Chicago MBSI Convention
By Beatrice Robertson
Thanks to Jody, my modem is working. There are many Digest members at the meeting here, and everyone is enjoying being able to see who we have enjoyed sharing the Digest with. The week so far has been incredibly busy, with no hope of letup in sight. Tuesday and Wednesday are business days for Society Officers and Trustees. And Wednesday the tours began. I'll let Jody tell you about the tours, since I did not go on them due to being involved in the work of the meeting.
Wednesday the Exhibit and Hospitality Room was opened. What an incredible collection of instruments: many of the orchestrions and nickelodeons built by the Chicago makers are on display and played regularly, a particularly beautiful art-cased reproducing piano stands in one corner, next to Siegfried Wendel's new Weber Maesto. This piece is a magnificent piece of work, faithfully reproducing the Weber of the past. The Ramey's Banjo-orchestra reproduction is also present and being played to the enjoyment of the many people roaming the room. The room itself is a reenactment of the famous Svoboda's Nickelodeon Tavern, complete with checkered table cloths.
On to the rest of the exhibit: There are several grind organs of various makers including a very nice small "Busker's Organ" made by Alan Pell, and being played by our very own organ grinder, Angelo Rulli. I might add that Angelo has not so far completely lost his mind as Chair of this huge meeting. Also included in the display are several musical boxes, both cylinder and disk, with a wondrous display of very early miniatures owned by Chris Eric.
If this isn't enough, on Wednesday evening, we were treated to an organ grinder in the Beer Tent outside until some very late hour. Then on Thursday, many people had 7:30 buses to catch for the Wisconsin Tour. Hustle, hustle.
Thursday was primarily occupied with a replay of the various Tours until Thurs. evening when the annual Welcome Reception for First Timer's was held. This gives the officers and committee chairs, as well as many of the members a chance to welcome and introduce themselves to the members who have not attended a national meeting before.
The keynote speaker, Arthur Ord-Hume gave his presentation Thursday evening. Since I'm a bit short on time this morning, I'll make a report on his talk as well as the man later. We're off to a 7:15 breakfast meeting this morning, followed by workshops, the mart, and the auction. We'll be puffing by the end of this day!!
Later -- Beatrice
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(Message sent Fri 30 Aug 1996, 11:58:25 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.) |
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