Sonic performative persuasion in shape-note singing communities

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Sims, Rebekah (2019) Sonic performative persuasion in shape-note singing communities. In: CCCC 2019 Annual Convention: Performance-Rhetoric, Performance-Composition, 2019-03-13 - 2019-03-16.

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Abstract

Sacred Harp shape-note singing is a communal, ritual practice using unique musical notation. It is an embodied practice wherein nonsectarian, diverse communities of untrained singers continue an eighteenth-century Protestant musical tradition. However, unlike many ritual performances using religious language, Sacred Harp prompts shared transcendence for participants without imposing shared doctrine. Exploring the practices of a musical singing community with the context of a rhetoric and composition conference may seem odd; however, I argue that transmission of Sacred Harp is a rhetorical act. This presentation offers a window into rhetoric beyond “words, words, words,” -- rituals, sounds, and communal experiences are rhetorical. Teaching this ritual persuades newcomers to participate; thus, through performative action ensuring the ritual’s and community’s continuation. Scholars interested in performance rhetorics have much to gain from experiencing and understanding Sacred Harp singing, because Sacred Harp offers a rare glimpse into a communal ritual in which procedural knowledge (how to perform) provides more group cohesion than exegetical knowledge (why to perform). Often, we join communities for exegetical reasons; Sacred Harp communities come together for non-exegetical purposes yet demonstrate profoundly supportive, enthusiastic, and participative community life both inside and outside the time spent singing together. Rhetoric and composition has a deep investment in creating inclusive communities and engaging in collective action with our colleagues, students, and other stakeholders -- often people who do not think alike. Thus, Sacred Harp is a means to better understand the rhetorical and performative factors that make possible cohesive community among ideologically diverse participants.

ORCID iDs

Sims, Rebekah ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3151-7315;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)