For many Sacred Harp singers, the local or practice singings (i.e., monthly and weekly singings) are fun, but the real fun is going to all-day singings or conventions (conventions usually include two days of singing).
1. Etiquette
The Pacific Northwest Sacred Harp Web site offers a number of columns on convention etiquette from “Manners’ Matters: Miss Grace Notes’ Advice on All Things Sacred Harp” — worth reading so you know what to do (and not to do) at your first convention or all-day singing.
2. Where to find conventions and all-day singings in the Bay Area
As of spring 2017, expect 5 all-day singings each year within driving distance of the San Francisco Bay Area:
New Year’s Day, all-day singing in Healdsburg
late April, all-day singing in Alameda
late August, all-day singing in Palo Alto
September, all-day singing in Santa Cruz
mid November, all-day singing in Sacramento
In addition, every third January, the All-California Convention, a two-day event, takes place in the Bay Area. Next one is 2018.
Click here for more accurate info. on these singings.
3. Where to find other conventions and all-day singings
Warren Steele’s Web site offers a comprehensive list of annual all-day singings and conventions. Steele keeps this up-to-date to the best of his ability, but always check with the contact person before making plans to travel to a singing.