An old hymn with an old-school arrangement, by The Bluegrass Cardinals.

By the time my parents had dragged me to church, this raw, basic style of congregational singing had all but died out, practiced mostly by older Southern and Midwestern immigrants to California.

In this style, members of the choir would stand intermingled with the congregation during hymn time. Instead of singing the melody, choir members would sing their own parts — soprano, alto, tenor, bass — acting as a kind of singing school. This way, folks who weren’t choir members could sing whatever part suited their range, just by following along.

Thus was actual music made. Thus were farmers, factory workers, teachers, and housewives made aware that music had value beyond mere prettiness. It fostered an ethic of community, cooperation, and appreciation. Music was given, not stolen.

This is “There Is A Fountain”.