The 2013 Rally Season Begins ...
19/05/13
The first Organ Rally of the season is now a fond memory. Jim and Donna Partrick were outstanding hosts who covered every possible way to make it an outstanding event. The Rally was held at Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland, Michigan, an ideal setting for a Rally. In a setting that very closely resembles a village in Holland, more than 35 COAA members, most of them in costume, with 15 small organs and four carousel organs were in full sight and sound, to accompany thousands of visitors among the budding tulips.
Friday evening we gathered for dinner and camaraderie, and were surprised to learn we were part of the 61st wedding anniversary of members Burt and Shirley Updyke! After dinner all gathered in the very hospitable social gathering room at the Country Inn and Suites for more socializing. One highlight of the evening proved to be a prime reason to be a member of COAA...Members Marc and Debe Dannacker from Milwaukee, WI, recently purchased a MIDI crank organ that refused to sound one pipe. Without hesitation, members Paul Boggs, Marc Dannecker, Wally Venable, Jim Partrick, Dave Schumacher and Carl Cavitt jumped into action and after intense consultation and several attempts found the culprit. It was a hidden broken wire, which was readily fixed thanks to Paul having his tool box with him, including a soldering iron! Such is the nature of COAA members.
Saturday we merrily played all day, while enjoying the wonderful structures and figures throughout the Village. One of the enjoyable attractions at the Village is the folk dancing, where high school and college students in authentic Dutch costumes dance to the wonderful Gavioli "Golden Angel" Street Organ owned by the Nelis' family. The dancers use amazing skill while exercising high kicks in wooden clogs, requiring bystanders to be aware of an occasional flying clog. Saturday evening a banquet was hosted by the Nelis' family, including the results of polling done that day to identify the Best Large Organ and Best Small Organ. Henk and Irene Nordemeer were honored for their incredible custom-made Dutch organ while Carl and Cathy Cavitt were honored for their Jager and Brommer Circus themed crank organ. Both couples received a beautiful hand-crafted wooden bowl inscribed with their honors.
Sunday started with a workshop led by Wally, focusing on a discussion of MIDI-arranged music for our pipe organs. The workshop is one of a series that Wally leads at various Rallies througout the season. The rest of the day was devoted to cranking and listening to the organs and enjoying the wonders of the Dutch Village. The Partricks and the Nelis' family were the ultimate hosts and COAA thanks them for an unforgettable weekend.
Suzie Hendricks, National Rally Chair and Angelo Rulli, President
Friday evening we gathered for dinner and camaraderie, and were surprised to learn we were part of the 61st wedding anniversary of members Burt and Shirley Updyke! After dinner all gathered in the very hospitable social gathering room at the Country Inn and Suites for more socializing. One highlight of the evening proved to be a prime reason to be a member of COAA...Members Marc and Debe Dannacker from Milwaukee, WI, recently purchased a MIDI crank organ that refused to sound one pipe. Without hesitation, members Paul Boggs, Marc Dannecker, Wally Venable, Jim Partrick, Dave Schumacher and Carl Cavitt jumped into action and after intense consultation and several attempts found the culprit. It was a hidden broken wire, which was readily fixed thanks to Paul having his tool box with him, including a soldering iron! Such is the nature of COAA members.
Saturday we merrily played all day, while enjoying the wonderful structures and figures throughout the Village. One of the enjoyable attractions at the Village is the folk dancing, where high school and college students in authentic Dutch costumes dance to the wonderful Gavioli "Golden Angel" Street Organ owned by the Nelis' family. The dancers use amazing skill while exercising high kicks in wooden clogs, requiring bystanders to be aware of an occasional flying clog. Saturday evening a banquet was hosted by the Nelis' family, including the results of polling done that day to identify the Best Large Organ and Best Small Organ. Henk and Irene Nordemeer were honored for their incredible custom-made Dutch organ while Carl and Cathy Cavitt were honored for their Jager and Brommer Circus themed crank organ. Both couples received a beautiful hand-crafted wooden bowl inscribed with their honors.
Sunday started with a workshop led by Wally, focusing on a discussion of MIDI-arranged music for our pipe organs. The workshop is one of a series that Wally leads at various Rallies througout the season. The rest of the day was devoted to cranking and listening to the organs and enjoying the wonders of the Dutch Village. The Partricks and the Nelis' family were the ultimate hosts and COAA thanks them for an unforgettable weekend.
Suzie Hendricks, National Rally Chair and Angelo Rulli, President