Hi, Folks.

The Bone Doctor here with a prescription.

Here's ten things to try that will get people interested in the TPO:

1. Tell somebody about the TPO by asking them what they know and
filling in the blanks. If they are not interested, go to step two.

2. If you are around one of these beasts on a regular basis, take a
kid to see it. Sit him or her on the bench and let them touch it.
Don't let them break anything, but do let them touch. Guide them.
They will get interested. Kids love big machines.

3. Don't look at your involvement with the TPO as a task. Think of it
as an adventure. Like space travel, only the chosen few get to do it.
Count yourself lucky that you are one of those. Your playing will
improve and your attitude will show. Love your instrument.

4. When you do a show, play some music that was never designed to be
played on a TPO. Arrange it so that it shows off the organ. Wow the
crowd. Have fun.

5. Organize field trips for the schools around your organ
installation. Include all acadamia from grammer school through
college. Expose people to your instrument. Don't keep it to yourself.

6. Get out your camera and take sone really sharp well exposed
pictures of the organ, both close up and wide angle. Shoot a lot of
film. Post the best of these on the web either on the various
newsgroups or on a site of your own creation.

7. Record the organ and assemble a CD. Put the organ console in a
picture on the cover. Create a website where folks can hear
selections from the record and buy copies of it as well as read
about, and look at, the organ.

8. Make posters of the console for sale on this website. Kids will
put them up on the wall. They love posters.

9. Put together a book with history and details about the organ with
lots of pictures showing the chambers, toys, console, and notable
players. Make it available for sale at the site and at the
installation during tours and shows.

10. Go out of your way to make sure the organ is kept up. Offer free
tickets or merchandise to volunteers to help you with the dogwork. If
the volunteers want to get further involved, encourage them and
reward them in kind.

Do these things and then some and see if it doesn't make a difference.

God bless and happy playing.

The Bone Doctor
House Organist and Webmaster

WALNUT HILL PRODUCTIONS
Maryville, Tennessee
http://www.theatreorgans.com/walnuthill/
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An organ is just a pretty piece of furniture
unless it is being played.