From the Harrow Observer & Gazette, October 6, 1922. MUSIC IN PINNER (By Frederick J. Jenkins) THE PAST The close of the musical season of 1921-22, saw the voulantary dissolution of the Pinner and Hatch End Choral Society. To those who are not musically inclined this may seem to be a matter of small importance, and even to those who have music in their souls may with reason ask why they should bother themselves to take an interest in the local musical adventure when London's best is within three-quarters on an hour's journey. On the other hand there is a tendency to be too lethargic in supporting local musical activities. Thus in December last some 30 ladies and gentlemen in "glad rags" complete, sung such works as Brahms' "Gypsy Love Songs" and Stanford's "Songs of the Fleet" at a local hall, to an audience of some 25 people, most of whom unmistakably bore the impress "Free List (by no means) entirely suspended". The OBSERVER representative, in his notice of the concert, lamented that faces of the chorus bore signs of sorrow rather then of joy. After the success of previous entertainments given over a period of years, the disappointmet was very ready to those who had worked hard for the Society. In the opinion of the present writer, the ultimate failure of the Society, for failure it most undoubtedly has been, was due to three causes. First and foremost the lack of cohesion between Pinner and Hatch End and consequent reduction in membership; secondly, choice of unsuitable works for performance by the choir, and, thirdly, neglect of propaganda. You can no more perform a heavy Bach Chorale with 30 amateur vocalists of average attainment than Sir Henry Wood can get the dreadful precussion effect of the "'1812' Overture" from a tin whistle. The saccharine days of "Sweet and Low" and such works have long since passed, but there is always a "via media" and plantly of excellent choral music can be found which bears the stamp of good tasts, is worthy of the best rendering and appeals to the average person with nusical inclinations. Thirdly, propaganda is as much by a choral society as petrol by a motor car. You must cry your wares if you want to sell them, and even choirs cannot despise filthy lucre. To obtain good results it is well to make an effort to put your organisation on a sound financial basis and such an end can be secured by judicious publicity. THE PRESENT At the time that these words are being written practically the only music to be heard publicaly in Pinner is that rendered in the Churches on Sunday. The Parish Church is fortunate in its organist, an accomplished musician and a most capable executant, who has given evidence of his ability as a composer of ecclesiastical music. He succeeds in securing from his choir good renderings of Anglican masses at the 10 O'clock service on Sunday mornings. The Choir of the Free Church have an enthusiastic amateur musician as their conductor. They have rendered musical services and have given secular concerts with much success. The lady organist at the Pinner Roman Catholic Church is not only accomplished but widely experienced in her Art. Like the organist at St. John's, she is cramped for lack of material, but as time passes and the Catholic community in the district grows, thisdefect will be remedied. Turning from the ecclesiastical to the temporal, one must not forget to mention the band of young ladies who call themselves "Mascots", and most creditably gave their services in the dreary Winter days to performing ballards at the Ccoa Tree and elsewhere in aid of the various charities. An amiable and well-meaning effort in a good cause. Why cannot all these potentialities be made active for the performance of good secular music? THE FUTURE What of the future? It is very wide of the mark to say, as so many people do, "There are no musical people in Pinner". A little stirring of the surface and more than a few professional and amateur vocalists are to be found. The material is there, how can it be got at and used? There must be a Committee - there must always be a Committee. Let it be as small as possible, let it be democratic and represent all classes. Music is for all, and musical ability cannot be put on with a dress suit or a decollete gown. The local cricket club have solved the difficulty of the classes. It is far easier for the musical society to do so. The Art is universal, the sport merely national. Having drafted a preliminary programme let the Committee broadcast it with the intimation that a membership card for admission to all entertainments to be given in the course of the season will be issued to all members active and otherwise at a reasonable subscription. Now for the main objection. How are you going to do all this with no hall of any size in Pinner? The best must be made of things as they are. If the Choral Society could not fill the Free Church Hall, surely the proposed musical society might make a start by endeavouring to hire one of the four small halls in Pinner once a week for practices, etc., and once a month for an entertainment. Yes, once a month or even once a fortnight, for if interest is to be sustained, you must give all your members at east six opportunities of musical enjoyment between September and April. It will have been noted that reference has been made to the proposed Musical Society, not Choral Society. You cannot give choral concerts once a month when you only rehearse once a week. Moreover, variety is the spice of music as well as of life and choral performances will be much more appreciated if they are sandwiched between music of other kinds. Again, instrumentalists, and both will be needed if the Society is to succeed. For the first season the Society might have for its programme: - Two choral concerts; two concert performances of comic operas; two chamber music concerts with two professional vocalists at each; and three lectures on musical subjects, with musical illustrations. It is hoped that this article may have the effect of arousing sufficient interest to secure the formation of a musical society in Pinner, and readers who desire further information or wish to discuss the matter, are asked to communicate with Frederick J. Jenkins, Lynton, West End-avenue, Pinner. And the rest is history... 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