Page 2 Theater Organ Society ROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK DETROIT THEATER ORGAN SOCIETY F Connie Masserant, President DTOS Much has been two newly formed commit- ant. Work has already been $22,017.00. While this may Volume 51, Issue 11 November 2012 happening this past month tees. The first committee we started by this committee seem to be a high goal to at the theater. We’ve been have been patiently waiting with restoring the lights to achieve, if you break it into busy with rental events, for to get started is the first our marquee. The board smaller bits, it should be very fundraisers, movies , and a floor bathroom building also just approved to have achievable. It would only DTOS elissa Ambrose-Eidson Returns concert. More and more committee. This group is two LED spotlights to shine take 22 members contrib- Executive Board Sunday, November 18, 2012—3:00 p.m. people are learning that we chaired by George Orbits on our “Senate” vertical uting $1000.00 or only 44 & Directors are here, and here to stay. I with fellow members: Andy sign. This will make our people contributing only have seen patrons leave with Coatley, David Masserant, sign visible from dusk until $500.00 and so forth. With M The Detroit Thea- scholarship. Competinig tutelage of Frederick DeHa- the enjoyment of their expe- David Voydanoff, and Bob dawn. our 100 membership, it  President ter Organ Society is pleased again in 1987, she won the ven, and continued her educa- rience and with the hopes of Weil. They have started a Restoration recom- comes to only $220.00 each. Connie Masserant to welcome back Melissa Young Theatre Organist tion at the University of Mich- returning and bringing discussion and have begun mendations quotes are in. Please reach into [email protected] Ambrose-Eidson to the competition and was a fea- igan in Ann Arbor, working someone new to show off drawing up plans to be exe- We expect to return the sign your pockets and give what Wurlitzer at the Senate The- tured performer at the towards a master’s degree in our theater. cuted in the not-too-distant and all of its components to you can to the “SIGN” fund.  Vice President ater! Doors to the Senate American organ under the tutelage of The Senate is gain- future. They will keep us its original state. This will You can send it to DTOS at Lance Luce will open at 2:00 p.m., with Society’s international con- Marilyn Mason. [email protected] ing increased exposure on a updated as to their progress. include new wiring, lighting, 6424 Avenue, the concert starting at 3:00 vention in Los Angeles on Melissa has been the daily basis from our websites The second com- painting, new neon and Detroit, MI 48210. p.m. on Sunday, November the Orpheum Theatre’s Minister of Music at the First  Treasurer and Facebook pages. Our mittee I am proud to an- much more. All inclusive, On a closing note, I 18, 2012. Wurlitzer organ. She also Congregational Church of events are all listed, as well as nounce is the Sign and Mar- the cost figures to be: would like to wish all of you Richard Dengate Melissa is no was featured at the society’s Royal Oak since 1993. [email protected] our concerts. Anyone wish- quee Restoration Commit- $20,267.00 for the parts and a safe and Happy Thanksgiv- stranger to our Wurlitzer, regional convention in Den- Melissa’s love of mu- ing any information about tee. This committee is labor from Motor City Sign ing. having performed here be- ver that same year. sic also has her teaching music  Corporate Secretary us can find it all there. chaired by Chris Dengate Company and $1,750.00 for “See You At The Senate” fore. She also recorded a After winning, to kindergarten through Dave Calendine I would also like to with fellow members Fred the electrical to Motor City CD on the organ, “It’s a Melissa went on to perform eighth graders at St. Vincent [email protected] take a moment to brag on Bruflodt and David Masser- Electric, bringing the total to Ferrier Catholic Schools since Grande Old Flag.” at other great theatre organs Melissa began or- in Toledo, Columbus and 1991. She also gives private  Fred Bruflodt [email protected] gan studies at the young age Mansfield, Ohio. She also piano and organ lessons to of thirteen. At age fourteen, performed in Pittsburgh, twenty students weekly. arquee To Get New Look On Life she performed her first con- Pennsylva-  Michael Fisher Chris Dengate [email protected] cert at the Michigan Theatre nia, Lock- in Ann Arbor. Since then, port and she has performed on several North M As the organization get bids from at least two com- ate to improve attendance. marquee on non-event nights to  Gil Francis continues to make great strides panies to refurbish the look Thanks to committee mem- cut down on the expected costs [email protected] notable theatre organs such To- in booking other events at the and electronics of the sign. It bers Dave Masserant, Chris of running the lighting that is on as the Flint Institute of Mu- nawanda,  Paul Jacyk sic, (Detroit), New York, Senate, a new committee has is the goal of our organization Dengate and Fred Bruflodt the sign itself once the work that [email protected] Redford Theatre (Detroit), Torotno, been formed to explore the to bring the marquee back to for their efforts in getting it was previously mentioned is Temple Theatre (Saginaw), Canada, condition of the theaters mar- its original look with the origi- done. Included in the mar- done. That lighting will be man-  Dick Leichtamer and many more. and Chica- quee and billboard on Michigan nal neon lighting. The board quee project is the replace- ually turned on during the times tibiaplena434@buckeye- At age fifteen, go, Illi- Avenue. of directors plan on applying ment of the letter boards. that we have events happening at express.com Melissa won the state of nois. While there are several for grants to cover the approxi- Our current ones have been our facility. Michigan Yamaha competi- A goals of the committee, the first mate $30,000.00 cost. repaired several times and Other goals of the com-  George Orbits tion and the U.S. Regional graduate was to examine the structure of Some immediate have discolored over the mittee is the examine the condi- [email protected] Yamaha competition. She of Oak- the sign and to insure that it changes that the committee has years which prohibits some tion of a small roof that pro- received the Royal Oak Mu- land Uni- was safe. A local company was done to enhance the look of of the back lighting from trudes over the sidewalk on Mich-  Glenn Rank sicale Merit Award for out- versity, she used to examine the structure the Senate on Michigan Ave- coming through. igan Avenue, which has been [email protected] standing musicianship in the received and they have reported that it is nue was to replace all of the At the October completed. Simply put, it is in

community. In 1995 she her Bache- secure to the building with only light bulbs that are located Board of Directors meeting, poor condition and the commit-  Fr. Andrew Rogers competed in the Young The- lor of Art surface rust on the main steel behind the billboard. This the board also approved tee is in the process of getting [email protected] atre Organist Competition in organ structure. small but significant change funding for the purchase of bids for its replacement. Stay internationally and was run- perfor- Now that we know really enhanced its look and two LED flood lamps that tuned for further updates from  Bob Weil ner-up. She competed again mance [email protected] in 1996 and won a college under the that the marquee is safe, the helps to promote the events will be mounted on the roof the committee in future publica- next goal of the committee is to that we are hosting at the Sen- to light the vertical Senate tions of the Newsletter. Volume 57, Issue 11, November 2012 Page 3 Page 4 Detroit Theater Organ Society irst Floor Restrooms Coming Soon entals & Events Committee Update F George Orbits, DTOS Board of Directors R Michael Fisher, DTOS Board of Directors The first meeting of ed next to the theater on the bility. The current re- able from the center lobby The month of Oc- of fine comments and com- to bring our theater onto the alive and well! With each the new restroom committee rear of the property that strooms on the second floor across from the concession tober ushered in two events pliments not only on theater radar in this neighborhood person who walks through was held this past Tuesday at fronts on Michigan Avenue. will be retained to augment area. Construction of this for us, aside from our and the movie, but also the as an active and vital venue. our doors we take one step the Senate Theater. The The new building size will be the new facility. facility is being consid- monthly organ pops con- youth from L'Anse Creuse On November further into the right direc- committee members include based, in part, on the num- Once the require- ered for the rear of the prop- cert. The Graystone Stomp- High School who provided 16th, we have secured our tion of preservation of our Andrew Coatley, David ber and type of fixtures re- ments are determined, the erty to leave the front of the ers provided a pleasant even- the pre-show entertainment. second event with Dragon historic organ and it's Masserant, David quired along with an at- building size, style and loca- property, abutting Michigan ing of entertainment for all We experienced a few blips Films to premiere their new- unique and special home, Voydanoff, Robert Weil and tached storage arrangement tion of facilities may be de- Avenue, for future use. in attendance. The music but very manageable, and all est film, "Act of Vengence," the wonderful Senate Thea- chairman George Orbits. for tables and chairs. An- signed. Based on conven- A second meeting and people provided a great being said and done we at 8:00 p.m. with a "red car- ter! DTOS President Connie drew will contact the city to ience, theater configuration is contemplated for Novem- atmosphere and we, on the learned all sorts of things pet" event with the media at Stay tuned and Masserant also attended. determine the code require- and attendance considera- ber 27th. Fund raising for learning curve, had an even- and look forward to host- 7:00 p.m. This event prom- watch us grow! The new restrooms ments for our theater, in- tions, entrance to the re- this project is also to be on ing that went off without a ing another fund raiser ises further exposure with Michael J. Fisher are proposed to be construct- cluding handicapped capa- strooms is judged to be desir- the agenda. hitch. soon! Thanks to all those the patrons and followers of Post Note: I am Secondly, our own who helped. these folks and even a few looking for another club event, the showing of the This month we had city council members. Per- member to serve as an active Rocky Horror Picture Show, on November 3rd and 4th a sonally, I am excited about member of this essential embership Committee Update the movie as our own first Hispanic children's show. It this rental due to the enthu- committee. Is this you? fund raiser, ran fairly proved to be a very interest- siasm of this group and their Contact me directly at fish- Lance Luce, DTOS Board of Directors smoothly. We had hoped ing event. We are trying to interest in our theater for [email protected] or for a bit more on the attend- make our "debut" into the the future. (313) 378-1275. M ance end of things, but those local Hispanic community Overall, we are Membership renewals have ing all of you at the Senate. ment anywhere. Please send will be mailed out after the who came clearly enjoyed with this event. It is felt this making headway in the pub- been sent out for 2013, you You may have noticed that back your membership re- first of the year. Thanks in themselves. We received lots may be a great opportunity lic's awareness that we are should have received yours once again, dues have not newal form in its entirety. If advance for your continued in the mail. We have an increased and you can still for some reason you didn’t support of the Detroit Thea- exciting lineup of concerts bring 3 guests at no addi- receive your renewal notice, ter Organ Society and our for you for next year thanks tional charge. That makes let us know that, and we’ll wonderful Wurlitzer at the to our program committee, us one of the best bargains send you another one. Senate Theater. and we look forward to see- in theater organ entertain- Membership cards for 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE REDFORD THEATRE

November 16 & 17—8pm, 18—2pm—Since You Went Away November 30 & December 1—A Christmas Story December 8—8pm—Lance Luce Christmas Concert December 14 & 15—White Christmas eb Site Report December 16—3pm—American Liberty Singers “A ‘New’ Old-Fashioned Christmas January 4 & 5—Strangers on a Train Lance Luce, DTOS Board of Directors January 18 & 19—Gentlemen Prefer Blondes W January 26—3pm—Popovich Comedy Pet Theater Lots of people are you’re having trouble sleeping, played for us going back to membership applications on- “checking us out” on the inter- you can brush up on our poli- our early days, as well as new line. So tell your web surf- February 8 & 9—Pillow Talk net these days. Many people cies and procedures or by-laws, pictures of our renovated ing friends they can get a read our newsletter on line, find both equally riveting. Seri- spaces! There are audio virtual tour right from their All of these great films are shown Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. out about upcoming events or ously, our web site gets over clips from our “By Members monitors, it’s as easy as as well as Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) read about the history of our 1000+ “hits” a month, and last Only” CD, and there’s even www.DTOS.org! Organ overtures start thirty minutes prior to each show time. one-of-a-kind Wurlitzer. month that number was over a page where you can buy Sit back and enjoy the movies under the Redford’s star-lit sky! Did you know you can 2000! stuff. We’ve added a page

Visit the Redford Theatre on the web at www.redfordtheatre.com download a diagram of the stop There are pictures on about renting the theater. layout of our organ? Or, if the site of artists that have You can print out Volume 57, Issue 11, November 2012 Page 5 Page 6 Detroit Theater Organ Society estoration Report rand Ledge Opera House Organ Concert Connie Masserant, DTOS Board of Directors Lansing Theatre Organ, Inc. presents Clark Wilson R G Sunday, November 18, 3:00p.m. APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE! Out with the old Reviving our Art of and in with the new. That is the Composer se- the case with our East exit ries, Riverside Pops offers door. The door we removed tribute to composer Burton was the original door. Lane, who would have turned While it served us well, it 100 years old in 2012. Lane's was time for it to go since we most popular and successful could no longer open and works include "Finian's Rain- close it at will. bow" (1947) and "On A Clear In removing the Day You Can See Forev- door and frame, many bricks er" (1965). He is also credited had to come out. Fortunate- with discovering the remarka- ly, our contractors are multi- bly talented Judy Garland talented and offered to re- when she was no more than place the brick work and thirteen years old. His best- supply the brick at no extra known songs include Old cost. Brick work will be Devil Moon, How Are Things completed within a week or In Glocca Morra?, Too Late two. Now, How About You?, Eve- This door is located rything I Have Is Yours, I on the right side of the audi- Hear Music and the title song torium and can be found from "On A Clear Day." behind the curtains. It is at A native of Ohio, the top of a set of stairs. Clark Wilson began his musi- cal training at age nine. While growing up, he accom- panied numerous stage musi- The Old Door Comes Out cals and was organist at sever- busy concert and 3/20 Barton-hybrid theatre office of the Grand Ledge The New Door Goes In al churches. Following several accompaniment schedule, pipe organ, which began life Opera House in the rear of years with the Schantz Organ Wilson operates his own pipe at the downtown Lansing the building between 9:00 Company, Wilson began a organ business. He has re- movie palace known in its a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays. oncert Artists for 2013 Announced professional playing career on ceived both the Technician of later years as the Michigan Telephone (517) 627-1443. Paul Jayck, DTOS Board of Directors the staffs of numerous pipe- the Year and Organist of the Theatre. LTO was formed Payment by cash, check mon- organ equipped restaurants. Year awards from the Ameri- when the closing of the thea- ey order or major credit C He is associated with Organ can Theatre Organ Society, tre became a reality, com- cards. We are happy to an- Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, the only person to have ever mencing a ten-year search for Tickets are also avail- nounce our 2013 Organ Pops March 17—Simon Gledhill where he is on the organ staff done so. Welcome Clark the organ's perfect home. able at the Arts Tickets Box Concert Season. We think you as well as having assisted with back for his fifth Riverside Tickets are $12 per Office. Call (517) 372-0945, wil be very happy with the shows. April 21—Tony Thomas the planning and installation Pops concert! seat in advance, and $15 at or purchase tickets online at: Some returning organists and of the world’s largest This concert is a the door, day of performance. www.lansingarts.org some new to Senate Theater con- May 12—Martin Ellis Wurlitzer organ. Wilson’s production of Lansing Thea- Advance tickets may be pur- All single show tick- certs. Each of the organists has a recording credits include sev- tre Organ, Inc., featuring the chased from: Lansing Theatre ets purchased at the Pops Box unique playing style. Now is the June 23—Mark Herman en albums. He has concer- Barton Organ. Performance Organ, Inc., P.O. Box 26154, Office the day of perfor- time to renew your DTOS mem- tized and accompanied silent takes place at the Grand Lansing, MI 48909. Payment mance will be $15 each; cash, bership. That is the easiest way to September 22—Justin Stahl films extensively in the Unit- Ledge Opera House, 121 S. by cash, check or money or- check, money order or VISA, get tickets for the entire 2013 ed States, Canada, Australia, Bridge St. (M-100) @ River der. Ticket orders received MasterCard, American Ex- season! October 20—Scott Smith and England. Wilson is cur- St., Grand Ledge, Michigan. less than ten days prior to any press or Discover cards. All concerts are on Sun- rently the resident organist Doors open at 2:00 p.m. and performance will be held at days at 3:00 p.m. November 17—Clark Wilson and organ conservator at the performances begins at 3:00 the Pops Box Office. famed Ohio Theatre in Co- p.m. Single show tickets December 8—Joel Gary lumbus, Ohio. Along with a The instrument is a may also be purchased in the Volume 57, Issue 11, November 2012 Page 7

DETROIT THEATER oard Meeting Summaries ORGAN SOCIETY B Dave Calendine, DTOS Board of Directors The following is a summary of  A request to sample our will be installed shortly.  We will be looking at a Over 50 Years of Entertainment! actions taken during the Wurlitzer was denied.  A new playing member- holiday-themed movie Board of Directors meeting  Concerns about the safe- ship for Joseph DelJiu- for December with pic- on Tuesday, September 25, ty of our marquee were dice was received and tures with Santa. Detroit Theater 2012. brought up. An inspec- approved.  We have an offer to pur-  Black receptacle boxes tion of our marquee will  Membership renewal chase a new movie screen Organ Society were installed on stage be done before the next forms have been mailed. sheet. More details on for electricity and micro- Board meeting.  Concert series for 2013 is this will be coming soon. Dave Calendine, Editor phones.  Christ Dengate offered to now finalized.  The meeting was ad- DTOS Newsletter  Stairwells are ready mud- have a company come in  Committee formed to journed at 10:25 p.m. 6424 Michigan Ave. ding, sanding and paint. and train us on CPR. have restrooms built on Detroit, MI 48210-2957  New exit doors will be This will be set up by the the main floor. PLEASE NOTE! installed later this month. next Board meeting.  Our website and Face- These points are just a sum- Phone: (313) 894-0850  Wooden box for the book sites are getting mary of actions taken during Concert Hotline: (313) 894-4100 Wurlitzer console work- more activity. the Board of Directors meet- ing well for events. The following is a summary of  A new category of mem- ings at the Senate Theatre. It  A replacement screen is actions taken during the bership is being looked is highly encouraged that W E’ RE ON THE WEB! being looked into. Board of Directors meeting into with regards to rent- members attend a Board on Tuesday, October 30,  Basement needs to be al volunteer staff. meeting so that you can see WWW DTOS ORG cleaned out after new exit 2012. Meeting started at 7:00  Several proposed amend- what your elected Board . . doors are installed. p.m. ments to our policies and members are doing for you.  Membership renewal  CPR training for Board procedures were dis- The Board of Di- forms will be sent out in of Directors will be held cussed and approved in rectros meets on the last October. on November 15th at order to bring them up to Tuesday of each month.  A new playing member- 6pm. date with our new calen- Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. ship for Mary Beattie was  Doors have been re- dar format of elections. Please come and be an active Remaining 2012 Concert Series received and approved. placed by the stage. member of your or-  We are still waiting for Brick work will be ganization! November 18—Melissa Ambrose-Eidson final clearance from the done around door city on our new property. soon. December 2—Fr. Andrew Rogers Once cleared, we will  New box office carts, start making it ready for with locking drawers, 2013 Concert Series extending our parking obtained for both en- lot. trances. March 17—Simon Gledhill  All but two contracts  Treasurer’s report was have been finalized for passed out, discussed, April 21—Tony Thomas next year’s concert series. and approved.  Due to heat from the  Our boiler went out. May 12—Martin Ellis radiator in the relay Repairs were made to room, a gusset on the get it back in opera- June 23—Mark Herman regulator there has been tion. We have a leak damaged. The gusset will somewhere in the sys- September 22—Justin Stahl be repaired, and a reflec- tem that will need to tor installed to keep dam- be investigated. Pro- October 20—Scott Smith age from happening posals are being sought again. after to look into and November 17—Clark Wilson  Ballots were sent out to repair the leak. December 8—Joel Gary members regarding the  Bids are being sought

proposed changes in our after to repair our mar- By-Laws. The proposed quee on Michigan Ave- Inspection of our marquee to make sure it Looking into the mar- All concerts are held at the Senate Theatre, changes were approved by nue. An interim fix to was structurally sound. Good news is … it is! the membership. light up the marquee quee of the Senate Doors open at 2:00 p.m., concerts start at 3:00 p.m.