This is one of two new choral groups founded in the Spring of 2007 designed to require a smaller time commitment than St. Peter's other choirs. The choir rehearses twice a month and members are expected to attend at least one rehearsal a month; the choir performs an average of once a month.

Its purpose is to attract singers who are interested in exploring a variety of styles of American music, such as Early American music, Southern Harmony hymns, Spirituals and Gospel music, as well as some recent compositions. New members are welcome at any time.

Above is an image of the Shape-note hymn "Star in the East" from the 1854 edition of Southern Harmony; the St. Peter's Singers sang this last year at Eastertide.  You can listen to an mp3 of this hymn at Wikipedia, which says this about Shape-note singing:

Shape notes are a music notation designed to facilitate congregational singing. Shape notes of various kinds have been used for over two centuries in a variety of sacred music traditions practiced primarily in the Southern region of the United States.

You can click the image to see a larger version.

See Choir Community for general announcements related to the choirs, for news of upcoming events, and for the Choir Calendar.