Christchurch Folk Music Club

Sacred Harp Singing Workshop

2.00pm – 4.00pm, 16 August 2026

$10- Members
$15 – Non Members

An Introduction to Sacred Harp Singing

19th Century Heavy Metal, Gregorian Chant meets Bluegrass, The old growth forest of American music. These descriptions of Sacred Harp Singing might intimidate, but don’t let them. At its heart is a musical notation created to simplify the learning process, and a tradition that warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to join in.

Sacred Harp is a tradition of singing unaccompanied four part harmony from a song book of centuries-old hymns, anthems, and other tunes.

This workshop will briefly cover the history of the Sacred Harp tradition, as well as how the tradition is currently observed through weekly and annual singings.

The majority of time will be devoted to reading and singing the distinctive shapenotes used in the Sacred Harp, the tradition of beating time, and working through several songs.

Your instructor:

Mark Bedard moved to the area last year from western Massachusetts, where he was an active member of a Sacred Harp Singing community for several years. His goal in promoting this music is the establishment of a well attended weekly Sacred Harp Singing in Christchurch.

Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm,

VENUE: Irish Society Hall, 29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon The hall is situated up the long driveway, directly next to Domain Park, and there is plenty of well-lit off-street parking..

How do I get tickets to concerts?

In advance: Book your tickets online. Select the concert you wish to attend and click on the link to book your ticket.
On the day: Purchase tickets at the venue from 7:15pm on the day of the concert if not sold out prior.

PLEASE BRING CASH For: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break and the club raffle. Bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility.
Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your membership card for licensing purposes. Non-members sign in at the bar if making purchases.

Celtic Caim – Pauline Vallance (Scotland) and Heather Innes

8 November 2026
Celtic Caim concerts have been described as “hauntingly beautiful harmony singing,” a capella and accompanied by clasarch, flute or bodhrán. An eclectic mix of Celtic songs, songs written by various songwriters, including Pauline & Heather, plus jigs or reels on flute and bodhrán to get your feet tapping!

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