I remain a member of AMICA and MBSI. I'm not a member of the
carousel Organ Association of America because the average carousel
organ doesn't interest me. That's my taste in collecting -- everyone
has their own taste in collecting and diversity makes it great.
There are several who collect organettes and their favorite instrument
is a small organette. There are those who collect pipe organs and
their house is dedicated to having a pipe organ in their living room.
(As much as I love organ music, a pipe organ just wouldn't fit in an
Israeli apartment!)
The comparison of one group to another, based on the membership cost
of the group, seems to me ludicrous. AMICA and MBSI are expensive
compared to other groups, but I don't think that the AMICA board is
making a profit on my membership dues, so I don't begrudge them the
costs.
I have nothing against promoting the COAA and its many activities --
I believe that it's a great group and their aims are worthy of mention
and accolades in this group and others -- I just think the comparison
based on the cost of membership seems ludicrous.
Eli Shahar
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