SHAPE NOTE HYMNAL REVAMP — Graphic. This AP digital embed graphic shows the formation known as a hollow square, in which singers gather to perform songs from the shape-note songbook known as “The Sacred Harp.” A new edition of the Christian hymnal first published in 1844 is being released this year. The songbook with music notes that look like triangles, ovals, squares and diamonds is core to the a cappella group singing practice. Over time, groups of Sacred Harp singers have periodically worked together to revise the songbook, preserving its history and breathing new life into it. This graphic is current as of May 22, 2025, and will not update. Sources: AP reports; Sacred Harp Publishing Company; A Beginner’s Guide to Shape-Note Singing; Atlanta Sacred Harp.

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