Harmony Hill
Last week was a full one, but we had to end it with a quick trip to TX for the day :) Leaving at 3:30am last Friday, everyone, except Papa, Josiah and Joshua headed toward Harmony Hill's 60th annual Singing School, a week long camp that Mama grew up attending. The Lord provided for us to attend the last day of the camp and we really enjoyed it! We were able to see old friends, meat new ones and enjoy using the gift of singing for the glory of God with fellow believers. After we arrived, everyone gathered for a morning devotion given by Mama's Uncle Zach. Then we all scattered to our respective classes which were divided according to age/grade, teaching the foundations of the shape notes (Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do… for any of you that would understand :), rhythm, sight reading, singing parts (Soprano, Alto, Tenner and Bass), theory, proper singing posture, vocal warmups, as well as just having fun vocally experimenting with different chords and different hymns! The food was delicious and the fellowship was great! We missed not having Papa, Josiah and Joshua along, but we were thankful they stayed safe while we were gone. Hopefully they will be able to join us next time!
Part of the already loaded up crew, half asleep and still ready to go…
Caleb, awake enough to smile before falling back to sleep
Daniel… not time to get up yet.
On the road. We didn't have to stop once, even with all the little ones in the van! :)
Caleb and Joanna's class
4th - 5th grade
Mama talking with a good, longtime friend (and since Mama's from the south, she happened to be a cousin, too :)
Elisabeth attended the advanced class, and I would have been there with her but was enjoying helping the young ones in the beginner's class :) Bro. Joey was and is a great teacher!
The young ones' class heading to lunch :) I got back a little too late to snap a shot of them in a session, but they did have a great time learning, singing, coloring and eating a snack :)
Our crew at the children's table ready to dive in!
Left to right: Carolyn, Sarah, Rachel, Joseph and Mama
Daniel! :)
The afternoon "sacred harp" session for the advanced class
They had the swing set all to themselves for once! That's a rarity at Harmony Hill…
Christina and Charity playing tether ball
Sarah ready to sing!
The beginner's class performed that evening first
Sarah (in the middle)
Joseph
Joanna, Naomi and Caleb's class performing (Caleb opted out, but enjoyed the evening in the crowd :)
Joanna and Naomi
Their class learned how to song lead, and lead the congregation in a number together. The girls did great!
Laura, Christina and Charity's class singing for everyone
Charity
Christina and Laura
Then was the advanced class which Elisabeth and I enjoyed participating in for the day!
There we are :) We weren't familiar with the song enough to look up, but we were keeping one eye on the directer!
Two daughters of the couple who started this singing school 60 years ago!
Aunt Helen and Aunt Ollie as they are known :)
What a blessing to be a part of this wonderful group for the day! We have attended the whole week as a family a couple times in the past, and this singing school has hugely impacted Mama's life which has in turn influenced us children. Praise the Lord for people who are still seeking to serve the Lord through music!
~ Anna
Did you say you were in Texas? We were just in Texas too! We left yesterday, but we spent two days in Dallas. It was very HOT after our time back in Tennessee and Kentucky! Looks like ya'll had fun.
ReplyDeleteOh, and is there a way I can follow this blog by email? I didn't see the little gadget. If you are worried about security, you can always block anyone you choose through FeedBurner.
ReplyDeleteI just added it :) We'll see how it works!
DeleteYes Harmony Hill was in TX, and we just got back from TX again where my uncle had his wedding! Both occasions were in the Fortworth area.