We've been in Glasgow the past few days for a Shape Note singing! This was, in a way, the centerpoint of the family trip. Mother gave a 'beginner's singing school' on Friday night.
There are actually several groups all across the UK that sing the Shape Note traditions, and, just like in the US, it's a friendly, enthusiastic community. But there were people from places like Germany, the Netherlands, North America (4 or six states and Canada), and Poland as well!
On Saturday, there was a full-day Sacred Harp singing at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church.
I haven't really been to many singings in the States, so I don't have a whole lot to compare this experience to. But it was fabulous to be surrounded by so many people who were passionate about this (or at least intrigued and checking it out!). It was great to join in, even though I don't know these songs very well.
Just as in the States, everyone sang with lots of gusto! Although there were much taller vowels on the whole, since most of the people were Scottish/British. And some delicious rolled Rs. :)
The singers were from all sorts of backgrounds, too.
On Sunday there was a two hour guided singing from the Shenandoah Harmony, led by Liz Meitzler. Sunday's session was actually on the University of Glasgow campus. We got to see the following sights on our walk there:
 |
| Mother with Ewan Paterson, one of the coordinators of the Singing. |
In other fun news: we went to see Glasgow's answer to Shakespeare in the Park, called Bard in the Botanics. Like the name implies, it's Shakespeare in the Botanical Gardens. We saw a production of Much Ado About Nothing. It started raining during the intermission, but it wasn't so heavy that they had to cancel the show! What was fun about this production (which was set in the present day) is that Lady Beatrice became Lord Bertram! But don't worry, you actresses out there; the loss of one delicious lady's role was replaced by making Dogberrry a girl.
 |
| When it started to rain, Mamama picked up her stool and took shelter under a tree like the fairy creature she is. |
