Warren Wilson College
Swannanoa, Buncombe County, North Carolina
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The 2nd annual Swannanoa Gathering Shape Note Singing was held at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Books used were The Christian Harmony (‘Carolina book’, 1873 facsimile, 1994 reprint), The Sacred Harp, 1991 edition, and The Southern Harmony, 1854 facsimile, 1987 UofK reprint.
Jane Spencer called the singing to order at 10:00, welcoming all present. Jane Spencer opened with 61t and Ron Pen led in prayer.
The first session was from The Christian Harmony (‘Carolina book’, 1994 reprint). Leaders: Chris Wilhelm 103b; Robert Kelley 268; Don Wiley 153; Caroline Parsons 215t; Michael Spencer 361; Diane Eskenasy 51; Julianne Wiley 26b; Mary Baumeister 206b; Tina Becker 367; Frank DeBolt 204t; June Jolley 54t; Martha Sullivan 255t; John Plunkett 133; Carl Blozan 381A; Dan Huger 248b.
Recess
Jane Spencer brought the group back with 67b; Stephanie Tingler 236b.
The second session continued with lessons from The Sacred Harp (1991). Leaders: Ron Pen 455; Emily Holzer 410t; David Bowen 128; Shannon Primm 540; Maggie Foote 146; Robert Kelley 90; Ron Pen 282, by request; Michael Spencer 113; Caroline Parsons 430.
Lunch
Jane Spencer reconvened the singers, leading 112. Leaders: Chris Wilhelm 475; Diane Eskenasy 155; Ken George 569b; Julianne Wiley 63; Mary Baumeister 180; Frank DeBolt 452; John Plunkett 461; Carl Blozan 159; Dan Huger 29t; Stephanie Tingler 196; Meghan Cornett 421; Nathan Morrison 497.
In a brief business meeting we voted to keep the same officers for the 2009 singing: Chairperson—Jane Spencer; Vice Chairperson—Ron Pen; Secretary—Chris Wilhelm.
Selections from The Southern Harmony (1854) followed: Ron Pen 6t; Jane Spencer 318; Robert Kelley 173b; Michael Spencer 41; Maggie Foote 8t; Mary Baumeister 260; John Plunkett 114; Dan Huger 134; Ron Pen 285t; Robert Kelley 108; Michael Spencer 102; Maggie Foote 272; Mary Baumeister 63; John Plunkett 295; Dan Huger 267t.
The singing was closed by Ron Pen leading 267 (SH). Dan Huger led in prayer.
Chairperson—Jane Spencer; Vice Chairperson—Ron Pen; Secretary—Chris Wilhelm; Arranging—Dorothy Lane.
