-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD --

I find it very interesting to note that Dan Robinson states that the
band organ is too loud for the employees.  How sad that management
would cater to the employees rather than dismiss them or accept their
resignation.  These employees are usually young people that would not
want to hear the music played at any level.

We already know that in situations where management allows their
carousels to operate sound systems, this usually allows the same young
folks to slip in their own kind of music at times.  I have also noted
that these same sound systems, when playing recorded band organ music,
are played so low you cannot hear them.

The answer is the public should "Shout the outcry!"  But they are
not educated with what is really going on, so we continue to lose
a generation of children who will not be able to enjoy what we did in
our past.  How sad.  This is also, in my opinion, affecting the entire
future of interest in mechanical music machines.  Hide something and
all interest just simply fades away.

On another note, I have visited carousels that rely on volunteers
to operate the carousel and gift shop.  Now, keep in mind I am also
a senior citizen, but the senior citizens who work at these locations
also have the same complaints.  Rightly so, their age alone often
prohibits the continuous sound of a live band organ, especially if it
is repeating the tunes often.

I will never forget a fine old gentleman who came up to my band organ
one time, by shuffling his feet to get there.  He stood there a moment,
then shuffled his feet to get turned around and started looking around
for what, I concluded, was me!  It was!

He shuffled toward me and said, "Is that thing yours?"  Thinking it
might be easier to say no, I did say yes.

He said, "It is really nice, but it is way too loud!"  Heard that
before???  I noted that he had hearing aids in both ears!  I simply
concluded, yes -- I'll bet it is, very loud!

The fact I agreed was appropriate, but this was an exception, without
a doubt.  Other than this, my answer would be, "Band organs are supposed
to be loud!"  Hey!  I think I would like to repeat that: "Band organs
are supposed to be loud!"

I travel all over the United States with my band organ.  I operate at
major fairs and events.  I have never had a public complaint.  But I
consistently have to deal with the irritations of vendors and employees
who also have to work near where I might be located.  I often wonder
why these folks elect to work in the competitive environment of a fair.
I am sure they are also annoyed by many other things beyond that of
a live band organ.

Until I hear complaints from the public, who I know enjoy a live band
organ, I will continue to respond that management should never react to
the irritation of carousel operators, general employees in the area or
vendors.  The attraction being discussed is a carousel and live band
organ, and that is what brought the paying public to the location.

This is really an age-old story.  The job requirements and job
description for operating the carousel at this location should include
working with a live band organ.  If other employees or vendors are a
problem, the same inclusion should be made in their job descriptions
and/or contracts.

Depriving the public versus satisfying employees should not be an
issue.  Interview and hire employees who are suited for the job.
In areas where volunteers are used, they should never be allowed to
dictate method of operation.  These are usually vintage carousels and
it should be clearly understood that working around or near the
operation of a live band organ will be involved.

Strong management positions can, in fact, be the answer.

I was working the Kansas State Fair a few years ago and I was located
near a vendor that was selling horse trailers.  Within moments on the
first day when I started the band organ, I received a very unfriendly
visit from this vendor.  Among many things he said and questioned,
one was, "Am I going to have to put up this thing everyday?"  Further,
"I am not going to be even able to hear and talk with potential
customers.  I paid a lot of money for this spot."

I wondered, "Is a band organ at a fair more of an attraction than horse
trailers?   Would everyone in Kansas being coming to see just horse
trailers?"  Possibly the answer is, "A fair is really everything."

It seems to me that everyone should understand that you may have to
tolerate even the unusual when working at such events.  If not, strong
management must clarify issues and maintain positions.

The vendor carried his complaint to fair management, which he had made
quite clear he was going to do when he stormed away.  I was disappointed
-- I thought everyone loved band organs.  Time passed and I seen the
vendor back in his area and no one had come around to say anything to
me.  Finally, I just _had_ to find out what happened.

Cautiously I ventured into his area, watching not to step on any
land mines, and I asked him about going to the fair office.  He said,
"Oh, don't worry about that, you just go ahead and play your band organ
all you want, it is not a problem at all."

Needless to say I was quite taken back by this sudden turn around.
The music had rubbed off on him so quickly?  I asked, "Well, what did
happen at the fair office?"

He replied, "Well, they told me that if I did not like the
entertainment they had arranged for the fair, I could take my horse
trailers and move them off the fairgrounds.  And further, any further
complaints from me and we may not consider having you back next year!"

Strange result?  No, this man was handled with a strong and confident
management official.

Oddly, I became good friends with the vendor during the remaining days
of the fair.  I tried to play music that was conducive to the time of day
and occasionally he would twirl his finger signaling me to "Let her go!"
(I think that was when he just sold a horse trailer!)  He even told me
that he thought maybe the band organ attracted folks to the area and
resulted in more attention to his spot.  But, significantly, he said
that there came a time where he did not even pay attention to the
music and it was almost as if it wasn't there.

Management take note!  Annoyances can be replaced with inattention?!!

Still wonder if getting the right employees or volunteers on board
is the answer?  Ask Matthew Caulfield at Sea Breeze Park in Rochester,
New York, if he has any problems operating the beautiful carousel there
that plays a live band organ daily!

'Til we meet at the merry-go-round!

Larry Kern
El Paso, Texas

 [ Larry has a custom-built trailer to carry his Stinson model 187
 [ "Ambassador" concert organ to play at fairs and most all of the
 [ band organ rallies.  -- Robbie