At Camp Fasola this morning in a workshop called “Sacred Harp Harmony and Style,” Dan Brittain kept saying things that were eminently quotable. I tried to write down a few of the things he said:
In response to several questions about the “right” way to do things: “Respect the local tradition.” And once he added that you’ve got to travel around and listen to how people sing.
More on the importance of listening: “You’ve got to listen to each other in order for it to sound like Sacred Harp. You can’t just sing loud — and not listen to the people around you.”
After singing no. 288 White: “Moderate speed should be the rule. You can hear a lot more of those harmonies. You can sing fast, but that should be the exception.”