Passing of Rich Olsen, Band Organ Music Arranger
By Fred Fey
We also were very saddened at the death of Rich. He was a true
friend even though we had never met him in person. Just through
numerous phone calls and emails we came to know him in a special way.
We sensed his spirit and gift of sharing through his musical talent.
Our family has a music ministry consisting of sharing our automatic
musical instruments with various nursing home facilities, child and
adult day care centers, schools and churches. Additionally, we
participate in local parades and seasonal events. One instrument
is a "circus" calliope from Miner Manufacturing Company and the other
is a Gebrüder Bruder barrel organ converted to a duplex 165 paper
roll pneumatic system in 1924.
For all of these events, the majority of the band organ rolls that
we use are from our collection of twenty-two 165 rolls superbly
arranged by Rich. All who hear Rich's rolls enjoy them to the
fullest -- from the very young to the, well, our age and beyond!
A little over a year ago we provided our band organ for dance music
for a local charity. Rich was so kind as to allow us to receive an
advanced copy of one roll for the dance. His music provided the
perfect atmosphere for the dance.
Rich Olsen has very humbly earned a recognition of being a gifted
arranger for all "seasons" and for all lovers of Automatic Musical
Instruments. Thank you Rich. We will truly miss you and will be
thinking of you each time we share your arrangements of "The Happiest
Music on Earth!"
Respectfully,
Fred & Roselyn Fey
New Braunfels, Texas
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(Message sent Wed 30 Oct 2013, 01:34:39 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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