As we broke into
"Marching Through Georgia," a distinguished-looking old soldier
stepped to the foot-lights and began to sing the familiar words of
the famous song in a loud, clear voice. The entire audience joined
in, and as the swelling volume of melody rolled through the house,
the enthusiasm waxed more intense.
Verse after verse was sung, interrupted with frantic cheers, until
it seemed that the very ecstasy of enthusiasm had been reached. It
was only when physically exhausted that the audience calmed down
and the exercises proceeded.
A Chorus of Ten Thousand.
During the World's Fair at Chicago my present band was giving
nightly concerts in the Court of Honor surrounding the lagoon.
Onone beautiful night in June fully ten thousand people were
gathered round the bandstand while we were playing a medley of
popular songs.
Director Tomlins, of the World's Fair Choral Associations, was on
the stand, and exclaiming, "Keep that up, Sousa!" he turned to the
crowd and motioned the people to join him in singing. With the
background of the stately buildings of the White City, this mighty
chorus, led by the band, sang the songs of the people-"Home, Sweet
Home," "Suwanee River," "Annie Laurie," "My Old Kentucky Home,"
etc.
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