Study Questions
- What musical practices were brought to America from England?
- How did American music differ from European music in colonial times and in the early 19th century?
- Who was America's first choral composer? Do you know any songs that he wrote?
- What is shape note singing? Where did it originate from? What are the two types of shape note singing?
- What is The Sacred Harp? Who wrote it? Where was it published?
- Who can lead shape note singing?
- In what arrangement do shape note singers sit? What is the purpose of that configuration?
- What three types of songs are represented in shape note singing books?
- What are some characteristics of American folk music?
- In the context of folk music, what are variants?
- Who was the most popular hymnist used in shape note songs?
- What influence did the Second Great Awakening and camp meeings have on American hymnody?
- Who were the Wiregrass Sacred Harp Singers? Who started the group? What was their purpose?
- In what ways does Hoboken GA stand out from other singing communities?