Hints From Hugh Jury-RiggedJet JogsAction A mini-bellows turns out to be a handy gadget in restoring the ancient actions of vintage percussions. A few gentle squeezes can reveal perforated primar­ ies, punctured puffs, and puny pallets. Technically, it is known as an ear syringe. The round metal utility pan (the kind (It also provides a neat way for adding for draining the crankcase when you water to your car battery!) . used to change your own car oil) is the boiler and a coffee can is the glue pot. Enthusiast Makes Goo Sheet-metal screws hold a metal strip The most unthinkable thought I think across the rim for supporting an electri­ I've ever thunk is that the three regula­ cal switch box. This box mounts a sub­ tors of my 1936 transplant might need mersible electric heating element. (Bar­ anything more than having windlines gain elements are offered by H & R Corp., attached to them. I had noted Allen Mil­ 401 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134- ler's instructive article on releathering 1187 .) Well, this lash-up did fine after a these boxes ( SHOP bracket was added to keep the (glue/ NOTES, p. 108) - but with only a mild coffee) pot from floating around. And it interest, since I knew I'd never face that also provides lots of real hot water for problem. Well, when the winding was cloths used to smooth the leather and finished, I turned on the blower. It blew. for wiping up. Uoyd Wold helps guide 16' Diapason pipe through So did all the regulators! I'd like for you to believe that this de­ front of Organ Grinder. Allen's pictures and descriptions of sign is the result of a lot of research and the procedures are all there; but I got the development. Well, yes, it is - but not most encouragement from the last sen­ in the field of glue pots. The whole assem­ What? Another Rank? tence of his article: '' Do not be afraid to bly is actually my wintertime iceless You've got to be kidding! No, we're use your own judgment as you proceed , bird bath! not - pictures don't lie. The Portland as common sense is at the root of good Organ Grinder now has a 4/48 . ." Now, I've never been This summer, Dennis Hedberg managed known for particularly good judgment, to squeeze a 44-note wood Open Diapa­ but sensewise I'm undoubtedly quite son into the chambers of his ''ultimate common. Anyhow, by following the in­ toy." These Robert-Morton pipes were structions (and enlisting some exceptional originally in the First Christian Church in volunteer help) I now have regulators Portland and are purported to be part of that maintain their air-tight integrity. the last organ shipped from the factory One thing that almost spooked my in Van Nuys. Actually, Dennis bought starting the project was Allen's adamant them twice: first, he acquired the 16' oc­ advice about using nothing but hot glue. tave-from Terry Robson to be used in the I'd never used hot glue. But now I have. Denver Organ Grinder and, subsequently, I wouldn't be able to face Allen at an when that organ was sold to Martin ATOS convention if I'd done otherwise! Meier, Dennis bought the pipes back It's really not so bad - after you rig up from him. The 8' and up (32 notes) he a glue pot, that is. The recommended purchased from Milt Kieffer and, on a double boiler is probably ideal, but none sunny summer day, in they went ... was in stock at area flea markets. So through the front window. here's a sketch that may give you some Grace McGinnis ideas on improvising. Hugh Lineback

44 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER THEATREORGAN London Benefit Britain's pre­ sented a " Gala Night With the Stars " on the 4/24 ''Trocadero '' South Bank Wur­ litzer on May 5 in the Edric Hall of the South Bank Polytechnic , London . The concert was a benefit and the players donated their services . London District Secretary David Lowe presented Mid­ lands District Secretary Deryk Allinson and Yorkshire District Secretary Bill Hopkinson each cheques for 1,000 Pounds Sterling towards each of their district 's organ projects. Master of Ceremonies compered the evening. Organists who Cinema Organ Society 's "Stars " (L to R): George Blackmore , William Davies, Simon Gledhill, David Shep­ performed were C.O.S. President Doug- herdandNigelOgdenatSouthBan k Polytechnic. EdMullinsphoto las Reeve, George Blackmore , who was celebrating his fiftieth year as a theatre organist , David Shepherd , Simon Gled­ hill, William Davies and Nigel Ogden. Ogden has been hosting the very popular BBC-Radio programme , " ,'' for the past ten years. The show not only celebrated George Blackmore 's 50 years in Show Business but also the ten years of the South Bank Wurlitzer. This famous instrument was just down the road from the Polytechnic at the Trocadero Elephant and Castle Theatre . Purchased by the C.O.S. in the early 1960s, the origina l 21 ranks were enlarged to the present 24. The opening recital was in January 1979. The organ sounded much better than when the "Safari " visited it two weeks earlier. Ed Mullins Nigel Ogden at the 4124 Wurlitzer at London 's South Bank Polytechnic . Ed Mullins photo

The Other Side "This piece was really written by Mr. Who cares? ... that 's strictly " PTA talk " Blabla, but I have changed it to fit this in my book. Of The Record instrument. Note the changes Another area that really bugs me : If by Robert Brooks needed which brings out the mellow you (the artist) can 't tell a joke well , for Many THEATRE ORGAN issues back tibias." What the heck is this person talk­ goodness sake don 't try any! Dirty or an artist justifiably wrote an art icle about ing about? Registration sign up and shady jokes go over like a lead balloon. the ''Dos-and-Don 'ts '' expected from/by bones? Remember , I'm just plain old Mr. Unless you have exceptional showman ­ an artist serving chapter concerts such Public and I don 't understand technical ship as , Simon Gledhill , as sufficient rehearsal time , no added talk! and the very few others, forget the jokes performance in someone 's home since "I sure want to thank Rob Pooper­ and get on with the playing. you have him cornered , etc . It was a nickle for keeping this beautiful instru­ Some artists handle their concerts as good article , but I still see the rules bro­ ment in tonal pitch." Again , what 's he if they were workshops . In most cases , ken. Sorry, artists - chapters , get on the talking about? What do I know about tonal knock off the yak-yak and p-I-a-y ! I know ball. Now, for the other side of the record. pitch or ? I came to hear the that a lot of us in ATOS talk a particular My thesis is the " Dos-and-Don 'ts" from beautiful sounds of the theatre organ, not language and we presume everyone we who listen to the artists who perform a non-understandable technical discus­ knows what we are talking about , but for us. sion . .. entertain me, I paid the price . . . that just isn't necessarily so when it To give you an idea of what I am writ­ forget the jabber! comes to the public . ing about , here are some quotes from "I haven't a written out program of It took a lot of nerve to muster up the artists we have heard: music to play ... I shall play what just "guts " to submit this complaint , but ''Wow! - thank you. And that was on comes into my head." If this is true , for these are my thoughts and I sincerely H~inches pr~ure." To most of us, what goodness sake , keep it a secret! I paid hope to improve future concert perform ­ is pressure ... is it gas or what? for a ''professional show '' and now you ances by all artists. Does someone out "Boy, ATOS is sure keeping this in­ tell me you haven 't prepared a program there agree with me? I can 't close with­ strument in good shape." To the public , for me? ! out handing out bouquets to those artists what is ATOS? I know , but Mr . Public "Before my last number, I want to who really do "put on a show " - one doesn't. If you must say something about thank Mrs. Snodgrass for the cake and that is prepared with thought and con­ the American Theatre Organ Society , rookies she served me during my stay here sideration for the audiences they serve then say it out and not just the initials . in Sandy Ego." How unprofessional! and entertain .

THEATREORGAN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER• 45 Capturing and Developing a New Audience News From Rodgers ... Robert Ulery, President of Rodgers Opens Way To a Bright Future Instrument Corporation , has announced the installation of a new Rodgers organ microprocessor control system in the at the Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C. The 185-rank organ at the Washington National Cathe­ dral has been undergoing renovation under direction of RA Dafter & Son Limited , Rodgers' representative in the Washington D.C. area. The Cathedral's console has been updated by Rodgers organ microprocessor control system, which computerizes all console functions and includes 32 levels of combination action memory for the convenience of Cathedral organists. The advanced organ control system incorporated into the Washington Na­ tional Cathedral's console is of a similar design to ones Rodgers has built for other internationally known organs such as the 194-rank Rodgers organ at Second Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, and the , 117-rank Ruffatti organ with Rodgers console at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Ashley Miller and young children at the War Memorial. Anthony Juno photo

"The challenge seemed dubious at ley had not been introduced. Twenty the outset ," Bill Smith admits , " but I minutes later Ella stepped forward to John Braxmeyer realized that we'd never know unless we acknowledge Mr. Miller and that " won­ Named Cnntroller tried. " Bill is a member of Garden State derful instrument " and to ask Ashley to Chapter and administers its activities at play another number. At Rodgers the War Memorial Theatre in Trenton , For the chapter this was a first step in Robert Ulery , President of Rodgers New Jersey. Overwhelming response developing a new audience. Ashley views Instrument Corporation, has named John from twelve-hundred young children was it " as the beginning of a joyful life-long Braxmeyer as Controller replacing Al learning process for many who will be­ compelling proof of the power of the Rathman, who recently resigned. "long shot." come concert-goers and f few to become Braxmeyer started with Rodgers in The occasion for introducing the the­ musicians , technicians and arts admin­ 1987 as Assistant Controller. Previously, atre pipe organ to a totally new audience istrators.' ' was a Friday morning concert last April " However, we must take the next step he was employed with Trus Joist Corpor­ featur◄ ng ATOS board member Ashley very soon," commented Bill Smith , " or ation as Plant Accountant and later Con­ Miller at the console and Ella Jenkins , lose the momentum we now have .'' troller in various Trus Joist facilities . whose music is known and loved by pre­ " With further help from Ella Jenkins ' Originally from the Portland area, school and early elementary school chil­ manager, we 'll contact the same schools Braxmeyer grew up in Kansas where he dren throughout the country. It was Ella's and offer a program of our own . Our graduated from Kansas State University. show and the chapter had asked to be question is, will they come back for He started his career as a CPA for Elmer herguest. more? '' Fox, Westheimer & Co., a national CPA Ashley opened the program with "I've not been so totally satisfied as a firm . John, his wife , and three children songs he thought would be recognized performer as I was with those apprecia­ reside in Cornelius, Oregon. by his young audience. He was right. The tive and responsive children ," Ashley children spontaneously clapped in rhythm said. ''We were together every moment and sang before the console had reached as if we were one . Speaking for Garden its position at stage level. The music was State Chapter , we owe Ella Jenkins a a surprise to the audience because Ash- low bow .'' Bob Norris

Anthony Juno photo Ashley Miller and Ella Jenkins at the War Memorial. Anthony Juno photo

46 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER THEATRE ORGAN Minutes American Theatre Organ Society General Membership Meeting July 4, 1989

Call To Order: b. Radio Program• 13 one-half hour programs The annual meeting of the General Membership are being recorded. Press package in the works . of the American Theatre Organ Society, Incorpor ­ Information needed from membership of any ated was called to order by President John Ledwon regularly scheduled Theatre Pipe Organ pro­ at 10:00 a.m. on July 4, 1989 at the Westin Hotel in grams now on the air . Membership to be con­ Detroit , Michigan . This breakfast meeting was con­ tacted later in year for a letter-writing campaign ducted under Robert's Rules of Order . to radio stations. Introduction of Officers for 1989-1990: c. National Headquarters Project . California Larry Vannucci at the 4127 Oakland Paramount President - John Ledwon; Vice-President - Russ Museum project in Sacramento , California , and Wurlitzer. Ed Mull ins phot o Hamnett ; Secretary - Laurel Haggart ; Treasurer - American Cinemathique in Hollywood, California, Dale Mendenhall (absent). are possibilities . Request for membership 's in­ Vannucci Introduction of New Directors: put for possible sites . Lowell Ayars, Awards and Recognition ; Robert d. Chapter Relations • Chapter Handbook has Plays Oakland Markworth, Chapter Relations; Lois Segur, Education been completed and final revisions being made . and (new position) Endowments. Still time for chapter input. Delivery scheduled San Francisco's Larry Vannucci Introduction of Continuing Directors: by end of year. played the organ prologue for the Firday Vern Bickel , Curator of Archives and Library ; Laurel e. Sllde Show • Revisions are in process and a night Classic Sound Film Program at the Haggart , Secretary/Promotion and Publicity ; Ashley video will also be made . Oakland, California , Paramount Theatre Miller, Ben Hall Memorial Organ Project ; Paul f. Election of Directors • Ballots were sent by Quarino, Historian; Alden Stockebrand, Technical ; direct mail this year and 2,300 were returned . for June. Vannucci played a delightful Dorothy VanSteenkiste, Young Organist Competition half-hour mini-concert on the 4/27 Wur­ g. Outstanding Chapters • London and South Introduction of Retiring Directors: litzer prior to the screening of the film. of England had their Safari with 150 in atten ­ Catherine Koenig, Education ; Allen Miller, Technical dance , 90 from the United States . Garden State He segued from one piece into another and Nominations . has an ongoing educational program for children without superfluous chit-chat. Larry is a Introduction of Staff: and have had approximately 1200 students at­ master of the jazz idiom, and it was Doug Fisk, Executive Director ; Grace McGinnis , tend . They have also been successful in obtain­ amazing what he was able to do with Editor of THEATRE ORGAN ; Tom B'hend , Editor ing grants . Motor City's Redford Theatre is on ATOS International NEWS. the National Register . They are our hosts for twenty-seven ranks. Approval of Minutes: this convention and we thank them for the great The June series opened with the RKO Minutes of the July 3, 1988, General Membership time we are all having. Central Indiana has raised musical, Swing Time starring Fred Astaire meeting were approved as published in THEATRE $60,000 for their organ installation since Dec­ and Ginger Rogers. Other organists who ORGAN (Alan Smiller/Fred Page/Unanimous) . ember 1988. have played the Friday night series since Treasurer's Report: h. Theatre Pipe Organ Installations • Where Jim Roseveare's demise include John Treasurer 's report was accepted as submitted are they . Membership asked for information . (Cornell Candea/Enid Martin/Unanimous). Seng, Don Thompson and Jim Riggs. I. Executive Committee • Conducts the day-to­ Introduction of Young Organists and day business of our organization . Members are Ed Mullins Judges: President , Vice-President , Secretary , Treasurer Junior Winner Russell Holmes, London and South and two Board members . Robert Markworth of England; Intermediate Winner and Overall Winner and Lois Segur were voted to serve this year by Barry Baker , Central Indiana ; Senior Winner John Board of Directors . Cook, Pine Tree Chapter ; Judges : John Muri , Lowell J. Archives and Library • ATOS listed in Na­ Ayars , Charlie Balogh , Rob Calcaterra , Ron Rhode. tional Listing of Libraries . Library of Congress has been provided with a complete set of the Executive Director's Message: THEATRE ORGAN Journal. Doug Fisk - 5800 members , goal of 6,000 by 1990; k. Awards and Recognition • Clarification of 60 chapters ; using mailing lists of organizations re­ procedure . Committee suggests nominations to lated to musical field for membership growth. Board of Directors . The Board then votes . Theatre Organ Editor's Message: I. Nomination for Board and Officers . Need The Letters to The Editor column is a forum for those with a willingness to contribute something the membership . Write more. Would like a column to the organization . To lead, help and bring ex­ in Chapter Notes section for unafilliated members . perience . Please let committee know if you are introduced the three photographers covering con­ interested . vention : Bo Hanley , Ray VanSteenkiste , Michael Chervenock ; reviewer for convention, Steve Adams m. Advertising • Len Clarke suggested that we and Assistant Editor of THEATRE ORGAN , Paul explore color advertising costs for the Journal. Quarino . , n. Questions and Comments• Various com ­ COMMITTEE REPORTS: ments were made from the floor on ways to ex­ A. Convention Planning • Tim Needler has re­ pose the public to ATOS. signed as coordinator . David Barnett will replace Adjournment: him. Indianapolis is the site of the 1990 Conven ­ There being no further business the meeting was tion, August 4-8; San Francisco in 1991, and adjourned at 10:50 a.m. (Robert Balfour) . Phoenix will host the 1989 Regional , Thanksgiv ­ Respectfully submitted , ing weekend 1989. Laurel Haggart , Secretary

Music was born free, and to win freedo~ i5 its destiny. FERRUCCIO BUSONI (1866-1924)

THEATREORGAN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER• 47