Excited to see what this day will bring, we wake up early and get ourselves together to head out to Milwaukie for the first day of the Portland Sacred Harp Regional Sing. First we have to make our way through breakfast with the St. Olaf's College orchestra (made me think of Betty White's Golden Girl character and her incessant reminiscing about her days at St. Olaf's). They were a pretty boisterous bunch for an orchestra. Maybe it's because they are expected to listen so intently in order to play their part.
One of the aspects of Sacred Harp I love so much is the potluck lunch. We make for the Safeway to get something to share. I know it would be rude to show up with nothing (even though I intend to make a good donation of money toward the cause.
It turned out to be pretty easy to find. This sing is in the Milwaukie Community Center, just a few miles away. There is a square dance club that meets here regularly (can you tell?) so there are multiple signs pleading for care of the wood floor. No food or drink allowed (eating takes place downstairs), but water in enclosed containers is okay.
The first thing that happens after everybody gathers and signs in, is a business meeting. Very short. New slate of officers elected for the year. And the first hymn is sung. Then the chaplain says a prayer (everybody standing) and the new president sets the ground rules for the sing.
My favorite thing about this space is the disco ball. Illumination and inspiration for singing about being washed in the blood of the Lamb.
When I was introduced to Sacred Harp, my friend described it as "church for singers." It is an odd community. We were asked how many of us grew up in the tradition. Two hands went up. It's Portland, not Atlanta.
Today's sing invited a guest teacher to talk about the ins and outs of leading. She is from Alabama and gets misty eyed about how inclusive Sacred Harp communities are.
There is no conductor. The leader is invited to lead one hymn of his or her choice after which he/she gives over the center to the next leader. The leader calls out the song number and someone (it doesn't have to be the leader) sets the pitches.
It's a bit chaotic in the beginning with people coming in and finding their place. While we are waiting to begin, we meet a young woman from the costume department at Ashland (turns it she is from North Carolina).
I love Sacred Harp because it is egalitarian. What few rules there are make sense and are generally followed. Mistakes are tolerated with a minimum of ridicule. No matter where you come from, you are welcome. No one has to lead, but everyone is invited.
Usually the sing is broken into blocks of singing, a short break, sing again, lunch, and then another couple of sessions with a prayer at the end. I have never gotten to attend the Sunday session because I have always had to work. Los Angeles sing is in San Pedro at Angel's Gate. It's worth going to.
Lunch is always beyond good. The afternoon sessions can be a bit laborious after eating too much at the potluck.
After we sang. Pie! Yep. Pacific Pie. I have been dreaming about these tarts. And the peanut butter pie was excellent, too. But these Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts have claimed my heart. Wow.
Ready for a nap (and maybe a little football).
Tomorrow: Portland Sacred Harp Regional Sing Day Two and a tip from Tom Gerald that may be too good to pass up.
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