It is arguably the oldest known form of music in America. Sacred Harp singing — also known as shape note singing — is a distinctive style of music that developed from about 1770 to 1820 from roots in colonial New England. It flourished in the South and continues today in many rural communities. It has, in fact, enjoyed something of a revival in recent years, thanks, in part, to Hollywood.

The Columbus Arts Council brings the choral music form to Main Street with an “all day” singing Saturday at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus.

The event begins with an introduction to Sacred Harp at 9 a.m., followed by singings and a potluck lunch The format is traditional across the country. Participation is free.

Unique and powerful

Sacred Harp is an a capella singing style based on notation in the shapes of circles, diamonds, squares and triangles. It is sung in a compact formation called a hollow square, with vocalists facing the center. There is no single director, as such. Rather, participants take turns leading, keeping time with a vertical up and down motion of the hand and arm. Its origins are in the Protestant church, but singings are non-denominational community events, with emphasis on participation, not performance.

The resulting sound can be powerful, uplifting, even haunting.

“It’s like a church service without a preacher. It’s probably my favorite thing to do,” said Bobby Neyman from Desoto County. He attended the Columbus Arts Council’s screening of the documentary “Awake My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp” in October. He’ll be on hand Saturday to help facilitate the singing.

He described the harmony as four parts, “but not the same four parts we normally do.” He also recalled singing at the State Convention held in August near Forest.

“It was a powerful experience; you could feel your chest thumping. … The sound just resonates.”

Neyman, a choir director, often travels throughout Mississippi and Alabama to singings and has been “politickin” to encourage Sacred Harp fans in other areas to take part in the inaugural Columbus event.

Dr. Warren Steel of the University of Mississippi Department of Music is the “foremost living authority on Sacred Harp,” Neyman said. Steel is also expected to attend Saturday’s singing.

In movies and music

Sacred Harp singing garnered renewed attention when it was featured in the 2003 movie “Cold Mountain,” with Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger. The award-winning soundtrack was produced by T Bone Burnett. The 2006 documentary “Awake My Soul” inspired a CD, “Awake My Soul: Help Me to Sing,” featuring interpretations by artists including John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Murry Hammond of the Old 97’s, Mac Powell of Third Day, Doc Watson and Jim Lauderdale.

Shape note upbringing

Julia Graber of Brooksville was brought up with shape note singing as a child near Bridgewater, Virginia. Associating a sound with the shape of a note is second nature to her. It’s also how her mother taught her to play the piano.

“We took crayons and marked the shapes onto the piano keys,” she recounted. When she later began teaching her own piano students, she did the same — with the advancement of washable markers.

Shape note singing continues today in Graber’s church, Magnolia Mennonite Church, in Noxubee County. She’s pleased a wider audience will experience the unique musical form through Saturday’s event.

Open to everyone

Organizers at the Columbus Arts Council encourage the Golden Triangle community to join in the “day of music, fellowship and food.” Please bring a favorite dish for the potluck lunch.

“And feel free to come and observe, if you feel more comfortable doing that before joining in the singing,” said Tina Sweeten-Lunsford, CAC executive director. “This should be a special experience.”

For more information, contact the CAC at 662-328-2787, open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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