Dr. Ron Pen to Teach at Seedtime

Appalshop’s annual Seedtime on the Cumberland festival welcomes Dr. Ron Pen of the University of Kentucky to lead a shape note singing school during the festival. The workshop will take place in the Appalshop Conference Room on Saturday, June 13^th at 11:00am. People of all singing skill levels are invited to participate.

Dr. Pen, a founding member of the Appalachian Association of Sacred Harp Singers, will be teaching Seedtime participants the American singing tradition known as “shape note singing.” This musical style, often called “Sacred Harp” singing, is a type of sight-reading harmonization that is a rich part of American heritage. Dr. Pen’s workshop will be open to everyone willing to participate and will include some background history and social context for the music.  No musical experience necessary!