Information about AMICA
By Robin Pratt
Hi Jody,
I'll be happy to relay info on AMICA for the readers and participants of the group here.
AMICA, International (AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION, INTERNATIONAL) is a non-profit, tax exempt group devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated paper music rolls and perforated music books. AMICA was founded in 1963 (actually in the late 1950's, but organized as a group in 1963) in San Francisco. We have about 1750 members and members are furnished with a Membership Directory, and the Publisher (Me) and the Publications Committee serve to give the members a glossy magazine (The AMICA Bulletin) every 2 months or 6 times/issues per year. We have 13 Chapters which hold a minimum of 3 meetings per year in their region at member's homes (for collection sharing) and outside locations (museums, concerts, dinners, tours etc.). The AMICA Bulletin is about 80 pages glossy and contains: Historical, Technical, Biographical, old Ads, New Classified and Display ads from all over the world. Members submit info from their collections of Paper items, share experiences and discoveries, as well as regular chapter reports and don't forget technical projects and descriptions of personal rebuilding techniques and secrets. We have an annual AMICA Convention (this year is in London, England, a first, by the way), next year is St. Louis (1996) and the year after that is in my home town of Sandusky, Ohio.(1997). Approximately 150 members attend these Conventions which give a great social time for them as well as technical sessions, a Mart for sales and purchase, tours, dinners, dances, concerts, boat rides, collection tours and sharing, etc.
The Publications Committee has taken a new direction under my Editorship. We are now regularly reprinting paper items of historical importance such as service manuals, technical monographs, instrument sales literature. Many rare items that are simply not available ANYWHERE. These also tie in with AMICA's goals and are free to members. Although not specifically mentioned, Education is a strong push in AMICA. We recently funded the 900+ page book THE WELTE-MIGNON: ITS MUSIC AND MUSICIANS by Charles Davis Smith and Richard James Howe. We are almost sold out of them and there will not be any more printed. When this is completed (the sales), we will be investigating another project of this type.
Dues are quite reasonable. Annual dues are $27. Make checks payable (in US funds) to AMICA and send to:
Michael Barnhart, Membership Secretary
919 Lantern Glow Trail
Dayton Ohio 45431
513-254-5580
Chapter dues vary from chapter to chapter, but are usually in the $5.00 area. Members are encouraged to join the Chapters as it gives them a personal relationship with sharing their interests and music with others. No collection is too small, either. I hope this gives you enough info to understand AMICA and its goals. AMICA means friend and friendly we are. If I can answer ANY more/other questions, please don't hesitate!
Robin Pratt, Publisher/Editor
(PIANOLA) |
(Message sent Wed 12 Jul 1995, 05:18:02 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.) |
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