Band Organ Rally

Calling all fans of mechanical music! We have a treat for you! The Mid-America Chapter of the Musical Box Society International (MBSI), in conjunction with the Carousel Organ Association of American (COAA) are holding their 43rd Annual Band Organ Rally this year at Carillon Historical Park on July 24 and 25. If you are like most people, you may now be wondering, “What is a band organ rally?”

A band organ rally is a gathering of several dozen antique and newly constructed self-playing mechanical pipe organs. Sizes range from small, hand-cranked street organs with 20 pipes about the size of a breadbox, to huge fairground organs from Germany and the Netherlands with several hundred pipes each.

Members of MBSI and COAA, the individuals most involved in the preservation of band organs, believe that the true enjoyment of owning such rare and special machines derives from being able to share the “happiest music on Earth” with others. Organ owners from numerous states will descend on Carillon Park to share their music with members of the general public and with you, our loyal Dayton History members!