I have been following the discussion concerning copyright issues ever
since it started.  Back in November I complained about the confusion
concerning the determination of whether a song is copyrighted or not.
These discussions cleared up a few points for me. Thanks to all who
contributed their knowledge.

I also am trying to comply with the law when I arrange music for the
fairground organ.  But there are so many roadblocks that it becomes
extremely frustrating.  In addition, I am also a user of small
quantities.  So the Harry Fox agency billing of $34.75 for 500 tunes
becomes an intolerable expense for me.  I know I am safe to use songs
which were copyrighted in 1922 and before.

Now, the next level of confusion arises when one tries to contact the
copyright owner of a song.  I have tried contacting the publisher as
stated on the sheet music, and, inaddition, the agencies such as Harry
Fox and ASCAP.  One of the agencies would only allow me to ask for one
copyright owner per long distance phone call.  I suppose one can not
blame them due to the volume of calls they must receive.  But, more often
than not, the information given by the agency was inaccurate.  Only
through the kind offices of the previous publisher was I able to trace
the present owner of the copyrights.

Pointer Publications allowed me to use their arrangement of "Sidewalks of
New York Rock" as long as I gave them credit.  My written request to
Warner Brothers to re-arrange piano arrangements of popular marches went
unanswered.

So, you can see the frustrations involved in this copyright thing.
I want to keep within the law but am frustrated at every turn.

Andy LaTorre¶
Orgue Mecanique¶
Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA