Evening journal., 1918-09-11
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final OUTDOOR Sing
lcnntinned From First Page.l J

by the Sea" The soloist was the star
attraction on the program, receiving
an amount Of applause that he would
doubly have appreciated had he known
wfmineton's reputation for undemon-
strativeness.
A novelty at the park sing, itself a
unique event in the elty's history, was
the double conducting Of the singers.
Harry Barnhart, director wondered all
through the crowd, waving his baton
and yocalizing the silent; while Frederic
Watson assistant conductor, waved a
synchronized baton from the bandstand.
Wilmington was accustomed to see Mr..
Watson at the piano, an instrument not
present last night, but they cheered
him well in his new role and band
uniform.
The band played one "jazz' piece for
he entertainment of the assembly. The
Dand accompanied all the chorus and
crowd singing The pleasure Of the
singers was greatly increased by the
band music, and they feel deeply CRATE
ful to Mrs II. Coleman dupont presi-
dent Of the Community Chorus, for her
generosity in bringing the organization
TO Wilmington.
The sing began and ended with the
bugle calls, "Reveille' and TAPS The
band played "The star Spangled Ban
ner' as the opening number. The ma
tiOnal anthem is the usual finale at the
sings, but Mr.. Barnhardt transferred II
TO the beginning, realizing that the
crowd would be streaming toward
street cars along about the end Of the
evening.
Numbers by the band, by the chorus
and by all the mass Of people, followed
each other in rapid succession. The |
grounds were well chosen for space and
beauty, but proved an unfortunate To-
cation for the singing. A zig-zag jour
ney throughout the crowd revealed |
that three-quarters OF those present
were singing, but much Of the sound
was lost in the air. In spite Of the size
OF the crowd, there was thin volume
OF sound compared with the sings In
the Public Building square. where the
surrounding buildings acted as sound
ing boards for the music. The wind
carried or considerable Of last nights
music in addition.
and lower than the band. was particu-
larly unfortunate. The band and the
aandstand combined, formed a screen
which shut off the chorus singing. They
,ould not be heard at all by the crowd
in front Of the bandstand. AT the rear
OF the grounds, the chorus could be
heard family. II was a pity, because
he crowd, who got around behind the
stand said the chorus was in fine voice
and sang their special numbers splen-
didly. The wind was largely to blame
for the poor acoustics. The chorus
sang "Send Out Thy Light Unfold
Ne Portals" and other selections.
The crowd sang all the well-known
numbers Of the summer song season,
putting special enthusiasm into the pa
triotic melodies. IL was a happy gath
ering. laughing at Mr.. Barnharts raj
lies. humming where it didn't know the
words, and altogether behaving In a
way 10 make German spies, II there (
were any around, realize that there
was nothing the matter with American
morale.
"Iow do you like the war news2' :
asked Mr.. Barnhart. The crowd roared,
applauded and stamped its confidence in
the boys "over there"
They got ready for the coming days !
1f victory by practlcing when Johnny
Comes Mgrching Home
Mr.. Barnhart advised folks TO be so a
ciable, show a community spirit shake
hands with somebody they never saw I
before.
81 tried that" said soldier boy, S
ruefully. "and / got an awful balllng n
out from her" D
The Wilmington and Philadelphia y
Traction Company won praise for It's 9
cooperation in having a long string $
" cars handy to take the crowds home. ,
Although the apprehensive left early, I
fearing a car shortage, there were cars S
enough for everybody TO ride home. Al
together the closing outdoor sing was
the climax OF season Of brilliantly !
gatherings. The executive I
committee was rewarded for its Jealous
and untiring work, by the appreciation !
displayed by the public last night
Mr. Barnhart Mr.. Watson and The J
bandmen were supper. guests OF Mrs.
dupont on the grounds.
twenty-five soldiers and sailors from Z
Fort Dupont, Pigeon Point, the local
barracks, and the Navy Club, enjoyed
a picnic supper at the park. through 6
The kindness OF a WilmingtOnian who
ioes not wish to be known. The party !
was chaperoned by Miss Isabelle B.
Wales, known TO all the boys as the :
Camp Mother"
The automobile chorus made more
ioise than any aggregation present.
they footed horns for applause until
'fr. Barnhart had to ask them 10 desist .
n order that he might mike his di-
ectiOns heard.
Gee, If it had rained," remarked a
mall boy, "and they had tried 10 get !,
II this crowd into the High school, !
he school would have busted"