Recent comments regarding this topic have been interesting and even
sometimes entertaining.  I'd like to comment on my perspective as an
officer of the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA).  While
we are among the smaller mechanical music organizations in the USA,
there is no shortage of enthusiasm, leadership and involvement.  The
first four COAA organ rallies this year attracted over 400 registrants;
add to that COAA now has seven members who are 16 years old or younger
and another twenty who are under 40.

While these numbers don't compare with days gone by, mechanical music
will always hold an allure.  The winter meeting, which has been held
in Florida the past six years, draws an additional 100 registrants.
Already next year we have six rallies and an International Convention
on the calendar.  We are likely to have ten rallies next year and four
on the calendar already for 2016.

Our obligation, as I see it, is to be as certain as one can be that
instruments on the market today and into the future are placed in the
hands of those whose commitment will last until the next surge in
popularity of these amazing mechanical machines.  We are blessed to be
part of the procession -- Viva Mechanical Music!

Angelo Rulli - COAA President
St. Paul, Minnesota
http://www.coaa.us/