[ Andy Taylor wrote:

> I resigned from a well-known organization in 1997 because I was
> told that children weren't allowed to participate in a convention.
> My toddler (now 15 years old) was very disappointed and, frankly,
> I was too.  It seems to me, if we indeed want to restore and
> preserve then we must look beyond our lifetime.

I read with sadness the posting of Andy Taylor.  I have been a member
of MBSI and AMICA for over 20 years.  I have never seen any youngster
refused participation in any convention or "open house".  My children
and grandchildren have been allowed to view, touch, and play our
automatic musical instruments since they have been old enough to reach
the keys.  We welcome younger members.

Sometimes older volunteers who may be running the "show" do foolish
things.  An incident that happened ten years ago should be forgiven now
and let the offended person try again.

My wife, Dianne, is the Co-Chairman of the East Coast chapter of MBSI
and we are active on the 2009 MBSI annual convention committee and we
put a lot of time and effort towards this endeavor.

Marvin Polan