Dear AMICAns, MMD subscribers, distinguished fellows and good friends:

Let me say, first of all, that I am moved by the enormous success of
the 2003 AMICA convention beyond verbal expression.  As an AMICA member
myself, I treasure the gratifying experience and warm feeling of
sharing music, ideas and thoughts that are dear to me with others.
AMICA has been, from its first moment of breath, keenly conscious of
the preservation of rare instruments, and unfailingly active in
promoting that noble cause.  But more important, it's about friendship
-- as the name of the organization implies.  It is something of a
transcendental experience to have my name linked with such esteemed
individuals and associated with members of AMICA both past and present.
I would like to recognize some of the great people who made it all
possible:

In the beginning, there was a truly unique man who was I was greatly
honored to know.  Without his vision, his stubborn insistence, and his
clarity of purpose, the convention would not have happened, for it was
Dean Randall who suggested the whole idea in the first place.  And it
is in his spirit, that the souvenir roll is respectfully dedicated.
After he and the convention committee got things going, the marvelous
"Rose City Rag" would not at all have been made possible without the
invaluable assistance of Mr. David Saul, whose extraordinary knowledge
of both musical aesthetics and the technical process of roll
manufacturing aided greatly in its production.  And of course, we have
the AMICA president, Dan Brown, Kurt Morrison and Ron Babb to thank for
the beautiful graphic design and layout on the leader.  We also must
inevitably pay homage to Halie and Carl Dodrill.  I think they have
done a brilliant job on everything.  Finally, I wish to thank all
members that attended -- especially those I enjoyed chatting with
including Ron Babb, Joyce Brite, Carl and Halie Dodrill, Julian Dyer,
Karl Ellison, Maurice and Frances Willyard, Larry Norman, Martha
Taylor, and many others.  Once again, thank you all from the bottom
of my heart.

Amicably,

Nathan Bello