Sacred Harp Leading Workshop
Schedule
Sun Jun 14 2026 at 02:00 pm to 04:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Whitworth Art Gallery | Manchester, EN
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If you've not yet tried leading Sacred Harp songs from the middle of the square or want to fine tune your leading skills, now's your chance...Manchester Sacred Harp will host a free-to-attend singing school focused on leading. It's aimed at Sacred Harp singers wishing to improve their skills and gain more confidence.
Complete beginners are also very welcome to join us - note that this is an 'improvers' rather than a beginners' workshop, but new singers are welcome at any time. On this occasion, the singing will be slower paced than usual and with more talking from the middle so we all have a chance to listen and learn.
Tom Sprackland will talk through the principles of good leading, share techniques on clear communication, and give anyone who fancies trying it the space and support to give it a go.
- All voices welcome
- No musical experience needed
- People from all faiths and none are welcome
- Attendance is free
Please let us know if you're coming. Email sacredharpmanchester@ gmail.com or click 'Going' so we know to expect you. If you're brand new, we recommend you email.
Our door is open - feel free to sit and sing with us if you want to give it a try, or drop by to listen.
Finding us:
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You'll find us in the stunning setting of the Whitworth Art Gallery. Ask directions at the welcome desk to find the room we're in on this occasion.
Getting there: https://bit.ly/3SoeBUt
Access information:
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The venue is wheelchair accessible and has assisted toilet facilities. There are 5 parking spaces on Denmark Road for Blue Badge holders, with step-free access via the Parkside entrance.
More details: https://bit.ly/3DJt5ds
https://manchestersacredharp.uk/access-and-welcome/
Code of Conduct:
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We are an inclusive community. We can enjoy singing together without believing the same things or living the same way. The unwritten rule of singing is to avoid contentious issues and focus on what unites us.
We won’t tolerate bullying, harassment or disruption. Our rules are simple: treat each other with kindness, respect the conventions of the tradition and strive for harmony.
To help you anticipate what to expect, read our FAQs, Access & Attitudes page and What is Sacred Harp pages on the website:
https://manchestersacredharp.uk/faqs/
https://manchestersacredharp.uk/access-and-welcome/
https://manchestersacredharp.uk/what-is-sacred-harp/
DON'T SPREAD YOUR GERMS!
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Singing loudly together in close proximity is excellent for wellbeing. But it’s also a quick way to spread germs. So if you’re snotty or coughing, please just stay at home.
We expect all singers to take very seriously their personal responsibility for not bringing ANY transmissable illness to the singing. Please DO NOT attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of cough, common cold, COVID, Flu, or other infectious illness.
Food and Drink
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No food or drink is allowed to be consumed in the gallery. Only lidded bottles of water are permitted in the space.
You can bring your own food to eat outdoors or in a designated eating, studying and socialising space in the gallery called The Living Room. There is also a café, though please be aware that it's generally very busy at the weekend, so there may be a long wait for a table.
https://bit.ly/3DGOnbP
New to Sacred Harp?
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Sacred Harp is a choral tradition that originated in the United States in the late 1800s, drawing on the hymns and folk tunes of the time. It's sung in four-part harmony, with no instruments accompanying the singers.
It is accessible, communal and participatory, not performative. So there's no 'choir practice' – you just turn up and sing.
Manchester Sacred Harp is a friendly group who get together for the love of singing. Anyone can attend as a when they can. There's no expectation to always attend.
There is a mixture of abilities, and the voices of the most experienced singers help you to follow the tune. You won’t be asked to sing alone, and there’s no audience. It’s all about power of many voices joined in harmony.
This lovely short video gives a useful explanation of Sacred Harp:
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Where is it happening?
Whitworth Art Gallery, Escorts, Denmark Road, Manchester, M15 6, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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