Evening journal., 1918-06-12
COMMUNITY JOINED
IN SING THIS Time
Thousands Burst Into Song,
and Applaud Chorus
Under Barnhart
OUTDOOR CONCERT
WAS BIG SUCCESS

The highly successful open air sing,
given in front OF the Public Buildings
last night, was a real community af-
fair The whole city was represented,
from white-haired grandparents down
TO babies in arms. from prominent busi-
ness and society persons to those who
were less favored with world wealth,
without distinction, including many Ne
groes. All were mingled In that friendly
assemblage which promotes the democ-
racy for which America is lighting. In
the grandstand. before the old Court
House. were 900 enrolled members Of
the community chorus, and filling the
square on the other three sides, were
several thousand other Wilmington
fans Mr.. Barnhart told those present
that the chorus was open TO all freely.
The only necessary ceremony about It
is 10 have the applicants name written
down on the list, and then the new
members will be entitled TO a grand
stand seat
Mrs. T. Coleman dupont originator
and president Of the Wilmington
chorus, was present and was given
rousing three cheers at the close. Mrs.
dupont has just returned from war
duties in France. Mrs. Barnhart, wife
OF the leader, and Mrs. Watson. wife
OF Frederic Watson, the accompanist,
were guests OF honor. The song sheets
distributed last night among the assem-
blage, were collected and donated 10
the soldiers at Edgewood, Md, where
Mr.. Barnhsrt will lead a sing tonight.
The piano was loaned by the Robclen
Company.
At the beginning OF proceedings, Mr.
Barnhsrt called TO him all the small
boys and girs who were scampering in
and out in the fashion peculiar TO
youngsters. and invited them to sing
"America" D." which they did with fervor
and force; and they knew the words,
too. Some were white and some were
black, some were hardly Of school age,
some were in need Of repairs 10 clothes,
some were barefoot. and some were
blissfully unwashed as 10 faces, but
they sang jubilantly. Afterwards they
weSe isvited 10 grandstand seats as Mr.
Barnhsrt's special guests. The young
slers felt that Mr. Barnhart was their
. own particular friend and property after
that. and consulted him con1dentialy
whenever they wanted anything.
Mr.. Barnhart made effective use OF
different groups. asking verse from
one. and chorus from another group.
The grandstanders and the ISLANDERS had
their respective singing merits tried out,
and each applauded the rival side gen
erously. The non-enrolled memDers
sang so well that Mr. Barnhart accused
them Of having rehearsed on the side.
He facetiously called the component
parts OF the twO-ringed performance,
"the crowd" and "the chorus After
the crowd had proved its musical worth
the chorus showed what a few weeks
training could do. Tney sang send
out Thy Light" the "Barcarolle" from
"Tales Of Hoffman" and finally the diff
cult "Halleluiah Chorus The singing
was splendid, and was vigorously hand
clapped by the auditors.
Ne. Barnhart. by request. gave a
verse Of The End Of a Perfect Day.
as a solo, to the great delight OF every
bodv. His occasional bits Of song. in IL
Illustrating how they should be sung,
were all appreciated. Familiar songs,
sung by everybody, included. "COlum-
hia the Gem Of the Ocean" "Old Black
Joe" Dixie" "Old Kentucky Home,
keen the Home Fires Burning "Long,
Long Trail" and others. Mr.. Barnhart
complimented the work a number OF
times. saying that he had never heard
better singing Of "Old Black Joe by
anychorus anywhere.
The night was perfect, Just cool
enough. When the blue Of the sky
grew deeper. lights were flashed out
from building and street. making an
attractive picture. The chorus was
brought 10 an impressive close with the
sinqine OF abide With Me-" Nearer,
NV God. to Thee, and "Thc Star Span
gled Banner" when all stood at civilian
salute.
There was much enthusiastic COM
ment from those who attended. Many
said they were not going to miss an
evening this summer, while the others
rendered Mr. Barnhardt the tribute
SAY. he's all right-he's right there
There will be no sing next Tuesday
night. as Mr.. Barnhart will be gone on a
ten-days vacation. The next sing will
be on June %. at 7.30 o'clock, in front
of the Public Building.