Nicholas Simons said, "With all mechanical music societies currently
having trouble keeping up membership numbers.... "

That's not true of the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA).
We are growing.  Perhaps that is because our primary objective is to
have fun.  Our core activity is holding open rallies.

While we draw a few organs in obvious need of tuning and repair, some
antiques which hardly play at all, and some new homebuilt organs whose
owners seem to have only two rolls, the public gets to see some great
organs as well.  The mix lets the public see that you don't have to be
a millionaire or an outstanding musician or technician to take part.
We often encourage people to try cranking and are willing to suggest
how to get started.

We probably have more Raffins and small Wurlitzers than anything else,
but we welcome anything from a Gem Roller Organ or street piano through
"Trudy" and the Waldkirch-built organs.

We also have a preservationist and scholarly side which is conducted
primarily through our magazine.  My impression is that our editor is
never short of copy, in part because he tries to include all kinds of
contributions, not just those related to history and preservation.
Again, it is about taking part, not about something subject to expert
judgment.

In short, if you want to draw in people, the key is making it fun.
Leave quality "art" to the museums which appeal only to an elite.

Wallace Venable