Craig Brougher commented in MMDigest 000322:

> In case you've forgotten, player music is distinctive.  It sparkles.
> It's full of rhythm and chords, and riffs requiring precision, skill,
> and coordination far beyond that of modern musical demands.  But you
> are going to get one chance only to impress a newcomer.

I agree 100%.  I have noticed; however, that if we are going to "reach"
or interest the next generation in players, especially reproducing
pianos, we need some of their music.  I'm not talking about all the
"head banging, idiotic 3 minutes of pure terror on the ears" type of
music, but good music they can relate to.

I have noticed when I have a few of our church members over, especially
some of my choir members, the older the folks are the more they enjoy
the _music_.  Why?  (1) They remember pumping Grandmas ol' player, but
just as important, (2) they _recognise_ the music.

Want to get the attention of the next generation?  Produce music rolls
they are familiar with.  QRS does a great job with the standard 88-note
rolls, but there is nothing for the reproducing piano.  I sold a player
to a hot dog shop here in town and I gave them a roll of the "Titanic"
theme song.  As I played the old 1920's and 30's standards most folks
didn't take note.  When the "Titanic" theme was played folks recognized
and began to pay attention.  Why?  Because the music was a direct
_link_ or bridge from their mind to the piano.

What we need is someone who understands the expression coding and can
add them to these new pieces.  You folks are out there, but right now
no one is taking the time to do it.  If I could I would like to.  I
would even be satisfied having the expression coding added to the QRS
88-note versions.

I realize the reproducing piano is capable of a lot more than simple
edited 88-note rolls, but it would be better than what we have now.
Too bad this is not being done.  I appreciate the re-cut projects, and
I have a number of the Play-Rite re-cuts, and I'm glad I have them
because I can appreciate them, but we need some new pieces if we are
going to pique the interest of the next generation.

Where do we get these new worthwhile pieces?  One great place is the
movies!  Almost everyone attends the movies and remembers the music.
This would make a great starting place, and there has been some good
music come from the movies.  Can you imagine the attention it would get
if a reproducing piano was playing out the theme to "Star Wars."  You
would see people drop dead from the surprise!  That's the kind of thing
I would be willing to move my piano to the mall for.  Just to see the
people react to pieces they instantly recognize and enjoy!

I'm all for educating the next generation on the music of yesterday
especially, classical pieces.  I'm referring to the casual viewing of
this generation.  When the music is a failure the whole perception moves
from the realm of "neat" to "Woah, dude!"

Sam Harris - Greenville, North Carolina
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9374