In the discussion initiated by Joyce Brite about coordinating band
organ rallies, I think it is only fair to say that, with the politics
of organizations, I don't think coordination is possible.

In the past MBSI has scheduled their events regardless of whether other
events conflicted with theirs dates or sites as I have witnessed a
number of times.  Hence, AMICA and other organizations have turned away
from trying to coordinate with MBSI because there appears to be no
reciprocity.  I think the best we can hope for is to post rallies no
matter when they are scheduled and let people attend those of their
choice.

Just to add to the discussion of "bigger rallies are definitely
better," I don't think that I agree with that idea.  The problem with
rallies is that the bigger the rallies become, the harder it is to find
suitable places to hold them and the more work, workers, coordination,
and money are needed to put them on.  Going back to old locations that
once were suitable doesn't always help because the rally size has
usually outgrown the location.  Still another problem is finding hotels
large enough and with enough suitable parking for the large rigs.
Additionally, the cost of hotel and registration must go up as does the
travel distance which may exclude smaller communities from having an
organ festival.

Another phenomena that has happened over time to the big rallies is
that they have become like conventions because we have to have tours,
big banquets, entertainment, open houses, etc.  Much of this distracts
from the original intent--public display of the organs.  And one last
point is that promotion to the public often suffers because the rally
organizers are so busy getting arrangements made for the organs and
their owners that nothing is done to publicize it to the general public
in the area.

Yes, I have attended a good number organ festivals were the organs
showed up but the public didn't.  Organ owners large and small are
asked to travel thousands of miles with these very expensive musical
machines, then asked to pay high registration fees and their own
expenses.  Most of the organ owners I know will travel for purpose of
educating the public and entertaining the public with them.  However,
they (the organ owners) grumble and complain when organizations make
money from their efforts.  Are the organ rallies suppose to promote
public awareness of these wonderful instruments or add to the coffers
for the non-for-profit organizations?

I welcome more rallies because I think that means smaller rallies and
less intimidating rallies to produce which also means more people will
be willing to host and organize rallies.  The more rallies, the more
organs that show up in more places (big cities and small communities)
where people really appreciate them, and where organ owners actually
get to educate and entertain the public not just themselves.

Cynthia Craig
St. Louis, MO