Shape Note Singing | Ypsilanti
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7-9pm. Off Center at Riverside Arts Center. Free to attend.
Once described as “the Metal of Early-American Music,” Shape Note Singing is a community-focused, practice-based singing style that uses notated noteheads with distinct shapes to make learning music accessible to everyone. The result is a bold, resonant sound that fills the room and connects singers through shared rhythm and its unique harmony.
Our group meets twice a month to sing from The Sacred Harp (2025) and The Shenandoah Harmony, celebrating a living tradition that’s as spirited as it is welcoming.
Newcomers are encouraged to join us every 2nd Tuesday for a workshop-style deep dive into the history and technique of Shape Note Singing.
No experience required—just bring your voice and curiosity!
If you don’t have a copy of The Sacred Harp, don’t worry! We’ll have a few loaner copies available to use and purchase.
You’re Invited to the 1st Annual Ypsi-Arbor All Day Sing!
- We’ll be singing from The Sacred Harp (2025 Edition – “The Green Book). No experience necessary – just bring yourself, maybe a friend, and your voice! We will have some copies of The Sacred Harp to borrow if you do not own a copy yourself.
- You’re invited (but not required!) to bring an item for the potluck.
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- Potluck sign up: https://forms.gle/
f4xgYUkLtrDHmxAs7
- Potluck sign up: https://forms.gle/
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- Questions? Email grey@
riversidearts.org
Accessibility Information
Riverside Arts Center (RAC) is located at 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti, MI.
N. Huron Street runs in one direction, due north, past RAC.
We have a small 29-space parking lot that is reserved for RAC patrons, which includes 2 reserved accessible parking spaces. This parking lot is located on the north side of our facilities and is a short 1-minute walk to the entrance.
There are also two public street-parking reserved accessible parking spaces along N Huron St. on the right (east) side of the street, directly in front of RAC.
The all-day sing will take place in the 1st floor, Off Center located in the South Building (see “Hours, Parking, Location, and Facilities).
The entrance to the Off Center is located along N Huron St. and is at street level, allowing for the use of mobility aids.
RAC has an elevator that grants access to all levels of both buildings of our facilities. This elevator has a street-level accessible entrance along N Huron St. and is marked by accessible entrance signage
The potluck will take place in the North Gallery located on the basement level of RAC’s North Building. This area is a half-level below the Off Center and can be accessed through a set of stairs, or the elevator. To access the elevator from the Off Center, patrons may choose to walk through our garage area, which requires a small step down from the Off Center to the Garage. There is a temporary ramp placed at that step for mobility aids. Alternatively, patrons may exit back onto the street outside of the Off Center and walk along the sidewalk to access the street-level elevator entrance to avoid the small step between the Off Center and the Garage, required to access the elevator
View our “Hours, Parking, Location, and Facilities” page for more information on all public parking options, our location, building layout, and more.
The Sacred Harp is a shape note hymnal that has been in continuous publication since 1844. Originally rooted in the American South, the Sacred Harp tradition has spread across the country and around the world.
For lots of juicy info on Shape Note Singing, including information about other local shape note singing groups visit fasolamichigan.org and fasola.org
The Ypsi Shape Note Group is an offshoot of the Ann Arbor Sacred Harp Group.
Ann Arbor has the longest tradition of Shape Note Singing of any active group in the state. singing from 1-4 pm on the Second Sunday of each month. All are welcome—no experience necessary, and loaner books are available.
The Ark (performance venue)
316 S, Main St.
Ann Arbor, MI