I completely agree with Don Teach [161113 MMDigest].  On almost a
weekly basis we have people in their 20s and 30s and younger in our
home who have an interest in these instruments.  For some it is the
first time they have ever had a chance to see them.  I've heard them
say they heard of them existing, but never knew where to see them.

It seems to me the thing that got a lot of the restorers we have today
into the field was the fact that they had instruments they could see
and hear out in public playing well.  One PianOrchestra in California,
seems to have interested a lot of restorers and collectors alike, it
was so accessible.

I know in one of the publications member book almost every listing
says that they don't want anyone to come visit or see their
instruments, so with this attitude how could you hope to interest
younger people?  I'm sure that the first generation never even dreamed
that these instruments would be around to see 2016, but they didn't
turn into the negative naysayers for the next generation and neither
should we.

What happened to our American Spirit?  Isn't the future of these
instruments worth making an effort for?  People have to understand
how enjoyable these instruments are, and if all they get from you is
gripping and complaining and negativity then why oh why would they
want to get involved?  Show them how much fun, enjoyment and friendship
these things can bring; make them want to have an interest!

These younger people are fascinated with them and love the idea of how
these instrument work and how they play paper.  We have to remember,
most of them have had MIDI and computers from the day they were born;
this is all new to them.  You should see their eyes when they find out
there aren't any loudspeakers!  I've seen kids stand around with their
jaws dropped while Stephen explained to them how different things
worked.  They've come back and brought along their parents and friends.

As to the comment that young people don't want to be "hands on", I
don't know where you live, but here, "hands on" fields are in demand,
and kids -- even young kids -- are getting into more of the "hands on"
arts and projects, wood working, sewing, canning, restoration, etc.
We just need to do a better job of exposing them to these instruments
and a better job of encouraging them to get involved and learn.

Reach out to the younger people when and wherever you can and for
heaven's sake, "Put on a Happy Face!"

Kelly Goodman - Gnaw-Vol-ty Music Rolls
Clovis, California
http://gnaw-vol-ty.com/