New Britain herald., 1928-10-20
CIVIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION A WORTHY EFFORT

CIVIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION
 A WORTHY EFFORT
 The Civic Music Association. back ed by citizens who see the call or duty and possessing the energy to do something tangible for the city in a concert sense, is concluding a period of scussion-dating from last sorinx-with success in sight. AL though 1t has not been possible to procure 1000 members for the asso- ciation, n had been hoped. the figures are close enough to that total to warrant congratulations. The final effort to interest everyone like ly to be interested has been extend- cd to November 1 and quite whirl- wind endeavor to achieve the largest possible success is in store between now and that time.
 Judge w. c. Hungerford, president of the association, and Arthur G. Kimball, business manager, natural ly have inspired confidence by dint of their example in this enterprise. Both are imbued with the belief that New Britain, with at least 72.0O0 population, should not be compelled to rely upon the ministrations of ncighboring city for its musical fare throughout the winter season. It has been these two who more than any others have placed the Civic Music Association on . community pride basis: and to make the future even more secure they have accepted the we'll known plan whereby artists Of repute and standing can be brought to this city in a manner to appeal to the pocket nerve.
 It was splendid management, too. to revive the annual concert of the New Britain Choral Society in the series contemplated. The Choral so- ciety, after years of effort that caused all citizens to be proud of it, missed giving . concert last spring. This was not progress: 1t was failure. What loyal New Britainite can sit by without spiritual qualms when such . thing occurs. This season, however, the choral effort is to be revived with vigor, all due to the inherent possibilities of city-wide organiza- ton.
 This city cannot afford to permit proximity to a neighboring larger city to deter it from local efforts that rebound to local honor. standing and reputation: it cannot permit radio music to petrify local achieve ment. To hold it's own, maintain the tradition of the past and build an edifice of spiritual values for the future, it must fight it's own cultural battle, and fight to win. There is more glory, more satisfaction. in lighting an uphill battle and winning than in lodging an issue that should never be allowed to die-espccially in . city which in a material sense IS progressing as swiftly as New Br,t- ain.
 Those who formed tie Civic Music Association knew what to expect. They were told that the first year would be the most dffie ut. The public would have to be convinced point was to hang on once the or ganization was started, to battle to tho finish with determination and grit. That has been the story, and fl Is an honorable chapter in local history. After the public has been shown that fine concerts through memberships in such an organiza- ton are feasible the following years will be easier; momentum will have been established; public confidence will be widespread. Let New Britain ''sit up and take notice;;" the Civic Music Association. with headquarters in the Chamber of Commerce, Is $ going concern. Contracts with foul outstanding artists have been sign. ed: others are in preparation. Glory and success is in store. And to oul notion, there will be many { halleluiah when the first year O. success is over.