As a tradition practiced since 1801, shape-note singing is one of the oldest forms of music in the United States. Rooted in the rural South, it thrived during the 19th century as a form of education and socializing. Today, it persists in Appalachia and across the world. Stefani will teach participants the basics of learning how to read and sing shape-notes in order to preserve this historical practice. She will also relay the history of the practice of shape-note singing. Participants will be provided with The Christian Harmony shape-note music book.
About Stefani Priskos: Stefani Priskos is a North Carolina-based folklorist and educator from Alabama. Stefani holds an M.A. in folklore from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received UNC’s Archie Green Fellowship for Occupational Folklife for her master’s thesis research for her work on hospice bedside singing. She also holds a B.A. in linguistics from Barnard College of Columbia University, with concentrations in French and Modern Greek. When not collaborating with communities to document, explore, and celebrate established and emerging traditions, Stefani enjoys hiking, traveling, and shapenote singing. She currently serves as the Programs Development Manager at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC.
Cost: $35 for Museum Members, $45 for Non-Members. Some fees apply.
Location: Thomas Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (300 Cragmont Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711)
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
