First time keying at a convention: an autopsy
July 17, 2026
A week before a recent shape note singing convention in my state, I received an email asking if I could key a session.
Having keyed at our local group for over a year, I knew the ask was inevitable. Still, keying your first convention session is incredibly daunting: 75+ friends, strangers, and mentors waiting eagerly for their starting note every few minutes for nearly an hour. Compared to the usual audience of a dozen locals, some of whom always call their favorites, and others who are just happy you even attempt keying, it feels a long way from home.
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