Shape Note Music Compositions

Contact Jesse if you are interested in obtaining copies of his compositions in the style of the Sacred Harp. Learn about his artworks inspired by Sacred Harp singing.

I first attempted to write in the style of the Sacred Harp in a rush of inspiration following the 2003 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention. Since then, I have continued to write tunes and study this moving and complex musical style.

I have been privileged to share my music with groups of Sacred Harp singers in Boston, New York City, Eastern New York, Western Massachusetts, Middletown, CT, Pennsylvania Portland, OR, West Georgia, Northeastern Alabama, and elsewhere in the United States.

I have learned about composition in this tradition from Raymond C. Hamrick of Macon, GA, Richard DeLong of Whitesburg, GA, Neely Bruce of Middletown, CT, and from my fellow tune writers from the Northeastern United States: Aldo Ceresa, Allison Schofield, Tim Eriksen, Eliza Cavanaugh, Hal Kunkel, and Justin Squizzero, among others.

Along with Aldo Ceresa, Allison Schofield, and other singer-composers, I’ve helped organize gatherings where composers active in the Sacred Harp tradition meet to sing and discuss each others music in the context of trying to better understand this tradition. I have participated in "composiums" held at the Chatham, NY village hall, and held in conjunction with the Albany Area All-Day Singing, The Maidencreek All Day Singing, and the Berkshire Foothills All Day Singing, all in 2007. I am currently planning a "composium" to be held in conjunction with the 2008 Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention.

If you are interested in singing some of my music in the style of the Sacred Harp or learning more about Sacred Harp singing and composition, please contact me.