THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER MAINTAINED. It has been retained for historical reasons only.
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.