Caroilna in the Morning" is a popular song with words by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson, first published in 1922.

The song debuted in the Broadway musical revue The Passing Show of 1922 at the Winter Garden Theater, where it generated moderate attention, being rather overshadowed by other parts of the elaborate risque' Revue. Vaudeville singers such as William Frawley incorporated it into their acts and helped popularize it, and the song became a Tin Pan Alley hit.

Notable recordings when the song was new were made by such artists as Marion Harris, Van & Scheneck, and Al Jolson. Jolson's 1940's re-recording of the number outsold the original. Other artists to have hits with the song included Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Jimmie Durante, Dinah Shore, Danny Thomas and Danny Kaye.

The original 1922 lyrics are now public domain due to expired copyright. The chorus remains well known, but the verses have generally been dropped from vocal performances since the early years of the song's popularity. The verses give a touch of melancholy to the song, while the chorus on its own can be an almost ecstatic revere.

We in the Three Rivers chorus have had this song in our repertoire for some time. At recent rehearsal, director Ron Brooks was wondering where we got the intro and nobody knew. So here's the answer;

Our barbershop arrangement uses a portion of the second verse as the intro. Below you will find the first and second verse (you all know the chorus).

(to chorus)

Second verse;  Dreaming was meant for nighttime

(to chorus)

source for this information; the online Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Five Easy Steps To Good Vocal Technique

By Bifi Biffle, courtesy of the Albuquerque Chapter
New MexiChords Serenader - used by permission

(This is part one of a five part series written by Bill Biffle, BHS director, music category judge and Society board member.]

For the next several... issues, I will be addressing the subject of good basic vocal craft on a step-by-step basis. The idea is to give you one thing to think about while you're on the risers (or even - perish the thought! - for a few minutes at home each day!) for a month. Then we'll add a step each month until, VOILA! In six months (issues] you're ready to help the ______ wow even the most obdurate crowd!

Well, on to the task, then. This month, the foundation; POSTURE. All right, kiddies, try this;

· Place your feet about shoulder width apart.

· Distribute your weight evenly between each foot and slightly forward (on the balls of your feet).

· The legs should be fairly relaxed with the knees unlocked.

· Tuck the pelvis slightly to the front to align the spine (and allow deep, back breathing). [remember the Tom Hannan "power stance"?]

· Raise and expand the rib cage.

· Relax and lower the shoulders.

· Center the head over the body with the chin level (or slightly below level) and the neck relaxed.

· STAND UP STRAIGHT! (LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER!)

Like trying not to think of pink elephants certainly produces thoughts of naught else, trying to relax while doing all this will produce a little tension for a while. Don't despair, happy campers, soon this posture will be as natural to you as smiling when you hear a good barbershop chord. The result will be a comfortable, invigorating posture with a feeling of being READY to sing!

Practice this every day at home and try to think of it every few minutes while you're singing. (You might try to reinforce it at the end of every phrase or some such.) You'll be amazed at the difference it will make in the way you feel and perform, and you'll be ready to add Step Two (breathing IN!) next month.

(A good way to imagine this posture is to imagine that you're holding a full liter bottle of ___ on your head. Balance it there - don't let it fall.)

Good luck, good singing, and remember "neck free!"

Editor - Look for step two in the next issue of the Pitchburgh Press