I have been reading the postings about American Piano Company Test
Rolls & AMICA in amazement.  The lack of knowledge by some of the
writers seems to correspond to the lack of participation of the
persons.

My wife and I belong to both MBSI & AMICA for many years.  We are
active in our local chapters and are "Board Reps" for Lady Liberty
Chapter of AMICA and are on several committees of MBSI.  We are well
aware of the economics and membership of both organizations.

To read every day the postings on MMD by people that think they are
helping to "save" mechanical music by reading the MMD e-mail, but do
not support any of these organizations or any other that I am not aware
of for whatever reasons are typical of the current correspondence.

I believe that every person interested in helping perpetuate mechanical
music should be members of one or more of these organizations and local
chapters whether they can utilize their services or not.

In answer to the correspondence regarding a local chapter's demise,
our chapter was in such a position as you described.  At the time,
I contacted our President of National AMICA and Board and told them
I think we need to close our Chapter.  When one of our chapter members
heard that I spoke to the President of AMICA about this, he said he
won't let this happen.  He took it upon himself to go through the
entire local membership list in the directory and asked the entire
local membership to come to a meeting to discuss the problem.

I am happy to say that from eight members we are now forty members
and very vibrant.  We invite members including those that are in the
restoration business to open their collections for viewing.  We tailor
our activities similarly to the Convention Program.  We conduct a
business meeting, workshops, sometimes a speaker, food is served that
we "chip" in for.

May I suggest that if the local Chapter is not doing what you think
you want it to do, step up to the plate and become a "bigwig" Chapter
Officer or join a committee.  If you are not members of AMICA or MBSI
become one.  You won't be sorry!  AMICA and MBSI have something to
offer to everybody.

The only "attitude" we have is figuring out how to keep the organization
going, and growing.  It's not easy.  I did not know AMICA was going to
produce a test roll, but it may bring in a few new members.  To offer
it to people outside the organization who would have no use for it
makes no sense.  If they know how to use it and have a need they should
become members and it would be available to them.

Marvin Polan
Melville, New York