Evening journal., 1919-06-07
OPENED PLAYHOUSE
FOR SONGFES7IVAL
n undreds Disappointed
When Weather Conditions
Drove Singers Inside
FOLK DANCES HAD
TO BE OMITTED

The June Community song Festival
dispensed melody and merriment with a
lavish hand TO hundreds OF fortunate
Wilmingtonisns last night at The
Playhouse. The uncertainty of the
weather made it impossible to decide
upon the location for the festival until
couple Of hours before the time set,
consequently TO the great regret Of the
committee. it was not\possiblc TO no
nv the public as widely as was desired.
hundreds. realizing the park would be
TOO wet for the sing, decided it would
not be held Others sought the park
or the High school auditorium. aud
we're directed 10 the Playhouse.
The thanks Of the Community Chorus
are given 10 the Playhouse manage
ment and TO L. : Taiie, manager Of
The Hotel dupont, for their response to
the emergency call, although the upset
state Of the theatre, due TO extensive
renovation. made il a difficult matter.
The lower floor had been stripped Of
chairs. which were hastily set in
again. It was picturesque scene,
with chorus members sweeping the
stage. the boxes in state Of being
torn out. the Harlan Minstrels' property
ambulance presiding over the scene.
and the auditorium filled with white
dressed women. with a dark sprinklins
OF men The guests Of honor were the
members Of the Delaware Stale Fed
Grafton Of Womens Clubs The blue
and gold chorus colOrs decorated the
members N0f that organization. The
novelty Of the Playhouse IN house
cleaning gIise gave pleasing informal
ity 10 the occasion That put everybody
into a joyful mood
The only thing that had 10 be changed
In the program because Of the trans
fer 10 indoors was The omission Of the
beautiful folk dances which the chill
dren had planned 10 give while they
sang The dancers were trained 10y
Miss Kate McClsferty Adults and
children were equally. disappointed at
the omission and one little boy voiced
a general sentiment when he said
II hope they have us dance outdoors
some other time
The children gave their three songs
at the opening Of the program, standing
grouped around the band upon the
stage. Their singing was revelation
In what can be done with children
voices. beautiful and spontaneous to
an extraordinary degree Mrs. Caiver
Anderson. director Of music In the
public schools. received many con
graiulations upon. her training Of ihe
Juvenile chorus. They SANG a hhopin
5 waltz song, a Paderewski minuet and
Rubinsten's spring song Follow
ing the numbers they went-tp balcony
seais 10 ioin IN the community singing.
4 InnHfNa
hand. with Frederic Watson as the
ioader-- was welcomed heartily. The
children were most pleased with
rraphic hunting Song," by Bucolossi,
z nlaved by The band The drummer had
wonderful array OF whistles ana
thines with which he initiated birds
singing in the woods. roosiors Growing,
horses galloping and finally shot of a
pisiol for the hunt The rest Of the
hand sang and shouted with the music
and il certainly was some hunt. ihe
band gave several selections cnthusi-
astically applauded. a Suppe march,
the William Tell overture and others.
Three solo numbers were the treat
OF the evening Mrs. John Harrison
sachs was royalty acclaimed. The
audience was unwilling 10 let her go
after her encore number, Garry BE
Back 10 Old Nirgnny.'
Tho second solo was cornet number
bv Vincent BuonO. who was cncored
after his COLUMBIA Fantasy and
plavcd THE Lost Chord With rare
beauty Of tone.
The most enjoyed solo was by Harry
Barnhart. The director, Who gave q
magnificent interpretation Of "A New
Heaven and a New Earth" from Gaulsi
Holy CITY, in his rich, deep baritone
al once powerful and sweet
The program closed with selections
from the Holy City by the Community
Chorus. who ting them excellently
>and with the singing Of Nearer. Ny
God. 10 Thee and "The star
spangled Banner" by an present, with
band accompaniment
John Bird announced that next
weeks sing will be held in the High
school auditorium instead Of outdoors,
as previously announced.
After the concert The chorus present
ed Mr.. Barnhart with handsome
travelling bag. and Mr. Watson with a
music portfolio, as tokens Of the af-
fectionaie esteem in which they are
held by the Wilmington chorus. Mr.
Barnhart thanked the chorus cordially.
and lkened The community sing TO
loving cup from which all might drink
Mr. Watson also expressed his lasting
esteem for the local chorus.