MBSI Southeast Chapter will be presenting an exhibit at the Orlando
Science Center in Orlando, Florida, November 13, 2010, until January
9, 2011, entitled "The World of Mechanical Music-Science-History-
Craftsmanship-Art".  This will be a great opportunity to interest the
next generation into the world of Mechanical Music through the physical
science of music, sound, and mechanisms with hands on displays.

Additionally, it will be a time for families to share stories with
children with their grandparents of the yesterday's MP3 players.  Five
areas are planned: a science demo area, a street scene, a home sitting
room entertainment area, a dance hall, and an ice cream parlor.

This exhibit will run during the peak tourist periods from Thanksgiving
through the New Year where thousands of visitors from around the world
vacation in the Orlando area as well as the time when grandchildren
visit their grandparents in Central Florida.

We would like to ask the assistance of MMD readers who may have parts
and or instruments that they would loan that would demonstrate how
levers, gears, pulleys, bellows, etc., operate for the science area.
These can be home-built prototypes, partially restored instruments,
pieces they may be saving for that day they may need them or just
drawing and designs.  The science area will be open to the public to
interact and try various items therefore we are not looking for fully
restored expensive items but for items that would show how parts
interact.

The other four areas will be controlled and tour lead by trained
personnel and will be secured and locked when trained docents are not
available.  These areas will contain restored instruments generously
loaned by members of MBSI in period settings reflected of the holiday
season and some will be played for visitors listening enjoyment and
possibly have them up and dancing in the dance hall!

If you need additional information or would like to become involved in
this great event please contact Wayne or Mary Ellen Myers, co-chairmen
of the event, at maryellen@cfl.rr.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to
reply] for event information or to lend instruments.  Please reply to
Paulette Smariga at psmariga@hughes.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep"
to reply] for the science demo area items or with your ideas for
designing interactive displays that can explain these wonderful complex
instruments that can be understood by a fifth grader!

Paulette Smariga - in the beautiful Mount Dora area of central Florida