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Fair Organ Figures Never Smile
By Kristen Forlenzo

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Two years ago I was first introduced to the wonderful world of band
organs.  Not knowing anything about them, I went to my first organ
rally with my boyfriend who is an organ fanatic.  As I was attending
I paid close attention to the way they played, sounded and looked.
It was to my surprise that none of the band conductor figures on the
facades were smiling.

When I was told that band organ music was the "Happiest Music on Earth",
I turned to my boyfriend and asked, "Well, if it's considered to be
the happiest music on earth, why do the conductor figures never smile?"

He did not know the answer himself so I asked the late Ken Smith my
question.  His response was simply, "If you were standing there all day
long, would you be smiling?!"

After speaking with the late Ken Smith I was more eager to learn why
they never smiled.  I spoke with numerous people through my travels from
the United States to Europe.  No one knows the answer to this question.
I am still in search for my answer.  If anyone could kindly tell me why
this is, I'll be happy to end my search.

Thank you for your time and wonder in my question,
Kristen Forlenzo
Greenwich, Connecticut, USA

 [ I guess the conductor is expected to appear very serious, because
 [ he is directing very serious music!  ;-)  -- Robbie


(Message sent Sat 23 Jul 2005, 03:51:19 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Fair, Figures, Never, Organ, Smile

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