"shape note singing"....I don't have a clue what that is..could you please enlighten this ignorant soul???
Originated in early 19th century in New England in reaction to the horrid quality of church singing. It is a method whereby each note on the musical staff has a unique shape. And one learns to sing a tune by sounding the tone attached to the shape - do, re. mi, fa, so, la, ti,do.
Four part harmony with no instrumental accompaniment.
Had almost died out in the 50's but has resurged in recent years.
Much more at www.fasola.org