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T H E www.amica.org
AMICA
Volume 44, Number 2
March/April 2007
AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION BULLETIN
GERMANY/HOLLAND
2007
JULY 5TH – 20TH
Tour Historic Germany and Holland
with your fellow AMICANs.
Visit Munich with its clock tower, Hofbrau House and many interesting attractions.
See world-class museums with wonderful collections
of automatic musical instruments.
Bus through scenic countryside, with quaint towns full of wonderfully painted buildings.
Shop in wood carving centers.
Tour King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle.
Visit organ factories and private collections.
Stroll through the Historic walled city of Rothenburg.
Cruise the Beautiful Rhein River, with castles lining the waterway.
Listen to dance organs, pianos, Dutch Street Organs and more.
Enjoy the pumper contest, with contestants using
Conrad Adenauer’s grand piano.
There’s so much more to see and do.
Applications will be coming soon, and you need to register right away….remember,
registration is limited.
Questions? Call Frank at 818-884-6849
ISSN #1533-9726
T HE AMICA B ULLETIN
AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION
Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association, a non-profit, tax exempt group devoted to the restoration, distribution
and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated paper music rolls and perforated music books. AMICA was founded in San Francisco, California in 1963.
PROFESSOR MICHAEL A. KUKRAL, PUBLISHER, 216 MADISON BLVD., TERRE HAUTE, IN 47803-1912 -- Phone 812-238-9656, E-mail: Kukral@Rose-Hulman.edu
Visit the AMICA Web page at: http://www.amica.org
Associate Editor: Mr. Larry Givens • Editor Emeritus: Robin Pratt
VOLUME 44, Number 2 March/April 2007
AMICA BULLETIN
FEATURES Display and Classified Ads
Articles for Publication
Visit to San Sylmar’s Auto/Musical Collection . . . . . . . .Shirley Nix . . . . .57
Letters to the Publisher
Welte-Mignon Licensee Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark Reinhart . . . . .58 Chapter News
The Sounds of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doug McGee . . . . .59 UPCOMING PUBLICATION
Isabelle Yalkovsky Byman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karl Ellison . . . . .60 DEADLINES
The ads and articles must be received
Musical Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Peg Kehret . . . . .61 by the Publisher on the 1st of the
Air, What It Is and What It Does Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robin Pratt . . . . .69 Odd number months:
January July
A Trip Back in Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roy Beltz . . . . .78 March September
May November
The “Altre Note” Festival in Lecco . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Motto-Ros . . . . .86
Bulletins will be mailed on the 2nd week
The Salzburg Bull Barrel Organ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Motto-Ros . . . . .87 of the even months.
Last American to Remember Titanic Sinking Dies . . . .Mike Kukral . . . . .91 Dr. Michael A. Kukral, Publisher
216 Madison Blvd.
Terre Haute, Indiana 47803-1912
Phone: 812-238-9656
e-mail: kukral@rose-hulman.edu
DEPARTMENTS
AMICA International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54-55 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 New Memberships . . . . . . . . . . $47.00
Publisher’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Renewals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47.00
Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Additional $5.00 due if renewed
past the Jan. 31 deadline
In Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Address changes and corrections
New Piano Rolls & Recuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Directory information updates
Chapter News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Additional copies of
Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Member Directory . . . . $25.00
Single copies of back issues
($10.00 per issue - based
upon availability)
Front Cover: “Kitten on the Keys” submitted by Ken Caswell
William Chapman (Bill)
Inside Front: Germany/Holland Convention 2007. 53685 Avenida Bermudas
Back Cover: “Wreck of the Titanic,” original sheet music from 1912. La Quinta, CA 92253-3586
From the collection of Mike Kukral (760) 564-2951
e-mail: shazam32@earthlink.net
Inside Back Cover: Directions for Tuners - Kimball Player Piano.
Submitted by Mike Kukral To ensure timely delivery of your
BULLETIN, please allow 6-weeks
advance notice of address changes.
AMICA Publications reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any and all submitted articles and advertising.
Entire contents © 2007 AMICA International Printed by Engler Printing Co., Fremont, OH • englerprinting@ezworks.net 53
AMICA INTERNATIONAL
– INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS –
PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT PUBLISHER
John Motto-Ros Mike Walter Dr. Michael A. Kukral
110 Allen Ranch Road 65 Running Brook Dr. 216 Madison Blvd.
Sutter Creek, CA 95685 Lancaster, NY 14086-3314 Terre Haute, IN 47803-1912
209-267-9252 716-656-9583 812-238-9656
e-mail: mottoros@sbcglobal.net e-mail: amicapresident@yahoo.com e-mail: Kukral@Rose-Hulman.edu
VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER
Tim Baxter Robbie Tubbs
939 Briarcliff Rd. NE 7405 Willow
Alanta, GA 30306-4664 Raytown, MO 64133
404-377-1220 816-313-1075
e-mail: baxdig@mindspring.com e-mail:robbiet317@hotmail.com
SECRETARY MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Marlene Beckman William Chapman (Bill)
4046 SE 53rd Street 53685 Avenida Bermudas
Berryton, KS 66409-9714 La Quinta, CA 92253-3586
785-862-0128 Phone & Fax: 760-564-2951
e-mail: hcbeckman@cox.net e-mail: shazam32@earthlink.net
– COMMITTEES –
AMICA ARCHIVES CONVENTION COORDINATOR
Tom Hutchinson Frank Nix
15361 Hopper Rd. 6030 Oakdale Ave.
Sturgeon, MO 65284 Woodland Hills, CA 91367
hutweb@tranquility.net 818-884-6849
AMICA MEMORIAL FUND HONORARY MEMBERS
Halie Dodrill
4488 W. Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040-3934
206-236-0067
e-mail: halie@dodrill.net
WEBSITE MANAGER
AUDIO-VISUAL & TECHNICAL
Karl B. Ellison
Harold Malakinian
6 Lions Lane
2345 Forest Trail Dr.
Salem, MA 01970-1784
Troy, MI 48098
e-mail: ellison1@localnet.com
54
AMICA INTERNATIONAL
CHAPTER OFFICERS
BOSTON AREA LADY LIBERTY SIERRA NEVADA
Pres: Bill Koenigsberg Pres: Bill Maguire Pres: John Motto-Ros - 209-267-9252
Vice Pres: Bob Hunt Vice Pres: Aris John Dousmanis Vice Pres: Doug Mahr
Sec: Ken Volk Recording Sec: Bill Maguire Sec: Sonja Lemon
Treas: Dorothy Bromage Corresponding Sec: Richard Karlsson Treas: Doug & Vicki Mahr
Board Rep: Bob Hunt - optimist@gwi.net Reporter: Buzz Rosa Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros
CHICAGO AREA Board Reps: Marvin & Dianne Polan Board Rep: Chip Lusby
Pres: Korin Iverson - 815-994-7649 631-673-0388 SOWNY (Southern Ontario,Western New
ivy2120@comcast.net Newsletter Editor: Bill Maguire York)
Vice Pres: Barry Schultz - 708-579-0260 MIDWEST (OH, MI, IN, KY) Pres: Mike Walter - 716-656-9583
Sec: Carol Veome - 773-338-1042 Pres: Don Johnson - 248-650-1840 Vice Pres: Daniel Tenerowicz
veome@sbcglobal.net Vice Pres: Liz Barnhart Sec: Garry Lemon
Treas: Joe Pekarek Sec: Hilda Merchant Treas: Holly Walter
Reporter: Curt Clifford Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl bballmomma99@yahoo.com
Board Rep: George Wilder Reporter: Christy Counterman Reporter: Garry & Anne Lemon
FOUNDING CHAPTER Board Rep: Liz Barnhart Board Rep: Audrey Cannizzaro
Pres: John Ulrich - 510-223-9587 NORTHERN LIGHTS Photographer: Nancy Group & Anne Lemmon
Vice Pres: Bing Gibbs & Karen Simons Pres: Phillip Baird - plb28622@aol.com SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Sec: Jack and Dianne Edwards - Vice Pres: Paul Watkins Pres: Jerry Pell - 760-249-6380
butano18@sbcglobal.net Sec: Jason E. Beyer - 507-454-3124 Vice Pres: Frank Nix
Treas/Bd Rep: Richard Reutlinger Treas: Barbara Watkins Sec./Reporter: Shirley Nix
Reporter: Bonnie and Bob Gonzalez Reporter: Dorothy Olds Treas: Lloyd A. Osmundson
GATEWAY CHAPTER Board Rep: Phillip Baird Board Rep: Frank Nix
Pres: Yousuf Wilson - 636-665-5187 PACIFIC CAN-AM TEXAS
Vice Pres: Gary Craig - 314-771-1244 Pres: Carl Dodrill - carl@dodrill.net Pres: Jerry Bacon - 214-328-9369
Sec: Mary Wilson Vice Pres: Halie Dodrill - halie@dodrill.net Vice Pres: Bill Boruff
Treas: Cynthia Craig Sec: Treas: Vicki Brady
Reporter/Bd.Rep: Gary Craig - Treas: Jack & Mary Lou Becvar Sec./Reporter:Maureen Barisonek
pocoloco@greaterbaynet.com Reporter: Ron Babb Board Rep: John McCall
HEART OF AMERICA Bd. Rep: Carl Dodrill - 206-236-0067
Pres: Tom McAuley ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Vice Pres: Robbie Tubbs Pres: Larry Kerecman - 303-377-7729
Sec: Rick McDowell - 816-781-1965 Vice Pres: Jere DeBacker
Treas: Mike Schoeppner - 816-767-9766 Sec: Louise Lucero
Board Rep: Ron Connor Treas: Fred Wilson
Reporter: Jere DeBacker
AFFILIATED SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) INTERNATIONAL PIANO ARCHIVES NORTHWEST PLAYER PIANO ASSOCIATION
President - Ken Double AT MARYLAND Everson Whittle, Secretary
1201 McDuffie St. #173 Performing Arts Library,University of Maryland 11 Smiths Road, Darcy Lever,
Houston, TX 77019 2511 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Bolton BL3 2PP, Gt. Manchester, England
Phone: 713-520-1911 College Park, MD 20742 Home Phone: 01204 529939
E-Mail: double@atos.org Phone: 301-405-9224 Business Phone: 01772 208003
Theatre Organ Editor - Jeff Weiler Fax: 301-314-7170
1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905 E-Mail: dm137@umail.umd.edu PIANOLA INSTITUTE
Chicago, IL 60616 Clair Cavanagh, Secretary
INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE PHONO & 43 Great Percy St., London WC1X 9RA
Phone: 312-842-7475 MECHANICAL MUSIC SOCIETY
E-Mail: weiler@atos.org England
C.G. Nijsen, Secretaire General
ASSOCIATION ITALIANA MUSICA 19 Mackaylaan PLAYER PIANO GROUP
MECCANICA 5631 NM Eindhoven, Netherlands Julian Dyer, Bulletin Editor
Via Comte le Monticino No. 485 5 Richmond Rise, Workingham,
MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY OF GREAT Berkshire RG41 3XH, United Kingdom
47020 Cesena, Italy BRITAIN
Phone: 39-547-346-046 Phone: 0118 977 1057
Alan Pratt, Editor Email: jrd@ngcscd.demon.co.uk
AUSTRALIAN COLLECTORS OF P. O. Box 299
MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Waterbeach, Cambridge CB4 4PJ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
19 Waipori Street England Division of Musical History
St. Ives NSW 2075, Australia Washington, D.C. 20560
MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL
DUTCH PIANOLA ASSOC. Rosanna Harris, Editor SOCIETY FOR SELF-PLAYING
Nederlandse Pianola Vereniging 5815 West 52nd Avenue MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Eikendreef 24 Denver, CO 80212 Gesellschaft für Selbstspielende
5342 HR Oss, Netherlands Phone: 303-431-9033 Fax: 303-431-6978 Musikinstrumente (GSM) E.V.
FRIENDS OF SCOTT JOPLIN E-Mail: mbsi@estreet.com Ralf Smolne
1217 St. Croix Ct. Emmastr. 56
Kirkwood, MO 63122-2326 NETHERLANDS MECHANICAL D-45130 Essen, Germany
website: http//stlouis.missouri.org/fsjoplin ORGAN SOCIETY - KDV Phone:**49-201-784927
fsjoplin@stlouis.missouri.org A. T. Meijer Fax:**49-201-7266240
Wilgenstraat 24 Email: president@musica-mechanica.de
NL-4462 VS Goes, Netherlands
55
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I hope everyone is welcoming some splendid spring weather. It is
definitely warming up here in Northern California. Speaking of warmer
weather, Nadine and I attended the Southern California Chapter’s February
meeting. Of special interest was the tour of the Nethercutt Collection in
Sylmar, CA, with over 50 antique, black iron and collectible automobiles,
plus some of the finest mechanical musical instruments. One thing that
makes this collection so special is it is displayed in a beautifully appointed
exhibit facility. Anyone living in or visiting Southern California should
not miss the chance to visit this collection. It is open to the public, advance
reservations are required, but there is no charge.
Good news for those interested in technical information. Terry Smythe
took on the task of scanning all of the bound technical articles and made
a CD. Thank you Terry.
All AMICA members will receive a copy of the CD in a future issue of THE BULLETIN—free! New members will also
receive a CD when they join. This CD is dedicated in memory of long-time member Sandy Libman who passed away a few years ago.
Nadine and I hope to see as many of you as possible at the 2007 International Convention in Germany.
John Motto-Ros
mottoros@sbcglobal.net
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK
The year 1912 is a benchmark for automatic musical instruments. The 88-note player piano was at
the take-off stage of sales and popularity. The Ampico reproducing piano entered the market as the
Stoddard-Ampico and the soon to be introduced Duo-Art piano was under production. Edwin Welte
opened his Poughkeepsie, New York, factory for the production of Welte-Mignon pianos and rolls in
America. Coin-operated pianos and orchestrions were at about the peak of their popularity around this
time. Ragtime was on the way out and the jazz era had not yet arrived. Music of Debussy, Stravinsky,
and Rachmaninoff was offering new sounds to the classical repertoire.
In 1912 the Titanic went down on a cold April night and the last person to remember that event died
in 2006 (obituary in this issue). A couple more survivors live today, exactly 95 years after this disaster,
and the back cover of this bulletin harkens to this memory. Piano rolls were issued of this 1912 work
(Supertone and others) and QRS issued a Titanic memorial set in 1998 (better late than never).
When my father was a boy in 1912 the world was still awaiting World War One and the glory days of the player piano were just
beginning. That war, with its songs so linked to piano rolls (some of Pete Wendling’s best!) in my mind, would change the world in
ways far greater than the impact of the computer. Ninety-five years ago is a long time ago, but when I think that Abraham Lincoln
was president 95 years before I was born it brings history closer to home. The wonder of the player piano is that it has the ability to
transport us to many eras of history and many places; we only need to watch and listen.
Mike Kukral
Publisher
56
L ETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Mike, own! Because God has given me the Gift of Mechanical ability,
This is the first “Letter to the Editor” I have ever written, but and I have a couple of Aeolian Push-Up Players, that could
after reading the Article in the January/February Bulletin about become a reality.
the Phillips-Condon Duo-Art Vorsetzer, I had to respond! Thank you Mike for providing such a great Article that
After acquiring my first Reproducing Piano (Stroud Duo-Art) sparked my enthusiasm to take on such a project!
and getting it working, I played some of the Rolls that came Richard Ingram
with it. My most favorite Roll was the Grieg Piano Concerto
(3rd Movement) by Grainger. It is the best Roll that I have
found that shows the wide range of Dynamic Expression of the Hi Mike,
Instrument. I have since then collected some LP’s & CD’s Congratulations on the series describing the “principles of
including one of the Grieg PC played by the Sydney Symphony the player and reproducing mechanisms”, a reprint by Wilberton
Orchestra accompanied by the Duo-Art recording reproduced by Gould, 1927-1928. These articles are already clearing up some
the Phillips-Condon Vorsetzer. of the things that were fuzzy. I believe AMICA has many
Much to my surprise, I read the Article in the Bulletin “listeners” who have desired a review of the “basics”. I look
describing the History and Mechanics of that very Machine! forward to the rest of the articles in the series. Thank You,
Prior to reading the Article in the Bulletin, I was so intrigued Don Johnson
about the Vorsetzer when I read about it in the Album Cover of Midwest Region
the LP I got Years earlier, that I had in mind to build one of my
By Shirley Nix
V ISIT TO SAN SYLMAR’S AUTO /
MUSICAL COLLECTION
Valley News Group
January 4, 2007
Do you remember the joy of an old of silent movies made more dramatic by orchestra) were 15 ft. tall and could be 20
player piano in your parlor when you were the piano or organ, ‘specially designed ft. wide or more.
young? Maybe it was pumped by foot to with sound effects to fit the particular These wonderful instruments played
make it go and the family would gather movie and add to the emotion of the the pop music of the day or an operatic
‘round to sing and enjoy the music. scene, be it a train bearing down on a aria with equal aplomb. The cases were
As time went on, technology advanced stalled car or a love-struck swain trying to works of art, with fine wood work,
to the point the pianos, known as steal a kiss. extensive use of machines. It was,
reproducing pianos, could include all Perhaps you enjoyed a malted milk at probably, easier and more economical to
the nuances of a fine performance by a the corner drugstore and put a nickel in buy an automatic instrument than to hire
well-known pianist. The pianists of the the “nickelodeon”, a piano with drums, a full orchestra and hope everyone
day were mostly under contract to one or mandolin, triangle, wood block, or even showed up on time. These machines were
another of the companies who made pipes tuned to sound like violins or flute. made to be work horses and required
the mechanisms. (The three major These were American machines, and little maintenance for many years.
manufacturers were Duo-Art, Ampico and appeared in train stations, bars, skating
SAN SYLMAR MUSEUM
Welte Mignon). It is still a thrill to hear a rinks, restaurants and anywhere the public
If all this peaks your interest, a visit
performance by George Gershwin playing could be enticed to part with a nickel to
to the San Sylmar Museum in the San
his “Rhapsody in Blue” exactly as he hear the music of the day.
Fernando Valley should definitely be on
wanted to hear it played.
EUROPEAN MARKETS your agenda.
Maybe you remember “monkey
The Europeans were in the market, too, A tour of San Sylmar starts off with the
organs” at the County Fair, or the
but they tended to go bigger with more museum across the street from the main
wonderful music of a carousel organ
sophistication, both in their cases and the building, where you are treated to one of
accompanying a ride on the Merry-Go-
music. Some of the large orchestrions (so the largest and best collections of antique
Round. If your memory really stretches
named because they simulated a full cars anywhere, all restored to perfection.
back you may even have fond memories
57
continued. . .
When your tour starts, you will enter reproducing piano on the balcony and 225. You’ll have a day you won’t forget
the main building through wonderful on to the upper floor where the real and there is no charge.
carved doors into a virtual wonderland. automatic music collection is housed. Shirley Nix is a Woodland Hills based
You are greeted first by a Regina Music Everything here is restored to its former reporter for AMICA—that’s the Automatic
Box playing its lovely music. glory and plays superbly. There are Mechanical Instrument Collectors Assn. This
From there it is into the main hall, orchestrions of several kinds, including is a group of people who just love the
where there are more cars, even more a Hupfeld Pan, which is a large, wonderful mechanical music field, from the smallest to
beautiful than those you already saw. You example of a dance organ. the largest. The aim of the organization is
the preservation, restoration and enjoyment
have time to look at all of them, as your The museum has a strict dress code
of the field of automatic music, along with
guide explains the restoration process and (inquire when you make your reservations) education of the public regarding this “blast
answers questions. and no photography is permitted. Children from the past.”
Then it’s up the stairs. “Stairway under 12 are not allowed. You can find more info at www.AMICA.org.
to Paradise” is the theme and a very The museums located at 15180 Bledsoe There’s even a membership form you can
apt theme it is. You are lead past the St. in Sylmar. For reservations, call 367- download and send in.
By Mark Reinhart
W ELTE-MIGNON LICENSEE ARTIST,
REGINALD DRYSDALE STEWART
Reginald Drysdale Stewart was born He appeared as guest conductor in
20 April 1900 in Edinburgh, Scotland London, New York and Washington, DC.
and died 8 July 1984 in Santa Barbara, In 1961 Stewart was appointed artist-
California. Stewart studied in France in-residence at the Music Academy of the
with Isidor Philipp and Nadia Boulanger. West in Santa Barbara, California. He was
Stewart settled in Toronto, Ontario about appointed head of the piano department
1918. In Toronto he also studied with there. Reginald Stewart recorded for
Welte-Mignon artists Arthur Friedheim the Welte-Mignon Licensee in the mid
and Mark Hambourg. He joined the twenties. He later recorded a number
faculty of the Canadian Academy in 1920 of phonograph records but no further
and the Toronto Conservatory in 1924. He recording for any reproducing roll company.
founded the Bach society in 1933. He was
director of the Peabody Conservatory in The Welte-Mignon Licensee Recordings
Baltimore, Maryland from 1941 to 1958. of Reginald D. Stewart
Welte Mignon Licensee 7592, 7593, 7594
Beethoven Sonata Opus 2, four References Consulted and Quoted
movements on three rolls
The International Cyclopedia of Music
Welte-Mignon licensee 7832 and Musicians, Ed. Oscar Thompson,
Bizet-Rachmaninoff, L’Arlesienne Suite - Nicolas Slominsky and Robert Sabin;
minuet Dodd, Mead & Company, New York 1964.
Welte-Mignon Licensee 7679 The Welte-Mignon, It’s Music and Musicians,
Chaloff, Tambourin Chinois Ed. Charles D. Smith and Richard J. Howe,
Welte-Mignon Licensee 7669 Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’
Godowsky, Traikontameron, no 8, Association, 1994
A Watteau Paysage The Canadian Encyclopedia,
Welte-Mignon Licensee 7842 www.canadianencyclopedia.ca
Kreisler-Rachmaninoff, Alt Wiener 5 February 2007
Tanzweisen, No. 1, Liebesfreud The Classical Reproducing Piano Roll,
Welte-Mignon Licensee 7591 Volume II, compiled by Larry Sitsky,
Tchaikowsky, Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 2 Greenwood Press, New York,
Westport, London, 1990
58
Submitted by Doug McGee
T HE SOUNDS OF MUSIC
By Byron Janis
The Wall Street Journal, Online - January 27, 2007
Acoustics are rarely discussed from Amsterdam, to name a few—combine only can you hear your own voice better
the concert pianists’ point of view, clarity and brilliance without sacrificing but the voices of others as well. Try this
yet arguably it affects us the most. An warmth. It is interesting that all were at a concert and you’ll have your own
audience member unhappy with the built before 1901, prior to availability of personal amplifier.
sound in their part of the auditorium can scientific instruments. Apparently, the Vladimir Horowitz, the great pianist
change seats, but we cannot. human ear was (and for me still is) the with whom I studied, told me how
Therefore the position of the piano on best instrument of all. mystified he was when Maurice Ravel
stage is of utmost importance—moving it Let me tell you just a few of my asked him to play a new piece, “Jeux
only a foot in either direction can make an own adventures with music’s most d’Eau” (“The Fountain”), without using
enormous difference in the sound and unpredictable partner—acoustics: any pedals. Fortunately, it went unheeded;
therefore in the performance. In 1957, at a recording session at otherwise we would have heard a lot of
As you are rehearsing on stage, you Orchestra Hall in Chicago, with Fritz “dry fountains”!
wonder why you have spent so much Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony Some 30 years later when visiting
time at home fine tuning the pedaling, Orchestra, I wasn’t surprised when I did Ravel’s home outside Paris, I had the
the dynamics, and the tempos when not hear enough piano sound during a opportunity to play his piano, and after
they will all need altering in this new brief rehearsal. Normally, when I had only a few moments understood the
acoustical environment. These last-minute experienced that at rehearsals for concerts puzzling “no pedal” request. Composers
adjustments remain one of the concert there, I was not worried, since I knew that usually write for the conditions at hand. In
pianist’s major challenges. Whatever I would have my “real” piano back with his case, the piano was a Bechstein grand,
sound we hear on stage governs our a filled auditorium. But in a recording and the room in which he wrote was
performance and, one could almost say, session there is no public to change the small—about 12 x 14 feet. The sound was
becomes our “co-creator.” If we find acoustics—so I quickly had to find a way so excessively sonorous that no pedal
the sound to be on the dry side, we will to get the sound I needed. was needed and, indeed would have been
probably use more pedal to help add color. I had seen some sheets of plywood detrimental. So the acoustics in Ravel’s
I will even sometimes try to quicken the backstage and, knowing that wood was room were the culprit responsible for the
tempo ever so slightly to ensure that the the best reflector of sound, I asked the “dry fountain.”
music has its proper flow. If the sound stagehand to bring me some. One piece In New York in the summer of 1957, I
is too reverberant (overly resonant and was close to perfect—it was about 15 recorded Moussorgsky’s “Pictures at an
losing clarity), the reverse would apply. inches wide (roughly the distance Exhibition,” his major work for piano.
A different kind of problem presented between the keyboard and the lid, an area Several days after finishing, I went to the
itself with the building of Lincoln which normally doesn’t need any sound studio to listen to the different takes. I
Center ’s Avery Fisher Hall in 1962. reflector). When leaned against the left happened to choose the ones for the final
The acousticians seemed to have been side of the piano near the keyboard, it rose recording on a Friday. Returning to the
interested in a highly articulated, clear, a foot above the instrument. I sat down studio on Monday I was shocked at what I
brilliant treble sound. While that might and played a few passages—it worked! It heard. Everything sounded lifeless and
suit much contemporary music, works of gave me the sound I needed. I have never heavy—too slow. I know we hear things
the classic, Romantic period of the 19th forgotten that piece of plywood. It should differently on different days, but this was
century require just the opposite—a blend- have gotten credit on the recording! too much.
ing of the notes and the addition of a When I was ten years old, I played on I asked the crew if they had heard the
much-needed bass sound, which provides an important radio program called “The difference. To my relief, they had. They
the warmth and sense of harmony so Magic Key.” A celebrated soprano named were perplexed as I until one of the
crucial to music. Unfortunately Avery Grace Moore was on the same program. engineers cried out, “I know what the
Fisher, which was redone several times, During rehearsal, I saw her putting a problem is—the air conditioner was
still needs improvement. There is talk now cupped hand behind her ear. I remember turned off over the weekend and the
of yet another renovation. thinking, “Wow, what a strange lady— speakers have been badly affected by the
The greatest concert halls we have— what’s she doing?” Later I realized that room’s heat and humidity.” There was no
Symphony Hall in Boston, Carnegie Hall she did this to amplify the sound of her point in listening any further until the air
in New York and the Concertgebouw in voice, using her hand as a reflector. Not conditioner could dry everything out. We
59
continued. . .
enjoyed a purposefully long lunch before sound in a hall, you can see just how Mr. Janis, a world-renowned pianist,
returning to the studio and to the tapes. As capricious. has written the music for a coming
if by magic, the Friday performances were So the next time you complain about documentary on the friendship between
back! Shortly afterward, I was told that the sound in a concert hall, pity the Gary Cooper and Ernest Hemingway. He
the air conditioners would have no more poor performers. Before a recital we must is currently working on completing his
weekends off. position the piano based on the acoustics autobiography.
These are but a few examples of how of an empty hall, not a filled one. URL for this article:
capricious acoustics can be. And when we Hopefully, we make the right choice— http://online.wsj.com/article/SB11698429
realize that even fur coats can affect the no changing seats for us! 9801189325.html
Contributed by Karl Ellison
I SABELLE YALKOVSKY BYMAN
ISABELLE YALKOVSKY BYMAN,
pianist, teacher, lecturer, author and
educator, graduated with distinction
from the Juilliard School. She was
a scholarship student
of the great Olga
Samaroff Stokowski
and studied chamber
music with Enesco,
Salmond and Letz;
theory, composition
and counterpoint
with Goldmark; and
orchestral conduct-
ing with Stoessel.
As a recipient of
the Schubert Memorial Award, She
made her debut with the New York
Philharmonic Orchestra in Carnegie
Hall and appeared as soloist with the
Philadelphia Orchestra under Leopold
Stokowski. She subsequently appeared
as soloist with the Los Angeles
Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, San
Francisco, Boston, Denver and others, and
concertized throughout the United States
and Canada. She appeared in many first
performances of contemporary music
and as guest artist with the Musical Art
Quartet, the Silvermine Quartet, and
the Kohon String Quartet - in an all-Ives
program with the latter group.
She recorded for RCA Victor, Vox
and Stero Age Recording Co., made an
educational film called the Language
60continued. . .
Piano Quarterly, National Guild of Piano
Teachers, and the American Music
Teachers magazines.
Mme. Isabelle Yalkovsky Byman was
assistant teacher to Mme. Olga Samaroff
Stokowski in private teaching and in
the Layman’s Music Courses at the
Junior League. Many of her pupils have
been winners in the talent hunt contests
and she received a Baldwin prize
as teacher of a National Runner-Up.
Mme. Byman has been invited to serve
on the Fulbright Committee to screen the
piano applicants for the awards given
in 1980-81. She has juried solo and
concerti contests and served as audition
chairman of the N Y SM T A for
five years. She was awarded the
highest certificate of professional
advancement for the Music Teachers
National Association.
As a lecture recitalist, Mme. Byman
has given many teachers workshops -
the Philadelphia Music Teachers
Association, the Pottstown Teachers
Association in Pennsylvania, the Brooklyn
Guild of Piano Teachers, the Associated
Music Teachers. League, and The Piano
Teachers Congress of New York, Inc. She
was a piano-clinician for the New York
State Music Teachers Association and the
Utah State Music Teachers, Convention in
Salt Lake City. She is listed in the
International Musicians Who’s Who and
the International Women’s Who’s Who.
Mme. Byman taught at the Juilliard
and is now on the college faculty and in
of Music, and recorded Three Centuries jacket liners for Hall of Fame and Classics charge of piano pedagogy classes at
of Music on the Siena Piano. She wrote Records and contributed articles to the Manhattan School of Music.
By Peg Kehret
M USICAL MEMORIES
The first time my husband, Carl the garage for the organ chamber and tracked down used pipes. Why did
Kehret, bought an old player piano to a goodly amount of living room space he want to rebuild a player piano?
restore, I was not enthusiastic. Carl had for the console. The organ project had We already had a Chickering spinet,
recently added a Morton theatre pipe consumed his free time for more than purchased by my parents in 1941. We
organ to our household, sacrificing half a year as he built wooden chests and didn’t need another piano, or so I thought.
61continued. . . The organ sounded glorious—when burst out laughing. Of course, he played became an “Honorary son.” we had visitors who played. That did it right then, pumping the pedals in Mechanical music became more not happen often. Carl’s intent had been his pajamas, and that became another and more important in our lives. The to build a pipe organ and then take treasured roll. pipe organ was replaced by an organ lessons, but he quickly discovered We moved to an old farmhouse with Aeolian Orchestrelle, and we acquired that his pleasure was in the mechanics, enough acreage to build a separate piano two Seeburg nickelodeons, several crank rather than the keyboard. So instead workshop. Carl quickly filled the shop organs, and toys such as a Play-a-Sax and of learning to play the organ, he bought with tools, piano strings, bolts of leather, Rollmonica. Carl played his Raffin street the Regent player piano and learned to and player pianos in need of repair. He organ in parades; he demonstrated small recover bellows and rebuild a stack. The bought a used horse trailer and outfitted it instruments at historical societies and player piano quickly took up his free time, to move pianos. Our son and son-in-law, retirement homes. and the other half of our garage. who often got drafted for pickup and Whenever Carl had an Ampico or He planned to sell the rebuilt player, delivery duty, hinted that stamp collecting Welte for sale, we considered upgrading but as soon as he pumped his first roll is a good pastime which doesn’t involve from the old regent pumper, but we could we both knew this instrument wasn’t lifting heavy objects. never bring ourselves to part with the first going anywhere. Somehow we found Carl dreaded Mondays when he had piano Carl had restored. Our lives had space for it in the house, and began buying to leave his workshop to drive to his been too enriched by that instrument to let piano rolls. No lessons were needed. The office; be began to flirt with a career it leave. magnificent pipe organ gathered dust change. We put ourselves on a strict The first time we played, “You Gotta while we pumped the piano every night. budget to see if we could manage without See Mama Every Night,” I went to the A few weeks after the completed player his salary (to say nothing of the phone and called my mother. “Listen to piano moved inside, the garage held health insurance, company car, and paid these lyrics,” I said, and began to sing. another unrestored player piano. vacations). Mother promptly joined in, and sang the “It’s an addiction,” I said. In less than a year, he took the whole song with me. “I’ll sell this one,” he promised. plunge. With a Bachelor of Science degree A few months later, we hauled one of He did, and promptly bought another in Dairy Technology and thirty years the restored players to San Francisco for one, and then another. His profit on each experience in the dairy business, he my mother. My dad, an Alzheimer ’s instrument came to roughly fifty cents an applied for a business license and patient, was in a nursing home and Mother hour for the time he spent but at least they launched Kehret Player Pianos. needed evening entertainment after her didn’t cost us anything. When he came home from his last long days of sitting with him. For years, Carl loved bringing the tired old pianos day as an employee, we celebrated with she played tunes from the twenties and back to life. He lost himself in the work— a glass of sparkling cider, and then he thirties, and sang them all. forgetting the time, oblivious to hunger. hurried to the shop to start his new career. The songs continued for the next He studied books on player restoration For the first few years we exhibited at generation, and the next. When our and we both read about the composers an antiques show every six months, which daughter got married, out wedding gift and artists of the player piano era. We was an excellent way to meet potential was a restored player piano. Now discovered Pete Wendling and Max customers. Carl not only sold the pianos, our teenaged grandchildren and their Kortlander. We learned to love ragtime, he got restoration jobs from people who friends pump the pedals and sing and were often astonished at how lyrics already owned players that needed repair. songs from Disney movies and “The penned long ago were still relevant. Soon he had a backlog of people who Phantom of the Opera.” “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee” wanted his services. Then the unthinkable happened: Carl seemed written specifically for us. He became a QRS dealer and sold both did not survive open-heart surgery. The Decades earlier, before we were new and used rolls. Whenever he bought a years of Kehret Player Pianos abruptly married, Carl had stood under my piano to restore, he asked if any rolls came ended. bedroom window one night playing with it. What fun we had playing all those The music, however, lives on. I pump “Peg O’ My Heart” on an old crank-up rolls—keeping some, selling the others. the pedals often, remembering the phonograph. When he played the “Peg O’ We soon had dozens of favorite songs that good times. As I play “Turkish Towel” or My Heart” piano roll, I knew I was being we had never heard of a few years earlier. “How You Gonna Keep ‘Em Down On serenaded again. We toured the QRS factory, where Rudy the Farm?” I recall our delight when we We appreciated current music, as well Martin signed our “Unforgettable” roll. read those lyrics for the first time. When as the old tunes. I played “Through the Carl helped found the Pacific Can-Am I play “Barney Google,” I hear my mother Years” for him, and he played “Perhaps chapter of AMICA, and we hosted the first singing, even though she’s been gone for Love” for me. We both played “Moon meeting. Many dear friendships originated seven years. River”, which had always been our special in that group. Fran Willyard introduced us The “Happy Birthday” roll brings song. to numerous piano roll manufacturers. memories of dozens of good gatherings, as One day when we were selecting new Dan Brown informed (and entertained) us, does “Auld Lang Syne.” rolls at a store in Seattle, I saw one called, about reproducing pianos and music I play “Why Don’t We Do This More “Why Don’t We Do This More Often?” I history. Whenever Carl encountered a Often?” and smile to myself. bought it without him noticing, and hid mechanical problem that he couldn’t fix, And when I play “Peg O’ My Heart,” I it away at home. A few nights later, Dean Randall served as his mentor. Carl’s feel as if Carl is still here, serenading me after making love, I put it on his pillow customers became friends, too, including one more time. while he was in the bathroom. He came Mark Smithberg, who entered our lives back to bed, looked at the piano roll, and when he bought a player from Carl, and 62
Dear Mike,
This is a copy of a flyer that was in a Nickelodeon Roll Box that I
bought back in the 1950’s. Hope you can use it in an AMICA Issue.
Regards,
Don Janisch
Dousman, WI 53118
63Submitted by Bill Dean From the “Welte-Mignon Book of Famous Artists,” 1927 64
65
66
67
68
Submitted by Robin Pratt
A IR, WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT DOES
PART III - CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE OF AMICA
By Wilberton Gould, Member N.A. of P.T., New York City
From The Tuners’ Journal - March, 1928
a ruined motor, and is also likely to and very often the load demand on the
cause a fire within the instrument itself, circuit is greater than was intended when
ELECTRIC particularly in the grand type of piano.
In the grease cup type of lubrication it
the wiring was installed. Therefore, when
the motor is operating there is likely to be
MOTORS is wise to remove the entire cup and clean a drop in the line voltage, which will
By Wilberton Gould, Member N.A. of out the inside of the cup and the feed impair efficient operation. A few
P.T., New Your City channel, and at the same time make sure comments will be made in this article on
that there is no congealed grease in the overloading the supply line, on the danger
Service, as defined by Webster: “An act of
opening where the grease cup is screwed of fire at some weak point in the supply
one who serves.”
on to the bearing. In the oil cup type of line and on heating the motor, and these
It is one of God’s greatest gifts to
the older designs the same procedure should be remembered as safeguards for
mankind, for who is happy who does not
should be followed. In the later type of the piano owner and protection to the
serve? Hence it follows that service
the centrifugal oiling system little or no tuner.
requires sacrifice. It is the foundation
trouble will be had, except in cases of Avoid splicing the supply cable to the
stone of every enterprise. Whatever it may
extreme friction, which will be treated motor with a type of wire different from
be, its success or failure depends upon
later in this article. the regular equipment supplied with the
whole-hearted co-operation.
For the efficient operation of the piano. The supply line from the outlet to
And may service and sacrifice continue
electric motor it is of the greatest the motor should be as short as consistent,
to be the keynote of our progressive
importance that the lubricating system of in order to avoid line loss in voltage.
Association-The Author.
the motor operate properly. It should When splicing electric wires make a good,
(Continued from March, 1928) be inspected not less than four times a solid joint, properly soldered and taped. In
year, or at every service call. “An ounce case of a sudden heavy demand of current
PURPOSE OF of prevention is worth a pound of cure” a poor joint will cause trouble.
OPERATION is extremely applicable in this connection. The modern electric motor is supplied
with a brass or nickel-plated plate screwed
In the electrically driven grand
on the shell, which gives the type, speed
or upright piano the function of the TYPES OF MOTORS
and rating of the motor. This should be
electric motor is to transmit power in an In the modern electrically driven piano
consulted before the current is turned on.
even and constant manner to the pump manufactured today there are two types of
If you have any doubt as to the kind and
through the medium of a belt. In order that motor used, that is, direct and alternating,
voltage of the current supplied, call the
the maximum of power may be delivered using a line voltage of 110, 220, 230 and
electric light company.
by the motor to the pump it is necessary 250 volts on either direct or alternating,
that the electric unit be of sufficient size, and in the alternating type there are 25, 40
that it be constructed of the best materials and 60 cycles. DIRECTION OF
and properly mounted, that it be free In connecting a new set-up or PULLEY TRAVEL
from operating defects and be silent in installation in an owner’s home make sure The driving pulley of the motor travels
operation. that the motor is of the correct type in a clockwise direction (to the right), or
It is extremely important to keep the oil and voltage before attempting to turn on in a counter-clockwise direction (to the
or grease channels of the bearings free the electric current. Also bear in mind that left), but in nearly every case the direction
from congealed oil or grease. Otherwise, it is highly desirable to have a separate of the rotation of the pump is plainly
the lubricant will not reach the point of feed circuit for the motor direct from the marked by an arrow on the plate on the
rotation, and friction will occur, with the main supply circuit of the home. In many pump. Should the motor not operate in the
added danger of burning out one or more homes there are numerous lamps, and so proper direction it is a simple matter to
bearings of the motor. This will result in forth, connected to the baseboard outlets, change its direction, as follows:
69continued. . .
On the direct current type remove the pump wheel, multiply by 3 1/8, divide 2. Keep oil or grease cups supplied
supply leads from the brush contacts, the product by 2, add the quotient to with lubricant.
interchange to the two remaining leads twice the distance between the two 3. Keep the motor free from excessive
that come from within the shell of the shafts. The result will be the desired dirt and dust.
motor and connect the supply leads. length. 4. In the direct current type, keep the
On the alternating type follow the same Always carry a spare belt in your bag if commutator and contact brushes
procedure, only make the interchange at possible. clean at all times.
the terminal points. 5. In the alternating type, keep the
The motor should be in a direct line centrifugal switch springs free, and
FRICTION
with the pump and suspended evenly, so see that the guide screws are not too
In mechanics, friction is defined as
that the belt will travel true in relation to tight in the guide slots. Keep the
follows:
the driving pulley of the motor and the contact point on the shaft and on
By Rankine:
wheel of the pump. If the pulley and the the centrifugal switch clean.
That force which acts between two
wheel are not in line there is danger that
bodies at their surfaces of contact so far
the belt rim will cut and ruin the belt in a Any of the following conditions will
as to resist their sliding on each other,
very short time. The belt on the driving cause an electric motor to become noisy in
and which depends on the force with
pulley of the motor should be just tight operation:
which the bodies are pressed together.
enough to turn the pump wheel on a full 1. Improper mounting on the motor
By Morin:
load without slippage. If it is not, friction frame.
(1) The friction between two bodies is
will result and will cause the pulley to 2. Compression and hardening of the felt.
directly proportional to the pressure, that is,
heat up, and in turn the shaft, and if 3. Too high or too low line voltage.
the coefficient is constant for all pressures.
neglected, the bearings, which, consuming 4. Lack of lubricant reaching the bearings.
(2) The coefficient and amount of friction,
the lubricant too quickly, will cause the 5. A dirty commutator which will cause
pressure being the same, is independent of
metal in the bearings to become so hot the brushes to miss contact.
the areas in contact. (3) The coefficient of
that they will “seize” on the shaft, the 6. Brushes not riding evenly on the
friction is independent of velocity, although
motor will stop, and is apt to burn out. commutator.
static friction (friction at rest) is greater
Suitable means are provided on the motor 7. Worn bearings, which will cause the
than the friction of motion, and the act of
frame to take care of the stretch in the shaft to shimmy while the motor
rubbing the surface of one body against that
belt. Where the belt has run a long time is running.
of another; the effect of rubbing or the
and the motor has been moved up to its 8. The motor shell coming in contact
resistance which a moving body meets with
limit of travel to compensate for slack in with the posts of the piano or the
from the surface on which it moves.
the belt against the mounting frame, the frame.
belt should be replaced with a new one. From the foregoing definitions it will 9. An overload on the motor, because of
Otherwise, two things will happen: the be seen why the belt on the pump should high pressure on the pump or tight
motor will become noisy and it will heat not run slack. If the belt is at its proper bearings.
up because the belt is slipping on the tension the electric motor will run quietly
motor pulley, with the results as stated and be cool. The writer recommends very strongly
above. There is a right and a wrong way to put the booklet by The Holtzer-Cabot Electric
Herewith are a few rules for on a belt on any piece of mechanism. Company, 125 Armory St., Roxbury,
determining the length of belt required A sewed or spliced belt should be put Boston, Mass., on the care of special
for belt-driven pumps: on with the splice running in the same noiseless piano motors. It is very
Move the motor to within one-half inch direction as the rotation. complete, it applies equally well to
of its travel toward the pump, just so it any type of motor, and should be in the
does not touch the motor support frame, NOISY MOTORS hands of every tuner who services any
and proceed as follows: The prime cause of noise in an electric type of electrically driven piano. It will be
(a) Add together the diameter of the motor, nine cases out of ten, is neglect of forwarded upon request.
pulley and the pump wheel, divide the proper service. Many service men are The subject of the next installment will
sum by 2, multiply the quotient by prone to leave the motor alone. The be electric expression players.
3 1/4 and add the product to twice the following are some of the simple rules
distance between the centers of the whose application are so necessary to the (To be continued in the next
motor shaft and the pump shaft. The efficient operation of the motor: AMICA Bulletin)
sum will be the length desired. Or 1. Keep oil or grease channels free and
(b) Add the diameter of the pulley and the clean for lubrication.
70Submitted by Jerry Hutt 71
72
73
74
75
76
77
By Roy Beltz
A TRIP BACK IN TIME
Original article published in the March/April 2000
Volume 37, #21 of the AMICA Bulletin
This article, I think, will be interesting Francisco group was to be known as “The Johnson in Grand Junction, Colorado. Bill
and informative, as well as historical. It will Founding Chapter.” Mintz was installed as President. The
include all AMICA Convention dates, a 1972 -In 1972 the second AMICA Philadelphia Area Chapter and SOWNY
description of each table favor and the QRS International Convention was held June 30- (Southern Ontario and Western New York)
rolls given to each registered conventioneer, July 3 in Los Angeles, California, at the received their charters.
as well as some historical events. Over 267 “Victorian” Alexander Hotel and hosted by There were no table favors nor music
issues of the AMICA Bulletin, from 1969- the Southern California Chapter. There were rolls.
1999, were perused. 194 registered members at the Convention. 1975—Over 250 members attended the
Let us now take a trip back in time to Frank Loob was re-elected to serve a second 1975 Annual AMICA Convention on June
revive old memories and perhaps create new term as President. 26-29 at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo,
ones for all… Two “fun buses” took conventioneers to New York, hosted by the SOWNY Chapter.
1963-In 1963 a group of eleven people, see the Nethercutt Collection at Sylmar in President Bill Mintz resigned and Vice
interested in reproducing pianos, met at the the San Fernando Valley. The Monday night President Bob Rosencrans became President.
Victorian home of Richard Reutlinger in San banquet entertainment opened with two A highlight of the Convention was
Francisco, California. At the May meeting young ladies dancing like automations the Friday evening Guest Artist Banquet.
they formed a club—“Automatic Musical to music from a cylinder music box. They Entertainment was a piano concert by Ursula
Instrument Collectors of America.” The first were followed by two guest artists—Ruth Dietrich-Hollinshead, Ruth Bingaman
letter of each word was close to the Italian Bingaman Smith and Robert Armbruster. Smith, and Doug Roe.
word meaning “friend”; therefore, the name This Convention began the tradition of There were no table favors. The QRS
was adjusted to make the acronym giving table favors to attendees. There were souvenir roll was “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”
“AMICA” and pronounced a-MEE-ca. two table favors: a miniature non-playing This began the tradition of QRS Music
1969-No convention was held in 1969. paper piano roll, 4 1/8” wide, made by Rolls, Inc. giving a piano roll to those
However a milestone was reached for the Blanche Dilthey, and a stereo record from attending AMICA Conventions.
organization. New by-laws were passed G. W. McKinnon (Side 1: Swiss bells, drum 1976—Local AMICA members hosted
changing the name to “Automatic Musical and wood block; Regina 27” Double Comb the 1976 Board of Directors meeting and
Instrument Collections Association.” Doug Disc Player; Schulmerich Carillon. Side 2: mini-convention in Joplin, Missouri, on June
Hickling was elected President. German Weber-Grandezza Piano with Pipes; 25-27 at the Ramada Inn. Sixty AMICAns
German Weber-Brabo with Xylophone. from the East and West coasts and Canada
1970 -The first AMICA International These selections were recorded at the Olde
convention was held on August 28-30, registered for this meeting. Bob Rosencrans
Tyme Musical Museum in Orlando, Florida.) was installed as President. New Jersey and
1970, in San Francisco, California, hosted
by the parent organization. Bob Billings was 1973-The 1973 Convention was held on Rocky Mountains Chapters received their
elected President and then later resigned. August 8-12 at the Green Oaks Inn in Ft. charters.
Jarod Clark was then appointed President. Worth, Texas, with the Texas Chapter as A highlight of this meeting was a
The Southern California Chapter received host. About 106 members attended. Frank trip to the Miles’ Mountain Musical
Charter #1. One hundred twenty members Loob was re-elected President. The Midwest Museum in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The
attended this meeting. Chapter received their charter. entertainment following the banquet was a
No hotel was selected as headquarters All attendees were bussed to Cresson for concert by the Joplin Crossroad Chorus, a
for the Convention. Members were sent a real Texas Barbeque. Saturday’s evening local barbershop quartet organization, and a
a map to make their hotel or motel program was a concert by Ruth Bingaman skit by Ron Bopp.
reservations. On registration night, August Smith followed by John Vanderlee, a There were no table favors. The QRS
28, Conventioneers gathered at Dick ragtime pianist. piano roll was “Missouri Waltz.” The rolls
Reutlinger’s Victorian home for a get- There were no table favors. The were boxed in red, white, and blue.
together, wine sampling, and a buffet dinner. Convention souvenir piano roll was 1977 —The Founding Chapter hosted
The Saturday night banquet was at the “Sandman’s Frolic;” boxed by Frank the 1977 AMICA Convention in San
Portcullis home of Jarod Clark. Adams: perforated by Malone & Powell; Francisco, California, on Sept 1-5 at the
There were no table favors. composted by Ursula Dietrich-Hollinshead; Hotel San Franciscan. One hundred seventy-
arranged by J. Lawrence Cook; “Honoring five members registered. The Iowa Chapter
1971-There was no convention in 1971. the Artist’s Appearance at the 1972 AMICA
Frank Loob was elected President. Texas received their charter.
Convention in Los Angeles, California. Tours were made to the Jackling Estate
received their charter.
A resolution passed by the board 1974 —In 1974 the annual business in Woodside for a performance on the
separated the local San Francisco group meeting and a mini-convention was held on Kilgen pipe organ; to the Ralston Mansion—
and the National organization. The San July 4-7 at the home of Anita and Steve it has 80 rooms—for a Welte Vorsetzer
78continued. . .
concert; and to various Victorian homes, evening entertainment began with Robert The Saturday evening entertainment,
using cable car buses. Entertainment after Armbruster at the keyboard followed by the at the Bismarck Hotel’s Pavillon Theatre,
the banquet was a concert by Frank Denke, Grand Finale: a piano duet performed by consisted of Harold Bauer conducting the
with music from Ragtime to the Classics. Robert Armbruster and Bill Flynt playing American Chamber Symphony with Robin
There were no table favors this year. The “Chopsticks.” Pratt operating the 9’ Chickering Ampico.
QRS piano roll was San Francisco #6341 The table favor was a little Encore This was followed by Felix Ganz playing
played by Max Kortlander. Banjo, with a music box inside which plays 4-hand piano with his uncle, Rudolph Ganz,
1978—The 1978 Convention was held “Oh, Susanna.” This favor was developed via a Duo-Art roll.
in Dayton, Ohio, on June 22-25 at the by Ben and Mary Lilien. The QRS souvenir The table favor was self-standing with
Stouffer’s Dayton Plaza Hotel and hosted music roll included: 1) California, Here I a full color photo of the DeCap
by the Midwest Chapter. Two hundred Come, played by J.L. Cook; 2) Moonlight Dance Organ glued onto masonite, with a
members registered for this Convention. and Roses, played by Harold Scott; 3) Home Reuge movement playing “Chicago.” The
Bob Rosencrans was re-elected President. in Pasadena, played by Doug Roe. QRS souvenir roll was: 1) “Chicago Blues,”
New England Chapter received their charter. 1981 —In 1981, the Texas chapter played by Hilda Myers; 2) “I’m From
Tours were made to the Air Force hosted the Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, Chicago”—US Roll 3563; 3) “Hail
Museum, the Wright Memorial, and to at the Sheraton Hotel on October 1-4. Chicago”—US Roll 40446; 4)“Chicago”—
a Carillon concert in the Carillon Park. A Annual Meetings had alternated between QRS 2021, played by Max Kortlander.
picnic lunch was held at the Hoffman Dam. Conventions—at a mid-winter meeting the 1984 —The 1984 AMICA Annual
Later there was a buffet supper and a tour of Board voted to end this distinction. Bob Convention was held on June 21-24 at the
Rieger’s “Labarn” in Waynesville, Ohio. Taylor was re-elected President. The Regency Park Resort in Overland Park,
There were no table favors. The QRS Chicago and Heart of America Chapters Kansas, hosted by the Heart of America
Convention roll was Beautiful Ohio played received their charters. Chapter. There were 150 registered members
by Frank Milne. Bus trips were made to the restored and guests. The Gateway Chapter received
1979 —The 1979 AMICA Annual Union Station (ca 1914); to Old City Park, their charter. Terry Smythe was re-elected
Convention was held in Philadelphia, and to South Fork Ranch—the setting for the President.
Pennsylvania, on June 29-July 3 at the TV series “Dallas.” About 100 people, Highlights of this Convention were a bus
Benjamin Franklin Hotel. It was hosted dressed in Western-style clothing and Texas trip to the Kansas City Plaza and the Jerry
by the Philadelphia Area Chapter with hats, attended the Saturday night Western- Smith Museum and to Morgenroth’s Grain
200 registered members and guests in theme banquet. The evening entertainment Valley estate for a band organ rally and a
attendance. New England Chapter changed was a singing group, 2 guys and a gal, barbeque. Following the banquet, a program,
their name to the Boston Area Chapter, and named “Zephyr.” “Missouri Ragtime,” a visual and live trip
Northern Lights Chapter received their The table favor was a large white coffee through the life of ragtime music, was
charter. A one-time special Lampoon issue mug with the Dallas skyline and logo on it presented by the St. Louis Ragtimers Duo.
“The AMEEKA” was published. in gold. The QRS souvenir roll for this year The table favor this year, constructed
A few highlights of this convention were included 1) “I Love A Piano,” played by J.L. by Ron Connor, was a replica of a
a river cruise on the Delaware; a walking Cook; 2) “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” played by Wurlitzer Harp that plays “In the Good
tour of Historic Philadelphia; a tour of J.L. Cook. Old Summertime.” The QRS Convention
Longwood Gardens for an organ concert 1982 —1982 found AMICA members music roll: 1) “Twelfth Street Rag,” played
and water fountain display with colored traveling to historic Bethlehem, by Cook and Martin; 2) “Kansas City Rag.”
lights; and a trip to the John Wanamaker Pennsylvania, for the 9th International The colorful leader was designed by
Department Store for a pipe organ concert. Convention, hosted by the New Jersey Tom Hellstein.
The entertainment following the banquet Chapter (now Lady Liberty) on July 1 1985 —The 1985 Annual Convention
was a piano concert by Pauline Albert and through 4 at the Hotel Bethlehem. Terry was held on July 17-21 at the Michigan Inn
Robert Armbruster followed by a Smythe was elected the new President. in Southfield, Michigan, hosted by the
performance by Don Kawash and Karen AMICA members received their second Midwest Chapter. The New Jersey Chapter
Saillant. The new AMICA banner was also lampoon issue of “The AMEEKA,” a “fun changed their name to Lady Liberty Chapter.
displayed for the first time. reading” Bulletin. 150 members attended the Convention.
There were no table favors. The QRS Conventioneers boarded buses for a tour Buses took attendees on a tour of the
piano roll was Stars and Stripes Forever, of a little coal mining town of Jim Thorpe. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
original QRS #30028. A highlight was a tour of the Asa Packer Entertainment following the Saturday night
1980—The Southern California Chapter mansion. After the banquet, entertainment banquet was The Hotel Savarine Orchestra
hosted the 1980 Annual Convention in was provided by Robert Armbruster with playing music from the 1900’s.
Pasadena, California, at the Sheraton Hostel his musical selections. The table favor was a clear plastic
on June 25-29. Bob Taylor was elected No table favors were received this year. see-through grand piano music box which
President. Sierra-Nevada became the 12th The QRS souvenir roll was: 1) “Stardust,” plays “You Light Up My Life.” The QRS
Chapter to receive a charter. played by J.L. Cook; 2) “Morning Star—a souvenir roll has 7 nostalgic automobile
Tours included the Huntington Library QRS Fantasy.” tunes arranged by Bill Blodgett from rolls
and Art Gallery; the Palace Theatre; the 1983 —The next AMICA Convention played by Frank Milne and others.
Tudor-Gothic Baranger Studio Museum; and was held on July 13-17, 1983, hosted by the 1986—The Philadelphia Area Chapter
the Jack Nethercutt collection. Following Chicago Area Chapter at the Bismarck hosted the 1986 Annual Meeting (mini-
the banquet, Honorary Member Abram Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. The Southeast Area convention) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Chasins spoke on “Special Occasions.” The Chapter received their charter. on June 19-22 at the new Hershey Hotel.
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