Here are two letters received from winners of AMOA-directed scholarship programs: The Rich Holley Memorial Music Scholarship and the Wayne E. Hesch Scholarship initiatives:

— From Matt Gender, 2012 Rich Holley Music Scholarship recipient:

"I am very grateful to the Rich Holley family for establishing a music scholarship to enable young musicians like me to complete my Bachelor of Music degree, a major step in my career plan. With my degree and the support of my professor, Dr. Laura Ellis, my next step is post-graduate work for my MM.

Coin-op vets know that prior to the mid-1970s, the AMOA was the MOA—the Music Operators of America. The association's roots run deep in music. During the video game boom years, this fact may have gotten a bit fuzzy in the minds and pocketbooks of some, but certainly, during the past few years, many operators have experienced a renaissance in music. The jukebox of the digital age has regained its rightful position as the crown jewel of the industry.

Recently, there have been "issues" on the provider side of the boxes: The business model of NSM perceived by many to pose a threat to operators (though recent reports in the trade press suggest a change in the company's approach) and the sudden, unexpected exit of Ecast.