Convention
songs typically have contrasting homophonic and
contrapuntal sections. In the homophonic sections, the
four parts sing the same words and rhythms. In the
contrapuntal sections, each group member has a unique
lyric and rhythm. These songs are called 'convention
songs' because various conventions were organized across
the United States for the purpose of getting together
regularly and singing songs in this style. Convention
songs were employed by training centers like the
Stamps-Baxter School Of Music as a way to teach quartet
members how to concentrate on singing their own part.
Examples of convention songs include "Heavenly
Parade," "I'm Living In Canaan Now," "
Give
the World a Smile," and "Heaven's
Jubilee."
