure out new features and directions. I hope that everyone is either finished or close enough to being finished that we can all take a Sunday afternoon break on April 12th and come to the regular April singing in the general store at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. The singing will start at 1:30 and will continue until 4:00 P.M. The usual before singing and post singing get togethers starting around noon at Springdale's AQ Chicken House, and dessert somewhere after the singing. All singers and visitors are welcome to sing along or just watch and listen.

Photo - The singers at the 2015 Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention at St. John's United Church of Christ in Pinckney Township near the Missouri River. 

During the past month, members of the Shiloh Singers participated in singings near Washington, MO and Old Washington, AR. The Missouri State Convention gathered participants from all over middle America. The bad weather along the eastern side of the Mississippi River kept some of the regular attendees from making the trip from Georgia and Alabama, but we hope to see many of our old friends next year. The St. Louis singers do a marvelous job with both the singing and the Saturday and Sunday meals and have earned the appreciation of all who attended the 2015 edition of their event.  

The afternoon singing in Washington, AR was only the second year of a special event held in conjunction with the annual Jonquil Festival hosted by the Historic Washington State Park. Saturday, March 21st, was bright and sunny with the Jonquils all looking their best and great attendance. Sunday had intermittent rain and cooler weather but the warm welcome from the singers and the curious on-lookers in the Historic Washington Methodist Church made up for the weather outside.

Photo: Robert Vaughn explains the basics of shape note singing at the 2015 special singing in the Old Historic Methodist Church at the Jonquil Festival at Historic Washington State Park on March 22nd.

Thanks to all the singers from Arkansas and Texas who attended. Discussion after the singing trended toward maybe having a similar event next year with an all day format and lunch at the state park. The Historic Washington State Park and surrounding community is a special place in Arkansas history and a special place to visit any time during the year.

Prior planning must be done in advance Department:

Update 4/11/15:  I got a note from Bob and Gina Cauley who now live in Divide, CO but sang with the Shiloh Singers when they lived in Arkansas. If any of the singers on the newsletter list happen to be headed out to Colorado during late April, the Colorado Springs singers have planned an all-day singing and pot luck lunch for Saturday, April 25th, (9am-3pm) at Chapel of Our Saviour, (in Broadmoor) 84th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. The contact for the event is Mary Margaret Alvarado at:marymargaretalvarado@yahoo.com  You can "google" the address for a map. Please let me know if you can attend and I'll pass along additional info.

OK folks, mark your calendars now so there is no confusion! Dan sent me a note that Mountain View Shape Note Gathering is scheduled for 9-11 July at the Ozarks Folk Center State Park.

Thursday evening - a short singing at c. 5:30 to introduce the event -  the small White Oak Theater (over by 6:45 so folks can go to the main show in the theater).

Friday - on the stage of the Folk Center Auditorium - a presentation of all the oblong shape note books in use today. We will have samples from each to sing. The singers will sing as part of the regular Friday evening show. Teachers can get in-service credit for Friday.

Saturday- a NEW EVENT for the Folk Center as part of the gathering. All-Day singing at the Old High School Auditorium. Great venue. 1/2 day 1991 book, 1/2 day Christian Harmony. Dutch treat for lunch.

More details will follow as they become available. The Mountain View event is an opportunity to gain a wider appreciation for the different variations of shape note singing. It's something to put on your "bucket list" if you haven't been there and the Saturday singing adds more icing on special Folk Center event.

Any further updates and additional pictures will be posted on the Shiloh Singers webpages in a few days (after April 15th?). Park your pencils, file your forms in a folder and get away from your computer screen while sharing the tradition of Sacred Harp singing this Sunday. You'll be glad you did.

The Shiloh Sacred Harp Singers March Newsletter... Opportunities abound!

Syd and friends lead at Texas Convention

First, a quick reminder that the Shiloh Sacred Harp Singers will be recessed to allow singers to attend the Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention this Saturday and Sunday, March 7th and 8th. We're keeping a careful eye on the weather forecast for the Washington, Missouri area which should clear on Friday with sunny weather with highs in the mid-50's and lows about 29 degrees. While the Interstates toward the St. Louis area are expected to be clear, the secondary roads may require more care. If you're headed that way, please be sure to check the forecast. For more information the Missouri State Convention, see the February newsletter posted on our web page.

The Shiloh Singers will reconvene on Sunday, April 12th, at 1:30 to 4:00 P.M. in the General Store on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale.

Perhaps the most important news is that Robert Vaughn of Mount Enterprise, TX has sent out a note to gauge the interest of Arkansas singers to participate in a Sunday afternoon, March 22nd singing at the conclusion of the Jonquil Festival at Historic Washington State Park in Washington, AR. The Historic Washington Methodist Church would host the event again this year from 3:30 to 5:30 P.M. The festival is a three day event. According to the festival announcement in the park calendar:

Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers and visitors to the town of Historic Washington. Unique crafts and delicious foods are just part of the attractions from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, then again from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Tours of the park, historic homes, and museums are available at regular price.  Call the park at (870) 983-2684 for details.

I have to admit that I wished we could have spent more time at the festival booths and community attractions when several of the Shiloh Singers participated last year. For more information about the state park and local community attractions, check out the Washington State Park website for pictures, maps, etc. If you're interested in singing at the event, it makes sense to carpool. Please let me know if you're interested and we'll see what we can put together a list plus let Robert know how many from the Shiloh Group expect to attend by sending a quick email to brt.black@gmail.com.

We also hope to have more details about the NWA Arkansas Spring Sacred Harp Convention after discussion in Missouri. In the meantime, stay warm and stay safe. Hope to see you at one of the singing opportunities in the next month.

Singing at Shiloh Museum on February 8th

With the January 11th ice storm, the Shiloh Sacred Harp Singers of NW Arkansas will host their first singing of the year on Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 1:30 until 4:00 P.M. in the General Store on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. I hope you're looking forward to getting together, catching up on the latest news and making plans for the Missouri State Singing Convention and other events this spring.

If you arrive early enough, those singers who like chicken for Sunday dinner can gather at Springdale's AQ Chicken House around noon. Just ask for the Shiloh Singers at the cashier's desk.

Missouri State Convention Flyer

Those of you who are on the Saint Louis Shape Note Singers mailing list should have already received the Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention flyer with dates, directions and motel information. The singing will span Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, 2015 starting at 9:30 A.M. both days. Singing concludes at 3:00 P.M. each day. A pot-luck dinner on the grounds is served each day for lunch. There's also a Saturday evening social event event and supper. Details and directions will be provided at the singing. If you would like more information, PDF copies of the flyer are available at: http://www.stlfasola.org/2015ConventionFlyer.pdf

The Shiloh Singers who attend the Missouri convention tend to stay in Washington, MO and a Friday evening supper and Sunday morning breakfast are becoming a tradition. Car pooling and room sharing are encouraged and we can work on those details on Sunday or as the convention dates get closer.

As a result of the exodus to Missouri for their convention, the Shiloh Singers will be in recess on March 8, 2015 and our next regular 2nd Sunday singing will be on April 12, 2015. The Northwest Arkansas Convention is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd in Harrison, AR at St. John's Episcopal Church. It looks like a busy schedule as we head for spring and summer. Please mark your calendar and check back for any updates.

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One sad announcement: Norma Dickerson's mother, Mrs. Hazel "Suzie" Dickerson passed away on Saturday, January 30th at the age of 91. A memorial service has been scheduled at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville on Tuesday morning, February 3rd at 10:00 A.M. Mrs. Dickerson shared a love for her church and Sacred Harp singing with her daughter, Norma, who has remained steadfast in her help and support for the Shiloh Singers. Norma has helped set up before and clean up after many local events and she's supported the singers in so many different ways. We share a sacred harp connection with Norma's loss.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 1101 North Woolsey Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72703 or Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 East Longview St. Fayetteville, AR 72703.

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In which case, we hope to see each of you at the Sunday singing even more. Take care and drive safely.

Shiloh Singers January Newsletter (updated)

Singing Christmas tunes 12/14/14. Photo by Patricia

Hello Everyone...

January 11th Singing ~ I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year's celebration. The first week of 2015 has seemed very short for some reason. As we get older I think we move and think a little slower and it takes more time to do the same things we used to do quickly. We may also take a little more time to remember to do things. In any case, I don't want any of you to forget the Shiloh Singers will be gathering at the General Store on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 1:30 for a short afternoon of celebrating the new year with Sacred Harp songs and fellowship. The usual before-singing lunch at AQ's Chicken House at noon will continue for those who arrive early. Any left-over New Year's cookies or snacks are always welcomed at January singings. New singers are also welcomed, so start the year off by bringing a friend who enjoys singing. We can share the experience as easily as we share cookies and singing is better for good health any day.

Questions and Answers ~ I've already had a couple of questions this month about singing at the Missouri State Convention in March and where to find more information about finding Sacred Harp singings if traveling. We can share the answers to those questions too.

I've been pencilling in 2015 events. Do you know the date for the Missouri State Convention?

The Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention is scheduled for the "Second Sunday and Saturday before" in March of each year. That works out to Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th starting each day at 9:30.  That's also our normal singing date in Springdale, so we usually declare a recess in March and hope as many as can will join other Shiloh Singers who plan to sing in Missouri. The St. Louis Singers sponsor the event and you can check their web site for updates at: http://www.stlfasola.org/  and I'll also post more info in our newsletters and web page when available. We try to encourage people to share rides and expenses to keep costs reasonable. The Missouri State Convention is more like a international event with singers from Canada to Alabama. It's an event you'll remember and want to repeat again.

I am making out my calender for 2015. Would you mind sending me an email with the list of singings with dinner on the ground? I wanted to plan to attend some this year.

The mother lode of Sacred Harp information is http://www.fasola.org/
The Singings tab on the website also has links to directories of current singings from all over the country. See: http://www.fasola.org/singings/  Look for Warren Steele's list of annual singings
*  If you're interested in Denson book singings check out: http://www.mcsr.olemiss.edu/~mudws/annual.html
*  If you're in Texas or other places looking for Cooper Book singings visit: http://www.mcsr.olemiss.edu/~mudws/cooper.html
But it's a good idea to check out both lists. Most of the all day singings have lunch or a list of places to eat close at hand, and will usually indicate the arrangements on their website or in their announcement flyer. Example: Missouri usually has a map with directions to the church and nearby motels.

Finally, we have several extra 2014 Minutes Books in the general store where we sing. We receive the 2015 Minutes books during the spring of the year. Be sure to get tje mew copy when it arrives. Minutes books are only updated once a year, but a subscription to the Fasola mailing lists are available at: http://www.fasola.org/community/lists/  It's not a bad idea to check the phone numbers posted in the announcements to confirm the date and locations if you need more directions. I've been on some nice country drives before, but the dates or locations are seldom changed. In those cases, the journey is the reward.

One more thing ~ I love to drive in winter. You can see through the bare trees and see houses, barns and churches that are hidden again in the warmer months of the year. I used to love to participate in European winter rally events and have been sideways in an icy turn with the steering wheel at full lock, the throttle floored and the biggest grin on my face. That was almost 50 years ago and my weather prediction skills aren't any better now than they were back then when the weather maps were printed in German. However, there's a new tool available for Arkansas drivers called "I Drive Arkansas." In case the weather takes a bad turn, I hope you'll join me by checking out the road conditions at: http://www.idrivearkansas.com/

Just use the "Winter Weather tab with the snow icon on the right margin of the IDrive home page to pull up two maps. One covers the road department's official opinion of road conditions and the second map covers "What's on the Road." which may be more useful information for old European rally drivers than the usual navigator's notes. The National Weather Service had a long-range forecast of a chance of rain on Sunday. Garrett Lewis and the local weather gang on KFSM Ch. 5 weather on Wednesday night didn't expect any problems as the temperatures along I-49 are expected to be above freezing. I expect I'll check both IDrive maps before leaving home on Sunday morning. I hope you'll do the same, drive safely and hope to see you in Springdale on Sunday!

Update: 1/10/15
Well, that didn't last long. NWS and most weather forecasts are worried about freezing rain. We've canceled the January 1/11/15 singing to be on the safe side but I still thing I'll check out the idrivearkansas.com website before I go very far on Sunday morning.

Time to sing again in Springdale, April 13th...

The buds on the dogwood right outside my office window are just starting to peek out of their winter shell and white clouds of dogwoods with soon follow the yellow daffodils or jonquils, whichever you prefer. That means it's time to sing again in the General Store on the grounds of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale at 118 W. Johnson Ave on Sunday, April 13th. The singing starts at 1:30 P.M. There are several very important reasons I hope we have a good turn out on Sunday afternoon:

1.  This Sunday is also the day that the Shiloh Singers of NW Arkansas were invited to sing at Culpepper Assisted Living Center in Springdale. Just as we did last year, we'll start at the General Store, warm up the vocal cords and then gather up the boxes of songbooks and caravan out to the Culpepper Center. The center is only a short distance away, easy to find (I'll have a few maps.) and even easier if you follow someone who was there last year. When we've finished singing, the group can adjourn to a nearby Denny's to rest our vocal cords with coffee or hot chocolate and whatever your doctor allows you to eat for desserts. It's also a very nice break in the routine for those who reside in the center!

2.  We also need to talk about the plans for the Northwest Arkansas Sacred Harp Singing Convention scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. in the Parish Hall of the St. Johns Episcopal Church, 707 W. Central Ave., in Harrison, Arkansas. The "dinner on the grounds" will be a pot luck covered dish lunch served in the Parish Hall at noon. Dan Brittain, who lives in Harrison is coordinating the event and we need to get an idea of what people want to bring for lunch. I always vote for plenty of desserts but we need to have a good variety of veggies and other food groups. I can also vouch for the quality of the cooking in NWA. This is a full day of singing and a good time to learn more about Sacred Harp singing. Also keep in mind that this is more of a regional event with singers from MO, OK, and other parts of Arkansas who have attended in the past. With any luck at all and good weather, we hope to have a good turn out for our annual spring convention. Obtain Convention Flyer.

3.  Several days ago, I received an email from a group who have been talking about organizing and sponsoring a shape note/Sacred Harp singing in the Little Rock area. I forwarded the email to Dan and several others in the Shiloh group as well as singers in central and southern Arkansas or from surrounding states who have much more experience than I do in these types of things. I'm sure there may be opportunities to work together that would increase the visibility of Sacred Harp singing in the state and help all of the small groups who wish to promote Sacred Harp in their own communities as an enjoyable way to support a traditional way of singing. It's something that deserves some talking time on the April schedule. Representatives of the group have also been invited to the singing convention in Harrison to observe, sing or just meet some of the people who might be able to assist their effort.

4. Bob and Gina Cauley sent a note that their family attended a Sacred Harp singing in Colorado Springs during March and that Colorado Springs will host an all day singing on April 26, 2014 if you are traveling in the area. Katy and I certainly enjoyed singing with the Colorado Springs group several years ago. Bob also mentioned he had found a source for "I [heart] Sacred Harp" button if we want to make those available to NWA singers. We'll find time to talk about the pins somewhere in the schedule too.

5. For singers who might be interested in attending an adult or youth FaSoLa Camp in Alabama or the European Sacred Harp Tour with both the UK and Poland Conventions and Camp FaSoLa Europe, this is the 2014 schedule:
Adult Camp FaSoLa:
        Sun, Jun 8 /4pm - Thu, Jun 12 /8am  Camp McDowell—
        Double Springs, AL 
Youth Camp FaSoLa:
        Mon, Jun 30 /3pm - Fri, Jul 4 /9am  Camp Lee—Anniston, AL
Camp FaSoLa Europe:
        Mon, Sep 22 /3pm - Fri, Sep 26 /9am  Wichrowe Wzgórze—
        Chmielno, Poland
Obtain Camp FaSoLa Application

Sacred Harp UK Convention, Camp FaSoLa Europe and Poland Convention 
        Sep 18 - Sep 30, 2014
Obtain Tour Brochure and separate Tour Enrollment Form


Pictures: Singing in Two States During March

Click on any picture for a larger version.

	St. John's United Church of Christ in Pinckney Township, north of Washington, Missouri, site of the 29th Annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention on March 8th and 9th.
	The tall wooden church, with its soaring steeple was built in the 1870's and sits together with working farms near the banks of the Missouri River.
	The new gavel-covered parking lot was quickly filled and later parking spaces stretched down a small grass covered road toward the church cemetery which is located on a small mound west of the church.
	A good turnout was enjoyed both days with some sitting in the balcony. All the parts, treble, alto, tenor and bass were very well represented. Singers in the alto section were sitting on the organ bench and additional chairs were needed.
	All age groups were represented at the Missouri State Sacred Harp Convention: Young and old...
	Experienced and new song leaders...
	And all the singers in between... Thanks to the St. Louis Shaped Note Singers for hosting such a well-organized event and a special thanks to all the cooks who made Saturday's lunch and evening social as well as Sunday's lunch such a treat!
	Arkansas' Historic Washington State Park hosted the 46th annual Jonquil Festival, which ran from Friday through Sunday.March 7th through 9th.
	The Festival fills the park grounds with displays, food and activities for all ages. Booth space was available in the old school gym for a variety of crafts and informational displays.
	The Sunday afternoon singing was conducted in the historic Washington United Methodist Church. Photo Credit: Historic Washington State Park
	Singers from the church and the surrounding Washington area were joined by a number of singers from the East Texas Convention, led by Robert Vaughn. The Shiloh Sacred Harp Singers from NW Arkansas had four singers in attendance.
	Rev. Keenan Williams, pastor of Washington UMC, leading the group with the assistance on one of his young parishioners. Sacred Harp singing is for people who love to sing no matter what their age. Thanks for all the hospitality at the festival and singing and best wishes for your efforts to expand Sacred Harp singing in Central and Southern Arkansas.

And one more thing... The table several of us use at AQ Chicken House in Springdale always seems to have room for an extra chair for anyone who wishes to join us around noon for chicken and dumplings or one of the other fine chicken dishes on the menu. We've already mentioned Denny's post singing. Ya'll come to Springdale on Sunday afternoon and we can all enjoy singing together. Hope to see you there.