The Technical Committee is working on several ways to expand education on the workings, maintenance, and repair of pipe organ mechanisms. We will be returning technical seminars to conventions, starting with the 2009 annual convention in Cleveland, Ohio. We will also be continuing a technical session or two during Youth Camp.

We are working on a Technical Weekend, possibly starting as soon as next summer (2009). To that end, we would like your input. The Weekend would include some classroom or seminar type sessions as well as some hands-on working in shop or chamber environments. There would be opportunity for attendees to play the seminar organ and to visit additional instruments where available. The event would be similar to the Youth Camp and Adult Camp in structure.

QUESTIONS For Members:

• If this can be in an area easily accessible from the convention location, would you attend if it was an extension of the convention, following the Afterglow, such as the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday?

• Would you prefer a totally separate event some other time later in the summer?

• If you would like to attend, what is your age? We would like to open this event to youth and at least young adults, possibly older technicians as well.

• Does your chapter have any young people working on your organs? Would you be interested in sponsoring young technicians to attend a Technical Weekend?

Please e-mail your answers to Allen Miller or write to the address given in the Theatre Organ Journal header. All comments are welcome in helping us structure this new event.

If you or your chapter are restoring or installing an organ, consider following the ATOS Guidelines and filling out the Restoration worksheets while doing the work. This can be most helpful in avoiding costly mistakes.

The Guidelines For Restoration and Preservation, as well as the worksheet forms are available from the new ATOS Technical Corner section of the website below.

If you have an instrument you believe to be worthy of inclusion in the ATOS National Registry of Historic and Important Instruments, contact us with your request.

As you work on our beloved instruments, keep in mind that they are no longer made. Always keep in mind that you must First Do No Harm!