Our second book, The Valley Pocket Harmonist, is available for purchase now.
The Valley Pocket Harmonist
6.75×9.5″, 407 pages
isbn: 979-8-218-39203-1
We are proud to present The Valley Pocket Harmonist, the eagerly awaited supplement to The Shenandoah Harmony, crafted for singers of all levels and groups of all types. This tunebook, bound in a durable hardback format, offers a carefully curated selection of four-shape note tunes, both classic and newly composed, that promise to captivate shape-note singing enthusiasts.
The core of The Valley Pocket Harmonist lies in the unpublished original tunes of John Bayer, Jr. and the rediscovered Songs of Zion (1821) by James Carrell of the Valley of Virginia, and inspiration from historical tunebooks like John Steffy’s Valley Harmonist (1836) and William Walker’s The Southern and Western Pocket Harmonist (1846). This project also focuses on arranging traditional folk and spiritual melodies, integrating spiritual texts into the shape-note style. These arrangements draw upon the interpretive work of prominent figures such as George Pullen Jackson, Shirley Collins, Deerin Farrer, Hiram Mattison, Joseph Hillman, John Steffy, and Winston Wilkinson. Additionally, the book incorporates lesser-used sources like Shaker hymns and the poetry of Milton, Blake, and Dickinson, expanding the depth and diversity of its offerings. Modern contributions from contemporary composers across the USA and Europe also enrich the collection, providing a vibrant mix of old and new.
The process of compiling The Valley Pocket Harmonist was a nine-year journey involving the collaboration of a dedicated team of singers and scholars. Similar to the creation of The Shenandoah Harmony, the project involved extensive research, including the use of sprawling spreadsheets to track tunes, notes, votes, and sources. Over 450 songs were reviewed and sent out to a remote committee for further commentary, with final drafts being proof-sung by volunteer groups across the country. This careful process ensures that the tunebook offers a balance of both easy and challenging songs, suitable for everything from all-day singings to smaller, more intimate gatherings.
An essential addition to any shape-note collection, The Valley Pocket Harmonist is now available for purchase. We encourage you to explore this portable and comprehensive resource, designed to keep the spirit of shape-note singing alive and evolving for generations to come.