Albany Sacred Harp (Shape Note) Singing

Sing four-part harmony with others and make a sound unlike anything else on earth—without auditions, rehearsals, or a commitment. Just singing for joy! All are welcome! We sing out of the Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition. Loaner books are available.

Most Saturdays 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Please note there may be changes to the schedule for particular weeks; check the Facebook page or the website albanysacredharp.org for the most up-to-date information.

“Haunting ancient harmonies…Gregorian chant meets bluegrass” —NY Times
“the heavy metal music of the 19th century” —J. Hauff

We are an informal, friendly group of people from the greater Albany, N.Y., area who sing Sacred Harp music together. Sacred Harp is traditional, a cappella, community harmony singing. All our events are free of charge and open to newcomers, all ages, all voices, and all levels of musical (in)experience. Loaner books and explanations are available at the singings.

Yes! We will have everything you need:
- a warm welcome
- a tunebook to borrow
- a cup of tea
- explanations/instruction as you may require

We sing in the Great Hall of St. George’s Episcopal Church in the Schenectady Stockade. The church’s address is 30 N Ferry St, Schenectady, NY 12305, but direct your GPS to 214 Green St for the parking lot. There is a door leading directly from the parking lot to the Great Hall, on your right just before you go down the stairs to the church. No stairs involved: wheelchair accessible.

COVID-19 protocols: We sing together each Saturday, in person and indoors, mask optional. Please do not attend in the case of possible symptoms or exposure to COVID or other illness. Sacred Harp Singing is an Affiliate Event of the DanceFlurry Organization, and its COVID safety policies are determined by the event organizers and the venue, not the DFO. Some special events have individual COVID protocols.

Free