TheatreOrgan Bombarde

JOURNALof the AMERICAN THEATREORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

~ June 7967

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WRITE FOR BROCHUR . H.O.F ., 3291 GUIDO ST O E . ., AKLAND, CALIF. 94602 A'MERICANTHEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY ARCHIVESLIBRARY TheatreOrgan Volume 9, No. 3 Boffibarde Volume 4, No. 3

A.T.0.1:.. National Membership is $6.00 per year, which includes a sub scription to Thea1re Organ 8 0111- barde, the off icia l publication of the A merica n T he­ a tre Organ l:.nthusiasts. M ake check or money ord er payab le to A.T. 0 .1:.. and mai l to P.O . lfox 7404 ~ 7"£/'.1F/7C Bitt er Lake St ation. Seattle, Washington 98133. L/ ~_,,,_;TS ,9;- ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATIONS rLOR/S.7.J /},i.,L. /N TE/Z-!-'Ec,,;c,,;v.S Te;! : G ~ ,,7,,:-,;,,./ SHOULD BE SENT TO THIS ADDRESS . ,Dc?L/ t/cR v' e~--.o 6. * * * A.T.O.E. Officers The best route to take to get to the Pick-Fort Shelby Hotel is the southbound Lodge Freeway (l- Dick Schrum President 696) south from the eastbound Ford Freeway (l-94). Exit from the Lodge Freeway at Howard Erwin A. Young, Jr. - Vice President Street, two miles south of the Ford Freeway . Turn left on Howard to Third Street (2nd traffic light, Dorothy Mac Clain - Secretary-Treasurer 2 blocks from Freeway Exit). Turn right on Third St .; go south one block to Lafayette. Turn left Marilyn Schrum - National Secretary onto Lafayette and drive two blocks to the hotel. All airport ground transportation and nearly all visitors driving to Detroit will enter the city via A. T.O.E. Board of Directors the east bound Ford Freeway (l-94). Carl Norvell - Chairman I might emphasize again the importance of everyone letting us know in advance, via the regis­ Dorothy Mac Clain tration card, whether or not they will be attending the banquet. Total reservations must be con­ Howard Day firmed at Cobo Hall on Friday before the official registration begins. Don Hall W. "Tiny" James Congratulations to the newly elected Richard F. Kline, Jr. Dick Simonton Directors to the Board: Judd Walton from THE Dr. Philip C. Olson Erwin A. Young, Jr. Allen W. Rossiter PRESIDENT W. " Tiny " James, re-elected A. T.O.E. Honorary Members Erwin A. Young, Jr ., re-elected 1959 - Jesse Crawford Many thanks for the services and sin­ 1960 - Farny Wurlitzer Membership has reached an all-time high cere help and guidance from the retiring 1961 - Mei Doner in A.T.O .E. This is a solid basis for a Board Members : Howard Day and Rich­ 1962 - Leonard MacClain sound future, backed by the l 2 years' 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter ard Simonton. heritage marked last February 5th in I 964 - Reginald Foort New York. It is gratifying to all who Congratulations also to all newly elected 1965 - Dan Barton 1966 - W. "Tiny" James have given of their time and talents in Chapter officers. all phases of the hobby to see a tremen­ SEE YOU IN DETROIT! EDITORIAL STAFF dous surge of enthusiasm. They will serve 2 years, beginning m Publications Director - Bill Peterson A great amount of activity has also July I, 1967. opened up new avenues of public exposure THEATRE ORGAN to our favorite instrument. To name a Editor - George Thompson few: a charter member played a full­ Associate Editor - Ray Brubacher Retiring Directors: fledged concert on the gigantic Atlanta Richard C. Somonton Fox Moller for the 1966 American Guild THE BOMBARDE Howard A. Day Editor - W. "Stu" Green of Organists National Convention; The­ The remaining four members , with I Associate Editor - Peg Nielson atre Pipe Organ and Silent Films have year left to serve of their two years terms hit New York 's Broadway twice with Dorothy MacClain Advertising Manager - Dewey Cagle smashing success; a terrific upswing of Don Hall successful concerts and activities in the Richard F. Kline, Jr. * * * Chicago area; the most welcome addition Judd Walton Theatre Organ Bombarde (title registered U. of two new chapters with the possibility 521 ballots were received, four of which S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by of two more; the gift of a large theatre were disqualified . There were 58 write-in the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Dick Schrum, president. All rights re­ organ to a chapter from a Symphony candidates. Orchestra. These things and many, served. Entire contents copyrighted 1966 by many more activities and concerts na­ A.T.O .E. Inc. Office of publication is 565 tion-wide, could not have been accom­ N. Portland Blvd., Apt. IOI, Portland, Ore­ gon 97217. plished without our enthusiasts on the scene. POSTMASTER: 2nd Class postage paid at Portland, A .T.O .E. is growing; it is a vitally Oregon. If UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to strong organization steeped in tradition, ATOE Circulation Dept. Box 1314, Salinas, Calif. leading the way. Let's keep the good work going! Dick Schrum, President

1 theatre organ I bombarde AN ACRE OF SEATS IN A PALACE OF SPLENDOR

By Bill Peterson, number 4 in a series

THE FOX THEATRE-SAN FRANCISCO

This fabulous theatre vvas designed by Thomas W. Lamb and vvas opened on June 28, 1929. William Fox planned this as the ultimate theatre in his empire, vvith a seating capacity of approximately 5000. Original blueprints called for a 1000 room hotel to be built in conjunction vvith the theatre, but the financial crash prevented the completion of the master plan. The Fox had a lobby finished in vvalnut and 18 ca rat gold leaf, and an auditorium vvith deep-set arches heavy vvith fresco vvork. The re vve re tvvo organs, one a Moller located on the lobby third I eve I ba I cony, and the other vvas a Wurlitzer Cravvford Special 4/36 vvith the main console in the center of the orchestra pit. The slave console vvas on the stage.

The Fox vvas torn dovvn in 1963 . june 1967 2 ~ ' Editor ~ · " &eorge of ThompsonTheatre Organ

I. S. U. CONSOLE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY HAS EX-THEATRE ORGAN

by GARY DIRKS

The organ is located in Great Hall at the ever: due to the limited amount of time Memorial Union on the campu s of Iowa availab le most of his work has been de­ State University in Ames, Iowa. The or­ voted to the pipe chambers. gan was originally installed in a theatre The original go ld and white console was in Wisconsin and in 1936 was purchased replaced by a console of oak. The ancestry and given to I. S. U. The orga n as origi­ of the present console is unkn own, it has nally in the theatre was a 3 manual 11 survived the rigors of time quite well. The rank Wurlit ze r. When the orga n was console is on wheels and is stored back­ moved 11 more ranks were added for a stage and wheeled out to the stage for tot al of 22. playing. Mr. Ralph Borek, an instru ctor in Eng­ The organ is rather deficient in percus­ Write : The Organ Literature Foundation lish at I. S. U. takes care of the organ and sion but makes up for it by having a very Nashua, New Hampshire (USA) has done a good j ob ma intaining it, how- good solo section. Dear Mr. Thompson :

We have just issued an addenda to Pedal Great Uni son off Solo Catalogue E. Sub Bass 15 · Ac c. to Ac c. 1 6' . 4 · Flut e 8 " T1b1a16 ' Ace Unison off Open Diapason 8 ' We would appreciate it if you would Open Diapason 16 ". 8" T1b1aClausa 8" mention this in the next issue of Theatre Tuba 16 ' Great String 8 ' Organ and Bombarde. It is available Tibia Clausa 3 · Clarinet T C. 16 ' Solo Strin g 8 ' gratis upon receipt of a self -addressed Cello 8" Bourdon T. C. 1 6' Clarinet 8 ' stamped envelope. Thanks . T1b1aClausa T. C. 16" French Horn 8 " Sincerely yours, Accompaniment Clarin et 8 " Tuba 8 " Henry Karl Baker C. Viole T. C. 1 6' Oboe Horn 8" Flute 4· Claribel Flute 8 ' Concert Flute 8 " T1b1aClausa 4 · T1b1a3· Open Diapason 8 " Nazard 2 -2/ 3" Open Diapason 3 · T1b1aClausa 8" Tierc e 1-3/ 5' ADVERTISERS!! Dulciana 8" String 8 ' Oboe 8 ' Vio le D"orch 8 ' Percussion Gemshorn 8 " •••••••••••••••••••••••• Vax Humana 8 ' Harp celeste •••••••••••••••••••••••• 4 ranks of strings 8" Flut e 4 · Marimba •••••••••••••••••••••••• Octave 4 ' •••• Flute 4 · Xylo phon e •••• Octave 4 ' Tibia Clausa 4· Cathedra l Chimes •••• Send All Material Solo Piccolo 4 ' •••• T1b1a4 · •••• Violin 4 · Horn Diapason 4 · The percussion pla ys •••• and Inquiries T1b1a12th 2 -2/ 3 " •••• Flau tino 2· from bo th the acc . and 1111 For Advertising To Nazard 2 -2/ 3 ' th e solo ma nu als. Couplers Tierce 1-3/ 5' •••• Piccolo 2· •••• sSolo to Solo 16 '. 4 · ====DEWEY CAGLE-AD MGR . Solo Unison off Tremulants •••• 3291 GUIDO STREET Great to Great 16 '. 4 · •••• •••• OAKLAND, CALIF . 94602 Solo to Great 16 '. 4 ' 2. one for each chamber . •••• •••• •••• • •••••••••••••• EDITORS NOTE : Stoplist is reported as submitted, note that only •••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• two tremulants are listed . •••• •••••••••••••••

3 theatre organ I bomb arde 74th and Broadway, New York City, Photo by Walter Hilsenbeck For New York Chapter, ATOE, Production, "From Silents to Sounds", May 8, 1967. GLORIA SWANSON STARS IN NEW YORK CHAPTER'S BROADWAY SHOW

The New York Chapter once again made For theatre organ buffs, the evening went up, a brilliant spotlight hit the cen­ the New York theatre community sit up actually started as they approached the ter of the traveler curtain and New York and take notice on May 8 when the dazzling marquee with Lee Erwin at The Chapter Chairman Claud Beckham chapter presented Gloria Swanson, in Mighty Wurlitzer blazing over Broadway. bounced out to tell the people that "they person, in "From Silents to Sound", They were pleasantly surprised to hear now know how distressingly silent a with Chapter Member Lee Erwin at the organ music drifting out through the really silent film is". console of the Beacon Theatre 4/19 front doors from deWaard Brother 's lob­ Beckham received a thunderous round Wurlitzer. The show packed the 2600- by demonstration of the Rodgers 33-E of applause when, as part of his merci­ seat Broadway house on a traditionally Theatre Organ. And they saw a box­ fully brief welcoming remarks, he said, slow Monday night in spite of threaten­ office line and a lobby throng jamming "This is a very proud occasion for an ing weather. an A.T.O.E. event like never before. Al­ organization whose fundamental aim is Miss Swanson showed two of her most though the show crew was ready for a to preserve theatre organs and theatre significant films - Queen Kelly, her last prompt 8:30 curtain, the performance organ music In Theatres!" The audi­ silent, and The Trespasser, her first had to be delayed for ten minutes just ence was obviously in a joyous mood talkie - to illustrate the complexities of to let Chapter Secretary-Treasurer Allen and there was more applause when the silent-to-sound transition for stars Rossiter and his theatre staff get the Beckham mentioned that the New York and producers (she was both). In spite crowd into their seats. Chapter, in hiring Lee Erwin for live of her difficulties with a balky P.A. sys­ The show opened with the "From Si­ accompaniment of a trailer for the Chap­ tem, she completely captivated a pre­ lents to Sound" coming-attractions trail­ ter's February Gaylord Carter show, dominantly young audience with her er, made up in 1920 style with stills had presented Local 802, A.F. of M., candid behind-the-scenes commentary on from the two films, shown without sound with the problem of setting a scale for her struggles to satisfy tempermental track on the colorf u I Beacon asbestos directors, concerned bankers, and the curtain (that still carries the Warner ever-present censors. Brothers monogram). Then the asbestos (Continued on Page 6)

June 1967 4 Don•tlet the BEARDfool you' /// / , / ~ ThisIs A SchoberTransistor ~-\ ► --::=:---DisguisedAsA Pipe!

~~------The Schober Transistor can also be disguised as a Vox Humana , String Chorus, Tuba Mirabilis, Piano, Orchestral Bells, Chryso­ glot, and Xylophone. But that's not all. Examine the specification for the new Schober Theatre Organ. It means what it says! The Theatre Organ's 48 stop tablets (including eight Percussions) RESPOND with real reed sound, shimmering strings, throbbing ti bias, and sharp flutes, from 16' to 1' pitch. AND IT ALL COMES from Scho her Transistors and electronic components packed in EASY-TO-ASSEMBLE KITS! The dis­ guise is as nearly perfect as engineering know-how and a love for organs can make it.

SPECIFICATION Note Trailing Wires - a dead giveaway. Solo (Upper Manual) Pedal T ibia 16' Dulciana 16' Cello 16' Tibia 16' Stentorphone 16' Diaphone 16' Tuba Mirabilis 16' Tuba Profunda 16' Viola d' Amore 8' Bass Flute 8' Vox Humana 8' Tuba8 ' Solo Strin g 8' Clarinet 8' Couplers Tibia8 ' Solo to Solo 16' Oboe 8' Solo to Solo 4' Diapason 8' Solo Unison Off Brass Trumpet 8' Solo to Accompaniment 8' Violina 4' Tibia 4' Controls Trom ha Clarion 4' Piccolo 2' Power (On-Off ) Fifteenth 2' Manual Balance (Ace -Normal -Solo ) Flageolet l ' Pedal Balance (Min -Normal -Max ) Fife 1' Vibrato (Min-Med-Max ) Vibrato (Ace -Both-Solo ) Accompaniment (Lower Manual) Percussion Group (Optional) Tibia 16' Dulciana 8' Celesta Vox Humana 8' Chrysoglott Tibia8' Orchestra Bell s Orchestral Strings III Orchestra Bells (Rei t) Diapason 8' Piano Harmonic Tuba 8' Harpsichord Harmonic Flute 4' Xylophone Octave 4' Mandolin Tuba Clarion 4' Other Options Combination Action REVERBATAPE Uni t Transistor Power Amplifier LSS -5 self-contained speaker sys tem Leslie Organ Speaker

Write for the 16-page 1967 Schober Organ descriptive booklet. Or send for our 12-inch Schober Organ Demonstration Record ($2.00, postpaid - little talk, mostly music.) Schober Theatre Organ price begins at $1,350.00

The Schober Organ Corporation, Dept. TO-3, 43 West 61st Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 demonium - Miss Gloria Swanson. And GLORIA SWANSON, cont. Gloria Swanson receives tumultous ovation there she was, with an ovation ringing from Beacon Theatre audience after intro­ from the far corners of the Beacon, duction by New York Chapter vice-chairman "theatre organist" for the first time in exactly the chiffon-gowned figure that Ben Hall, theatrical author and historian. years. everybody imagines for a super-star of Beacon Theatre, May 8, 1967 . At the magic moment when Beckham the screen. There was no way for her to - Photo by Walter Hilsenbeck . introduced Lee Erwin, the spotlight be heard above the crowd's delighted swung to the console pit, and the gleam­ shouts. All she could do was to let Lee ing white and gold Beacon Wurlitzer Erwin sing her praises on the Wurlitzer made its roaring entrance singing Hot while she graciously received the hom­ Time In The Old Town Tonight". After age of her admirers. After they finally more thunderous applause. Lee Erwin settled down enough to let her talk, she played a heart-pounding medley from charmed them from the first, "I know his record album Oldies for Pipe Organ some of you came tonight to hear the with colored lights to match the mood organ . I know some of you came to see and with frequent interruptions as the silent pictures. And I know many of you audience recognized old favorites with came just to see what kind of shape the more applause. old girl is really in." After that she The New York Chapter's famous Yice­ could have recited the alphabet and got­ Chairman, theatrical author and histor­ ten laughs. Instead, she told them about ian Ben M. Hall, took over the stage at Queen Kelly, about Erich von Stroheim, that point, entertaining and informing about the lavish sets and the extrava­ the audience in his inimitable way about gant shooting schedules ... and about the background of the late twenties Lee Erwin 's Queen Kelly music for "when the squawk of the Yitaphone theatre organ . broke the spell . . . Careers tottered as The New York Chapter had commis­ the horns behind the screen revealed sioned Lee Erwin , a long-time member that many established stars had the of ASCAP, to compose and play an origi­ voices of grackles" - the "period of the nal theatre organ score for Queen Kelly. Great Change." Hall told the patrons And , as the traveler curtain closed slow­ that they were enjoying the "lush sur­ ly over The End, the Beacon audience roundings of o~e of the few genuine and Miss Swanson made it very clear movie palaces in the nation (the Beacon that Lee Erwin 's newest composition was Theatre opened on Christmas Day, 1929, an unqualified musical and dramatic just as the epulent era of never-never­ success. The enthusiastic remarks of the land came to an end)! And , then , after milling crowd in the foyer at intermis­ whetting the appetites of an already ex­ sion (and the questions addressed to the cited audience, Ben Hall said the magic Chapter Officers) showed that at least words of introduction that set off pan- two generations of Americans had never

Gloria Swanson congratulates Lee Erwin (and awards him a carnation) for playing his new score for her last silent picture, "Queen Kelly" on Beacon Theatre 4/19 Wurlitzer, May 8, 1967.

June 1967 6 GLORIA SWANSON, cont.

before heard the mighty Wurlitzer do its ~ intended job - augmenting a great silent film to create a full dramatic impact for both eye and ear. Perhaps the high­ MAGAZINES BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE est compliment of all was a young man 's saying , " I can 't believe I was really watching a silent picture! " THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER 2 SUMMER 1959 Space here is too limited to permit a THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER 3 FALL 1962 full discussion of the whole show . It was THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER a great theatrical event , effectively pro­ 4 WINTER 1962 moted (with advertising and with per­ THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER 1' 2. 3, 4 1963 sonal interviews in newsp apers , radio , THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER 1' 2, 3, 4 1964 and television) and produced by New THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER 1' 2. 3, 4 1965 York Chapter officers and professionall y staged by members of the Chapter 's BOMBARD£ Beacon Wurlitzer Restor ation Project NUMBER 1' 2. 3, 4 1964 under Bon Smith. Jim Moe , former tech- BOMBARD£ NUMBER 1' 2, 3, 4 1965

THEATRE ORGAN NUMBER 1966 BOMBARD£ NUMBER 1966

THEATRE ORGAN- BOMBARDE (COMBINED ) VIII NUMBER 2 SUMMER 1966 VIII NUMBER 3 OCTOBER 1966

PRICE $1.00 PER COPY

New York Chapter Chairman Claud Beck­ ham joins Beacon Theatre audience in ovation for Lee Erwin at console of Beacon's Gold-and-White 4/19 Wurlitzer. May 8, 1967. DON KINNEAR PLAYS nical chief of the Project , was trans­ THE SEDGEWICK MOLLER ferred to Minneapolis two weeks before New A. T. 0. E. in Philadelphia the big night but he man aged to fly National Headquarters back to New York to act as Stage Man­ Next issue of Theatre Organ Bombarde ager. Wurlitzer Widow Aline Beckham Address will feature a review of the concert played handled the 1000-seat advance ticket P. 0. Box 7404 by Don Kinnear, on the 3/17 Moller in sales . Even the technic a l projection mat­ the Sedgewick Theatre. This was the ters and rehearsal screenings were ar­ Bitter Lake Station farewell concert prior to the demolition ranged by a New York Chapter mem­ Seattle . Wash . 98133 of the theatre. ber , Chapter Advisor Don Malkames . The organ was purchesed by the Dela­ From Silents to Sound was an outstand­ ware Valley Chapter several months ago. ing example of the way that A.T.O.E . can simultaneously give the public the genuine entertainment that it hungers Published quarterly in London for and spread the message about thea­ by The Theatre Organ Club tre organs in theatres. (President: Robinson Cleaver)

Annual Subscription $1.50, Post Free or $3.00 for two years. $ee11011 in . • • THEATRE DETROIT brings you i II ustrated features on famous organs and organists, .news items, record July 1, 2, 3, 4 reviews, and reports of meetings en joyed by theatre organ enthusiasts in ORGANGreat Britain.

Subscription Agent for U.S.A. and Canada REVIEWROBERT CLARK, JR. 939 Green St.reet N.E. QUARTERLY Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115

7 theatre organ I bombarde While engaging in research relative to the Theatre Organ course which was es­ It is all-important that British organ tablished by the Eastman School of Music in the 192O's, Rochester ATOE mem­ builders should realize the fact that the ber Lloyd E. Klos came across a very interesting textbook. This book, one of organ required for the cinema is a the few in existence, was written about 1926 by an Englishman, George Toote/1, distinct type of instrument, especially designed for a special purpose. So long the first British Cinema Organist. Through the generous cooperation of Dr. Ruth as builders erect the "legitimate " type Watanabe, Librarian of the Eastman School of Music's Sibley Music Library, of organ in the cinemas, so long will Mr. Klos has been able to extract portions of the book, and thereby make them they produce failures. This special type available to Theatre Organ readers. It is hoped that much of the material will of instrument illustrated in the Jardine, be of benefit both educationally and entertainingly to A TOE members. Compton and the Wurlitzer organ, de­ PART lWO mands a specialized player. At the present time, our principal teaching HOW TO PLAY institutions make no provision in their curricula for the special training which is absolutely necessary for the cinema THE CINEMA ORGAN organist; and the student who has finished

A Practical Book by a Practical Player his usual course, and who desires to byGEORGE TOOTELL secure a cinema appointment, is left to his own devices - with disastrous re­ sults. There is a demand for first-rate Doctor of Music, University of Durham, Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, Solo organist of the Stoll Picture Theatre, London; The Palace, Accrington; The Coliseum, Glasgow; The Pic­ cinema organists which cannot be sup­ ture House. Douglas (Isle of Man); The West End Cinema. Birmingham; etc. plied, simply because organists who are otherwise excellent players are unpre­ What Cinema Audiences Want. Though suits. Among requests for the perfor­ pared for the specialized work required, the cinema is essentially a business mance of certain compositions, I have and are utterly lost when they attempt proposition, being purely entertainment, received: From an engineeer-mechanic, cinema work. At the present time, there it affords very great artistic possibili­ Bach's "Toccata in F Major;" from a are not half a dozen cinema organists of ties which appealed to me from the first, police constable, selection from Verdi 's outstanding ability in all Great Brit ain, and eventually induced me to give my­ "Aida;" from a coal heaver , Beetho­ while there is a large number of those self up wholly to a cinema career. In ven 's 5th Symphony; from a bus conduc­ who are either mediocre or frankly in­ the course of that career, I have en­ tor, The Andante from Tschaikowsky 's competent. joyed many and varied experiences, Fifth Sympahony; from an elderly lady, having played to all types of audiences, The Hallelujah Chorus; and from a Specialized Player Required. The cin­ from one consisting entirely of iron docto r, ''The Sheik" Fox Trot. ema requires a specialized type of workers to a private demonstration be­ I have enjoyed the unusual experience player who must not only be a first-rate fore Royalty; and in cinemas in indus­ of accompanying the whole of a long performer, but a very able musician. trial districts, seaside and holiday feature film with the organ console in His work possesses unique features resorts, and the West End of London. absolute darkness, having to feel for which are not encountered in any other My experiences in provincial centers my stops which I was unable to see. branch of the profession; it is in those especially have brought me closely in unique features that he must specialize, touch with various sections of the public In a Welsh town, I have witnessed the and through them that he can legitimately and with many varied types of audience, presentation of a 5-part film, in which claim consideration as an unique and and from these experiences I can very the whole of the second part was run independent artist. This fact has not re­ definitely answer the perennial question, backwards, and the first half of the third ceived due attention on account of the "What does the public want? " Cinema part upside down . scarcity of first-rate performers, and audiences want the best they can get; I have accompanied a film when the the shortsightedness of our teaching whether they always get it or not is third part was shown before the second institutions in not providing for the need. another question, but they expect it, and part, and no one appeared to be any the they appreciate it when they do get it. wiser! And I have accompanied a 7- I have frequently been described as The public taste for music is surpris­ part feature film for six consecutive "the pioneer in this country for this ingly high in many provincial tenters, performances, during the second of new branch of musical art;" I was cer­ and cinema audiences have become which Part 2 was omitted; in the third tainly the first British organist to play keenly discriminating. I have not, in performance Part 4, and in the fifth a genuine cinema organ , and have under­ any provincial center which I have performance Part 3 was omitted , in taken the responsible task of writing this visited, heard worse organ playing than each case quite unexpectedly. These book with one single purpose before I have heard in London cinemas where few cases will illustrate how variety me - that of providing material assist­ I have heard performances which were may be unexpectedly introduced into the ance both to those who intend to follow indescribably bad. The worst perfor­ cinema organist 's work. Happily they the career of a cinema organist, and to mance I have heard on a cinema organ are the rare exception rather than the those who already hold positions as was in a London West End cinema; and rule. cinema organists, especially m a solo the best performance ( on an inadequate capacity. organ) was at Newcastle-on-Tyne. Organ's Popularity With Cinema Audi­ This is a practical treatise by a prac­ Studying the psychology of audiences, ences. Is the organ popular with cinema tical player who has for many years and the prevailing musical taste in audiences? Undoubtedly, when properly devoted his whole attention to cinema various districts, is an interesting and treated. My own experience has shown music and the cinema organ. I have no amusing experience, and is also highly me very conclusively that the right type doubt that some of the advice given will instructive. To the solo player in the of organ, in the hands of an expert play­ cause discussion; be that as it may , cinema, it is a necessary procedure , er, is a most popular attraction 10 any nothing is recommended or advised and one which I have invariably followed cinema which possesses such an instru­ which has not successfully stood the with some surprising and amusing re- ment. practical test, and which is not based

June 7967 8 upon my own methods successfully car­ ried out through many years of practical experience as a solo player in the cin­ ema. The cinema has no use for theories which cannot be turned to practical use. I earnestly hope that the following will provide a useful and practical guide to all who are interested in the cinema organ and organist. PLAYING WITH THE ORCHESTRA Touch. The first point to consider is the touch. The notes should be pressed down with a swift and firm finger touch, to ensure promptitude in speech from the pipes and the release of the note is a most important matter. A note will sound as long as the finger remains upon it, and until. actually released; a note which remains depressed for even the slightest fraction of an inch will sound; in some organs the touch is so light that dropping a short piece of ordi­ ATOE member Bill Werner pauses for a picture while the console of his 3/15 Wurlitzer is nary pencil upon a key will cause a pipe steadied by an unidentified assistant. The organ came from the Century Theater, Chicago. to sound. Let the player, therefore, dis­ Photo by ATOE member John McCarthy. tinguish between a swift and firm pres­ sure of the finger, and a blow of the CATOE MEMBERS HELP MOVE TWO CONSOLES finger, avoiding the latter. Upon release With ATOE member Bill Werner at the controls, Larry Coleman, Barney King and Sam Holte of the note, raise the finger clear of the (I tor) get ready to load Larry's 3/8 Kimball console. The Kimball is from the Catlow Theater, key to ensure "clean" playing. This Barrington, Ill. Photo by ATOE member John McCarthy. principle of touch applies to both slow and rapid legato playing ; staccato should be wrist-staccato as in pianoforte play­ ing; not so much a bounce off the keys as a rapid release by quick raising of the hand, the note being allowed to speak properly. Arm movements such as in pianoforte playing, are quite unneces­ sary, and have no effect whatever upon organ touch. Pedal Touch. In pedaling, the notes should be played from the ankle, the toe and heel of either foot being used. In legato playing, the player is recom­ mended to use the toe and heel of the same foot alternately, for consecutive notes, as much as possible; this obvi­ ously cannot be done in playing notes which are more than a third apart. The more flexible the ankle, the greater facility in pedaling; any up and down leg movement should be avoided as much as possible, even staccato touch being from the ankle. A modern pedal action is not heavy, and the player is recommended to cultivate a light touch which is advan­ tageous from all points of view. One sees so many players who appear to kick at the pedals; forcibly attach the as the organ ; it will readily and gener­ chestras which do not include the full manuals (especially in chord playing) ously display the technical ability and complement of wind instruments; and its in a merciless manner which, one would musicianship of the player, but on the purpose is to give body to the combina­ think, would smash the hammers of a other hand , it will mercilessly and glar­ tion, and to supply in some measure the piano; and handle the stops like punch­ ingly expose incompetence and ignor­ lack of wind players . The greater part balls, while gyrating on the organ seat ance. Treat your organ kindly and with of the music to be played upon the organ in a most extraordinary fashion; all of intelligence, and it will readily respond; will therefore be of a sustained charac­ which is not only unnecessary, but ex­ but treat it unkindly, and it will take a ter necessitating a legato style of play­ tremely silly. merciless revenge. mg. No musical instrument can be so Purpose of Organ in Orchestra. The merciful or so merciless to the player organ will be found m most cinema or- (Continued on next page)

9 theatre organ I bombarde HOW TO PLAY THE CINEMA ORGAN (Continued fro111 Page 9) Legato Touch. The true organ legato touch comprises a gliding movement from key to key, for it must be remem­ bered that a stop will sound at its full strength of tone so long as the finger remains on the key . If, therefore, a key is released before another is de­ pressed, we shall have a short interval of silence; but, on the other hand, if a key is not cleanly released before an­ other is depressed, for a minute period both will sound simultaneously. The player must therefore avoid, on the one hand, detached or scrappy playing, and on the other, muddy and indistinct ef­ fect. To obtain the true organ legato Last Minute Convention Notes!! touch, the player must liberally employ MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!! the practice of substitution of fingers on notes already depressed, thus being en­ WE MUST GIVE A GUARANTEE BY JUNE 30TH. abled while still holding one chord, to proceed without break and with clearness Above is a picture of the ballroom at Cobo Hall where our banquet will be held. The to the next. This system of substitution room is bounded on 2 sides with glass - a tremendous view of the Detroit River with of fingers does not affect what has pre­ freighters and pleasure boats going by and also the Canadian Shores . We want ev~ry­ viously been said of touch - firm finger one at the convention to attend the banquet. The room can seat at least 3000 so there pressure and clean release of notes. will be plenty of room for all. We have been assured of good service and hot food. Due Organ Music Parts. Practically all to the Michigan liquor laws, only beer and wine may be served on Sunday and we will music specially composed or arranged have 2 bars set up for our 'social hour ' . A short program of entertainment has been for cinema purposes will include in the planned for the ba nquet and we should all have a wonderful time. Please - even if orchestra sets, a part for the organ you don't send your money in now , make your banquet reservation!!!!!!!! which always appears as a harmonium .::opy - printed on two staves like piano * * * music ; organ music proper being printed on three staves. The organist is supplied There have been some last minute changes in the recording arrangements for the with a "harmonium " or "piano-conduc­ convention . The Board of Directors at the Detroit Theater Organ Club has given tor" copy, and we will, first of all, con­ perm ission for one representative from each chapter to record during the concerts at sider the former. The part will consist the Senate Theater. Only the recording facilities of the club may be used. Each re­ mainly of sustaining notes and chords, corder must be equipped with l 1/➔' ' phone plug for each channel to be used. The club arranged from the wind parts in the score has 2 Newmann condenser mikes feeding a stereophonic or monoral distribution sys­ with important solo cues , if the part is tem accommadating the telephone jacks. No individual mikes will be allowed. This adequately arranged. only applies to the Detroit Theatre Organ Club .. . At all of the other activities - as the Fox, Redford Theatre, Arcadia Skating Rink and Fort Street Presbyterian Solo Cues. In the absence of the or­ Church, the Motor City Chapter will make a master tape to be copied for each chap­ chestral wind instrument , all solo pas- ter. Any chapter representative desiring a copy of any of these concerts for their ( Con trnu ed on Page 14) chapter , please mail or bring the blank tape for each concert with a self addressed mailer so as soon as these tapes are copied, they can be mailed. Each chapter repre­ senta tive getting a copy of any one of the tapes of any concert at the convention will be required to sign a waiver for their chapter that the tapes will not be used for any commercial purpose.

* * *

Letters have gone out to each chapter chairman inviting one representative to play at the various jam sessions. If you have not already sent in the name, please do so immediately so a schedule can be set up for this activity.

* * *

There will be 14 home installations available during convention time for those ANOTHER POET OF THE ORGAN? This who are interested. A schedule will be furnished with your convention packet. little fellow's pose reminds us of that fa­ mous shot of Jesse Crawford at the New * * * York Paramount studio organ. taken years ago . The organ pictured is the 3/11 Kim­ The Chapter is requesting that no pictures be taken while an artist is playing. Be­ Wur -Mo-Link in Gil White's house in Der­ fore or after a number or a concert will be more considerate. There will be containers wood. Md. The little boy is Doug White. Gil's grandson. placed at each site for flash bulbs, etc.

June 1967 10 MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!! Mr. Brummer later became an organ builder and service man. He and his or­ * * * ganization are known throughout the Mid­ west. He is the representative of M. P. The management of the Fox Theatre desires that the. balcony not be used for in­ Moller and also installs instruments of surance reasons. his own design. He still retains his inter­ est in theatre organ also and is a charter * * * member of St. Louis Chapter, ATOE: After the Photophone was installed just Orders for brochures and ash trays are beginning to come in from those who are before Christmas 1929, the organ was unable to attend the convention. These will be mailed as soon as possible at the close never officially played again. of the convention. The Kimball spoke from five chambers. There were two chambers on the organ­ * * * ist's left designated Solo and on the right were the two Main chambers with the The Detroit Theater Organ Club will conduct tours of the chambers at the Senate Percussion chamber on the bottom. The Theater-probably after Saturday night's concert. This is an interesting and reveal­ relay was also on the right side opening ing sight. behind a fire extinguisher and hose com­ partment. The blower and the lift * * * mechanism were in the basement below the stage . The interconnecting cables of For those who can not attend the entire convention but want to attend one or the organ contained approximately 500,- more concerts, there will be a charge of $2.00. This only applies to the Fox, Redford 000 feet of single wires . and Skating Rink. The seating capacity eliminates this possibility at the Senate or Opus 6852 was a large scale instrument the church. operating at I 0, 15, and 20 inches pres­ sure . The large scales and high pressure were necessary for this house of almost 3900 seats. In the upper Main chamber were the Kinura, Orchestral Oboe , Clarinet, Oboe Horn, and Concert Flute . The middle ST. LOUIS THEATRE Main chamber held an Open Diapason, Viole d'Orchestra, Viole Celeste, Dulci­ KIMBALL 4M-19R ana, and Vox Humana (II). The 49 note Deagan Chrysoglot was also in this chamber. The lower chamber held the When the St. Louis Theatre opened on During Johnson's absence Earl Estes percussions and a fine Kimball Piano November 25, 1925, a grand theatre was was the organist. After his return to St. which is still in passable tune today. born. When the patrons entered the Louis, he had an assistant, a St. Louisan The upper Solo chamber contained the Grand Lobby, they were treated to Rapp named Wagner. Wagner played the after­ Diaphone and Post Horn (masquerading and Rapp's version of a European pal­ noon show and during it he also did a under the misnomer of Krumet) on 15 ace. The floor was terrazzo. On the left radio broadcast on station WIL. For this inches and the Tuba and Trumpet on 20 was the Grand Staircase. Large columns he wore headphones to get his cues from inches pressure. The lower left chamber supported a vaulted ceiling from which the station. During the broadcast he com­ held the Solo Vox Humana (I), Quinta­ hung ornate crystal chandeliers. The mir­ pletely ignored the action on the screen dena, Saxophone (really a Basset Horn), rored walls reflected a scene of gran­ and played for the listeners at home. Solo String (excellent String Bass exten­ deur. Early in the Spring of 1929 the St. Lou­ sion), and of course, the highly impor­ When they reached their seats they saw is Theatre contracted for the installation tant Tibia. The Solo Marimba was also in a huge dome finely carved and covered of RCA Photophone "talkie" equipment. this chamber. with gold leaf as was the proscenium and Johnson then left St. Louis. The St. Louis Theatre Kimball organ is side wall alcoves. Emblazoned on the The last nine months that the Kimball now the possession of St. Louis Chapter main curtain was the emblem of the city was used were filled by a talented musi­ ATOE, Inc. The events leading to the - the statue of St. Louis astride his horse cian from Granite City, Illinois, W. A. Chapter acquiring it go back consider­ with sword held high. Below the stage Brummer. ably before the founding of the group in was the orchestra pit and at the left of Brummer was trained as a classical 1962. the pit on its elevator was the majestic organist, but was also experienced as a When wide screen movies came into organ console. theatre organist. He had played at a the­ popularity the St. Louis Theatre installed The featured organist for most of the atre in Granite City and later was asist­ a new screen. At the same time they four years that the 4 manual/ 19 rank ant to Stuart Barrie at the Ambassador built an extension of the stage over the Kimball was used was Julius K. Johnson. in downtown St. Louis. orchestra pit and organ console. Some­ He was a straight spot-light type organ­ He recalls the first time he heard the time in the ensuing years the organ sus­ ist; never using song slides or having St. Louis Kimball and wondered at the tained severe water damage in the upper community sing programs. loud raucous solo stop. When he first main chamber. There was also extensive Johnson was a good musician, but a played the instrument he was executing damage to the pipes in the middle main story is told that he was uneasy about a soft passage and set up the Krumet. chamber from vandalism. The door to crowds. On occasion he would take a bit Expecting the Baroque stop that is a this chamber was unlocked and all the of liquid tranquilizer before mounting the cross between a Cromorne and a Clari­ keys had been lost. organ bench. After playing at the St. net he was startled to discover that mys­ In 1950 Stan Kann started playing the Louis for two years, he returned to Cal­ terious loud stop. It turned out to be the "Crawford Special" Wurlitzer at the Fox ifornia, where he played in a restaurant. Post Horn. (Continued Next Page)

11 theatre organ I bombarde ST. LOUIS THEATRE The St. Louis Symphony announced in During the third day of work , Al Baum late 1966 that they had received a million a former electrician, got the lift motor KIM BALL, continued dollar gift from Mrs. Helen Lamb Powell wired up, the mechanism unstuck and ( Continued from Page I I ) to purchase the St. Louis Theatre. It will raised the console to stage level. Ned Theatre on a regu tar basis. He started be renamed "Powell Symphony Hall" in Lustig , a former stagehand taught us looking for an organ to install in a res­ memory of her husband Walter S. Pow­ how to tie lines for hoisting parts from taurant and in 1954 bought the 13 rank 3 ell. The Ford Foundation also has given the chambers. Milt Marian , an ex-organ­ manual Wurlitzer from Loew's State in a grant for refurbishing the hall and for service man who had helped to install St. Louis. He and some friends removed the endowment fund of the Symphony. and even remove many of the theatre or­ it and Stan then persuaded W. A. "Gus" St. Louis Chapter members had for gans in the area demonstrated the art of Brummer to rebuild it and install it in some time been discussing the possibility handling pipes; the String Bass in partic­ Ruggeri's Restaurant. of obtaining the console from the St. Lou­ ular. Former Chairman George Swett In 1961 another seemingly unrelated is The a tre but had not approached the seemed to always be there when work event was the gift to the St. Louis Sym­ owners - Arthur Enterprises, also the was going on and took movies too. In phony of a half-million dollars for pur­ owners of the Fox. The Symphony indi­ fact the 40 members, friends , and fami­ chase of a permanent hall. The donor Os­ cated that they were interested in having lies who helped did most of the work in car Johnson stipulated that they must the entire organ and associated equip­ the first three weeks . In slightly more raise a similar amount of money. ment removed. than a month the job was done. At the January 15, 1967 meeting of the The job was dirty, difficult, and de­ Chapter, the discussion seemed to indi­ manding , but was accomplished with cate that the inability to raise funds for much enthusiasm , some griping, and the Kirkwood project and the apparent many sore muscles. Our professional or­ unavailability of the Kimball console gan builder estimated we would need 750 would cause a collapse of two years of man-hours and professional hoisting and planning and dreaming about an organ moving help, at a cost of $800 to $1000 . of their own. The next day, Gus Brum­ Our mem hers worked so hard that we mer was discussing the possibility of a needed only 800 man-hours to do much classical organ for the hall with the Sym­ more work than was anticipated and used phony. He was told that the Symphony the professional help only for the piano, would like to have a proposal from console and rel ay, and a few of the big­ ATOE for removal and subsequent use of gest pipes and chests; at a fraction of the Kimball. On Tuesday we received the cost. The Kimball console, with from left to right: Mayor Reim, Doc Kloeppner. Mrs. Dunn. word that we could have the instrument In April we also started the removal George Swett, Edith Lustig. Gerry Marian. if we removed everything. of the organ from Ruggeri 's Restaurant. Milton Marian, and Joe Dallavalle. Chairman John "Doc" Kloeppner set Stan Kann still plays there for diners, Photo by Francis Scheidegger the telephone committee in action and an but now uses an electronic organ, if you emergency meeting was called for will pardon the expression, even though In 1962 St. Louis Chapter ATOE was Wednesday night. Unanimous passage of it has a famous theatre organ name on chartered. In the spring of 1964 the Chap­ enabling resolutions and the subscription it. ter took on a refurbishing job on the Fox of a guarantee fund for expenses started In May we started work on the re­ organ and the work culminated with the things moving . Committees were appoint­ building of the console and relay for the presentation of Gaylord Carter. The ar­ ed and on Friday the 20th the legal future installation in Kirkwood. We have tistic if not financial success of this ven­ committee met with the St. Louis Sym­ much long hard work ahead, but St. ture started chapter members to thinking phony officials . Louis members have shown they can do of having their own organ. On Monday evening, exactly one week it. Now , if we only had a little more from our first indication of any possibil­ money ... ity of getting the Kim ball two crews were Acknowledgements: Photographs are by at work in the theatre. One group made Francis Scheidegger. The St. Louis Chap­ a survey and inventory of the organ ter , A TOE , Inc. wishes to extend thanks while the other started removing the to everyone who helped, to the St. Louis stage flooring covering the console. Symphony Society for the gift of the or­ Thirty-eight years of non-use had ta­ gan, and to the Symphony's assistant ken its toll. The lift was inoperative; business manager, Mr. George Carpenter ivories missing from keys ; water damage for his co-operation ; the St. Louis The­ to the top right chamber; vandalism to a atre's building engineer , Dave Authen­ horrible extent in the middle right cham­ rieth and his staff ; to the City of Kirk­ ber ; and most of the drums and cymbals wood , its Mayor Robert G. Reim, and Doc Kloeppner and Joe Dallavalle stand were missing when our locksmith mem­ Recreation Department Director, Mrs. beside the long entombed Kimball console. ber Joe Dallavalle opened the percussion Permelia Dunn. Photo by Francis Scheidegger chamber. There were some bright spots, (Continued Next Page ) however. The console being buried be­ With the news that the city of Kirk­ neath the stage had saved it from any wood was building a new auditorium, major indignities . All the Solo side of the Send In Chapter News Chapter Chairman George Swett proposed organ was intact. The Xylophone , Mar­ the installation of a theatre organ. Nego­ imba, Chrysoglot, and Tuned Sleigh Bells Mail To tiations produced a contract for the are all in excellent condition. As it A. T O.E. P. 0. Chapter to install a theatre organ. The turned out , the water damage was more Box 7404 Chapter also made an agreement to pur­ to the top boards than to the chests and Bitter Lake Station chase the now 17 rank organ in the afore­ even the concert flute had only a few Seattle, Wash. 98133 mentioned restaurant. pipes with minor damage.

June 1967 12 "EXACTLY THE WRIGHT WAY" -or Moment of Truth George Wright accomplished an artistic triumph at the Oriental Theatre, Portland, Whether you've ever met him or not, you Oregon, on the fabulous 3- I 3 Wurlitzer still refer to him as George. Through the affectionately known as the Baby Fox media of records he has endeared him­ ( S. F. ). At the end of the concert George self to the Theatre Organ world, and on was accorded what he openly and emo­ Sunday, May 21, he endeared himself tionally acknowledged the first standing to Northwest enthusiasts for all time. ovation of his career. Rising with great authority to a sensa­ ST. LOU IS THEATRE, continued from page 12 tional Married I Can Always Get on the freshly refurbished gold'n white console, RANK PEDAL ACCOMP. GREAT BOMBARD SOLO he launched into an unusual middle-east arrangement of Hindustan dedicated to Diaphone 16-8 8-2t8 16-8 16-8 8 the late Oliver Wallace as the original fire curtain descended, depicting a camel 16-8-4 16-8-4 Tuba 16-8 8-2d t8 train trekking by a distant city. Immedi­ 2nd t 8 2nd t 16-8 16-8 ately following was another new tune, This was punctuated by Post Hom 16 8-2nd t8 16-8 8 8 Green Eyes. George pointing at the large Oriental Trumpet 8 8 8 mask over the proscenium, shouting Zap, magically lighting the large green Open Diapason 8 8 8 8 8 eyes. After a Summer Samba-Tico Tico­ ish After You've Gone and Neal Hefti's 16-8-4- Tibia 16-8 8-2nd t 8-4 16-8-4 8-4 Li'! Darlin', George proved that we all 2nd t 8 have som thing in common. Even he has 16-8-4-2 2/3- 16-8-4-2 to read music. This was the title tune Concert Flute 16-8-4 16-8-4 8-2 2 2 2/3-1 3/5 from a brand-new show, Thoroughly Modern Millie, followed by part of the 16-8- complete score featuring such brand-new Solo String 8-4-2ndt 8 8-4-2nd t 8 16-8 8 Pizz 16 tunes as Poor Butterfly, Japanese Sand­ man, Charmaine, Stumbling, etc. 16-8-4-2- Viole D I Orchestra 8 16-8-4-2 8 8 Other high points of the first half were 2nd t 8 I've Got You Under My Skin, Winches­ ter Cathedral, How Am I To Know au Viole Celeste 8-4-2nd t 8 8-4 8 8 Crawford, Satin Doll featuring the "Dirty 16-8 Piston," and ending with a Gershwin Saxophone 8 8-2nd t8 16-8 2nd t 8 8 Medley in the best tradition. The second half started with Guy Mel­ Quintadena 8-2nd t 8 8-2nd t 8 8 endey's romp-stomping arrangement of Back Bay Shuffle, followed by Brubeck's Vox Hwnana I 16-8-4 16-8-4 16-8 8-4 Take Five featuring the pit piano. Nacht Und Tag (Night & Day) by Beethoven­ Vox Hwnana II 8-4 16-8-4 16-8 8-4 Porter followed, supplemented by Carrie Jacobs Bond's Just A-Wearyin' For You Orchestral Oboe 8 8 (Will the real Jesse Crawford stand up?). An electrifying Duke Ellington medley Oboe Hom 8 8 8 was followed by the three famous Noel Dulciana 8-4 8-4 8 Coward Waltzes, Zigeuner, I'll Follow My Secret Heart and /' II See You Again. Then, Kinura 8 8 8 after a touching verbal tribute to the late, great, Jesse Crawford, George meticu­ Clarinet 8 8-2nd t 8 16-8 8 lously and effectively played Crawford's High Hat. This was the real Oriental Piano 16 8-4 16-8-4 16-8-4 Wurlitzer showpiece. Xylophone 2nd T. 4-2 4 4 George then dedicated the medley from Kern's Showboat to Dennis Hedberg who, Marimba 8 8 8 with Bill Peterson, completely restored and improved the organ and helped Harp 8-4 8-4 8 8 make the show possible. This was sup­ posed to be the end, but George was so Chrysoglot 4 4 touched by the crowd's reaction that he presented us with The Whistler and His Glock/ 2 2 2 Dog, another new ( 1911) pleaser. Orch. Bells 2 There were many luminaries from the Sleigh Bells 2 2 organ world present, from all over the Northwest and a few from San Fran­ Cathedral Chime 2nd T. X X cisco. All agreed that George was at his best. ---- MARTHA LAKE

13 theatre organ I bombarde HOW TO PLAY Piano - Conductor Copies. It is desir­ 6. You may, possibly, be the most able from all points of view that the important member of the orchestra, but THE CINEMA ORGAN, cont. organist when playing the organ should there is no need for you to announce that (Continued from Page /OJ play from a piano-conductor copy, in fact by trying to obliterate the other which everything is fully shown and he players. Your presence will be suffici­ Keeping to the Printed Notes. l im­ cannot stray from the patch; from such ently felt if you keep due and correct press upon the student the importance of a copy he can be certain of his pedal proportion. playing only the printed notes , without bass and of all cues. any impromptu additions or indiscrimi­ sages should be played by the organist nate filling in. Organ parts are usually Rhythmic Pedaling. One other point (not by the violinist) on the correspond­ adequately arranged and with considera­ in pedaling - remember to take into ing type of stop, which though it may not tion for the character of the piece; 1t 1s consideration the character of the piece, provide the actual tone color , very fre­ true that one finds parts which are and do not make it the invariable prac­ quently approximates closely to it; thus badly arranged, but such cases are tice to crawl about the pedals, sustaining the orchestral oboe in the organ is often comparatively rare . The player who is notes here and there. Here again, think a very close imitation of the actual oboe not familiar with the piece, or who has orchestrally; the double basses are not in the orchestra. not an adequate knowledge of harmony , always holding long notes, so why should "Doubling" The Melody. Great care will be well advised to keep strictly to you? Your pedals are your double basses; must be exercised in playing solo pas­ the printed notes . Unless any particular let them act as such. Therefore, in a sages to avoid doubling the solo melody, tone is denoted in the part, the organist light intermezzo dance number, march , at the octave above or below, by the use should use tops of diapason tone (which or similar piece of a light nature , obtain of an octave coupler , or addition of a is the organ tone most nearly allied to by a mezzo-staccato touch the zip of the 16 ft. stop. The effect of a solo passage the horns of the orchestra), or string double bass, ensuring rhythmic playing played with an octave coupler or 16 ft. tone , with the addition, as required for with a definite pulse in it. A moment's stop added produces a topsy-turvy effect volume, of flute-toned stops, avoiding thought and consideration of the type of in the bass . Of course, if the whole pas­ reed stops except in forte pass ages, or music to be played will enable the aver­ sage is played on one manual , every passages which are required to be played age player to determine upon either de­ note will be duplicated at the octave be­ with such tone according to the cues tached or sustained pedaling. low. given. Organ reed tone will not blend The student is reminded that there are well with any wind instruments in the notes on the pedalboard above Middle D; Unsuitable Stops. Avoid the frequent orchestra . many players appear to forget this, and use of 4 ft. and 2 ft. stops, remembering The Pedals. This brings us to con­ confine their pedal bass to the notes be­ that these sound an octave, or two oc­ sideration of the pedals, and many or­ low middle D, playing with the left foot taves above the touched notes; soft 4 ft. ganists are intrigued, when playing from only. This again frequently produces an flue stops can be used upon occasion the harmonium copy, as to when to use, effect of double basses playing in octaves, with charming effect, but the use of 2 ft. or avoid using the pedals . As the pedals the orchestral double basses playing one stops for sustaining chords in music of (16 ft. stops) correspond to the double note and the organist the octave below. a quiet character is often distressing in basses of the orchestra, they obviously Pedals and Manuals Together. It is effect. Such stops should be utilized for will sound the lowest notes of the har­ important to play the pedal note with the adding brightness or brilliance . The 16 mony, but in innumerable cases the low­ chord to which it belongs , a common ft. manual stops should never be used est printed note in the harmonium part fault being that of anticipating a chord ~unless . denoted in the copy), excepting is not the lowest note (or actual bass) of with the pedal bass, just as second-rate m music of a very loud and heavy char­ the harmony. If, therefore, such a note acter, when great volume and body is is played upon the pedals, we have the pianists cultivate the habit (in chord playing) of playing the left hand before required; or for some special dramatic effect of double basses "divisi" - two the right. Finally, the student is recom­ effect demanded by the musical director. different double bass notes sounding To sum up these points, the player must simultaneously (one from the organ and mended to acquire the habit of looking ahead , and not confining his attention to think orchestrally , and consider the or­ one from the orchestra); an appalling gan as an instrument which comprises effect in soft music which is unfortunately the particular bar or chord which he is playing . Be prepared for what is to come· a set o~ orchestral instruments, from heard only too frequently through the which he derives orchestral effects. If thoughtless act of the organist. Without there is no time to spare for thinking out stop combinations and effects when you he will think in this way , it will not occur a thorough knowledge of the composition, to his mind to produce the effect of. four or an adequate knowledge of harmony, have arrived at the passage, and you can hardly expect the orchestra to wait for piccolos holding a chord, or (with 16 ft. the player should never pedal the bass flue stops) the effect of a quartet of unless such bass is obviously the lowest you. The eye and brain must anticipate what the hands have to effect. double-basses sustaining four-part har­ part. No safe or universal rule can be mony. laid down as to ascertaining (from the Hints. To sum up - printed copy) what the actual bass is. Low chords will not be written for organ 1. Acquaint yourself thoroughly with unless for some special dramatic effect the tone quality and power of each stop such as may be contrived in certain inci­ in the organ. New A. T. 0. E. dental pieces. The only way to ensure 2. Play cleanly , and with an absolutely National Headquarters ~bsolute certainty in an unfamiliar piece strict attention to note values printed. 1s to compare the double bass part of 3. Do not add to the printed notes. Address the piano-conductor copy with the organ P. 0. Box 7404 part. In many organ parts of modern 4. Think orchestrally. publications the desired pitch will be 5. Add no pedal bass unless the pedals Bitter Lake Station indicated thus: "16 ft." denotes the use are directed to be used , or you know the Seattle, Wash . 98 733 of the pedals , and "8 ft. only" no pedals piece accurately and are quite certain are to be used. as to the bass.

June 1967 14 "At least he had the grace to break his time was head organist for the Warner Tibia." As usual Bob's concert was much theatre chain in Washington, D. C. A re­ too brief. The members then formed up corded interview was made with Mr. for the exodus to the much-anticipated Davis, and was broadcast the next day. pancake breakfast at Doctor and Mrs. Chapter Chairman Ray Brubacher was Belshaw's residence. Dr. Belshaw, owner interviewed on the history of A.T.O.E., of a beautiful 3/15 Wurlitzer, was cook, and what its aims and purposes are, and this broadcast was made on Tuesday the 21st. We are grateful to Mr. Bailey and his wife who helped with refreshments, and to ••••••• ••••••• all who worked hard to make the March meeting the great success it was. i.· ~&\... V The next meeting will be held Sunday Ill Ill 23rd at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Bartlett of Oakton, Virginia. The Bart­ •CHAPTERNEWS• lett's 2-7 Wurlitzer will be ably handled Be sure you mail all Chapter News to: by former Colorado area theatre organ­ A. T.O.E.-P.O. Box 7404, Bitter Lake Sta­ Photo by Maddy ist Earl Sharits. tion, Seattle, Wn. 98133 The Belshaws serving breakfast to Rocky Ray Brubacher Mountain Chapter. Don, Dr. Belshaw, and Betsy. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER ably assisted by son Don, while Mrs. CHAPTER The big occasion for Rocky Mountain Belshaw assembled ingredients in the A good turnout for the "Cavalcade of Chapter took place in two locations early kitchen. The process of feeding nearly Organ Greats" and the latter "Fun Meet­ Sunday morning. The concert at the fifty people went with such smoothness ing" of the Pacific Council of Organ Clubs Paramount Theatre in Denver was played and dispatch the Belshaws would qualify was rewarding to see. The Avenue Thea­ by Bob Castle, popular Denver organist. as professional restaurateurs. Needless tre's Wurlitzer is fast becoming the "talk Bob, almost single handedly has kept the to say, the meal was delicious. of the country." Many of the Nation's big Wurlitzer from falling into disrepair The Belshaw's Wurlitzer is awaiting the organists have stopped to hear and try over the years. As many of us know, completion of a new home for its instal­ it, and comments are very good. Addi­ there is nearly always something to be lation, so we were entertained by George tions are "enabled" only after passing repaired on the larger organs. One of the Wright (via records). After much organ­ rigid appraisal, so everything that is more recent things to be done was re­ talk and some official remarks by Chair­ playable from the console is excellent. leathering one of the main reservoirs. man Duane Searle, we finally and regret­ The "ensemble" of this instrument is a The reservoir is beautiful with its neatly fully dispersed after a thoroughly enjoy­ thing of beauty, and sounds the same in skived leather applied more exactly than able morning. any seat in the house. the original. The instrument is one of the Dick Lewis Chap. Secy. The fabulous Lyn Larsen in now few remaining twin console Wurlitzers "Resident Organist and Music Director" and is a Publix # 1. Bob has replaced the POTOMAC VALLEY CHAPTER at the Avenue. This young musical giant Tuba Mirabilis in the solo side with a On Sunday afternoon March 19th, the has been writing special "scores" for the Wurlitzer Post Horn, adding some needed Potomac Valley Chapter met at the Mont­ Friday and Saturday night movies, and brightness. gomery County, Md. radio studios of the audience has been much impressed Sprinkled through the concert was station WPIK, to see and hear the recently with his music and his artistry. We are some music from the operettas. Bob uses installed two manual ten rank Moller fortunate to have Lyn in our area (1933 an orchestral approach to this type of theatre organ, owned by Doug Bailey, Packard, and all). music and a fine theatre style for the local advertising executive and radio Our sincere thanks to Mr. Harold pops with a bit of one man band thrown broadcaster. Wright for making the California Theatre in for added diversion. The organ, comprised of pipework from in Santa Rosa, California, available to The pictures taken at the concert did the Moller organ originally in the Loew's us and for demonstrating its Wurlitzer not turn out, so the ones shown had to Palace, Washington, D. C., the relay and organ so well. We also appreciated the be taken later. Hidden under the console blower from the Kimball organ in the fine efforts of the many other preformers is Bob's broken leg, which he acquired Warner Ambassador, Washington, and on hand - Larry Yannucci (a true orches­ skiing sometime between the concert and the console from the Shoreham hotel Mol­ tral organist), Emory Stevenson (direct the pictures. Comment from Dick Hull; ler, has been recently installed by Paul from the Avenue Theatre), Irving Bud White and Bob Oberlander, and is cur­ Rose (famous broadcasting organist, all rently undergoing final finishing stages. at the mighty console; Alice Blue and Jim The organ, designed for broadcasting, Trader at the 88's; Len Moores, banjoist; includes a large scaled marimba and 61 Ed Stout, choke cymbalist; and Julian note harp chrysoglott, and percussions (Mr. Square Music) Porritt and his Green exposed outside the chamber include the Mill Orchestra. glockenspiel, xylophone and chimes. The CENTRAL INDIANA instrument is featured daily on the Parker Bailey show from 12:30 to 2 p.m., and is CHAPTER one of the very few theatre pipe organs The April meeting at the Rivoli Theatre still to be heard on the radio, and prob­ with Kay MacAbee and David Ashby Photo by Maddy ably the only one featured daily as an in­ was a success. David's before and during Bob Castle at the Paramount. Secretary tegral part of a radio show. Many not­ the silent movie was very professional Dick Lewis trying the Howard Seat in the able area organists were present to play, style. We had about 400 empty seats; re- background. among them Milton Davis who at one ( Continued on next page)

15 theatre organ I bombarde Chapter News, continued LAND O'LAKES ENJOYS member, those 400 tickets represent pure SILENT MOVIE PROGRAM profit. Let's make a real effort to "fill the For most of us, the April Meeting fulfilled house" at our next show. Neil Dykins a long-felt desire - to see a full-length clas­ and Event Chairman Betty Roch wish to sic, accompanied by a genuine theatre thank all members who worked at the organist , our own Jim Kennedy. At 14, theatre in preparation for the last show. he must have been just about the young­ All inquiry cards which were returned est organist playing for silents. (you don't indicated a very favorable reaction. Final look old enough, Jim!) We are very grate­ accounting is not yet completed, but we ful to Bill Carter for showing this first do know that we operated "in the black". real epic western, "Covered Wagon" Radio activities - FM Stereo, 95.5 ( 1923). Jim worked hard preparing for WFMS: Thursday evenings at 10:00 p.m. this event, even composing special themes Member Dessa Byrd Rappaport may be for wagon and love scenes; the result was heard on the Allen Theatre-model every a Charlie Chaplin comedy, also accom­ week . Member Bob Cox has succeeded panied by Jim. Program Co-Chairman in acquiring a Radio sponsor for our Don Taft played for and led a well-re­ Sing-a-long-Hal Pearl at 3-17 Barton. Chapter, and that is WFMS, FM stereo ; ceived sing-a-long, enhanced by his color­ Mr. Martin Williams, Manager. We are ed slides. Kruse, CATOE Chairman, stepped to the currently enjoying free publicity in re­ Our heartfelt thanks to our host, Clyde stage and welcomed the guests and in­ turn for preparing Theatre Pipe Organ Olson , for playing an organ interlude, troduced Hal Pearl, Chicago born organ­ Stereo tapes from either the Rivoli spe­ for his "Little Theatre", and especially ist and formerly of Aragon Ballroom cial shows, or other material. Bill Burch for his "Conn-Olson Theatre Special", Fame. As Hal released the lever on the has been helping Bob Cox prepare the which just has to be the best plug-in lift, the long awaited moment arrived programs currently heard on Tuesday around, and which added much to the and the 3 / 17 Grande Barton Pipe Or­ evenings at 10:00 p.m., toting his tape enjoyment of the program. gan majestically rose from the pit to the deck to Bob's home and recording the As if these events weren't enough, we thunderous applause of over 1,500 lucky material you hear on FM radio. were indeed fortunate to have as guests seat holders to the music of "Warsaw Dr. and Mrs. Mel Doner of Winona. Mel Concerto". LAND O'LAKES CHAPTER shared with us many delightful reminis­ Hal then played a Salute To The Patio Minneapolis. cences of the early days of theatre organs, Theatre with a medly of Spanish selections The March meeting of the Land O Lakes and of his part in starting our beloved in keeping with the decor of the 40 year chapter was held at the home of Harold ATOE. It was, in short, a very full and old theatre. The stars in the ceiling never Peterson in St. Louis Park , a suburb of rewarding afternoon. twinkled more merrily as the cloud ma­ Minneapolis . Harold and his sons Don John Zetterstrom chine gently projected over the recently and Dodds had just completed installa­ relit blue ceiling to the music of Granada tion of a Wurlitzer, 2m 5r recently uproot­ CHICAGO CHAPTER and other appropriate melodies. Hal fol­ ed from a theatre in St . Cloud, Minn. A C.A. T.O.E. Features Patio Theatre Bash lowed this with Medley of Movie Themes. business meeting preceded a fine concert Excitement and enthusiam prevailed In the Memory Lane grouping, the beauti­ played by I 7 year old Dodds, including Thursday night, April 6, 1967 as organ ful tones of the Barton organ were never an original composition worthy of pub­ more evident and the applause of the au­ lication. The organ was then turned over dience expressed their approval. The per­ to the membership to explore. cussions of the organ predominated as The organ, a special (with tibia) is Hal presented his Marching Along selec­ housed in an addition to the basement of tion. Sousa would have been happy to the suburban home and replaces a Bar­ have heard the rousing reception at the ton which was recently sold. The swell conclusion of the medley. opening is large enough to allow the in­ The lights dimmed, the organ slowly strument to be heard, and when called lowered into the pit as the silent movie upon, will speak with great authority, but "Saga of William S. Hart" flashed across never objectionally loud. In the general the screen accompanied with great finesse opinion of the membership, this is a fine by Hal at the organ. Laughter prevailed example of what can be done when Mr. throughout the theatre as the audience Average Citizen wants a pipe organ and watched Mr. Hart in various scenes of his is willing to work for it. In a future issue silent film days. this installation will be covered in greater Highlight of the first half of the pro­ detail. gram was the next event- "Sing-A-Long". Using song slides from Mr. Pearl's per­ sonal collection, the audience joined in Hal Pearl at Patio Theatre (Chicago) 3-17 Barton Organ. Photo by Tom W Yannite/1 singing lustily and enthusiastically as Hal guided them thru a fast 10 minutes song enthusiasts stormed the doors of the Patio fest. The roar of approval was deafening Theatre on Chicago's Northwest side in as the house lights came up for the inter­ antic ipation of hearing an organ silenced mission. since 1932. Intermission over, the audience burred The 8 PM starting time was delayed back to their cherished seats as Mr. Pearl as the huge crowd still at the box office opened the second half of the program waited in vain for tickets. Over 200 peo­ Harold Peterson with son Dodds at the with a waltz medley while the spotlite console of their Model B special, opus 735 ple were turned away for lack of space. picked up the giant mirrored ball casting Wurlitzer. Neve rtheless, at precisely 8: 10 PM; Fred ( Continued on next page)

June 1967 16 Chapter News, continued around the country before returning to Seattle. its hypnotic reflections thruout the thea­ The owner of the Rink and the Wurlit­ tre. Once again the organ settled back in zer, Bill Vance, was most cooperative and the pit and "Cliff Hanging Moments from pleased to have Dick Schrum, National the Serials., appeared on the screen. The ATOE President, Russ Evans, Chapter audience "hissed" the villain as the si­ Chairman and Dan Adamson get the or­ lent film showed scenes of Pearl White in gan in shape for the concert. death defying acts. During the Jam session following the concert the following enjoyed playing the fine instrument: Brian Englesby (Belling­ ham), Don French, Bill Epperson, Dick Schrum, Tom Hobbs, Burdette Nairn, View from stage. Last of small group of Ken Gallwey, Bob Burke (Portland,) people wanting autographs. Hal looking Bob Jones, Tom Kaasa, and Bill Hale at camera. Photo by Tom W Yannite/1 (Vancouver, B.C.) ward to future organ programs at the A short business meeting revealed Patio. plans for a June meeting in Vancouver, B.C., and the progress of the Puget Readers of Theatre Organ Bombarde Sound Chapter's purchase of their own w.ill be interested in knowing that a fea­ organ. ture article on the Patio Theatre and it's View from balcony just before show. 3/17 Barton Pipe Organ is being prepared Next on the program were two acts of by CA TOE for a future issue of the maga- zine. vaudeville - Jay Marshall, world famous William T. Benedict magician and The Coachlighters, famed Publicity Director- CA TOE midwest barbershop quartet. Immediate­ ly following the vaudeville, another silent PUGET SOUND CHAPTER film- this time a comedy "Laurel and The Puget Sound Chapter held their Hardy - Two Tars". Again the roar of Spring session at the Ridge Roller Skat­ laughter from the large audience filled the ing in the north end of Seattle on Sun­ theatre as Hal guided the Barton organ day, April 19, 1967. Despite the early thru the various scenes. morning time- before the rink opens for The program closed with Hal playing a Left to right: Chairman Russ Evans, Mr. business - members from Vancouver, and Mrs. Bill Vance (owners). medley of "Oldies But Goodies". At B.C., Portland, Oregon, Bremerton, Both­ conclusion, hundreds of people gathered ell and other neighboring communities CONNECTICUT VALLEY at the raised console as Hal continued were on hand with local organ buffs to CHAPTER playing encores, signing autographs and hear the 2/8 Wurlitzer with large Morton posing for pictures. Hal finally was able Tibia, perhaps the hardest working pipe The Connecticut Valley Chapter, ATOE, to leave the console shortly before mid­ organ in Washington State and the only Conn. Valley Theatre Organ Society, Inc., night. live-music skating rink in the state. celebrated its sixth birthday on Saturday, Laverne Little, rink organist, gave a February 11, 1967, in Hartford. Chairman commanding performance of popular Jack Heavens opened the business meeting tunes - St. Louis Blues, Cabaret, Lara's Theme, Clarinet Polka and many others, ending with a request for 76 Trombones. One comment, "She plays like a man!" fit her playing manner since she had the little old organ simply bouncing with rhythm and sound - terrific! Mrs. Lit-

After performance Hal treats people to some of the workings of the console. Photo by Tom W Yannitell Stillman H. Rice (rt.) accepts "chair" from Success of the program goes to William Jack Heavens (lft.) Connecticut Valley Rieger and Robert Mueller, CATOE Chapter. ATOE. members, who for a year worked at re­ storing the 3/ 17 Barton Organ. Count­ at the Allen Organ Studios where the less CATOE members also gave of their Chapter membership adopted revised By­ time and effort in polishing and relight­ laws expanding and spelling out the struc­ ing the theatre for this glorious event. Laverne Little at the 2/8 Wurlitzer-Ridge ture of its organization. A special note of appreciation to Fred Skating Rink . The slate of 1967 officers proposed by the nominating committee was accepted Kruse, CA TOE Chairman, who spent tie's career starts back at the Blue endless hours in assembling the program Mouse Theatre where she played silents unanimously as follows: - the sound system - the films- and the for four years. She played for radio for a Chairman Stillman Rice close contact work with Hal Pearl. All time in Seattle - then to Catalina Island Vice Chairman Frank Manion CATOE members agreed the program Casino and the Sir Francis Drake Hotel Program Chairman Harold Weaver was a "giant" success and look for- m San Francisco as well as other hotels (Continued on next page)

June 1967 17 Chapter News, continued theatre lighting in addition to the use of the organ. Secretary Carmen Charette The program was opened by Joe Pus­ Treasurer John Angevine kas, who was followed by Mike Foley, A rising vote of thanks for a job well who had recently played for the pre­ done was given to Jack Heavens and his miere of "Follow Me Boys". Mike retiring officers. showed off some of the organ's tonal Immediately following the business color with a group of ballads. Joy Zu­ meeting, the staff of the Allen Organ blena played an intricate arrangement of Studios provided the Chapter with re­ Just the Way You Look Tonight in the freshmen ts, which included a fancy style of J. S. Bach, which reminded us Birthday cake, while several members so much of Billy Nalle's All the Things You Are. provided entertainment on the Allen Cus­ Harvey K. Elseasser tom "Theatre Deluxe". Al Miller, who had managed to get away from Uncle for the weekend, play­ gan Club, and, the Rochester Theatre Or­ ed a medley of seldom heard tunes from gan Society. His fingers have been kept the Broadway musical, "On a Clear limber on consoles both large and small, Day, You Can See Forever". After sev­ from Radio City Music Hall, and BBC eral other members had played, Ev Bas­ Moller, to 3 and 4 rank home installations, sett closed the program with a couple including his own 7 rank Wurlitzer-Marr of those "good-old-tunes" which he and Colton. continually conjures up from his musical The last 4 years Harvey has taught the bag of tricks. adult education organ course at Lancaster Central High School. In between all this NIAGARA FRONTIER Harvey has managed to accumulate 25 CHAPTER years service on the staff of the Buffalo This month the Niagara Frontier Chapter Evening News. Connecticut Valley Chapter Business Meet­ spotlights member, Harvey K. Elseasser. Harveys entire organ class and church ing Feb. 11, 1967 Allen Organ Studios Son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Elseasser, choir was in attendance at the concert he Hartford, Conn. born February 25, 1925, Harvey is one of played February 20, 1967 at Skatehaven roller rink paying tribute to a fine musi­ At 11:00 PM when the show broke at the fortunate musicians who not only in­ cian and choir director. the Allyn Theatre directly across the herited the ability to play, but the love of To people unfamiliar to Skatehaven's street, the members and guests moved music as well. At the tender age of four, he was pick­ Wurlitzer it consists of 3 manuals and 15 in for an open console party at the 3-12 ing out tunes on the piano by ear, and at ranks. The console is on a raised platform Austin Unit. While Austin built nearly the young age of six began taking piano on one side of the rink and the chambers 100 organs for theatres, this instrument on the opposite side. The percussions are is the largest of only nine unit or unified lessons. Before he or many of his school chums and friends could read and write, not under expression and are exposed so theatre organs built by that company. Of Harvey could read music. At the age of they can be watched in operation. these nine, only the Allyn organ and the nine, he had made his debut into the mu­ Harvey's concert consisted of selections 3-8 belonging to Vice Chairman Frank Manion are in existence today. A com­ sical world as a pianist in the grammar from semi-classics to popular songs that plete description of the Allyn Theatre or­ school orchestra. are easy on the ears. Near the end of the gan may be found in a back issue of His love for the organ was evident long concert Harvey was handed a note written "Theatre Organ". before he decided to study formally. After by Chapter Chairman Herb Schmit that three months of lessons with Paul J. Mil­ trouble had developed with the 12 volt sys­ ler, Harvey accepted his first position as tem, with sparks flying, due to a loose organist and choir director at Walden connection, take a break and give us a Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, where he chance to fix it. Harvey asked for an in­ played for the next nine years. During this termission and Chairman Schmit was time, he simultaneously held position of pi­ quick on the draw another mike to ask lo­ anist for the Sunday Morning City Mis­ cal officers and board members to step sion broadcast on WBEN, and musical forward to be recognized. When Harvey director for The Back Home Hour broad­ came down to the rink floor, he was sur­ cast on WKBW, Sunday evenings. Furth­ prised to receive the Quenton MacLean er organ studies continued with Stephen award for outstanding service to the chap­ Palmer, then organist at Central Presby­ ter in the past. While Harvey was kept terian Church. busy on the skating rink floor, Harry Members Rosa Rio and George Shaskan. From 1957 to 1961, Harvey was organ­ Ricken sneaked up to the console to Shaskan 3-22 Wurlitzer (Kimball Console) ist-choir director at East Aurora Baptist make the announcement that the next Connecticut Valley Chapter ATOE. Church, and, since January 1962 held the day was Harvey's birthday, and asked same position at St. Paul United Church everyone present to join in to sing Happy It seems fitting to celebrate our Birth­ of Christ. Birthday to Harvey. day at the Allyn Theatre since the original Among his various endeavors, Harvey Being the true showman that Harvey interest in a Connecticut ATOE Chapter managed to be musical director for sever­ really is, he marched right back to the was generated at a "midnight" console al local stage productions including "Any­ console and played requests from the floor party there in 1960 when the organ was thing Goes" and "Damn Yankees". to complete a memorable concert for this revived by Al Miller and Joe Tobin. Frank Besides the Niagara Frontier Chapter, chapter. Manion, Chief Custodian, tuner and cob­ where he holds number one chapter mem­ At the conclusion of this concert Chair­ web-chaser during Al Miller's extended bership card, Harvey has been kept busy man Schmit made the announcement that visit to his Uncle Sam, arranged for the with concerts for the Detroit Theatre Or- there were three people in the audience

theatre organ I bombarde 18 The regular meeting for May was held ~pend some pleasurable hours away Chapter News, continued at Dale Zieger 's home. The program from home by listening to excellent artists that are responsible for Harvey 's success, consisted of analysis of a number of and their music a l selections. two being his parents , and the third his theatre organ recordings. Sincerel y yo urs, charming wife and hostess, Mrs. Edna El­ St. Louis Chapter will have a large Kenneth F. Hay don seasser. delegation at the National Convention. CPT. AGC Congratulations to Harvey Elseasser. We ' ll see you in Detroit. May you live a long prosperous and happy Chief , R&R Branch life, with hopes you may reach the goals Don Ullrich Vice-Chairman Special Services Office you desire. * * * March 10, 1967 found the membership and guests at Klauder Hall, St. John the 91 Woerd Ave . Baptist Church in Kenmore for the first • Waltham, Mass. 02154 5 Januar y 1967 formal concert on Chapter owned 2-6 Wurlitzer. Dean Robinson was the fea­ Dear Mr. Editor: tured artist. -~- First off, allow me to compliment you Mr. Robinson played many popular ~ and your staff on producing a most en­ tunes, and to add to nostalgia, played se­ ~ ~ joyable magazine! lections which were popular when the or­ ...... I have a couple of questions , and I gan was installed at the Haven Theatre in would be interested to know whether Olean , New York. The concert was a real ~ I you might be able to furnish me with treat to the 100-plus in attendance. TTT--a:rTTT some answers: After Mr. Robinson's hour long concert, I) Has there thus far been any attempt a short intermission was held, and refresh­ Letters to the Editor concerning all as­ on the part of the electronic manufactur­ ments were served. After the intermission pects of the theatre organ hobby are en­ ers to simulate the apparent delay in the Mr. Ed Schaefer was the lucky winner fo; couraged. Send them to the editor con­ speaking of a pipe after its corresponding the drawing on a Buddy Cole record. At cerned, Box 7404, Bitter Lake Station key on the manual has been depressed? this time the console was turned over to I say "apparent," as I am told that in anyone in the audience who wished to try Seattle, Washington, 98133. Unless it'; stated clearly on the letter "not for publi­ reality the pipe does respond almost im­ their hand at playing a theatre pipe or­ mediately. This does not seem hard to cation, " the editors feel free to repro­ gan. understand, considering the speed of any duce it, in whole or part. Among the many people who tried this electrical signal, even if the purely me­ instrument, three people were outstanding. chanical function which follows may not The first two were Dick Barnhart, an 11 Edito r' s Note: The theatre organ b heard by our men in \'ictnam , ia taped programs . The lcllcr \\hich follo"~ be quite so instantaneous. It is my under­ year old boy, who is the grandson of mem­ "ill indicate lhe apprccia1ion and plea sure derhed from standing that when an organist does not ber Ken Barnhart, and Robert Hajduk, a thi~ endea,or on lhe parl oi our lighting men. Credit for hear the note play for anywhere from a 17 year old, who is a student of Harvey 1hi~ worth) effort goes lo Laura Thomas of the ~iagara Frontier Chapter . fraction of a second to one or two sec­ K. Elseasser, not yet of concert quality onds after he has depressed the key, the but getting there. Both of these boys O1::PARTJ\II:: T OF THE ARMY time-lapse involved is accounted for proved to their elders that the younger HEAUQLARTl::RS, 1ST LOGISTICAL COM IA ' U APO 96307 largely by the fact that it takes just about generation is not all bad, and showed en­ A\ CA SS-R 24 March 1967 thusiasm for the theatre pipe organ, and ( Continued on next page) of course the third person was no other Miss laura Thomas than our own Harvey Elseasser, who 3534 Bowen Road members enjoyed hearing again. Lancaster , N. Y. 14086 Fred Kucera Dear Miss Thomas , ST. LOUIS CHAPTER I am writing to you to thank you for NOW giving me some very pleasant hours of St. Louis Chapter planned to have a AVAILABLE listening pleasure when I monitored your farewell meeting at Ruggeri's Restau­ "Tapes for Troops" tapes . rant on the last nite the organ was to be I have a copy of the first 15 tapes sent an exact used. However, a forgetful and unco-op­ to Vietnam. I enjoyed them so much I duplicate erative management cancelled our plans just had to have them for my tape c~l­ of the at the last minute. Several members lection. I have sent these home. I regret went to the restaurant individually later that I didn 't get the other ones copied in the evening of Tuesday , April 18. Stan before they were distributed throughout FAMOUS Kann and several of the members played Vietnam. I am sure others, who have the organ on this final nite before the listened to these tapes, have enjoyed HOWARD big switch was pulled. them. A special meeting was held on the Since I am returning to the States in "WONDER" SEAT subject of finances for the Kirkwood early May, I was wondering if my wife project , on Sunday, April 30. The imme­ and I could join your organization so we diate problems were solved and it ap­ $16000 F.O.B. can keep up with your group's activities DES MOINES, IOWA pears the project will now proceed , al­ and possibly help to form a chapter in Also Howard seat replacement castings though we still need cash. and Wurlitzer Black Cap magnet coils. our locality. Work has started on removing the or­ Thelma, my wife, teaches and plays gan from the restaurant. The console Hammond organ, but loves the theater and relay are already out and in stor­ KEYBOARD ENTERTAINMENT organ sounds. She has the Church model age. The rebuilding work on the Kim­ PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING CO. with two tone cabinets. 2117 40th St., DES MOINES, IOWA 50310 ball console and relay is now well under Thanks again for an opportunity to way.

19 theatre organ I bombarde Letters, continued lophone, traps and swell shades of the Robert Morton are vacuum-operated. that long a time for the sound to travel For this I am using a two-stage vacuum from the chambers to his ears. cleaner. Be that as it may. However illusive a As I stated I'll really try to settle down situation we may have here, as you and tell you more about this installation doubtless well know, there is a rather and the blood, sweat and tears that went curious and at first extremely frustrat­ into it. ing absence of synchronization (the I do hope that what I have told you will beginner experiencing a ensation like be of some interest. trying to run in a dream - with both feet To those of you who do such a wonder­ in cement if I may speak somewhat ful job on the Organ publications, thank autobiographically at this point). you very much. However, it goes without saying that You will note that the stop tabs for the Mor­ the accomplished theatre (or, for that ton are installed in the 2nd Touch panel. Respectfully yours, John L. Dobson matter, "straight") organist has long back issues of 1966 available I would ap­ since hopped the time-lapse hurdle and preciate having them. If you don't have ceased to look upon it as any serious them it will be alright. * * * obstacle at all; and, moreover, he prob­ Someday, soon, I must make a con­ Those Tolerable Tuned Tympani ably has grown to like it very much certed effort to tell you something about like skimmed milk, coffee with no cream the Theatre Organ installation I have in Mr. Editor: - or the pause between lightning and my home here. For the moment I will tell I'm curious about the tuned kettle thunder (to risk a rather dubious an­ you that the organ is installed in two drums, or tympani, which appear on the alogy)! chambers on opposite sides of the living stoplists of the 4-36 ••Crawford Special" It is because the experienced organist room in the middle of which is the 2 man­ Wurlitzers. Although I have heard this probably feels very much at home with ual Style D console. One of the above­ style instrument played in the Detroit and the absence of synchronization that I mentioned chambers is a small bedroom St. Louis Fox theatres, I can't recall hear­ make the above inquiry; it appears to me which contains a 3 Rank(Vox,Tibia & Vio­ ing anything remotely like a tympani that a switch could be installed on an lin) Model 39 Robert Morton complete sound. I suppose they were too difficult to all-electronic instrument which would with traps, xylophone, orchestra bells keep in tune and fell into disuse. Were cause comparable delayed tonal response. (added), and the 16' Bourdon. In the ga­ they actually orchestral kettle drums? 2) Did any of the pipe organ builders rage which is immediately adjacent to Ted Carlton create any sort of device that would sus­ the living room on the other side is in­ New Orleans, La. tain the notes played, so that the sound stalled amodified Style D Wurlitzer of 6 would linger or perhaps gradually decay Ranks plus an additional 3 Ranks. (I am aware of the difficulties here, con­ Modification of the Wurlitzer Style D sidering the function of swell shades) ­ consisted mainly in utilizing the original similar to the sustain pedal on a piano? unification of the Flute for the Tibia, in­ I should imagine that such a device - if stead, and in isolating the Tibia chest not impossible to invent - would be some­ from the main chest in order to give the thing which you could get some rather Tibia its own special tremulant. In addi­ nice effects by. tion, the Style D Trumpet has been re­ Thanking you in advance for your con­ placed with a Morton Tuba down to 16'. sideration of these questions. The Trumpet chest has also been isolated Sincerely, and has a separate tremolo. Craig T. Allen The three ranks added to the Style D TUNED TYMPANI-Tuning is difficult * * * are a Kinura (Grauman's Chinese), an but not mandatory. Orchestra Oboe (Hope Jones-1908 ), and While they make a sound which ap­ a split-chest Violin. 3964 South 3250 East Street proximates that of an orchestral kettle Further modification is indicated for the Salt lake City, Utah 84117 drum, there the resemblance ceases. tonal results, so far, are somewhat less March 21, 1967 There was no problem keeping them in than perfect. It seems to me that the addi­ tune because they had been adjusted at Dear Sir: tion of artificial reverberation might be the factory. The Wurlitzer tuned kettle extremely beneficial. I am certain that re­ I have been or was a Charter Member of drums resemble nothing quite so much verb does a great deal for the Electronics. the A TOE. This past year, somehow, as old-fashioned galvanized wash tubs, In the living room I also have a Wurlit­ something went wrong. One day recently scaled over an octave and playable from zer pneumatic-action piano. I suddenly became aware of the fact that the bottom octave of the pedals. The I hadn't received either the Theatre Organ Along with this letter I am sending a few t;mpani pictured belong to the NY Par­ or the Bombarde for ome time. Upon in­ photos. At the moment I have no pictures amount "Dowager Empress." They are vestigation I discovered that the last issues of the Robert Morton. It is just too crowd­ shown as stored and not as installed. I had received were dated 1965! ed in that little bedroom! I'll have to take While shooting the picture we thwacked It became glaringly apparent that I had the picture from outside and thru the front one lightly and it gave out a nice, round failed to renew my membership and sub­ window, I guess. "poom" which seemed to intensify be­ scription. I might add that the blower being used fore dying out. like you, we never heard Anyway, I desire to continue my mem­ for this expanded organ is the original a set of tympani on an organ used. They bership and indeed wish to make it retro­ Style D Blower. The motor on this blower should make quite an impression with active thru 1966. With this thought in is 3 HP and 3 phase 220 but is being used such a piece as "Saturn" by Gustav mind I am enclosing a check for $12.00 to on single phase 220 with the aid of a con­ Holst, wherein the tympani carry the pay for 1966 and 1967. If you have the verter. As you are no doubt aware the xy- melody.

June 1967 20 TWO MAMOTH PROJECTS A Wurlitzer Installed And A Complete Schematic Drawn COMPLETED

recent issue of Theatre Organ there ap­ house and the console wound up in a little peared a for sale ad of schematic wiring room that it fit like a glove. The pipes diagrams of a 260 Wurlitzer. Roy Emi­ were heard through a door opening into son of Kansas City, Kansas, has accom­ the rest of the house and a removable plished a remarkable piece of work in that .panel was cut on the outside wall at the he has made up a complete wiring sche­ organist's back in the event it was neces­ matic of his 260 Wurlitzer. The diagram sary to get into the back of the console as includes a representative schematic of each the panel could be removed and the con­ of the components in the organ including sole pulled out. main chests, offsets, prop pneumatics, trap The organ was successful although a actions, percussion actions, relays, and little loud and lacking in variety and soft other units down to the last detail. effects. So- it was not much longer until Roy's interest in theater organs was a two-manual, seven-rank Wurlitzer was sparked when he first heard one as a child purchased from the local "Linwood" and has continued and increased ever theater and it was added to the four-rank since. When a student attending junior col­ Morton. The console was enlarged to lege in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1925, three-manual with two stop key bolsters the large Austin in the Newman (later and an addition was built to the chamber Paramount) Theater was replaced by a and the eleven ranks were soon playing. A recent shot of Roy Emison of Kansas Wurlitzer. The showroom, about two The chamber was built from the base­ City, Kansas who has completely refur­ blocks from the college, displayed the con­ ment level up and a tight seal was not bished model 260 Wurlitzer Opus 1173. sole of the new organ in all its glory. To secured between the old and the new con­ crete walls. During wet weather, water Readers of The Tibia and "Theatre Or­ him it was at once the most desirable and would seep into the chamber. Fortunately, gan" have on many occasions written to unattainable object in the world and he the organ was well up from the floor and the question and answer column request­ is sure that his noseprint is still firmly em­ no damage was incurred. There being no ing a print or wiring diagram of a Wur­ bedded in the glass of the showroom win­ drain from the chamber, the water had to litzer theater organ. While it might be the dow. be bailed out and Roy's daughter, Bar­ intent of someone interested in performing In 1936 Roy could wait no longer and bara, fitted the small space better than this task, the enormity of the project al­ purchased a two-manual, four-rank Rob­ larger members of the family so she was most insures that it will not be done under ert Morton from the local "Vista" theater. drafted to go in barefoot and bail out the ordinary circumstances, time alone being The organ had been dismantled and piled water. Thus probably being the only in­ a major factor to prevent it. So far as is at the back of the stage to allow air con­ dividual entitled to the rank of "organ known, a schematic wiring diagram of ditioning ducts to be installed in the cham­ bailer." any of the models of Wurlitzer organs has bers. He had never seen it intact but was In 1950 it was decided that limits had never been turned up. If they did exist, able to erect it from marks on the framing. been reached in this residence and an acre­ they were probably destroyed when the Roy states "feminine acceptance of such age some miles from the city was pur­ Wurlitzer plant was cleared of all mater­ a monstrosity was at a very low ebb in chased. A new home was built in which ial pertaining to theater organs in the those days at my house. In fact the organ the chamber, blower room and console l 940's, when it was all removed to the was not mentioned in any but very tol­ niche were carefully planned for. The or­ rear of the factory and burned. erant company. No part of it must be in gan was dismantled and moved into the This task has remained for some avid the house." The problem was settled by new house by a regular household goods theatre organ enthusiast to perform. In a building an addition in the back of the View of the solo chamber showing, from (Continued Next Page) View of blower room with 10 horsepower left to right, brass trumpet, orchestral oboe, Grille behind which chrysoglott and piano single-phase motor showing the direct quintadena oboe horn and brass saxo­ are located with console to the right. drive generator. phone.

21 theatre organ I bombarde TWO MAMOTH PROJECTS COMPLETED, story starts on previous page

"Opus #1" reed organ slave console, one General view of console area in living room. View of organ shutter area behind dining manual and five pistons only. room table. mover. When he first saw the "household A small reed organ, Opus # 1 so far as goods" that he was about to move, he Roy is concerned, has been converted into almost walked off the job but after tack­ a one-manual slave console and has five ling the console together with some hand pistons wired into the Great manual. It holding on the part of Roy, he finally has no stop keys or expression pedals. realized that it would be possible. One of A floor to ceiling curtain has been pro­ the movers was quite positive that the vided which can be drawn thus completely 1. console cable would easily reach the local obscuring the console from view. Roy TV station several miles away. Thus with states, "this is a throw-back from the old much weeping and wailing and gnashing days when an organ in the house was of teeth, the organ was transplanted to the enough to cause raised eyebrows. Fortu­ new residence - but it was never installed. nately those days are gone and the cur­ In 1954 Roy was able to purchase the tain is never drawn leaving the console Wurlitzer model #260, Opus 1173, shipped proudly displayed to all comers." 10/12/25 to the Paramount Theater. It Roy has a tape recorder built into the has now been installed with the exception wall which is used for making tapes and of the bottom twelve notes of the 32 foot also to provide additional reverberation. Console corner showing drawn draperies Diaphone which were omitted for the ob­ He does not play but is fortunate in that to obscure console. vious reason of space requirements. The his wife is a musician. console has been restored to the original When the Paramount Organ was pur­ finish. chased, the main cable consisting of 1,340 The organ speaks directly into a "L" wires, had been cut to allow the console to shaped living and dining room from a be moved clear of a new wide screen. Very chamber 16 feet high which extends from extensive tracing was necessary to recon­ the basement floor to the first floor ceiling. nect it and this gave Roy the idea to make Wind is provided at 15 inch pressure by a up the wiring schematic. He is now retired l O horse power blower which has a new and thus finally found time to complete single phase ten horsepower blower which this very meticulous and ardous task. In­ replace the original DC motor. Relay cidentally, for the record, the two original switches and so forth are located in the organs are no more, having to be used attic. The piano and chrysoglott are lo­ for parts. cated in a shallow chamber with a grill These prints are highly recommended to but no shutters and speak directly into any enthusiast who desires to acquire ac­ the livingroom. curate knowledge as to the electrical lay­ out of the Wurlitzer organ. The informa­ tion on the print can be applied to almost any size model as nearly every component included on a Wurlitzer organ of any size has been shown on the print. The prints 1967 are clear, well identified and show concise National A.T.0.E. detail of each of the components. In addi­ Convention tion to the one large print, there are about ten smaller prints which give additional Roy's daughter Barbara, picture taken some years ago, the world's only official l JU LY 1,2,3,4 I!~,\\ fine detail on certain of the units. Roy is )V Detroit to be commended for the excellent job he "organ bailer." has performed which should be of interest ~ Michigan to every true theater organ enthusiast. Of Be sure and keep us notified such will the theater organ hobby be pro­ of your change of address moted for years to come.

June 1967 22 SYRACUSE KEITH'S WURLITZER TO BE PERKING IN NEW HOME BY JULY 1 ST Syracuse , N . Y .- The fine 3-11 Wurlitzer rescued from the doomed Keith 's theatre here , will be in shape to supply music for the September 1967, New York State Fair, according to the Fair's director , Bernard W. Potter. Readers will recall the very successful farewell show which was staged at Keith's last year to help raise funds for purchase and transpor­ ORGAN BUFF PLANS PIPE­ tation of the organ, which is believed to EQUIPPED RESTAURANT ma City. He is hoping to get Don Baker have the finest sounding Tibia Clausa to open the house , which will go far be­ built by Wurlitzer. The Keith organ is the FOR HOLLYWOOD yond the organ in the entertainment field. first historical object for the Empire State Hollywood, Calif. - lf the dreams of life­ Although the organ will supply the theme , Theatre and Musical Instrument Mu­ long organ buff Marshall Owen come to Owen plans stage attractions to fill the seum 's permanent exhibit at the Fair fruition, Movietown will have a deluxe need for live variety in the Hollywood Grounds. The instrument was rescued organ-equipped restaurant right on Sun­ area. The place will be renamed The through the efforts of the Syracuse Theatre set Blvd. For the past six months the Pipes and Pedals Restaurant and is plan­ Organ Society last year when it was bearded, former racing driver has been ned as something of a memorial to Amer­ learned that the Keith building would fall engaged in formulating plans, making ica 's fast-vanishing movie palaces . Owen victim to so-called "urban renewal." One drawings (he's an artist , too) and casting is collecting such mementos as the bronze of the sparkers of the project is Paul Flem­ about for financial backing (now in sight) and glass doors from a soon-to-be de­ ing who has invested thousands of hours to make the ambitious project come alive. molished theatre as well as drapes , thea­ in recent years restoring the Wurlitzer, He has an option on the old Frank Sen­ tre seats and curtains. He plans to use a first in the theatre and now several miles nes ' Moulin Rouge night club building simulated red plush curtain effect to em­ away at the Fair Grounds where little and has completed plans for alteration bellish the outside of the building, includ­ banks of the faithful gather nights and on of the auditorium to accommodate a ing the gold braid and tassels. Owen is weekends to restore and install the instru­ visual theatre organ installation with all looking for a mid-'30s theatre marquee, ment. A target date - "end of June "- has pipework under glass and illuminated complete with light bulb pattern flasher to been set to make the organ operational by black light. At the moment he is cast­ set above the entrance . His plans even and Fleming means to meet it. The group ing about for a suitable organ, 24 ranks include a cost breakdown of the food he is hampered by a shortage of immediate or more , and has been dickering with plans to serve and the pattern for his cash and contributions are very welcome. Leroy Lewis for the staff job. Lewis , it waiters'uniforms. Implementation of the Such gifts are deductible from the federal will be recalled, had great success with plan hinges on financial backing which , income tax. They may be sent to the Mu­ two visual pipe organ restaurant instal­ at this writing, seems assured. The ex­ seum, Harriet May Mills Building , New lations, the Surf City Hotel in New Jersey pertly detailed presentation made a good York State Fair Grounds , Syracuse , New and the Panama Hilton Lounge in Pana- impression . York.

BERKELEY PLUG-IN JACK WARD INJURED IN FALL FROM ELEVATED CONSOLE CONCERT BENEFITS RITA BECKER SILENT PIPE ORGAN

Rochester, New York, April 15- The and installing it in its new home, the Audi­ Berkeley , Calif .. April 2-A concert intended to benefit spectre that has haunted theatre organists torium theatre. Disaster struck just before the long-silent Hope-Jones -Wurlitzer organ was held at the United Artists theatre here this afternoon . The fea ­ ever since they started putting consoles intermission when Jack swivelled around tured organist was Larry Yannucci who played not the on elevators - falling from a raised con- on the bench to acknowledge the applause pipe organ (which isn't ready yet) but a Baldwin loaned for the occasion . But at starting time the spotlight sought he had earned. out the H-J console and there sat Bob Chaney with a At Jack's regular console, at the Radio sign on his back proclaiming him "Staff Organist " and a pointer system book on the rack. Of course, the music City Music Hall, there's floor behind (No Business Like Show Business) coming from the the bench. No so at the auditorium. Jack chambers was supplied by "the Yanootch ," sitting at the dark Baldwin console. Then Yannucci took over and slid off the bench and fell nearly ten feet, played his very individual arrangements of such favorites as Wind-chester Cathedral (with the unruly "posthorn " just missing the elevator pit. A gasp of jibes). I Dream Too Much, All the Things You Are, and JACK horror went up from the audience and On a Clear Day . After intermission, Larry explained that WARD the silent film hadn't arrived so instead he accompanied those down front were at his side in a a " Roadrunner" cartoon with the soundtrack turned off . moment. Jack was understandably badly The light organ background was perfect for the hilarious escapades of bird and coyote with mayhem the object. shaken up by the dive but his injuries Next , a surprise appearance by Don Kaufman who sang were comparatively small. Jack, who is three tunes well, especially April in Paris . Larry then rounded out the show with Malaguena in his late 60's, must keep in excellent (dedicated to a former teacher), Shadow of Your Smile Taking a dive wasn't in the plan condition because his physical injuries and excerpts from An American in Paris for a closer . Attendance was fair at the Sunday afternoon concert sole- caught up with organist Jack Ward amounted to a broken collar bone. He and those who came enjoyed the show. It was estab ­ tonight. was a well-publicised, well­ was rushed to a hospital for treatment lished that considerably more tickets had been sold than It attendance indicated, which shows that there is a lively attended concert staged by the Rochester while a volunteer finished his program. interest in getting the old Hope-Jones perking, even among those who could not make it today . Proceeds Theatre Organ Society, a group justly The broken collar bone would keep him will help restore the pipe organ . proud of its rescue of a fine theatre organ from playing un ti! he could shed the sling.

23 theatre organ I bombarde ing combinations as well as solo stops . The architect specifies the kind of pipes to be used and designates the wind pres­ sures. Next, the head of the pipe shop lays out the scale, or size, of the pipes. For metal flue pipes he designates the propor­ tion of tin, lead and zinc to be used as well as the wall thickness . He also states the width and cut of the mouth. In metal reed pipes he establishes the thickness, size and mixture of the metal used for the barrel, the size and thickness of the

a THEATRE Metal flue pipe

reed tongue, the proper shallot size and the size and shape of the opening in the shallot to insure the correct voice. In wood pipes he determines the thickness of the walls and shape of the block and beard, ORGANby DAN BARTON which form the mouth. Next comes the voicer who represents The creator of the fa med Barton theatre organ takes good humored pot about ten years work in a pipe shop be­ shots at unschooled organ 11 experts 11 who attempt to improve on a tried fore he becomes proficient in the art of and true product. In the light of his more than 65 years of pipe organ crea­ pipe voicing. He makes the pipe speak tivity, Dan speaks with the authority of a man who knows. and gives it the proper voice. The final result is a rank of organ As a for mer theatre organ builder I am First is the designer, or architect , who pipes that will blend properly with the very grateful to the ATOE for what mem­ origina tes the specification to fulfill a ensemble in combinations, or stand out bers have done in rescuing and restoring specific purpose. The specification must as a solo stop with its own individual abandoned theatre organs. provide a proper ensemble for the entire tonal characteristic. Proper volume is During the past few years I have be­ organ and voices that combine in pleas- important, but even more important is come acquainted with many enthusi asts the tone quality or timbre which must be and I know the great pride they have in pleasing to the listener. restoring an organ to its original condi­ Just a' word about the use of high wind tion as to the sound and tonal quality pressure to create great volume. With the that was built into it by the original or­ proper pipe scales and arrangement of gan builder. They enable people of the the mouth in flue pipes, or the size of reed l 960's to hear the big theatre sound of tongues and shallots in reed pipes, this is the l 920's . A great many theatre organs possible. But conversely, by changing are now being used for public concerts the scale of the pipe and a change in the or for entertainment in private homes. speaking portions, the volume can be re­ I am an old , irasicible, retired theatre duced to a very moderate level, even when organ builder who built and installed blown with high pressure. theatre organs in the mid-West. l have Hope-Jones built many church organs several "gripes. '· The big one is about in England and the United States, many organ pipes and to make it more under­ of them installed in moderate-size churches standable I would like to explain how a where great volume would have been a rank of pipes is created . detriment instead of an asset. There is no The production of organ pipes com­ record of his theatre organs in England, bines the experience and skill of several and only a small number from the El­ Diapason Tuba Open artisans, all with years of experience in (metal) (metal Flute mira factory before Wurlitzer took over. the art. 'reed') (wood) It appears that one drawback Hope-

June 1967 24 HOW TO RUIN A THEATRE ORGAN, Continued the curves of the tongues had been in­ creased .and the pressure raised from 10 to 25 inches. To get increased static pres­ in low pressure classic organs. It is my sure the "improver" had a second blow­ opinion that greater harmonic develop­ er connected to the intake of the original ment and prompt speech of pipes and blower so the wind was at an increased fast action came ahead of volume in the pressure before the original blower started development of the Hope-Jones organ. to raise the pressure again. The result Now for the first "gripe." A few theatre is described in one word CALLIOPE! organ enthusiasts have become too "en­ The volume was increased by about thusiastic." They appear to have acquired 50% on these ranks but the musical quality more knowledge and know-how as to was entirely gone; no smoothness or how a theatre organ should be voiced and built than all the theatre organ build­ ers put together. They are self-appointed organ "im provers." They do things to theatre organs that practically ruins (Tuning Slide(Spring Metal) them. They brag that they "figured it out" \ Reed (Brass) themselves. Many have never set foot in an organ factory or pipe shop. Only a \ few have worked on Barton organs, but I suspect this idea of organ "surgery" can spread to other makes and territories. I am badly bugged to know how they Shallot (Brass) got that way. Is it a delusion of grand­ eur? Do they take a magic pill that gives Wedge (Wood or Metal) Block them information no organ builder had? (Soft Metal) Are they rock-n-roll nuts that put noise Reed pipes sound generating ahead of musical sound? Do I sound somewhat shook-up? mechanism I do not believe these fellows perfrom Jones encountered in competing with this organ surgery with any intention of English classic organ builders was the ruining an organ. I think it comes from lack of a mixture. A mixture is a group their lack of knowledge of organ building of pipes consisting of 2, 3, 4 or more and their being carried away by their ranks of pipes tuned to partials of the ardor for the theatre organ, an obsession prime tone 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, etc.; that does not stop when the organ has many different arrangements are used been restored to its original condition.

by different classic builders. The mixture The self-made organ surgeon may possess is actually an artificial method of rein­ a variety of skills. forcing the harmonics formed in organ pipes. A mixture chest was not adaptable texture, the tone was strident, harsh, rau­ to unit construction, but Hope-Jones cous and overpowering. The Posthorn found that high pressure, especially in sounded like an old-fashioned steam lo­ small scale string pipes, increa ed the comotive blowing its whistle coming into harmonic build-up to a point where he town on a cold winter night. When the felt no mixture was necessary. High pres­ full organ was played the ensemble was sure also gave the unit organ quick re­ It's better to get steamed up over a real entirely out of balance. The small reeds sponse to the action and prompt speech calliope rather than try to make a theatre and flue pipes will not respond to this to the pipes. This was very much lacking organ sound like one, says Dan. kind of organ "surgery." Can you imagine the Mormon Taber­ Their infatuation gives them a drive to nacle Choir with its variety of voices, keep doing work on an organ. Thi , com­ soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone and bined with little or no knowledge of the basses, with the baritones hollering at science of organ building and pipe pro­ the top of their voices and all other voices duction, creates the organ "improver" on correct pitch and proper volume, or who does terrible things to a theatre or­ a symphony orchestra with the brass gan. section playing twice as loud as it should? I am thinking of a 3-17 Barton that I The pipes with the cut-up mouths and heard and inspected after it had been re­ enlarged holes in the toes were just junk; stored and it sounded as good as it did they never cou Id be restored to proper when I attended the opening over 40 playing condition. years ago. I recently heard this same In the concluding installment, Dan organ after it had been "operated" on Barton will continue his campaign to by an organ "improver". I could not discourage tampering with "the tried believe it was the same organ. On several and true" with some extra horrible ex­ of the larger ranks the wind holes in the amples of organs he feels have been mu­ pipe toes had been enlarged, the upper tilated. He will again discuss raised pres­ They devise ingenious methods of increas­ lips cut up and the pressure increased sures, cut-up flue pipe lips and over-bent ing wind pressure. from IO to 25 inches. On the large reeds reeds-also pipe swapping between orga11s.

25 theatre organ I bombarde home of my own," says Ann. She's jobs on record." Sensing that the console hunting in the Hollywood Hills. pneumatics and contact blocks were about to "go", Bill prepared replacements in advance and on a Sunday evening stayed up all night to rip out the stop keys, worn pneumatics and contact blocks from both stop rails. The worn parts were in place and wired in by five PM Monday - just in time for Bill to go to his room, change to his playing outfit and play the beast until 2:00 AM Tues­ day!. Bill figures that going without sleep for 32 hours was worth it; he left a much sounder organ for the next guy to play. Q. David Bowers, whose "Put Another George Wright quit his Sunday job play­ Nickel In" is a comprehensive and au­ ing services at St. Timothy's Catholic thoritative volume on pre-juke box coin­ church in Los Angeles, reportedly because Coppertone's Jesse Crawford and friend. The name is the same but not the calling. operated music machines, is busily en­ the expected new organ was not forth­ gaged on a history of theatre organs. coming. By the time this reaches print Organ-minded tourists in Hawaii have He's seeking photos of home installations George will undoubtedly be ensconced been doing a double take over an adver­ for a chapter dealing with the present behind another church console. He hadn't tisement which has "Jesse Crawford" en­ status of the theatre organ. Pix should be been "unemployed" 24 hours before in­ dorsing Coppertone Suntan Lotion, with glossy, clear, contrasty, non-returnable terested clergymen were knocking on the statement that the stuff "gives me the and should Have a suitable caption de­ his door. ... fastest, deepest tan under the Hawaiian scribing the instrument, location and San Francisco's Grace Cathedral or­ sun." But the accompanying photo of owner. The more info, the better. The ganist, Richard Purvis, recently paid a the heavyset, bronzed surfer cancels any BOMBARD£ will forward any photos weekend visit to Sacramento to hear Ed­ thoughts that Jesse might be a close rela­ designated for Mr. Bowers, who is cur­ die Dunstedter at the Carl Greer Inn. tive of the late maestro with the same rently engaged in a move to the West Eddie's stylings captivated Purvis com­ name. Coast - including his disassembled style pletely. Later, while the two pros were The ORGANizer reports that the plane 260 Wurlitzer and a number of roll-play­ comparing notes, Purvis modestly muffed return ing Eddie and "Vee" Dunstedter ing mechanisms. It seems Mr. Bowers a chance to take on a famous "student." from Eddie's regular weekend Carl Greer doesn't play. The banter went something like this: Inn pipe stint in Sacramento was called In Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jim Orcutt was back from its LA journey because of a Purvis: (Facetiously) .. You ought to wondering what to with it. It wasn't as take up the organ seriously." telephoned born b threat. The plane landed though Jim was hurting for an organ to far out in the field (in case there had Eddie: "Can you recommend a good play; he is regularly employed playing a teacher?" been a bomb) and the couple had to full theatre 3-10 Robert Morton in a Tulsa Purvis: "Notfor you!" scramble for the terminal on foot in a church several days a week. But he heard heavy rainstorm. But their luggage had an organ was for sale and he couldn't Floridian "Kim" Kimball is bitter already gone on to Angelville, leaving resist. Jim is now the proud owner of a about the circa 30 theatre organs that Eddie and Vee in somewhat damp con­ mint-condition 4-rank Barton with Ma­ went into Florida churches in the '30s dition until their next try, a day later. rimba, Chimes, Orch. Bells and Chryso­ and '40s, while their percussions and In Syracuse, New York, citizens are up glott. A Wurlitzer Tibia had been added. toy counters went to junk men. The vet­ in arms over talk of tearing Loew's thea­ He located it in the long dark Palace thea­ eran pipe organ promoter feels that the tre down. With Keith's and the Para­ tre, Fayetteville, Arkansas, the last in­ owners of the few remaining in-theatre mount (former Temple) consigned to theatre organ in Arkansas. Several truck­ organs were taken advantage of by too the steel ball, the Strand and Empire long loads later he had it all packed into his many amateur "repairmen" who did gone, Syracuse suddenly became aware pad and was wondering where he would more damage than good while parts of that the last and most beautiful auditor­ find space to set it up. What a delightful organs often disappeared. This would ium in town where concerts, operas and problem! Incidentally, the voices are tend to explain why the Florida Theatre plays can be properly presented, is in Tibia, Vox, Trumpet, Flute and Dia­ Corporation has closed down accessi­ jeopardy. pason - no String. bility to the few remaining instruments Herald-American columnist Mario In Baton Rouge, La., the Paramount's in Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami, to Rossi has added his support to the "save restored 2-6 (voluminously extolled in all, reports. And now the Ritz theatre in­ Loew's" movement with an article which our last two issues) is currently being stallation in Clearwater, so painstakingly stated "If Loew's is destroyed, we will played by Dolton McAlpin who is de­ put together by Terry Charles, must go. have nothing left in Syracuse that pro­ scribed as having an uncanny ear for It may be some consolation to "Kim" vides an eminently artistic background the Jesse Crawford style. That's the way to learn that the instrument is destined for theatre." Too bad Rossi wasn't around a former organist started out at the same for a church - but with a difference. This three years ago when "organ broker" Paramount 36 years ago - Randy Sauls. church is a denomination that likes per­ yanked the 4-20 Wurlitzer practically Which completes the cycle. Lew Williams cussions and toy counter effects, so the over night-after local enthusiasts had describes the trap system on the 2-6 as whole organ will be installed. put months into its restoration. one of the most versatile. Pedal traps Organist Ann Leaf is "home-hunting" Bill Coffman, back in the USA after may be coupled to the accompaniment -that is, she and hubby Russ have de­ a rewarding sojourn at the Panama Hil­ manual first touch and vice versa. That cided to become property owners. "All ton 3-27 Wurlitzer, describes one of his system makes an accompaniment cymbal, my life I've lived in apartments, and I maintenance projects on the instrument for example, available even if the manual want to know what it's like to have a as "one of the fastest console rebuilding has no cymbal stop key.

june 1967 26 From Akron, Ken Richards informs us was traced to Jim Connor 's German Mrs. David Marr , widow of the Marr that Ken Alexander is doing nicely dur­ Shepherd, Toby, who had parked his and Colton Organ Compan y' s founder, ing intermissions at the Loew's Akron ample poundage on a nice soft nest of recently observed her 84th birthda y in Wurlitzer, which has been back in service PA cables while waiting for his master. good health . She lives in the home her just a year. Normal dog activity was enough to start husband built for her in Warsaw, New And from Rochester , New York , Dave the static. York , and enjoys the compan y of her Howarth reports that over 800 hardy New Jersey-based Leroy Lewis, cham­ cat, "Puff y." souls braved a miserable blizzard to pion of the visual pipe organ bar instal­ Columnist George Grim , writing in his hear Eddie Weaver 's late February con­ lation, visited relatives in El Toro, Cali­ I Like It Here column in the Minneapolis cert for the Rochester Theatre Organ So­ fornia, during April. The organist , who Tribune , described impending concerts ciety , the one-time Palace Wurlitzer 's with Ted Campbell introduced "black by E. Power Biggs and Virgil Fox in the debut in its new permanent home , the light " on the moving parts of Wurlitzers same week as a "b attle royal of organ Auditorium Theatre. Eddie noted the is currently developing a most unusual music . . . as the two men pull ranks storm conditions with a wishful Carry instrument - a Hammond wedded to an on each other. " That phrasing was no Me Back to Old Virginny . Eddie Weaver Artisan plus a real windblown Wurlitzer­ accident of verbiage ; Grim was once a is no stranger to Central New York , scale Tibia (built by Wicks) . The total theatre organist. From a 3-manual Bar­ having studied at the Eastman School effect will be "black lighted. " This will ton to a 4-manual Underwood! Progress? of Music. He met his wife, Marion , while be Leroy's "cocktail bar " organ and it's In Marion , Ohio , A TO Er Howard playing in a Batavia theatre. She was even money that West Coasters will be Burton was thinking about a project the cashier. "I thought she had money, " experiencing it within a year. He 's cur­ which would double the in-theatre organ says Eddie. rently playing in a New Jersey bistro. The 3-13 Wurlitzer in the Omaha Or­ Inspired by a particularly awesome pheum (see story in April TO-BB) got performance by Martha Lake, young a workout late in April when the Univer­ Eric Zeliff (16) of Madison, New Jersey, sity of Omaha Student Centers and Lec­ decided to design her a "dream organ." tures group sponsored a "Midnight From a look at the stoplist it's quite evi­ Slapstick" program with Bill ("Gabby " ) dent what kind of horrendous literature McCoy accompanying the filmed antics has saturated the young man's mind­ of onetime Keystone Kop, Charley Mur­ organ magazines! ray , in a 1922 comedy entitled The Four The MARTHA LAKE SPECIAL Orphans. Bill travels for a plug-in builder 3-9 OPUS 1396 but had access to pipes during his forma­ RANKS (really!) tive years. He now becomes a "wind Main merchant" at the push of a starter button. NEW HORIZONS LOOM - Howard Bur­ DIAPASON KAZOO ton was the last organist to be featured by Variety stated that Gloria Swanson was KLARINET KLOTZ Tri-State Theatres at the Cedar Rapids set to introduce two of her most celebrated FLUTE FUBB Paramount Wurlitzer (shown he~e) from films at the New York Beacon theatre on VIOL d'BENSIE 1959 to 1962 . He has a 2-9 Geneva in his May 8, the early "talkie," The Trespasser VIOL d'BENSIE CEL. home . and the silent Queen Kelly, the latter with Solo potential of his corner of Iowa . A small Lee Erwin (of WLW Moon River fame) TIBIA MARTHA group of enthusiasts , of which Burton is at the recently restored Wurlitzer. The ABYSSINIAN STRINGED OBOE the nucleus, maintains the organ and mag refers to the Beacon as "The last CONTRA SNARL* holds informal sessions at the Cedar of the great movie palaces ," reports TUBA HORRENDOUS* Rapids Paramount 3-11 Wurlitzer , the Lloyd Klos . The show was being pro­ only operating organ in a theatre for moted by the New York Chapter which Double sets of usual traps and percussions. miles. Now Burton has discovered a rented the house for a flat $ 1000 and (Continu ed on Page 30) set admissions at $2.50, says the show­ Specials: MARIMBA MIRABILIS bizjournal. TUNED BEER BOTTLES Eddie Dunstedter is dickering with EFFECTS: Moose call,, Bensie call, Chlo-e call, Factory Whistle, Fog Horn, Jet management of the newly refurbished Exhaust, General Cancel (Abandon Ship!), Major Disaster, Sforzando Minneapolis Civic Auditorium for an ap­ Superfluous * Unenclosed (barroke) pearance in June (14th or 28th) with the Erick-go back to reading PLAYBOY! Minneapolis Symphony ork for a pop concert stint. When it was suggested that he should "open" the now-repaired and partly relocated Kimball, Eddie asked, "How can I 'open' it? I did that back in the '20s-when it was first installed." In El Paso, Texas, John R . Thomas was doing a beautiful job at the Theatre Organ Club of El Paso 's pride and joy , the 3-15 Wurlitzer. His audience was a Wurlitzer club, plug-in variety, which had come en masse to the Plaza theatre to be --- stupified by "the real thing. " But there was something terribly wrong with the PA system; it was sputtering from the speakers and generally punctuating the -- music with brusts of what the slip-stick ---- boys refer to as "white noise. " The trouble

27 theatre organ I bombarde A BOMBARDE Concert Review . . .

LEIBERT IN LIGHTS -The big letters in the Wiltern marquee proclaim the musical event.

LEIBERT TAKES LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles, March 21- Richard Lei­ by G. BANDIN I bert's long overdue concert in Los Ange­ les won the hearts and applause of the more than 1500 who attended the LA Chapter's first night-time public concert since the Ann Leaf show on Nov. 1 last. The Radio City Music Hall organist rose on a brassy fanfare made unintel­ "It takes alittle time to find all these hoot­ all who have heard Leibert on both in­ ligible by the volume of applause which enannies!" No one minded. The next struments would agree that a Kimball follwed the console's spotlighted rise. Af­ selection on the classical portion of the and a Wurlitzer were miles apart from ter his greeting to his audience he an­ Leibert program was a medley of themes the tonal viewpoint. nounced Kreisler's Liebesfreud. Leibert from Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly, Leibert called for requests and was quickly established an easy and informal which soared. visibly surprised by the results - a great relationship with his listeners by noting The Pilgrim's Chorus was a thriller, volume of shouted tune titles - which the similarity of the tune title with the pro­ too, although the familiar descending em­ ranged from Hello Dolly to Beethoven's nunciation of his own name and posing bellishment in the final statement of the 5th Symphony. He mixed a few of the the question as to whether it should be powerful theme was inaudible, probably bellowed requests into the medley which pronounced Lee-bert or Lye-bert. (The lat­ covered up in the thunder of full organ. followed but played chiefly what he'd in­ ter is correct if it's a German name, same Or it may have been Leibert's own ar­ tended to all along,- Liebestraum (not as in Kreisler.) rangement. For example he announced Lye-bestraum), My Favorite Things (fea­ Liebesfreud came through cleanly and The Hall of the Mountain King as a turing the Kimball woodpile), The Sound with animation. There were great and number by Grieg plus a little desecration of Music, medley from Rapsody in Blue, by Leibert . The desecration amounted to and Hello Dolly (which generated ap­ a bit of syncopation in spots and the in­ plause). terpolation of some TV commercial jingle Then came an unannounced springtime themes - plus a cha-cha-cha closing. With medley with Easter Parade and interpo­ that, the organist walked off stage and it lated Hallelujahs by Handel (more ap­ was intermission. plause), Mendelsohn's Spring Song, It When he reappeared he had exchanged Might as Well Be Spring, Spring is Here his dull gold blazer for a pure white one . and a return to Easter Parade capped by His pop-portion opener was a rousing a mighty Hallelujah at full crescendo. version of his always moving Radio City After the show the organist held court March which he has recorded twice, and in the lobby and signed autographs. It composed 478 years ago. must have been a satisfying evening for Leibert played his popular selections Leibert who undoubtedly recalls a former in groups, mainly by composer. For ex­ concert a couple of years ago at the Lindy ample, his Mancini medley was dominated Opera House he played on a plug-in. by Charade and Moon River while the Due to the apparent 99% absence of pro­ LEIBERT TALKS TO HIS AUDIENCE - Richard Rodgers group included the early motion it attracted about 100. Tonight's Unlike Radio City, Dick can speak to his Mountain Greenery and more recent turnout was much more representative. LA audience, even divulge problems: "My son in college-sometimes it seems he's March of the Siamese Children and Climb studying anarchy!" Every Mountain, the latter in the biggest of huge screen dimensions. Jerome Kern immediate changes of volume to mark was well represented by Old Man River the phrasing. Kammenoi Ostrow, the se­ and Dick Leibert's Come Dance With lection used behind the traditional RCMH Me spoke well for the organist. Easter presentation, was properly ma­ Next it was the color of Bizet's ever­ jestic in mainly church-style registrations popular opera Carmen with its spirited and a welcome contrast was provided by Habanera, Smugglers' March and Beat the spritely march from Beethoven's Out That Rhythm on a Drum! (As it's Ruins of Athens. known in Carmen Jones, the contempor­ Leibert excused his unfamiliarity with ary version.) the Kim ball method of arranging voices Leibert was successful in projecting a around a stop rail (all unifications of a simulation of the Radio City Sound al­ SOCIAL SESSION - Dick mingles with voice side by side- 16-8-4-2- etc.) with though the differences were marked and his audience in the lobby after the concert.

June 1967 28 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• She needed a science project for school Electrical FIFTH GRADER BUILDS Conduit TINY PIPE ORGAN by HAL STEINER •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It was quite a challenge which dad had Her first acquisition was a battered toy tossed her. Fifth grader Debra Johnson piano that someone was about to dis­ was trying to dream up a project for a card. That supplied the rudiments of a science fair held annually at Glenwood console and also provided some keys. School in Thousand O aks, California, Next came the blower problem. That was where she is an "A" student. The project solved by a vacuum cleaner. The keys and vacuum cleaner are the only two Screw eyes pieces of "prefabricated" equipment in the finished work. The rest was developed from scratch at a cost of about $30 for materials. Proposed balloon Wind line Vacuum First came the pipework. At first Debra air reservoir cleaner hoped to use the little bamboo flutes avail­ Cross section of keying action devised by able in oriental gift shops but they proved Debra . It was her fifth attempt and the use to be "screetchy" and otherwise imprac­ of nylon string for "trackers" made the dif­ tical. Debra didn't know it then but she ference. was looking for a Tibia sound. Next a curved upper lip, rather than a bevelled she tried to construct pipes from card­ one, for each pipe. Because only one oc­ board mailing tubes. Debbie couldn't tave was involved, the novice organ know that this had been recommended in builder decided to dispense with all sca­ a book entitled Organ Building for Arna- ling, other than length. Therefore, all of her pipes have the same outside dimen­ The console is built around the source of sions, except for length. keys-a discarded toy piano. Debbie needs The sample pipe happened to be no drawknobs or stopkeys. Her one rank equipped with a stopper - so the thirteen of Stopped Flutes is "on" all of the time. pipes that Debra built are also stopped The tone is Tibia-like . pipes. And to her credit, she included the nicking on the languid that gives a flute had to be rather devastating because the "poof-free" speech. No regressive "ba­ competition was tough; one lad had built roquery" for this modern miss! a working computer. Next came the problem of the keying "What shall it be, dad?" asked Debra. action. It very nearly floored her. Re- Charles Johnson looked up from his newspaper briefly. "Oh - why don't you ( Continued Nex t Page) build a- hm! - build a pipe organ! " ­ and promptly forgot about his sugges­ tion. But not for long. Debra , a comely miss of 11 years, hardly knew what a DEBRA'S PIPEWORK - Her scaling pipe organ was. She had never seen or (length only) was arrived at by experimen­ heard one, knew about the instrument's tation. The plywood pipes have been given existence only vaguely. But her father a coat of "brass" paint. had spoken. And Debbie is a determined gal. teurs by Wicks, before the turn of the There was only a limited time until century - and had been found wanting. the exhibit had to be ready for the science All through these experiments the little fair so the girl had to learn rapidly. Her girl had never seen an organ pipe. In fifth grade teacher, Linda Spellman, was her rounds of those who could help her most helpful. The teacher recommended she found a man who had a stopped books and she put Debra in touch with wooden pipe to loan her. With this pat­ people who know about pipe organs. The tern, progress picked up. Due to the short next week was spent boning up on pipe time available, Debra decided to reduce organs in the library. A British book on to one octave - 13 pipes all to be made Her curiosity about organs aroused by her own construction experience, Debra at­ actural construction provided some de­ of 3 /8 inch plywood. tended the Dick Schrum concert and later tails but showed a system of keying far She worked out scales for the length of got a chance to examine the console. Main­ more complex than Debra needed. Be­ the pipes. Dad helped by cutting the lum­ tenance man Dick Stoney showed her cause she was planning on a one rank, ber with his circular saw in the garage some of the big Kimball's pipework. Now 24-tone instrument she wasn't concerned but Debra did the nailing, gluing and the little girl is "hooked" on pipes - and with a switching system. clamping. The circular saw also provided only eleven!

29 theatre organ I bombarde FIFTH GRADER BUILDS PIPE ORGAN, continued at Grant Union High School in Sacra­ mento on April 29th. Chapter "veep" member that Debra Johnson was at­ There was considerable suspense while George Seaver was set to cue a Ford tempting to cover centuries of organ in­ the judging was being done at the science Sterling comedy and the well-remembered novation in a three month period. When fair , which included projects from most 1928 hit, Lilac Time with Colleen Moore we say she started from scratch that tells all the schools in the Valley Oaks District and Gary Cooper, the instrument being only a part of the story . Until the project system. The competition was stiff. But the famous 21-rank instrument assem­ loomed, her interest in music consisted of finally Debra's pipe organ was adjudged bled in 1938 from Wurlitzers removed a vague desire to play the guitar. But the winner in its class and today she will from theatres in Redding, Calif., Reno, she has had no more musical instruction show visitors a desk pen set with an in­ Nevada and San Francisco. than that available in school. scription engraved which proclaims Debra Over Easter Dean McNichols "did it She worked out a keying system in­ a prizewinner. again " when the little. Friends church in volving rubber bands in place of the Meanwhile the prize instrument adorns Bell, California , filled to overflowing to more common spring-loading of pallets. a proud spot in the Johnson living room see the old silent King of Kings and hear And she learned that modern foam pro­ and visitors are frequent. Every once in Dean 's accompaniment at the two-deck ducts aren 't as leak proof as old-fash­ a while dad stops on his way through the (style D) Wutlitzer . Encouraged by the ioned leather for facing pallets. She fin­ living room and looks at the instrument turnout for his November 1966 concert, ally used chamois leather. with a " I hope I never have to go through the film was planned as a special Easter The Johnson family is what might be that ordeal again " look on his face. But presentation. That Dean's accompani­ called a closely-knit group. There are then , parental pride shines through and ment hit home was evident in the audible five children and their parents practice he adds, "Y 'know - I'm mighty proud of sniffling heard above music during the "togetherness" in practical ways . In this Debbie ." scourging scenes. One scene called for a case, when time ran short and there were But Debra is already making plans gong , which the organ doesn't have. still many problems ahead, Debra's for when she reaches the 7th grade. "You Dean solved that one by cueing the pro­ problem became a family problem. There know - I've heard about a type of organ jectionist to turn up the sound track at was much midnight oil burned in order called a 'mighty Wurlitizer. ' Now - per­ that moment to hear a gong struck in to get the instrument ready for the com­ haps .... " 1928. No one was the wiser. Dean says petition. In fact, when it was delivered to VOX POP, continued he enjoyed playing the movie ; "it's much the school to go before the judges, the (Continu ed f rom Page 27) easier than a straight concert. " paint was still tacky. theat re with gaping chambers where pipes Gene Featherston reports from Cincin­ Charles Johnson readily admits there used to be and a willing management. nati that the 3-10 Uniphone organ in the were times when he wishes that he'd never If things work out , Burton and his group Rivoli theatre has been kept busy so far suggested the organ project. In fact, he will install the rare 2-9 Reuters theatre this year with no let-up in sight. In Feb­ wasn't serious about it. But daughter organ they have been getting into shape ruary the Central Indiana Chapter had Debra took it as a challenge, and once in the empty chambers. John Muri playing a silent film, in April started, there was no turning back. Debra The new Sierra Chapter ( former TO ES) (Continu ed on Page 37) has an inquisitive mind, an abundance scheduled an ambitious movie night of stick-at-itiveness and a positive and outgoing personality. Once she had been / "turned on" she knew she had to finish. Not that there were not moments of doubt. She actually went through five J --- stages of organ building experimentation RESONATOR before she finally hit upon a workable --s- combination. And always the "science 'BRASS' REEDS fair" date loomed to spur her on. For J . L. HAGGART --- ~ awhile she toyed with the idea of using a BLOCK toy balloon for an air pressure regulator Organ Builder ...... and reservoir. But instead, she voiced her pipes to take the full output of the vacuum (...... cleaner, and thus eliminated the reservoir. CRITICAL Through all the anxious days Debra's BOOT AREAS _s+ '~ mother, Lee Johnson, encouraged her "All 'brass' reeds daughter and helped ease disappoint­ in a pipe organ are ments. And no one was more excited than SHALL! MOUTHPIECE very much alike Lee when the finished product worked. FOR TRUMPET There it stood, a 13-pipe chest atop the -the main difference console afforded by the greatly altered being in what might be called the 'embrouchure'-if I may make an ana- toy piano, it's gold-tinted wooden pipes logy with orchestral brass" -is how veteran organ voicer and inventor and black finish gleaming. And it gave James H. Nuttall explained the difference in timbre of otherwise similarly out a deep-throated Tibia sound. constructed "brass" pipes. He pointed out that the shape, size, air passage, One of the last jobs was "fine tuning. " diameter ( and bevelling) of the various brass orchestral instrument mouth- Because Debra is not a musician she pieces (such as Cornet, French Horn, Trombone and similar Saxhorns) are had no idea as to how it should be tuned, generally comparable with corresponding organ counterparts, with shallott nor did she even have a pitch pipe to start size, shape and air passage diameter shaping the resulting sound which is her off. She solved that problem by in­ built up by the resonant pipe attached. Thus the originator of the Kinura, viting a girlfriend to the house, a voice Krumet, English Posthorn and Valvular Diaphone, increased understanding student with an accurate sense of pitch. of the mysteries surrounding the beating reed type of sound source, by com- The girl sang the notes while Debbie paringScout bugle. it with ______something known to every school boy-the familiar Boy _ worked the stoppers in the pipes.

June 1967 30 Los Angeles, April 30 - A TO E's President, Richard Schrum, was in town today on club business and to present a concert at the Wiltern Theatre for the Los Angeles Chapter of ATOE. It was the usual Sunday presentation time of 9:30 A.M. and circa 450 faithful appeared to see just how good this president would be at the 4-manual Kimball. by ELMER FUBB ATOE's NATIONAL PRESIDENT SCORES AT LA CHAPTER CONCERT

---contrast was Sousa's rousing Nobles of finesse- while murdering whatever tune the Mystic Shrine. Then there was time she was trying to play. Martha is very out for some announcements and some shy, in a flamboyant sort of way, and she jokes by Chairman Bob Carson which was particularly coy about a new hairdo no one could catch because of a hand she was sporting. microphone afflicted with feedback. It Of course, Martha 's piece de resistance soon became apparent that Mr. Carson (if any) is the organ stop she- well, cap­ was stalling . Had something gone wrong? tured - long ago in Africa, actually the It sure had - and a moment later the only new voice developed for the pipe or­ proof came up with the console - none gan since the days of Hope-Jones - the other than "Bensie" Hall's flame - Mar­ "Abyssinian Stringed Oboe." It must have tha Lake, in all her bovine glory. been rather hurriedly installed in the big Trying to describe Martha's command Kimball because Martha had to beat the of the organ is rather frustrating to any console side jambs to get it going. It reviewer who hasn't a cou pie of dozen would have been better if she hadn't. The off-pitch wail that wafted from the cham­ IN PERSON! The "Prez" greets his audi­ bers was a travesty of the old silent movie ence. Dick enjoyed the warmth of his theme, Fascination. In a way the "oboe" Southland reception. is useful for avant garde "counterpoint" because it sniffs all around a melody with­ The show started promptly at 9:30 with out ever getting on the beam for a "point." a big and broad You issuing from the It would be difficult to find wbrds to des­ chambers as the console and Dick Schrum cribe its aimless wandering but if there is inched skyward into the white spotlight. one word which fits perfectly it's "rotten." He greeted his applauding auditioners, Readers will have to excuse further cov­ thanked them for coming and started his erage of Miss Lake's portion of the pro­ concert with a tongue-in-cheek Marne gram because we couldn't take it any which was interspersed with wolf whistles, longer. What was that word we used in bells and sirens. The final chorus had connection with Winchester Cathedral? Mame doing a bump and grind routine. After a too brief "recovery period" - or Strangers in the Night was provided a intermission - it was a pleasure to once subtle framework with mutation-studded again hear the firm touch of Dick Schrum strings carrying the melody atop full MARTHA BOOTS ONE - Shy Martha Lake, just after shedding an enormous shoe giving out with a march version of Isn't chords while a solitary Tuba wailed a (lower right). She fooled some of the people ( Continu ed on Page 34) baritone obligato. Like most of the selec­ some of the time. tions heard during the program, the har­ mony was usually unusual and continu­ synonyms for "lousy" in his vocabulary. ally moving in smooth progressions She would start out very nicely on a tune around the melody notes. Falling in Love such as Fly Me To The Moon and then With Love started on a soft Tibia-Vox something horrible would happen to the combination and gradually developed melody. lt would somehow go sharp a into a large-scale, fast waltz of almost half-tone or the bottom would fall out of Viennese dimensions. the harmonic structure. These effects, After a kinura-spiked April Showers , coupled with the natural groans of a tor­ Dick opened the gag title "corn crib" with, tured instrument add up to a "happening" ". . . the frustrated sheepherder's song­ not soon forgotten. 'How about ewe?' It was peppered with Martha was her usual retiring, clumsy, some brassy riffs best described as "far inept, vapid self. She hadn't played a doz­ out." Blue Moon was played much as it en measures before the spiked heel of one sounds on Dick's Seattle Paramount rec­ of her No. 13's caught between two pedals. ord, with a slight variation on the melody Unlike Millie Alexander before her, she FROM THE BALCONY - With a mini­ which opens the door to some tantalizing reached down and grabbed the canal­ mum of 'exploration' time, Dick managed harmonic treatment. Winchester Cathe­ boat-sized pump and heaved it toward a to ferret out some rarely-heard combina­ dral had a slight regurgitational air about photographer who was getting too close. tions in the 'sea of stops.' He later reported it but after the "croaking chorus" was He retreated as it thumped to a landing that he had acquired a genuine affection over it got really "dirty." In complete on the stage apron. This she did with great for the oversized beast.

31 theatre organ I bombarde RALPH CHARLES' * "CHARLIE ROBERT MORTON"

by BOB HEIL

Retirement's not so bad when one has a Robert Morton as a plaything.

A dream came true to Ralph Charles of Columbus, Ohio , but not until it was nearly time for him to start receiving Uncle Sam's monthly pay check! Ralph had always loved the pipe organ and remembers going to the theatre just to sitting in the rocking chair, so the story block building behind his house. It used listen to the organ. that the Lincoln theatre 2-7 Robert Mor­ to be Ralph's machine shop. He has been building , designing and ton organ was up for sale interested him. Through sheer necessity he was forced flying airplanes for over 40 years and He bought the organ, even though it was to construct a console and a relay system when he finally got his feet back on the minus a console, and began the task of for the organ. This he did with beautiful ground he decided that he wasn't happy installing it in a large, well-built concrete results. The console is custom built by Ralph except for the manuals, pedal clavier, and the bench which he obtained from the local area Wicks representative. The relay was completely designed and built from scratch, from winding the springs to manufacturing the coils! An interesting note with regard to the relay system is that for 7 ranks it is only ap­ proximately 2½' x l' x 10"! Besides being extremely small it is very quiet. Its action is as fast as the regular pneumatic relays although it is direct-electric activated. The organ was ready to play about a year or so after the project began back in 1961. Ralph, who describes himself as a "do it yourselfer," then proceeded to en­ large the organ by adding a third man­ ual. Still not completely happy, he under­ took the huge task of manufacturing new chestwork for 10 more ranks as well as more relays - long before he had pipework to match. This didn't seem to bother Ralph; he now has the 3-17 stocked with pipes, playing and sounding marvelous. Friends call the independent Solo (top) manual "Charlie." The additional pipework to fill those 10

THE CONSOLE RALPH BUILT- Pictured at left. He did all the wood work that holds the manuals, stop keys and pedalboard.

June 1967 32 The Main Chamber houses the original 7- relays that Ralph has put together in his Ralph admires the pipework in his inde­ rank Morton pipe-work . "sp are time ," all from the left-over parts pendent Solo Chamber . th at he had from the 3-17 project. Again , have new ideas and innov a tions to manu­ ranks of new chests he built came from the classic organ has the "Charlie Robert facture for his " Charlie Robert Morton. " Morton " chests that Ralph built very loca l area churches and theatre buffs . Hi s Besides, he's going to move the instru­ much like the original chests Morton built latest rank was made from an ancient ment to a farm he purch ased recently in Vox Humana. By replacing the old res­ in the '20s. Southern , Ohio . What an opportunity to It's doubtful that the instrument will onators with new copper tubing , Charles make a few additions! produced a beautiful new Krummhorn . It ever be finished , because Ra lph is a very is a very rare and interesting Solo voice ingenious organ buff and will always ( Continu ed on Page 35) for the instrument. The organ is now in two chambers with the original Robert Morton 7 ranks in the Main and the 10 ranks of " Charles " in the Solo. The console is situated ap­ proximately l O feet in front of the two chambers and allows the organist to hear the entire ensemble very well. Overhead , above the console , is mounted a very in­ teresting metal harp . It was originally built by the Austin Organ company. The bars are very small in size and are mounted each on a stopped flute pipe , which has a small opening in its side for the bar. It is a 61 note harp and is mounted on a regular chest. As the air is blown into the foot of the pipe , it comes up through the resonator and inflates the leather pouch under the bar to which the hammer is attached. This hits the bar and the pipe then sustains that sound much longer than the usual harp would sustain. The back of the studio now has an 8 rank classic instrument playing from a 3 manual console and three of the small

The Austin Harp pictured at right, with the tunable Stopped Flute resonators .

33 theatre organ I bombarde is made of Glockenspiel and Triangle Medleys From Musicals, Jan Mekkes spice. playing the 4-14 Wurlitzer in the Tuschin­ The first part of Hard Hearted Hannah ski theatre, Amsterdam, Holland. Artone is played in real theatre organ style, pro­ PDR-122 (mono), For purchasing infor­ viding some of the best moments on the mation write to Duyvene & Remmers, record but then an overlong preoccupa­ N. V., Damrak 25, Amsterdam, Holland tion with percussions alone bog things (Netherlands). down until the final chorus where they Since the recent article in this publica­ pick up for a low-down denouement. tion about the Tuschinski theatre organ, Dick's own Green Apples is a pleasant there has been considerable interest in exercise in big organ period jazz. Lots the instrument. This recording is a de­ of novelty, including a bit of melody-on­ lightful surprise. Although the Wurlitzer chimes, lots of surprise accents and gag has been given a typical European voic­ effects , add up to solid entertainment ing, the sound is interesting and the artist value. A show stopper. is excellent. Jan Mekkes plays 5 and 6 The closer is a sweet and sentimental tune medleys of the music from Rose Where You Are Concerned, a lovely tune Marie, Oklahoma, Carousel, Annie Get The BOMBARD£ reviews organ record­ by organist Leonard MacClain (for wife Your Gun, and Showboat. They are played ings for official ATOE publications. Dottie). Dick exploits some beautiful in a jingling show biz style which exploits Manufacturers, distributors or individu­ combinations during the first part of this the facilities of the instrument fully. als sponsoring or merchandising theatre moving rendition. The last chorus gets Mr. Mekkes' approach to show tunes pipe organ records are encouraged to heavy with full organ but it's the closer will have a special appeal for U. S. lis­ send copies (Monaural, if possible) to teners. His medleys are carefully worked the BOMBARD£, Box 5013, Bendix Sta­ and time for Dick to take his musical tion, N. Hollywood, Calif. 91605. Be bow. An encouraging first try by a tal­ out, yet sound spontaneous. His bridges sure to include purchasing information, ented young com er. between tunes are skillfully conceived. if applicable. * * * Lots of variety in tempo and registration. Concert Time, with Dick Smith at the The Grand One, Cecil Cranfield at the This disc is worth the effort required to 3-13 Wurlitzer in Loew's theatre, Rich­ 5-127 Concert Organ in the Sydney (Aus­ import. mond, Va. Regular offering of the Organ tralia) Town Hall, Concert Recording oj the Month Club, Box 541, Lynwood, CR-CO I 4, same price and purchasing LA CHAPTER CONCERT, cont. Calif. No. CR-0013, in Stereoflex. $4.50 information as the previous record listed. it Romantic, as once played by Sidney postpaid. Comment on this recording is perhaps Torch at the Marble Arch Christie 4-37, This Could Be the Start of Something out of place in a theatre organ magazine he explained. Good provides an appropriate curtain except for the fact that Mr. Cranfield is After a smooth rendition of the Jobim raiser on a platter that contains some a fine theatre organist. However, he dis­ tune, Meditation, (lots of marimba plus surprises. This tune, played with lots of plays only his classical side on this rec­ serpent riffs), Dick played a current juke moxie on full combinations , is reminis­ ord, with skillfully played concert pieces box hit, Something Stupid , then did a cent of John Seng during his Beyond the and transcriptions by composers such medley of standards which included such Blue Horizon period. Autumn in New as Karg-Elert, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, all-time favorites as Dancing in the Dark, York runs for 5 minutes and 47 seconds, Mendelsohn, Verdi and traditional. As Time Goes By, a toe-tapping Out of every one a delight. Dick is a master of The sound is majestic and ponderous , Nowhere and Paradise . the slow build-up technique, wherein a the general effect, dolorous. To those Organ jazz was well represented by Call slow crescendo continues throughout the curious about the sound of the world's Me and the Anthony Newly set included tune . Treatment is generally subtle. The only 64-foot open reed, it sounds on our As Long as She Needs Me. Next it was More I Want You is rhythmic but re­ player like deep-throated thunder hover­ boogie-woogie time for a Bill Doggett­ strained, with lots of percussion coloring. ing above the music without being a part style Honky-Tonk Train. It was wild. Good contemporary organ jazz. of it. Mr. Cranfield does a fine job of Dick Schrum's closer was appropriately Teddy Bears' Picnic, an oldie fr9m pre­ making pneumatic action articulate and dedicated to the ATOE National Secre­ talkie days, is intended as a cute, innoc­ we look forward to hearing him play a tary (to whom he happens to be wed); I uous intermezzo. In Dick 's hands it's theatre instrument. Hadn't Anyone 'ti/ You, performed in top often a bit grotesque, more like Hallo­ This record is of interest mainly to col­ ballad style for Marilyn, who was present. ween music, with one spook doing a lectors of concert organ music; there's After receiving a generous hand, Dick ghostly Kinura solo while the Tuba grunts nothing T. 0. about it. made motions toward returning for an a threatening bass. * * * encore. Just as he got seated, a foghorn Dick's at his best during Cape Cod, of­ Music For Theater Organ - No. 2,Fred- voice from the audience roared, "TEMP­ fering it as a sweeping ballad in gentle erick . Bayco at the Gaumont State, Kil­ TATION RAG!" Dick looked a little rhythm with beaucoup appeal and highly burn, Wurlitzer. His Master's Voice No . startled for a moment, then sat down and spiced registration, although the use of CLP 3505 (mono). Released by E. M. I. produced a thoroughly nineteen-fifteen full organ for a whole chorus and a Records, Hayes-Middlesex, England. quick-step rendition of Tempation Rag tacked on, dissonant, unrelated coda may Outside of the Parade of the Wooden with all the cliche fillers and corn-fed be­ seem like too much to some listeners. Soldiers (misprinted tin soldiers on the tween-phrase razzamatazz. It turned out Six minutes during which the variety jacket), Nevin's Narcissus and Offen­ to be one of his best numbers. Then the is chiefly in tempo and volume just about bach's Barcarolle, these are mostly tunes console decended back into the pit and the saturates our ethnic interest, although unfamiliar to American ears. Most are show was over. Later, Dick showed up in the final frenzied measures sound a lot pleasant intermezzi of the type one might the lobby to meet his public and auto­ like silent movie run-away train music. have heard during unexciting portions graph programs or records. It had been The title is Zorba, the Greek. of silent films. The playing is competent a good program and the ATOE Prexy The Doll Dance suffers from a repeat­ but uninspired. The recording is good and had maintained a high level of interest edly inaccurate melody line although the the organ sounds good. Jacket notes are throughout. Fortunately, Martha Lake treatment is interesting and skillful use by the artist. was nowhere in evidence - and just as well.

June 1967 34 RALPH CHARLES, continued ---- (.,Co ntinu ed f rom PaRe 33 )

"Montalba" Rides Again! Crown Rec­ ords seems to have acquired the Lee Erwin-Monta/ba-Ashley-Tapp an etc . set originally recorded and released by Som­ merset Records , later (in part ) by Vogue (Organ Moods-Set No. 116) and ARA (mighty Pipe Organ-Set No . 6). On Crown (Single ) CLP 5526, Lee Erwin plays the part of Monta/ba . It's identic al Just completed relay for the Morton. with Lee Erwin 's Oldies for Pipe Organ Ralph's aircraft experience in miniaturiza­ (Sommerset) but the label says George What appears to be an upright washboard tion was most useful. The square in the Monta/ba . Wonder what became of Bob is Ralph's self-designed and executed relay foreground provides a yardstick to estimate Hunter , the original Monta/ba ? Last we for the pipework behind it. the size of unit, which is normally a monster. heard he was in Australia. . . . Those who wrote to Command Records con­ STOP LIST FOR RALPH CHARLES' 3-17 PIPE ORGAN cerning release of the Ashley Miller tape done with the late NY Par amount 4-36 SOLO (top manual controls GREAT PEDAL Wurlitzer (as suggested in this column ), independent ranks ) CHIMES BOURDON 16 ' 8 ' report they received courteous replies Tl BIA 8 " 4 · 22/2' 2 · XYLOPHONE DIAPHONE 16 ' 8' stating that the tape was being considered FLUTE 8 ' 4 · 22/2' 2 · ORCHESTRA BELLS TUBA 16 ' 8 ' for fall 1967 release. Here 's hoping they DIAPASON 8 ' 4 · CHRYSOGLOTT VIOL 8' follow through and thanks to Eric Reeve STRING 8 ' 4 ' TIBIA 8 ' 4 ' for the suggestion. GEMSHORN 8" ACCOMPANIMENT DIAPASON 4 · The many people who enjoyed the TRUMPET 8" 4 ' (Robert Morton) ACCO MP -TO -PEDAL taped Christmas program played by Jim OBOE 8' 4· TIBIA 16 ' 8' 4· 22/2' 2· GREAT-TO -PEDAL Orcutt on a 3-10 Robert Morton inst alled CLARINET 8' 4 ' FLUTE 8' 4 · SOLO -TO -PEDAL in a Tulsa, Oklahoma , church (see Rec­ KRUMMHORN 8' CELLO 16 ' 8 ' 4· * GREAT & ACCOMP ord Reviews , April issue), will be pleased SOLO -TO -SOLO 16 ' DIAPASON 16 ' 8' 4 · CYMBAL CRASH to learn that Jim has recorded a disc­ GLOCK TUBA 16 ' 8 ' 4 · SNARE DRUM full of pops and standards on the same SOLO -TO -SOLO (Trick Coupler) VOX HUMANA 8' 4· TYMPANI organ for early release. Miked by Cen­ KIN URA 8' 4 ' BASS DRUM tury Recording , the disc will offer such GREAT (Robert Morton) ACCOMP -TO -ACCOMP . 16 ' tunes as End of a Perfect Day , My Dear TIBIA 16 ' 8' 8 ' 22/2' 2· 1-3/ 5' CHRYSOGLOTT TREMOLOS (Jan Garber ork radio theme) , Lara 's FLUTE 8 ' 4 ' 22/2' 2· METAL HARP TIBIA Theme , and Noche de Ronda . Jim says CELLO 16 ' 8 ' 4 ' CASTANETS SOLO CHAMBER this recording will be properl y edited. DIAPASON 16 ' 8' 4 ' TAMBOURINE VOX HUMANA TUBA 16' 8 ' 4 · SNARE DRUM His Christmas tape was a one take re­ MAIN cording of an entire concert and he VOX HUMANA 8 ' 4 ' WOOD BLOCK worried about not being at my best on KINURA 8 ' 4 ' SLEIGHT BELLS GREAT-TO -GREAT 16' 4· TOM TOM every tune. He took plenty of time with GREAT-TO -GREAT (Trick Coupler) CYMBAL CRASH each tune this time - then usually selected the first take for the platter. SOLO -TO -GREAT 16 ' 8' * GREAT & ACCOMP are original 2-7 ROBERT MORTON opus #2405, For many years Paul Carson 's Bridge built in 1928 for Ogden (now Lincoln) theatre, Columbus. Ohio. to Dreamland NBC radio show was a staple for organ enthusiasts on the West ft u Coast. He later recorded extensivel y for -- u ----- SEND IN CHAPTER NEWS Alma Records but the platters were never ADVERTISERS!! pushed and have since disappeared from . . dealer 's racks. We have now learned that Send All Material . . nearly all records he recorded are still available , many of the later ones in stereo. . .. and Inquiries Those interested may send for a list: .. . For Advertising To . . Alma Records , Inc., 18108 Parthenia . . Membership cordially invited - USA­ Street , Northridge , Calif. , 91324. Prices . • $3.00 per year, includes a regular news are $3.98 and $4.98 for stereo , postpaid . .. DEWEY CAGLE-AD MGR ...... magazine containing news items, record All records listed (43) are played on . reviews, articles on electronic organs 3291 GUIDO STREET . . pipes except for Nos. 183 l and 1832 and specifications of theatre organs in OAKLAND, CALIF. 94602 .. . (Hammond). The organs are the former . . .. . all States of Australia . NBC Hollywood studio part-Welte , The .. . Address all communications to THE Warner 's theatre Robert Morton in Fres ­ ...... HONORABLE SECRETARY, T.O.S.A., no, Calif., and an unidentified organ in ...... 10 Caloola Road, Wentworthville, N.S.W . Salt Lake City .

35 FAMED silent film director Allan Dwan over the Keaton antics in this trip across (he worked with Douglas Fairbanks) beautiful Canada. lives in quiet retirement in Hollywood. PROBABLY the most revealing Keaton production ever made about the laugh * * * maker is the black-and-while 55-minute TH EATRE organists are not among production , Buster Keaton Rides Again. those who long for the good old days ­ The film is the story of how the Railrod­ especi ally pay days. Between 1915 and der was produced. A sound crew followed 1920 many aspiring theatre organists the Keat on k/an across Canada . The worked 7 hours per day and seven days who, what, why and how of Kea ton art­ per week for $30! Skilled musicians toiled istry was recorded in Keaton 's own the same hours for $18 and up per week . words. To see these two films together We found these facts in a 1918 film trade is cinema enjoyment at its ultimate. Both publication want ad. films are available from the nearest of­ jice of Contemporar y Films . ~ DIRECTED BY * * * _,...,.,~YLE W. NASH WHO'S WHERE-Dolores Costello lives in Fallbrook near Los Angeles . . . Clarence Brown, who directed seven ( out ClassifiedAds GEORG IA Hale , the beautiful feminine of 30) Greta Garbo productions, likes lead in Chaplin 's Gold Ru sh still lives in the restful life of his ranch not far from FOR SALE Books : Whitworth 's Cinema and Holl ywood. Recentl y she reflected on Culver City . . . Another MGM direc­ Theatre Organs $15 .00. Wurlit zer Hope-Jon es 1967: " Marlon Brando would have been tor, Robert Z. Leonard lives in the Holly­ Unit Orchestra $3.95 . Wurlitzer Unit Organs a great actor in silent films. My choice wood Hills with his wife Gertrude Olm­ $4.50. Wurlit zer Theatre Organ Fact Book, for great actress of today is dynamic stead. $2.00. Audsley 's Art of Organ Building , two Simone Signoret. " Miss Hale , inactive in volumes, $15 .00. Postpaid. Organ Literature films for many years , feels that many * * * Foundation, Nashu a, New Hampshire 03060. FOR SALE Modern Harmony for Organ. Free film personalities of 1967 might not have CRANE Wilbur , once among the most scored in the silent era. brochure. 17410 Gilmore St., Van Nuys , Calif. handsome of Hollywood leading men, 91406 . lives in Toluca Lake not far from War­ * * * FOR SALE Dorsett Electronics Theatre Organ, ner Brothers studio. He still works on three manuals , chimes, all-transistor , with one plays and screenplays. Dorsett tone-cabinet and one Leslie tone-cabi­ PAULINE Starke (Mrs. George Sher­ net , two years old, walnut finish . $2500 .00 wood ) lives in happy retirement in Los * * * Mrs. Andy Hickman, 1018 N .W. 35th , Okla­ Angeles. CHARLES Chaplin, Gertrude Astor , homa City , Okla. 73118 . Telephone (405 ) 528-5454. * * * and Minta Durfee Arbuckle have worked before the movie cameras for 40 to 50 FOR SALE 2 manual 7 rank Wurlitzer The­ atre Organ with Chimes. 2H P single-phase years . Hardly what one would call a FOR 50 years California has been pro­ blower. $2500 . Judd Walton, 227 Texas St. , flash-in-the-pan career. ducing the world's finest theatre organists . Vallejo, Calif. 8-4 :30 PM (415)-TH 3-9600 ; 5-6 PM (707)-642-0636. Few will dispute the peerless art of Jesse * * * Crawford, Gaylord Carter and George FOR SALE Allen Custom 3 manual Theatre Wright. There were once 1001 other noble SOME 36 years have passed into cine­ Deluxe Electronic organ , complete with full console kings over the nation . A promis­ ma history since a silent film comed y traps and tuned percussion, 5 general presets ing prospect for future theatre organ re­ has been made. Now one has been made and toe studs , 5 speaker cabinets with 200 watts of audio power. All solid state electronics . Less nown is 22-year-old Lyn Larsen . He 's with one of the great comics of all time. The Canadian National Film Board has than 2 years old with 3 year warranty left. been playing cinema instruments for four Price $10,000 . E.C. Field, Sherwood Farms , years and shows much talent. created a gem in The Railrodder with Charlottesville , Va . 22901 Buster Keaton. ~ FOR SALE Pipe Organ complete original * * * ~ - - ~ condition. William 0. Morrison, 5152 Sound Avenue , Everett , Washington FA6-7343 . COLLECTORS of silent motion pic­ FOR SALE Marr & Colton Relay and Switch­ tures lament that most Mary Pickford stack. 2 /5 plus traps. Currently playing . films are not available. A leading distri­ $300.00 Richard Warburton, 17043 8th NE , butor of vintage features expects to have Seattle , Washington . Pickford films ( or clips) for sale by 1970. FOR SALE Robert-Morton 2m /8r , excellent condition and complete with traps and per­ * * * cussions. Best offer over $2000. E. Nawyn, 109 N 12th St. , Paterson , N.J . 07508. EIGHT of the "best comedy films of all FOR SALE Two Manual, ten rank Wurlit­ time" were silents. So reports the Cana­ zer console with 2nd touch , mahogany $500 . dian Centennial Commission from results Xylophone, glockenspeil, toy counter, trap set, of a poll of historians and critics. Charlie KEATON re-leathered $500 complete. Robert E. Ridge­ Chaplin's 1925 Gold Rush was top THIS film is the most perfect blend of way, Box 343, Barnesville, Ohio 43713. choice. Next came Buster Keaton's 1926 a documentary, travelogue and comedy FOR SALE Barton Pipe Organ, 2 manual 12 The General. Number 10 was Harold yet assembled in 28 minutes of brilliant ranks, John Cooley, 2005 West Main St., Mun­ Lloyd's Safety Last of 1923. Chaplin 's Technicolor. There is an enchanting cie, Indiana 47303. Shoulder Arms and City Lights were sound track but sad-faced Buster utters FOR SALE Allen 3 manual Theatre organ, named. Buster Keaton's Navigator and nary a sound. Those who love the old used. Victor Pianos and Organs, 300 NW 54th Sherlock , Jr. were also listed. sight gags of silent film days will go wild St. , Miami, Florida 33127 (751-7502) .

June 1967 36 his Inglewood home. Being something of and composing, because Bart Wright a "loner," this was no great sacrifice. was gifted not only with an ear for music Nothing was more important than getting but with the ability to compose themes C!tlnsingC!tt,nril his organ playing . Jim was never what and settings as needed. might be termed a joiner; he sometimes He first gained public notice playing Jim Braun arrived in Los Angeles from attended TOC and ATOE concerts but opposite Paul H. Forster and Lew Baker Seattle seven years ago with one burning never became affiliated with any organ at the Syracuse Empire, althought he ambition - to own a theatre organ. He club. There just wasn't time. had played in other houses (the Syra­ was well schooled in the technique of ser­ Jim teamed with Chuck Smith and the cuse Eckel and the Rome Capitol) for vicing and restoring player pianos and project was well under way , with the some years . His theatre career came to he soon built up a reputation for excel­ building completed and much of the or­ full fruition when he replaced Herbert lent work among player piano afficion­ gan installed, when Jim learned that he Henderson shortly after the opening of ados , and a remunerative trade . had Leukemia. That was about two years the Syracuse Regent's 3-13 Marr and ago. But at a point where many people Colton organ in 1927 (for several years are inclined to give up , Jim pitched in with the largest TO in Syracuse). There he renewed vigor . Now he had real reason to played not only for silent movies but hurry because he wasn't certain as to how presented top-flight "sing-alongs " (then much time he had left. He never com­ called "organlogues " ). He left the Regent plainea to friends or even let on how ill to open Harry Gilbert senior 's atmos­ he was and many learned the extent of pheric neighborhood Riviera theatre on his acting ability only by the notice in South Salina Street in 1929, a "talkie " the newspapers. house but one where Bart 's "Organ­ Jim Braun , 25, died on March 17, logues " , played on a 2-6 Wurlitzer , flour­ leaving a mother and father in Seattle . ished for the next few years. The future of his 22-rank Wurlitzer and its special building in Inglewood , Cali­ fornia , was assured by the determination of Jim 's partner , Chuck Smith , to com­ plete the project. Chuck plans to make the organ and building available to or­ gan clubs and concert groups, with rental fees to go toward a lasting memorial to Jim Braun - a Leukemia Foundation which will bear Jim's name.

The profits went into buying organ * * * parts and a building in which to house Bart Wright was a tall , skinny guy with Bart Wright Circa 1926 the instrument. Jim was a perfectionist eyesight so bad that he had to turn out As the demand for organists lessened and he tackled his project accordingly. the console lights in order to see the pic­ in the early '30 's, Bart could be heard Every spare moment was devoted to the ture on the screen , ever so dimly. Read­ playing his song slide novelties at the organ project. Not being financially able ing from the rack was out of the question, Syracuse (later the Civic) theatre 's 3-10 to buy the kind of building he felt his in­ so he memorized thousands of composi­ Marr and Colton, where burlesque was strument deserved, he did most of the con­ tions needed to cue silent movies. If his the usual program. They even gave him struction owrk himself on an addition to personality seemed somewhat lacklustre marquee billing along with a succession it was because he was a shy man , but of "top bananas. " During this period he one who, nevertheless , made an imposing often returned to his beloved Regent or­ VOX POP, continued figure in the glare of the spotlight as he gan for late-night broadcasts from WFBL. ( Continu ed j i·o111Pa ge JO) played a solo or took his bow. In the Little was heard of him after 1935, the it was a concert by Kay McAbee with a middle and late '20's his gaunt figure year the Regent was remodeled minus silent movie cued by Tom Ferree (the and sharp features might be seen at a the organ , which was junked. Uniphone's owner and champion). For number of Central New York theatres Bart Wright was the son of a Syracuse May it was to be a joint A TOE-AGO before the show or on break - but never police chief, and had two brothers, Leroy chapter meeting and the possibility that at the console unless it was spotlighted and George Wright (the latter was a doc­ some AGOer would play some classics because as previously mentioned, he did tor). In later years, Bart turned to edu­ on the Uniphone. Reginald Foort had all his playing sans console and rack cation, and the last five years of his life proved it a worthy instrument for con­ lights. That is a summary of the surface were invested in teaching at a home for cert music with a surprise rendition of impressions one was apt to get of Bar­ retarded children. In earlier years he had Bach 's Toccata and Fuge in D Minor tholomew P. Wright , but there is lots quite a number of organ students but during his stint at the Rivoli last Decem­ more. If one took the trouble to cultivate only two can be recalled. One , a gifted ber. "Bart" Wright, a warm and kindly hu­ singer and entertainer, Jackie Shannon, In San Francisco, Lyn Larsen was man being materialized, one who loved quit the secular life to become Rev. John having the time of his life, and loving it. music and the theatre organ. And when Shannon. The other, Stu Green, showed Lyn, now the staff organist at the Avenue he started playing a theatre organ, an up years later as one of the editors of theatre (the silent movie house with the entirely different Bart Wright came to the this magazine. big Wurlitzer), is a "natural" at cueing fore. He used the tone colors of the solo­ Bart Wright died on May l, after a silent films reports Dewey Cagle ( Dewey voiced Marr and Coltons in the Syracuse brief illness in the city he left but briefly spends his weekends there). Audiences Empire and Regent theatres with a flair in his span of 75 years. - Syracuse, New are getting larger and part-owner Ed for drama but always in excellent taste. York. He would like the way the Herald­ Stout credits Lyn's close-fitting, sensitive His weaving of "leit motifs" during silent Journal headed his obituary; scores to a large extent. film scores was a study in both arranging "B. P. Wright Dies: Theatre Organist.

37 theatre organ I bombarde How do you describe the Rodgers Sound? You don't. It's an experience. You feel the sweet singing tibias-the subtle tonal colorings of the strings, reeds, and brass-the one big beautiful sound that wraps itself all around you ... and you feel it right down to the tips of your toes.

Play it and see. Rodgers has a whole new world of musical pleasure waiting just for you.

RODGERS ORGAN COMPANY Factory Showrooms: 1300 N.E. 25th Ave. San Francisco -183 Golden Gate Ave. Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 Chicago - 324 South Wabash