Origins
The English colonists settling in America brought their unique method of fasola solmization to New England. Singing Schools were established there in the 1700s to improve the quality of congregational singing. Colonial era singing masters and composers published books to use in the singing schools and to market their own music.
One of the most important figures in early American music was William Billings. Billings is considered America's first choral composer. Many of his songs were borrowed by subsequent song book writers. His best known songs are still included in modern editions of The Sacred Harp. During the American Revolution his patriotic song Chester was sung by New England patriots as the unofficial national anthem.
Chester - William Billiangs
Sung in the John Adams series