There has been a lot of chatter about exposing mechanical music to
the public but not a lot reporting about it actually being done.
A long-time MMDer and respected mechancial music authority has urged
that I mention that this is the _perfect_ time of year to do just that.
Currently my band organ is residing at a month-long massive annual event
called "The Magical Forest" which will have an estimated 200,000+ guests
between now and Christmas Eve. So far it has been very appreciated and
many are witnessing mechanical music for the first time. I have
uploaded a very short video illustrating the organ performing here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1VSmKqa08g&feature=youtu.be
If indeed people here are serious about publicizing mechanical music,
then now is the time! Assemble a cover letter and some photographs and
start pounding the pavement. Make cold calls, visit administrators
for local organizations putting on annual events, even retailers and
shopping centers. Check with the local symphony orchestra and see if
they will let you set up outside when they do their annual Christmas
program. Then get your street organ, monkey organ, calliope, or band
organ tuned up and get it out there!
You will likely run into skeptics who don't understand just exactly
what it is that you have. Invite them over to demonstrate so that they
understand. Put it on YouTube so that they can see it from their
office chairs. You may have to call people 4 or 5 times before they
finally give you their attention.
'Tis the season for sharing mechanical music!
Rob Goodale
Las Vegas, Nevada
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