The Hollow Square

Sacred Harp singers face each other in a “hollow square” formation with each voice part on one side. Song leaders stand in the center facing the tenor section, where the melody is usually found.

In accordance with tradition dating back to colonial-era singing schools, the assembled singers are sometimes called the “class” and the songs “lessons.”

Every singer may lead a song. Most lead 1 or 2 songs during their time in the center of the hollow square.

Image of large convention
Carroll Lunsford and Richard DeLong lead together in January, 2006