Joyce Brite writes in 110530 MMDigest about former members of MBSI,
AMICA, etc. and why they left.  "The complex answers," she says,
"are more difficult."

Around twenty-five years ago I perceived that AMICA chapters were
interested in getting photos of people who might be in the same room
with a worthy instrument, such as an Ampico or a Mills.  My own favorite
activity, playing my pedal-operated Standard upright with expression,
was apparently quite out of favor, especially as I did it in public.

Busking -- "Not the proper image. (Shudder.) (Shudder again.)"

Now, nobody ever actually said anything derogatory about my busking.
But I felt as if I had shown up at an A-rated Hunter-Jumper horse show
with a clean but well-used roping pony.  "Yes, it's a horse, but it's
not _our_ kind of horse.  Please go somewhere else."

Around the same time I was involved in carriage driving with the
Granite State Carriage Association.  They welcomed anyone with any
horse and carriage who could drive moderately safely, and offered help
to beginners.

The horse world has room for all types, even making room when there
isn't room, in spite of some of the more difficult people.

The AMICA world, at that time, seemed decidedly too upscale for me.
I spent more time with the horses and with busking, and dropped out of
AMICA.  Fortunately, a two-horse trailer will snugly hold one piano and
about 1000 piano rolls.

Peter Neilson