RUNNING A MUSIC CLUB.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1929, Page 15

RUNNING A MUSIC CLUB.

Why do married women often allow their music to become a thing of the past? Household duties may occupy a large part of the day, but few women can honestly say that they never have time for music. Perhaps the real reason is that they so seldom see fresh music!

'Six enterprising women, discussing the matter one day, decided to form a music club. Each one agreed to pay a small sum a year towards wear and tear and each pledged herself to buy a new piece of music every month. Meetings were held at different houses in turn, when the music was pooled and exchanged. Choosing an honorary secretary, they left the working of the club entirely in her hands. By her businesslike methods and tact she was very largely responsible for the success of the venture.

As each fresh piece of music appeared, she covered it with very strong paper, or cardboard, knowing that nothings tears so easily as music, especially when it passes from hand to hand. Creased and crumpled pages, she considered, were no inducement to anyone to keep her music alive by trying new composers. Another of her triumphs was a card index -catalogue, prepared as easily as a book catalogue, but far more useful to club members. Arranging it alphabetically, she wrote under each composer’s name his availble works.

Once a quarter all the music was called in, "when other members were quite willing to lend the secretary a hand with pasting loose pages and renewing frayed covers and worn labels. By talking to members, she grew familiar with their tastes. Then, if anyone was at a loss what to buy next for the . club, she was ready with valuable suggestions. Occasionally she persuaded talented members or visitors to perform the works of composers hitherto unknown to the circle, and to give a brief account of their lives and influence. These recitals stimulated interest in music, and -were a change from the informal concert which usually took place when the club met. By common consent, meetings continued all the year round, and the club, which has now been in existence over three years, can therefore be called a success. But, of course, not every club possesses an ideal honorary -secretary! —G.Gr.