Shape Note Singing in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley

Part I: Historical Presentation & Demonstration

Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Charlottesville Friends Meeting, 1104 Forest Street, Charlottesville, VA 

Free, Registration Highly Encouraged | Register Here

Shape note singing has deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley, coming to the area in the 19th century and finding a home in rural churches, schools, and communities. With specially designed notes that are accessible to non-musicians, the tradition continued to grow in the region. Join us for a two-part program series with noted shape note singers Kelly Macklin and John delRe. During the first program, they will not only speak to the historical significance of this music in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, but also perform and demonstrate shape note singing. The second program will be an interactive workshop with other local shape note singers to learn about the musical style and participate in a group singing.