Evening journal., 1919-08-06
CHORUS JOYFUL
With BARNHART
Cheer Returning Leader
Then Sing Better Than
Ever Before
HOPE TO SING IN
PARK NEXT WEEK


Harry Barnhart. director. and Fred
Watson. pianist were welcomed back
10 Wilmington with rousing and pro
loneed cheers, by the Community
Chorus, who flled the High School au-
ditorium last evening. The auditorium
had blossomed out into American oflags
and Welcome" signs. The chorus
sang.
when Harry and Fred come march
ing in,
Hurrsy Hurray@
as the returning leaders were escorted
10 the platform by the reception com.
mittee, Mrs. l.. VI. Roberts, Mrs. James
Flanagan, Mrs. Norman Cofln, Mrs.
John Scholl, Miss +. Ethel Wilson, Miss
May simpson, Dr. Julian Adair, DR.. G.
W. Hughes, and Frank Vernon.
Mrs. Barnhart and Mrs. shannon,
president OF the New York Community
Chorus, were present and were intro
duced 10 the chorus. They We're pre-
sented with yellow and blue badges,
the colors OF the local singers.
IUf NAllNlhtAlNn VI AllN tAinfAn a. NV
ing Mr.. Barnhart back over1owcd into
bursts OF applause on every possible
occasion, and put an enthusiasm into
their singing that made the music eX
ceptionally fine. Cordislity and z the
spirit Of good fellowship were present
in such unlimited measure, that they
were palpable in the atmosphere. II
was real community spirit, and
heartened the chorus members to take
a new hold and so ahead. When the
crowd last night were not Singing, they
were in gales OF laughter Mr.. Barn
hart was at his best and was ably as
sisted BY Mr.. Watson, who has 4 good
sense Of fun, himself.
'Your affection means a great deal
20 me-" Mr. Barnhart told the chorus.
The leader was visibly touched by the
ovation he had received. lie continued.
so long as you show the spirit YOU
have shown tonight. the real commu-
nifty spirit expressed in fine and noble
song. would no more think Of desert
ing the Wilmington chorus than I
would OF leaving my children. This
chorus has great possibilities and a
great work 10 do. You do not know
your own strength, and only as |
and burdens as well as joys. We must
work together, sharing responsibilities
anil burdens as wei as joys. We must
keen In mind that we have something
fine and noble 20 do n we are TO be OF
any value 10 the community. These
are wonderful times. AS ] so around
directing choruses I notice great dif-
ference between the way the people
sang last year and their singing this
year. Now, they are softened, they are
responsive 10 what Is tender and beau
tiful as they never have been before"
Mr.. Barnhart made one. announce
ment that was heartily welcomed. lie
said he expected 90 rehearse the local
band ithe Harlan Bsnd) TO accompany
tho outdoor sings. Mr.. Barnhart prais-
ed the musical ability OF the local
bandsmen. He said that their training
before this had been chiefly military
and parade playing. and he wished 10
work them into playing for singers, a
different musical proposition.
He made the further announcement
that he would lead the outdoor sing at
Washington Heights Park next Tues
day.
The musical program ran through Gil
pages Of the songbooks last night, a
pepful performance with just time
enough to draw a new breath between
songs.
Mr.. Watson played the favorlte
Nancy Lee" as he never had before,
putting the chorus through the song at
rollicking tempo. Although the high
school piano has no fancy attachments,
Mr.. Watson manages TO get tho effect
Of a full orchestra out OF It.
Mr.. Barnhart sang a baritone solo
from the Holy City In .magnlfcenl
voice. with the chorus accompanying.
Annie Laurie" smiled upon the sing
ers with dew-drops from Max Welton's
braes sparkling in her hair. The Alton
river flowed gently, and the Suwanee
wavelets rippled far. far away The
chorus forgot to notice what hour was
being crisply tioked by "Grandfather's
clock The spirit that won the war
was present in the inspired singing OF
''rhe Star spangled Banner Without
donbt some Of the best music ever
given in the city, outside OF protes-
sional concerts, was heard IN the HiSn
school. and far beyond the school
walls, last night
Friday evening the captains OF the
campaign committee will meet at the
home OF Miss May Simpson, No. 1907
boulevard 10 renew the campaign for
funds IN maintain the chorus iinan-
ciallv. A collection was taken at the
sing last night amounting to $3.50.