Evening star., 1952-09-21
News Of Music:

The Greater Washington Mu-
sic Council. organized last sea-
son and now ready with its ar
ticles Of association, promises,
to be Of utmost assistance in
the development Of this city's
musical life. The idea Of such
a group has taken hold in sew
eral large music centers and
proved to fill q need long recog-
nized. It will be particularly
helpful in Washington and the
nearby districts where. with all
the musical activities, there has
been no one place where infor-
nation. and sometimes help.
could be had.
The council does not concern
itself with increasing musical
efforts except by advice, but
aims to bring the weight Of
combined opinion on the prog
ress and the betterment of what
is being done. It's membership
will consist Of representatives
Of musical groups who will pre-
sent for consultation any prob
lens arising in their respective
areas or organizations. In many
ways it will serve as a clearing
house and also as an assisting
body for all types Of musical en-
deavor. The overall purpose, as
stated in its articles Of associa-
ton is "to foster and stimulate
all phases Of musical activity in
the greater Washington area"
At first glance. this may ap-
pear to be no different from the
aims Of other groups. But
where the personal and individ-
ual interests must intrude in
organizations working alone, the
Music Council embraces every
effort impartially. It's officers
at present are George B. Hen
derson, jr., Of the music division
Of the Public Library. president;
Warner Lawson, dean of the
School of Music of Howard Uni
versity, vice president, and Sara
A. Mcconnell Of the music de-
partment of the YWCA.
Plan Larger Stoff
When the council is in full
running order there will be sew
eral vice presidents. besides q
vice president at large, on the
roster. The vice presidents will
be chosen from the District OF
Columbia and from the nearby
counties in Maryland and Vir-
ginia. Thus all the area will be
represented and the officers will
provide the needed liaison and
coordination for effective work.
They will be active on the
board Of directors, whose duty
it will be to recommend and
systematic the program Of ac-
tivities. Meetings Of the board
will be held prior to those Of the
council to prepare reports, rec
concentrations and plans.
Two types of membership in
the council will assure wide par
ticipation. Full membership
with right to vote on the coun-
Gil is open to representatives Of
organizations that sponsor or
are engaged in musical activity.
Associate membership consists
Of individuals. irrespective of
afflliation with any group. The
latter may hold Office and vote
on the board Of directors with
out, however. any voting privi-
leges at the council meetings.
The Music Council plans to
serve as an information center.
This is q very necessary func-
ton. Too often a recitalist finds
at the last moment that the date
he has selected is taken by some
other event to which every one
will wish to 60. Again, it will
be found that some novelty pro-
grammed has already been heard
several times. Frequently the
same artist will appear twice in
the city on days too. close to-
gether, or some selection may
be repeated within a week.
These may seem minor Difficult
ties that could be perceived by
following the newspapers, but it
is surprising how few people