Orbil ID™e eclronic 1ynihe1izer P,UJ ~ -~o~reO1pinel organ equo1...

~e newe1Iway lo mo Wurlitzer you can create new synthesized sounds in­ closing the chamber louvers. stantly. ·.. in performance. And with the built-in Orbit III synthesizer, this This new Wurlitzer instrument is also a theatre organ, instrument can play exciting combinations of synthe­ with a sectionalized vibrato/tremolo, toy counter, in­ sized, new sounds, along with traditional organ music. A dependent tibias on each keyboard and the penetrating built-in cassette player/recorder lets you play along with kinura voice that all combine to recreate the sounds of pre-recorded tapes for even more dimensions in sound. the twenty-ton Mighty Wurlitzers of silent screen days. But you've got to play the Orbit III to believe it. And it's a cathedral/classical organ, too, with its own in­ Stop in at your Wurlitzer dealer and see the Wurlitzer dividually voiced diapason, reed, string and flute voices. 4037 and 4373. Play the eerie, switched-on sounds New linear accent controls permit you to increase or of synthesized music. Ask for your free Orbit III decrease the volume of selected sections suddenly, or demonstration record. Or write: Dept. T0-27 2 WURLilzER® The Wurlitzer Company, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. ha.4'the ,Tag cover- Photo •.. One of the organs to be featured at this years National Convention, July 10-14, 1972, is the 3/15 Wurlitzer in the Loew's Theatre, Richmond, Virginia.

Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society in thii iiiue ••• Volume 14, No. 1 • February, 1972

ATOS National Membership is $8.00 per cal­ FEATURES endar year, which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of 5 Bert Buhrman and the School of the Ozark's Wurlitzer. . . Lloyd E. Klos the American Theatre Organ Society. Single 10 The Blending of Traditions...... John Muri copies: $1 .25. Make check or money order 11 Home Organ Festival ...... G. Bandini payable to ATOS, and mail to P. 0. Box 306, 12 Bobbie Irvin and the "Mighty Mo". . . Ray Brubacher North Haven, Connecticut 06473. 13 The Empty Envelope ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 15 Complete Wurlitzer List EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE SENT TO ATOS PUBLICATIONS 25 Everything Happened to Me ...... • . Rex Koury P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dick Schrum, Box DEPARTMENTS 7 422, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Wash. 98133. 4 Acre of Seats 20 Vox Pops 32 Nuggets from the Golden Days ATOS National Officers 14 Hollywood Cavalcade 24 Closing Chord 33 Chapter Notes Stillman Rice, President Lee Erwin, Vice President 16 For the Records 28 Snippets from England 39 Classified Ads Mory Bowles, Secretary-Treasurer 19 Dinny's Colyum 29 Letters to the Editor Mildred Rice, Executive Secretary Barbara Hubbard, Membership Secretary ATOS National Board of Directors Mary Bowles Gaylord Carter Lee Erwin Allen W. Rossiter Allen Miller Richard Simonton February 5th marks the 17th Anniversary of Ron Willfong Judd Walton the American Theatre Organ Society. Albert T. Mason, Past President My thanks to all the National Officers, Board of ATOS Honorary Members Directors, the Editorial Staff and to all Chapters 1959-Jesse Crawford 1960-Farny Wurlitzer and members who made contributions to our 1961-Mel Doner Theatre Organ publication during the past year. 1962-Leonard MocClain I think of no better way to start 1972 than to 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 1964-Reginald Foort review the purposes for which our great association 1965-Dan Barton was formed: 1966-W. "Tiny" James "To preserve and further the use and understand­ 1967-Erwin A. Young, Jr. 1968-Richard C. Simonton ing of the Theatre Pipe Organ and its music and to 1969-Judd Walton publish a periodical concerning the instrument." 1970-Bill Lamb Membership renewals are very satisfactory in 1971-George and Vi Thompson r------HALL OF FAME ----- addition to new members and requests for membership applications. To our mem­ bers, may I urge that you aid in building the membership of ATOS by inviting your DON BAKER F. DONALD MILLER JESSE CRAWFORD C. SHARPE MINOR friends to meetings and concerts and if they are interested, ask them to join. Also MRS. JESSE CRAWFORD HENRY B. MURTAGH EDDIE DUNSTEDTER RAY SHELLEY if any member thinks a Chapter of ATOS could be formed in their area, please LEE ERWIN ARSENE SIEGAL inform National Headquarters. FRED FEIBEL Ml L TON SLOSSER REGINALD FOORT FIRMIN SWINNEN Again it is time to nominate members for the National Board of Directors to ARTHUR GUTOW SIDNEY TORCH serve a two-year term. Any members interested in serving as a director, kindly SIGMUND KRUMGOLD OLIVER WALLACE LEONARD MacCLAIN LEW WHITE make this known to your Chapter Chairman or National Headquarters. It is my pleasure to announce the following Internal Revenue Service classi­ EDITORIAL STAFF fication for the American Theatre Organ Society, Dated December 7, 1971. Editor - George Thompson Quote: We have evaluated your foundation status notification and, based on the Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher Lloyd E. Klos information you submitted, we have determined that you are not a private foun­ Peg Nielsen dation within the meaning of section 509 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code because Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green you are an organization described in section 509 (a) (2). Publisher - Al Mason Art Director - Don Lockwood Donors may deduct contributions to you, as provided by section 170 of the Advertising Manager - Dick Schrum Code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to you or for your use are Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes under sections 2055, 2106, and THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U. S. Patent 2522 of the Code. Office) is published bi-monthly by the American This ruling modifies our ruling to you holding you exempt under section Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit organ­ ization, Stillman H. Rice, President. All rights 501 (c) (7) of the Code. reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1970 by Our ID No. 94610-1867 ATOS, Inc., Office of publication is P. 0. Box "ORGANIZE your fun at the 17th ANNUAL CONVENTION "IN TUNE 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. FOR YOU IN '72". , POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send ~;{(~ form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. Stillman H. Rice, President

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 3 AN ACRJE OJF §JEAT§ ICN A JPAJLACJE OJF §JPJLJENJD)OR

(Photo courtesy - Helgesen collection) By BillPeterson, Number 25 in a series

FOX THEATRE - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

The San Diego Fox was designed by the California architectual firm of Weeks and Day, who did many houses in that state. This theatre opened on November 8, 1928. Although the console does not show in this photo, the house has a Robert Morton organ which is in "good health" and used occasionally for concerts.

4 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN ~ERT ~UHRMAN and the School

by Lloyd E. Klos

When one thinks of the Ozark region served as organist at St. John's and at over WOQ,owned by the Unity School of Missouri, he envisions hillbillies, the Electric Theatre. Bert says that of Christianity, using 2/ 5 and 3 / 10 rattlesnakes, hilly terrain, rocks etc. Stambach was an excellent teacher Wurlitzers. Bert wonders what hap­ Little does he realize that culture has and a fine musician. Recitals were held pened to these instruments which play­ taken a strong foothold in the area - in the Martin Building where there ed by remote control from the Wur­ culture in the form of a magnificent were several studios and a recital hall. litzer Building on Grand Avenue. Wurlitzer theatre organ in the School While attending Kansas City Junior In 1933, he had a program using of the Ozarks at Pt. Lookout, Mo. College in 1932-33, Buhrman played organ and piano on WHB in Kansas The installation is fast gaining in pop­ City. The organ was a 3/5 Wicks ularity and will serve as a stopping from the Jenkins Music Company. place on the concert circuit as time While at the University of Kansas at passes. at Lawrence in 1934-36, he played To completely tell the story of organ and piano programs on WREN, this magnificent undertaking, we must owned by Jenny Wren Mills, now in first review the background of the man Topeka. Organ programs were broad­ who helped make it possible, organist cast from the Reuter Factory on a Bert Buhrman. small studio organ, and on each new Bert was ten when he began play­ organ in the erection room as it was ing the pipe organ at St. John's Epis­ set up for final adjustments before copal Church in Springfield, Mo. He Bert Buhrman and the restored console. The was a student of Glen Stamback, who wreck caved in the left side, stop rails were sprung, board behind the pedals buckled, and several pedals were broken. The suitable bass button for the accompaniment manual was never found. (Bert Buhrman collection) shipping. "The title was changed to Big Payoff". force in 194 7. But when the radio 'construction room' for the benefit Gradually, starting in 1936, pipe shows switched to TV, I went with of the radio audiences," Bert says. organs had began disappearing from them. It became even greater. They Bert was graduated from the Uni­ radio programs to be replaced by would record the TV show and con­ versity of Kansas with an A. B. degree electronics which were maintenance­ tinue it on radio for which they had and a major in music, which didn't free and movable. So, Buhrman, like to pay us. As a result, it was almost exactly please his pharmacist father many other organists, had totlearn the impossible to take a vacation - the who wanted our budding musician intricacies of the new instruments. job had become a treadmill." to be a doctor. "There were a lot of organists While living in Ridgefield, Con­ But, music won out. After grad­ around New York," he says, "but necticut, Bert played the organ in St. uation, Buhrman returned to Kansas not too many of them got much work. Mary's Church for three years. Here he City and joined newly-opened KCMO The work was mainly background met the future Mrs. Buhrman, a widow. as musical director. A featured pro­ music for soap operas, quiz shows and He was widowed in 1957 as was his gram was an all-girl orchestra which commercials. The stations didn't want wife-to-be. Each had been married he directed. He also played the organs to use much rehearsal time, so they twenty years. She was going back to in the Newman and Main Street the­ got people they knew and kept giving England to live in 1958, but Bert atres, both since renamed. He ac­ them the programs. So, if you got followed her, presuaded her to marry compained slides for sing-alongs, play­ into this little inner circle, it was just him there, after which they returned ed for vaudeville acts, and gave special great. to the states. presentations. His pay for doing eight "Not until the mid-1950's did the When Mrs. Buhrman's daughter, shows a day was $37.50 a week. musicians' union, local 802 allow Suzanne, desired to enter a college From 1936 to 1940, he was work­ musical recordings on the networks. other than one in the east, Bert's sug­ ing seven days a week, including eight Every day, I would run clear across gestion of Drury College in Springfield, shows on radio and five daily shows Manhattan from CBS to NBC to do a Mo. was followed. Here, the pieces in the theatre. 30-second Crisco commercial. which led to the Wurlitzer installation, In 1940, New York City beckoned "But, it was worth it. We were well began to fall into place. Bert had and he hied to the big town as CBS paid. However, trying to get across longed to get back to the Ozark region staff organist, a position he held until Fifth Avenue, especially during a pa­ as a release from big-city pressures, the end of 1962. He also did equal rade, was one of the wackiest things having maintained an interest in the time with NBC, ABC and the Mutual imaginable. Then I'd have to repeat School of the Ozarks by contributing Radio Network. CBS didn't give any the process in returning to CBS. to the student fund for years. vacation time or sick leave, but offset "Many of the radio musicians feared On a visit to the latter college, the this by arranging schedules so the TV, and resisted it when it became a president, M. Graham Clark, and artists could accept other assignments. "It was very good," Bert says, "but a Bert Buhrman and the head of the student crew on organ maintenance, James Fisher, clean the reed of a Tuba pipe with a five -dollar bill. National currency does not leave lint when used good way to wear one's self out!" in this fashion. - (Bert Buhrman collection) From 1943 to 1945, he served in the army. His miseries with asthma prevented his going overseas, and he was stationed at Astoria, Long Island. With a dozen others from Tin Pan Alley, he helped issue the Army Hit Kit. The group also recorded back­ ground music for training films and performed other tasks for Special Services. Following the war, and for the remaining years spent in New York, Bert Buhrman worked 12 to 18 hours a day. In addition to his duties as organist, he did orchestra work which included directing a 20-piece ensemble for "The American School of the Air", writing much of the dramatic music. Among the radio shows which he affiliated were "Sherlock Holmes", "Bulldog Drummond", and Joyce Jor­ dan, Girl lnterne ". Television credits included "Strike It Rich" and "The

6 Buhrman in discussing pipe organs, wanted to secure one for the chapel. A church in Springfield, Ohio was giving up its large Skinner because improper chambers prevented max­ imum effect. The college secured it, the money to install it coming from Mrs. W. Alton Jones, whose husband, an oil magnate, was killed in a plane crash. For 15 years, Bert Buhrman had played for "The Guiding Light" on radio and later on television. This was his final scheduled program before folding his tent for the return to the middle west. So, in February 1963, Mr. and Mrs. Buhrman closed their Victorian-style house, shipped their possessions, air­ expressed their three tranquilized cats, loaded their golden retriever into their Thunderbird and were off to Missouri. Bert thought he had eased himself The Wurlitzer is housed in this splendid edifice, the Nettie Marie Jones Learning Center. The into semi-retirement after years of auditorium is to the left. The College of the Ozarks is 40 miles south of Springfield, Mo. broadcasting, church work and re­ (Bert Buhrman collection) cording, but upon arriving at Pt. Look­ out, Mo., forgot about ignoble ease, ORGAN' about the instrument Bob and everything was thrown in all and continued the strenuous life. His Dilworth had secured for the John directions. campus duties included overseeing the Dickinson High School in Wilmington, The trailer lay in the ditch for four installation of the 2300-pipe Skinner Del. from RKO. He advised me to days before it could be removed. The in Williams Chapel. An electronic had contact Walter Froelich of RKO. In workers who tried to get it out and previously provided the music. The the late sixties, the RKO-Stanley­ wheels put under it said it looked Skinner installation was dedicated as Warner chain was disposing of its re­ hopeless. Didn't we want them to a memorial to W. Alton Jones. maining pipe organs in theatres by just 'dump the whole business in a "I had been looking for an organ giving them to colleges, schools and nearby quarry?' for years to put into my own studio;' other tax-free institutions. Mr. Froelich "At hearing this," says Bert, "I rose Bert relates, "but never could find looked over our credentials, and made in righteous wrath and said, 'Certainly what I wanted. Evidently the Lord was available to us the 3 / 15 Wurlitzer which not! At least, send it here and let me looking after me not to let me get it had been installed in RKO Keith's look at this thing I had worked so long that way. The new theatre in the Nettie Theatre in Flushing, N.Y. in 1928. and diligently to get.' As things turned Marie Jones Learning Center had room Once again, Mrs. Jones provicled funds out, there were many times I wished for an organ, but no thought had been for installation. This lady loves pipe I had let them dump it as they wished. given toward doing anything about organs! "An ironic twist occured which was it. The large electronic we had taken Arrangements were made to re­ of benefit to us. I didn't go to New out of the chapel and put into the move the organ during late August York; not being mechanical, I didn't theatre. 1969 between semesters. A crew of want to waste the money. I would have "I mentioned to Dr. Clark one day students was sent with two trucks loved to have heard the organ in its that I thought it would be nice for us under the supervision of a professional original home, however. The crew to have a theatre organ, never thinking technician to do the work. They work­ couldn't move the relays, so left them he'd like the idea. To my surprise, he ed nights and mornings when the in the theatre. Probably the wreck thought it a capital suggestion, but theatre was not in use. would have put them into a state how to get one? We had been so On the return trip, the large trans­ beyond repair. Mr. Froelich took them fortunate the first time when I found port truck was sideswiped on a hill out months later, and sent them to us. the Skinner up for grabs. Would good near Salem, Indiana. The tractor was "The odds seemed insurmountable luck strike again? But, here is where completely demolished. Miraculously, when we began trying to work on THEATRE ORGAN Magazine takes no one was killed, though one boy had what must have been the biggest jig­ a well-deserved bow. to have knee surgery. The load shifted saw puzzle of all time, trying to fit "I tried everything, was successful six feet forward and out the front of broken and crushed parts back to­ in nothing until I read in 'THEATRE the trailer. Damage was considerable, gether in the basement of the audi-

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 7 torium in the Jones Building where was finally playing, somewhat. Then thought they had come early enough. the whole mess was unloaded and began the long shakedown period of Burt says that the Wurlitzer now spread around. trying to get things regulated and sounds as it was intended when first "Much of the work was done in the sounding properly, plus having such manufactured. "The experts now agree various school shops, and a fine job things as broken wires continuing to that we have a sound very similar to it was. So much of the task was of a crop up. the famous Paramount Theatre studio nature never attempted here, but the "After a disastrous experience with organ in New York which Jesse Craw­ insight of the men and students was a firm I had engaged, I finally heard ford used for his recordings and broad­ nothing short of remarkable. about David Junchen and he came casts. "Of course, we also had professional down and did the final work on the "Included in the specifications are help on such things as console re­ organ. I give him credit for the sound sets of reeds which have become the novation; the left side was caved in by we have. My blood pressure zoomed piece de resistance of all - Brass the wreck and the stop rails sprung. and the ulcers started bleeding when Trumpet and Brass Saxophone. There The chests were raked by heavy parts he said what he wanted to do, but is a complete toy counter which had pushing against them in the wreck and things weren't sounding right and I to be rebuilt, having been crushed in had to be practically rebuilt in many had to take the chance. It worked out the accident. Included are Snare Drum, cases. Work, tedious, work, had to be beautifully. That boy is a genius with Bass Drum, Kettle Drum, Harp, done on the main cable from the tremulant adjustment, winding etc. Traingle, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, console to the relays which consists It seems most people I have known Orchestra Bells, Cathedral Chimes, of 1380 small wires which have no say that tremulant adjustment is a Crash Cymbal, Tambourine, Castanets, color coding or other means of iden­ matter of luck as much as anything Chinese Block, Tom-Tom, Sand Block, tification. else. Dave says not, and proves it! tuned Sleigh Bells, Marimba, Train "The cable got under both the He deserves much praise for the ex­ Whistle, Automobile Horn, Thunder, console and the blower during the cellent work he did for us." Bird Whistles, Surf, Telephone Bell, wreck and was fractured in several The installation was completed early Street Car Bell, Horse Hoofs and Gong. places. I remember one day during in 1971, and the organ was tested in In July 1971, a series of Sunday which one professional organ man and a few programs, being checked out afternoon concerts on the Wurlitzer I spent the entire day trying to trace carefully by Bert Buhrman until he was given by Bert, and each was a wires, after which only two had been was completely satisfied with the sellout - tremendously successful. The traced and repaired. The frustration results. air-conditioned auditorium is a very became unbearable more days than not. On April 18, 1971, 2,000 turned busy place, used constantly by college "Much credit for repairing the dam­ out to help the School of the Ozarks groups and by organizations from sur­ age goes to more than 100 students, dedicate its newly-installed Wurlitzer rounding towns. and to Roy Dodgen and his machine in the 1000-seat auditorium. About The most recent project involving shop crew; Stanley Dixon and his men 1250 attended the formal dedicatory the organ was the production of a from the metal shop; Melvin Walker program, and 750 attended an encore record "Nostalgia". This was accom­ and the cabinet shop; Lester Allen concert later in the day. President plished by Bert in September 1971, and the electric crew; Marvin Graham Clark, in a very simple cer­ and the disc was scheduled for release Riley, Joe Lewallen and the trans­ emony, expressed the school's thanks in November. One thousand were sportation department; Hal Lane of to Mrs. W. Alton Jones, now a member pressed in the initail venture, and the sign shop; Elmer Braswell, the of the school's board of trustees, for judging from the advance orders, those construction super in ten dent; and her support of the two organ projects. will not be enough. Walter Haskew, the architect. "We dedicate this organ to the In the summer of 1972, another "Prior to actual installation of the glory of God for the good and useful series of Sunday afternoon programs organ, chambers for the pipes were purposes of students of the School will be held. Advance notice will be built on either side of the stage in the of the Ozarks, the faculty and friends," forthcoming in Stu Green's Vox Pops Jones Auditorium, and excavation for said President Clark. column for those who would like to the installation of the console lift was Burt Buhrman played the recital hear this relatively new installation. done. Finding solid rock where we had which included an original score written "We are most happy to greet fellow intended to place the lift mechanism by the organist entitled "The Wur­ ATOS members and show them the made that job different and more litzer Saga". Pianist Luis Rojas joined organ whenever they are in the complicated than we had planned. It to present a piano-organ duet in the vicinity," Bert says. "We had practically seemed that we took out the necessary "Rhapsody in Blue" to close the pro­ a regional convention with St. Louis, rock by the spoonful rather than gram. The event was an immense Tulsa and Kansas City ATOS members bucketsful. The console is raised and success with people coming from many here for the dedication. Perhaps we lowered by a helical gear, remodeled miles away, including those from St. can host a national convention some­ from the original equipment in the Louis and Tulsa ATOS chapters. High­ time. All the facilities are here. It New York theatre. way 65 was completely blocked for isn't Utopia, but the way the world is, "By the late fall of 1970, the organ 45 minutes with cars of those who it's a very relaxing place to be." □

8 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Come To Washington In July t~e Potomac lor the Valle1 Chapter BIG 17th oft~e JULY 10 thru 14, 1972 Americanl~eatre MOSQUE 1( 5 ORGANS Dr1anSooiet1 IN THEATRES! WASHINGTON, D. C. 1( STAGE SHOWS!

i( SEMINARS! This year the annual convention will be held in the Nation's Capital - one of the i( BANQUET! most active areas in the country for the theatre organ revival. There will be five in-theatre organs . . . the spectacular 32-rank Wurlitzer from the former Center Theatre (sister to the Music Hall in New York) ... the Dick Kline Wurlitzer in one of the world's most beautiful home installations ... plus continuing coverage on the official ATOS convention radio station (which has its own 2/11 studio pipe.)

• Virginia Theatre 3/11 Barton - Alexandria, Va. • Tivoli Theatre 2/8 Wurlitzer - Frederick, Md. • Byrd Theatre 3/17 Wurlitzer - Richmond, Va. • Mosque 3/17 Wurlitzer - Richmond, Va. • Loew's Theatre 3/13 Wurlitzer - Richmond, Va. • Alexandria Rink 4/32 Wurlitzer - Alexandria, Va. • Residence 4/28 Wurlitzer (plus) - Thurmont, Md. • Radio station WXLN 2/11 Moller - Rockville, Md. • plus MANY, MANY others!

for information ... Woodrow W. Wise, Jr., Chairman 6014 St. John Drive Alexandria, Virginia 22310 Telephone (703) 971-5976

9 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 understand nor enjoy involved har­ monic progressions, particularly when these progressions are applied to famil­ iar pieces. We cannot afford to alienate the laymen who complain about us when we play too many of those "far-out chords." Musical tastes in by John Muri 1972 haven't changed much from 1922 A remarkable concert was played had no counterpart in theatre organ among the general public ( except the last November 22 at the Detroit The­ days, and this brings up an important young, who have had little or no atre Organ Club. After an absence of matter. option among styles), and listeners eight years, John Seng returned to There is a current tendency to bring have a way of turning themselves off play a program that included transcrip­ AGO-type material into ATOS pro­ with very little encouragement. Seng's tions of Tschaikowsky's "Nutcracker grams. Such programs are unique to transcription of Ravel's "La Valse" is Suite", Debussy's "Festivals", Ravel's our time, and are more in the AGO a delight to hear when you already "La Valse", Gershwin's "An American tradition than that of the ATOS. know it, but it doesn't register with a in Paris" and a set of Bach variations Standards for AGO performance were crowd that includes numbers of people on "Wachet Auf." There were no established many years ago, when the like the lady whom I heard say that she abridgements or short-cut easy adap­ ability of the artist to play exactly, couldn't tell whether the organist was tations. It was a tour de force, the easily, and artistically what the com­ playing the right notes or not. like of which I haven't heard since the poser had written on the printed page All right, then. What's a fellow to days when Arthur Dunham and Albert determined his standing in the fra­ do? Should he play for the least in­ May Malotte set a pace for theatre ternity. Theatre organ demanded orig­ formed in the audience or the most organists in Chicago in 1925. The inality and showmanship ( even if it informed? It seems as if you can't win registration changes were frequent, often had to be of low grade), but any more than partial victories. The dazzling, and correctly orchestrated. it did not demand strict accuracy or safest course would probably be that When a clarinet was called for in the fidelity to a composer's ideas. The which avoids the over-loading of pro­ orchestral score, it appeared in the audiences for the two groups made grams in any one direction. Variety organ transcription. The scales, runs, different demands. Theatre audiences in programming is essential. We need and glissandos were a delight to hear appluaded lush tones, sentimentality, to play a substantial amount of the - smooth and even, for a change. simple melodies, and tinkling dance toe-tapping kind of music, and we'll Whatever mistakes were made were tunes. Marches were appreciated, and have to reduce the amount of time trivial in a performance played almost an overture, particularly one with a given to those draggy stretches of entirely from memory. When one con­ lot of noise and a big finish, was ballad-playing. We need large doses of siders the playing that one famous tolerated with respectable applause. popular and semi-classic materials, for flamboyant is currently purveying, But it was all your job was worth to it was on them that the success of the Seng's performance calls for special play Debussy, Bach, or Ravel except theatre organ, was built in its short praise. It was so good that it made me as accompaniment for a film. life. A maximum of two heavy works wonder whether or not such playing Occasionally an organist would try is about all that the traffic will bear was in the theatre organ tradition. to bridge the gap and got away with right now. I can't prove it, but I think It was not. Most of the organists of it. Jesse Crawford once used Tchai­ that beyond a certain point the finest the twenties couldn't play such a pro­ kowsky's "March Slav" as his solo for virtuosity based upon serious musician­ gram if they wanted to, because they the week at the Chicago Theatre. ship is wasted in theatre organ work. didn't have the time to get it ready. Classical organ music was frequently But I can't forget Johnny Seng. Working seven days a week from one to played in theatres before 1920, but Maybe the effort was worth making, ten p.m. (as most of the big-time afterward it dwindled rapidly and after all. In this age of sloppiness and organists did), there wasn't much time vanished when the leading of com­ incompetence in everything from pol­ left for practice to the level of vir­ munity singing became the organists itics, merchandising, engineering, and tuosity. Seng worked six hours a day job in 1925. Now we see the reverse government to musical art it is good for a week at the Detroit Club console happening as organists bring AGO-type to see an example of Man striving before the concert, registering and programming into theatre organ con­ toward perfection and getting close to polishing. Not all artists can afford to certs. Those who have done their it. It helps prove that we are more than spend so much time in preparation for musical homework can enjoy the ef­ mere animals at a time when we need a concert, particularly one that can forts of these performers, but a note public evidences of it. And it sure is be given only on organs large enough of caution needs to be sounded to the a relief from the perennial "Tea for and in perfect working condition, like organists: be careful not to play over Two" and "Everything's Coming Up the one in the DTOC. I estimate there the heads of your audience too often. Roses." □ are less than five theatre organs in the An ATOS audience appears in a large to ... STU GREEN United States capable of presenting degree to be uninterested in the re­ from .. . ALL OF US such a program. A wide range of finements of musical theory and per­ a big .. . THANK YOU orchestral tone-color is needed, and formance. This is not to say that they for that great .. . pistons in good working condition are are musical slobs; it means that they HARRY BLAIR LEGEND indispensable. The program, heavily have taken up the organ for enjoyment, ROSE DIAMOND, for L.A. weighted by Ravel, Debussy, and Bach, not "culture." Many of them do not ROSA RIO, for N. Y.

10 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Home Organ Festival Weathers Move With Ease

by G. Bandini

Can a music festival for 11 years was great, but the firm gained much though Rex Koury was there for Allen , traditionally and emotionally linked in goodwill among Festivaleers. the Allen cancellation left him with­ to a highland forest resort be moved Another disquieting note was that out an instrument so he was re­ hundreds of miles to a seaside park Allen Organs cancelled at the last scheduled to play the replacement without losing the qualities which ac­ minute. Rodgers. Frank Renaut also played a crued year after year to make it the Concerning instruments, there were replacement Lowrey. West's number one electronic organ a few innovations but in general the The closing concert was played on showcase, concentration of top artists most apparent changes were in tonal Conn's large 3-manual model 650 by and recreation week for organ refinements and a large increase in that Dean of Theatre Organists, Don enthusiasts? gimmickry - most of which provide Baker. Don's spectacular arrangements The 12th Annual Home Organ grist for sales spiels rather than musical and flawless performance provided a Festival was held at the Asilomar advantage. fitting topper of the 1971 Festival. Conference Grounds (a state park) at Five days of concerts, workshops, Congratulations are in order to Pacific Grove, Calif. (near Monterey) jam sessions, displays, demonstrations Festival chairman Tiny James and his between Sept. 26 and October 1, 1971. and cocktail parties wen~ presented by able committee for a most successful The show never before faced such a star-studded cast of organists playing "Festival transplant." The Festival is obstacles. The loss of Hoberg 's resort, the major brands of electronic organ: sponsored by the Pacific Council for the woodland site of previous Festivals, John Seng (Yamaha), Peter Heaps Organ Clubs. □ was thought by some to be a serious (Saville), Byron ("Gorilla in the Gar- blow. Yet at Festival's end this year den") Melcher (Thomas), Bill Irwin there was nothing but praise for the (Yamaha), Tom Hazelton (Rodgers), new seaside location. Its facilities Richard Purvis (Rodgers), Larry Yan­ proved to be superior to Hoberg's in nucci (Baldwin), Frank Renaut (Low­ DUES PAST DUE many respects - better food, an acous­ rey), Hal Randal (Baldwin), Gus Pear­ tically superior concert hall and ex­ son (Wurlitzer), Larry Embury (Conn), 1972 Dues...... $ 8 cellent lodgings. Hal Vincent (Baldwin) and Glenn Der­ But an event which transpired in ringer (Wurlitzer). Due to the "great NowAvailable - first class San Francisco the day before the organ robbery ," Rodgers released its deliveryof THEATREORGAN for $11 Festival opened posed a real setback; artists to play on other brands. Thus an additional$3 - totalof a truck loaded with the Rodgers organs Tom Hazelton's concert was played on (including a rare model 340) and the Conn 650. The replacement ATOS Lowrey organs for display and con­ Rodgers 33E arrived in time for the P.O . BOX 306 certs at the Festival was stolen. A concerts of Bill Thomson and Richard NORTH HAVEN, CONN. 06473 stand-in Rodgers 33E was rushed in Purvis. for the last two days of the Festival. Daily workshop sessions were held CHAPTERMEMBERS, please submit Meanwhile Rodgers freed its talent in the morning with a choice of either your 1972 National Dues to your (Richard Purvis, Tom Hazleton) to Ray Frazier or Mildred Alexander. It chapter treasurer. play on other brands. The loss to was a difficult choice. A master class Rodgers in advertising and equipment was presented by Dick Purvis. Al-

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 11 THE NATION'S YOUNGESTTHEATRE ORGANIST Robbie Irvin Solos on the "MIGHTY MO" story and photos by Ray Brubacher To command the resources of one of at 660 Peachtree St. N.E., in Atlanta. the largest theatre pipe organs in the One morning some five years ago, Joe world is surely the aspiration of many took Robbie down to the Fox to let professional organists. To Robbie K. him see the workings of the big organ Irvin this dream has been a reality and this was "it" as far as Robbie is ever since he was eleven years of age. concerned. An eleven year old fell in Born in Miami, Florida in 1955, Robbie love at first sight and sound with the found himself a resident of College instrument and soon came under the Park, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, at tutelage of Bob VanCamp, then resi- ROBBIE IRVIN the age of 2. dent organist of the theatre. Bob impressed enough to continue the Robbie was indeed fortunate in coached his pupil well and soon Robbie studies under his guidance and in having as a neighbor Joe Patten who found himself filling in on the console November of 1970 the management is the man responsible for the main- of the Mo. of the theatre formally placed Robert tenance of the "Mighty Mo" of four On a visit to Atlanta, Lee Erwin K. Irvin on the payroll to play the manuals and forty two ranks located chanced to hear Robbie play and was organ for two shows each Friday and Saturday evenings. Ever since that time audiences at the Fox have been impressed by the capable handling of the immense console and the repertoire possessed by this young man who has succeeded in arousing considerable in­ terest in the theatre organ by the younger generation, something which must be done if the theatre organ is to survive. Robbie occasionally jour­ neys to New York to see Lee for further help and occasionally Lee will find time to go to the Mecca on Peachtree Street to coach its resident recitalist. Robbie was featured at last year's ATOS national in New York playing the Morton in the 1 75th Street The­ atre. A junior at age 16 in College Park High School, Robbie plans a career in naval aviation after grad­ uation. When not piloting the Fox organ he finds time to fly gliders and is now completing work on his private license in glider flying and will soon solo in a power plane. When on the ground he is an avid sports car en­ thusiast which gives him a yen for the products of Mercedes Benz. With a taste for the very finest it is little wonder that the combination of Irvin and Moller add to very enjoyable the­ atre organ played in the new style, a style which the three hundred and fifty plus stops of the Fox Theatre organ respond so very well. □

THEATRE ORGAN The EmptyEnvelope ...

DB IBEIEDB IBEII BISIT IIG-1-ZINI GONE?

um

During the latter part of November were evidently kept busy trying to Tragedy has struck! . . . to my deep and early December,most of the ATOS find the missing magazines for those sorrow - no Journal inside - empty membership received an empty envel­ members who assumed the copy had envelope . . . Could this be the work ope, which should have contained the slipped out of an unsealed envelope. of some disgruntled, tired envelope December issue of THEATRE OR­ One branch P.O. in the Los Angeles stuff er . . . or perhaps a "teed off' GAN, but did not. The explanation is area obligingly gathered up all the mail carrier who is tuned in to plug­ quite simple - the Postal Service empty envelopes received at that sta­ ins ... or the little woman who might goofed. Every year it is necessary, in tion, and sent them back in one be tired of hearing theatre organ morn­ compliance with Postal regulations re­ bundle, saving about 75 members the ing, noon and night? . . . garding our mailing permit, to allow trouble of having to write, or to • the Post Office to examine the mail­ wonder what happened. Realize the cost of publishing THE- ing of a representative issue. For con­ ATRE ORGAN has gone up - how­ venience, the addressed envelopes were ever, lets not cut costs to the point of taken to the Post Office before filling. sending out envelope without In the case of the 1971 examination, magazine. (December issue), a postal employee, • seeing the addressed envelopes, as­ I know this is mostly Volunteer labor, sumed they were to be mailed and so I won't squawk, but. .. ! proceeded to place them on the sorting • tables, which automatically set up the My local P.O. doesn't have it (they unfilled envelopes for dispatch. don't read magazines without center­ Within a day, the mistake was folds) so it must have been omitted discovered, but it was too late! Nearly somewhere else along the line! 4000 empty envelopes were already HOW IT STACKED UP! • on the way to addresses throughout The envelopes are nice, but nothing in the United States. A considerable amount of inter­ them is sort of like an organ with Upon notification, the circulation esting reading developed from the no pipes! department promptly ran off another inquiries received. Quoted here are • set of envelopes and sent them to the some of the observations and com­ ... eagerly search mailbox about this publisher within the week. These were ments made by members. time of month for large brown en­ filled, sealed and mailed to members velope which proclaims "THEATRE on or before the regular mailing date To: The Chief Shipper. ORGAN". Last week I became crash­ for the December issue. Some Houn Dawg in yore mail ingly aware that it was not the en­ Meanwhile, bewildered members, room is got a dry tongue. The en­ velope which I anticipated with ea­ upon receiving an empty envelope, velope weren't even licked. So it come gerness, but the contents thereof, which started sending inquiries to Circulation, open. So I diden get my copy an that were not present. Publication, and National Head­ is a revoltin development. Heres hopin • quarters. Approximately 1500 letters, you got a extry copy and some saliva." Since this is the first time this has cards, and telephone calls were re­ • happened, I have put the local Post ceived within a ten day period. (Then Offices (downtown and branch) on Where, Oh, Where has my magazine we quit counting) With this many the alert ... And from now on, in gone? complaints and inquiries, the staff • my case at least, please seal each en­ was swamped; making individual an­ A catastrophe of grave and serious velope! I don't care to go through swers impossible. consequence occured today, Dec. 4. It this sort of thing again. Most of the letters and cards were is my unhappy responsibility to re­ • considerate and understanding, port this calamity to you ... and hope Sorry to relate, received empty en- although a few blamed circulation and that corrective action may be taken so velope. Don't feel badly; it's the first came forth with some highly un­ that this terrible disaster will never be time missed. What do you expect, complimentary remarks. Many were repeated ... am attempting to survive 100% batting average? Time to say written in a humorous vein. without my T.O. Please do not prolong thank you for all the news and The various Post Office branches my agony. nostalgia.

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 13 Latest Theatre Organ arrived in not-so­ good condition. In fact, it didn't arrive at all. Just an empty big, brown, envelope. • Maybe there is an interested mailman out there somewhere. • Directed by Lyle W. Nash . . . received envelope of T .0. magazine without magazine! I would prefer the magazine without the envelope! SIX silent movies surprised and "Kid Brother", "Student Prince" and • enchanted audiences at the first Los "Modern Times." One Io ng haired Looks like someone in the Postal Angeles International Film Exposition, teenager declared: "I'd no idea silent Service has the interest, but can't FILMEX. Rarely shown films of films were such visual treats. " afford the dues. Chaplin, Lloyd, Griffith, von Stern­ ~ berg, DeMille and Lubitsch were screen­ IN 1928 critics said of "The Docks • ed with organ and orchestral accom­ of New York": "It has beauty, realism, Now I know how a "little-one" might paniment. "The Last Picture Show" power and tenderness . . . Betty feel on Christmas morning to find was the premiere attraction. It is a Compson does as fine a piece of acting his stocking empty! brilliant black and white film with as the screen has witnessed ... Imagine • superb acting, direction and photo­ her combining, bitterness, womanliness Enjoy reading T.O. very much. Good graphy. But many over the 35 year and beauty in one strikingly artistic work in writing and printing the mag­ mark may consider it a "disagreeable performance ... It is dramatic, living, azine, but not so good in circulation. experience." If you think sex is a powerful." Shame! spectator sport, this may be your WHEN "DOCKS" ended and star • thing. Otherwise be forewarned. Betty Compson took a bow from her . . . enjoy reading your envelopes OF all the film personalities of the audience seat the huge Grauman 's very much, but the magazines are so silent era, no one is enjoying her life Chinese Theatre shook with prolonged much better yet that I would certainly today more than exuberant Leatrice applause. It proved that a distinguished enjoy having one. Joy. She came to the FILMEX and film is ever appredated. • was an instant hit with radio, TV and FOR NEARLYan hour afterwards Is the news in this issue of THEATRE news reporters. old friends and young fans plied Miss ORGAN that bad this month, or don't "I HAVEN'T had such a birthday Compson with questions. The auto­ you like me any more? greeting in a long time ... and I love graph seekers were endless but a happy • you all for it." That's how Miss Joy Betty signed for each . Can it be that Uncle Sam is starting responded to a sustained ovation at "I LEFT myself in the hands of his own collection at my expense? the end of the screening of the 1923 von Sternberg," Miss Compson told "Ten Commandments." The Para­ reporters. "He felt the films should • mount picture created by DeMille I thought it was a subtle frost job have a serious tone throughout. Some­ holds up well. Its Red Sea parting to get me to leave ATOS because times I felt a moment of lightness sequence is still a very dramatic movie someone found out I owned a ( dirty might have been added . . . I'm moment. The films social significance word) frequency divider electronic! pleased it is still accepted so well." and moral lessons were tolerated rather ~ • than appreciated by the young audi­ . . . usual anticipation . . . empty WHO IS WHERE ... Some fans ence. The modern sequel version with envelope . . . disappointment . . . write to Johnny (Tarzan) Weissmuller its blend of religion, symbolism and Either the "stuff er" goofed in your at the Swimming Hall of Fame, 501 once-feared leprosy was 1aughingly mail room, or some postal employee Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderciale, Fla., rejected. is indulging his love for THEATRE 33301 ... Fay Wray film buffs write ORGAN. THE acting of Richard Dix, Rod her at 765 Tiger Tail Road, Los Angeles, LaRocque and Miss Joy was good. 90049 . • ~ Received this envelope, which I have "INDEED, I do enjoy hearing from enjoyed reading thoroughly. I would friends and fans," Miss Joy told us. JOAN CRAWFORD, grandest film however enjoy the magazine which "They may write me at 487 "B" Queen of them all, offered a notable should have been in it even more. Heritage Village, Southbury, Conn., quote last month that was honest and Please send it again. Don't care if you 06488." The star of many Paramount loved by her millions of fans. An send the envelope this time, as I have films in the 20s appears before clubs, interviewer asked if she ever watched already read it. ATOS events and anywhere people her films on TV. Said Joan: "The • appreciate hearing about the old Holly­ other night I saw 'Chained' and was The entire staff of THEATRE OR- wood. She's a delightful story teller, enchanted with it. " GAN magazine, especially Circulation, fine actress and apparently in love with ~ sincerely appreciates the favorable com­ life. CONTRIBUTIONS, comments and ments regarding the efforts expended THE YOUNG audiences also ac­ questions are welcomed to Box 113, in producing tbe journal. □ claimed the "Lady of the Pavements," Pasadena, California 91102.

14 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN @@[f:JJ!P~&7f& W@W~!J7f ~&W ~!J@7f 0® W W&IJJ@W

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE COMPILATION OF WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN INSTALLATIONS IS THE RESULT OF EIGHT YEARS EFFORT.

Information received from Judd lost) and several lists which provide viously not identified or shown in the Walton in his office at the California a quick index of each model - the original lists. Farm Bureau Federation indicates that number of ranks, manuals, traps, per­ The new list will cost about $ 25 the updated Wurlitzer List will be cussions specified for each. Other lists per copy, assuming orders are received ready for printing in a few weeks. will provide a quick reference to the for about 100 copies. If nearly 200 Keypunching, proofreading and final actual ranks contained in each of the are ordered, the price possibly could checking the updated information will models, the number of organs built be reduced to about $20 per copy. be completed early in 1972. Nearly each year, and the number shipped The number to be printed will depend eight years have passed since the work to each state, etc. An important new upon advance orders. The list is being on the project started. section will be a list of the Wiring made available at cost as it is only The new document will include not Schedule numbers with Opus numbers necessary to retrieve the cost of produc­ only the updated shipping list with cross-referenced where known. tion. To insure the return of the rather over 4,000 entries, but many additional The updated shipping list section sizable investment involved in produc­ features. These include separate sec­ will be in three parts; a list by Opus ing the list, the entire work will be tions which include a list of spec­ number, a list by state and city, and copyrighted and thus will be unavail­ ifications for each of the models of a list by style number. When assembled, able in any other form. Wurlitzer theatre organs built by the it will be the most complete document The new list is the result of in­ company, a specification list for church ever published of this information on formation supplied by scores of people and residence models ( except for three Wurlitzer theatre organ. New informa­ who have responded to Walton's call or four of which all traces have been tion reveals a number of organs pre- for information. In addition, a special committee of 15 devoted workers have each taken a deck of cards for their locale and have conducted in­ The California Farm Bureau Federation Transcribing crew checking the seven Wurlitzer Com­ pany lists and two decks of I BM cards simultaneously. From left to right, Bertha Knuckles, tensive research in an attempt to secure Veta Jarvis, Darlene Leary, Marjorie Jestes (Judd's secretary and supervisor of the Transcribing information on each of the instruments. and PBX departments), Kathy Anderson. and Genevieve Coulson, Without their help the The next step is to determine the project probably could not have been completed. They did all of the typing, proofreading, clerical work and filing with cheerful and cooperative attitudes. number of copies that are to be or­ dered. Therefore, if you intend to purchase a copy, it is important that you notify Judd Walton by card or letter within the next few weeks. Address such mail to him at the California Farm Bureau Federation, 2855 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, California 94705. Only the one print­ ing is contemplated at this time. There­ fore it is important that you respond to this request. Should a surplus accrue to the Wurlitzer List account, it will be used to provide an annual sup­ plement to each of the purchasers of the list with further updated informa­ tion. Thus, each purchaser will receive the full value of the purchase price. Judd requests that it be stated that neither he or any of the volunteers who have made the list possible will receive any money for their efforts, it all having been a voluntary effort. □

15 THE FORGOTTEN SOUND - A THE­ ATRE ORGAN SING-ALONG, Rodger Garrett at the (Columbus) Ohio the­ atre 4/22 Robert Morton. Available by mail at $2.30 postpaid from Central Far Ohio Theatre Organ Society, 4642 Musket Way, Columbus, Ohio 43228. The There's a lot of nostalgia on this 7-inch souvenir stereo record of a gone Re1:ards era. Organist Garrett returned to the scene of his console triumphs in the '30s and '40s to recapture, with the aid of an audience of 3300 and the 4/22 Morton, an 11-minute 45-second slice of the spirit of those dear, dead days. He succeeds completely. The organist acts as MC and reviews his career at the Ohio theatre with mem­ Burt Buhrman during CBS radio days, ory-teasing snatches of "Wearing of the Missouri a horrendous accident befell Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ Green," "Sonny Boy," "The Day You the disaasembled giant, but we won't viduals sponsoring or merchandising Came Along," "Sweet Mystery of Life," take the edge off Lloyd E. Klos' story theatre pipe organ records are en­ "San Francisco," "A Pretty Girl is about it here. Enough to say it tri­ couraged to send pressings to the Like a Melody," "Praise the Lord & umphed over adversity and is singing Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada effectively and happily in its new Hills, California 91344. Be sure to Pass the Ammunition" and the "Ma­ include purchasing information, if rines' Hymn," all interspersed with home. Of course, the fact that veteran applicable, and if possible a black brief comments. He solos his radio theatre and radio organist Bert Buhr­ and white photo which need not theme "Romance" but the large audi­ man is the pilot (both for the organ be returned. ence is heard singing lustily through project as well as for this record) choruses of "California Here I Come," helps greatly. Bert, whose console "Dinah," "Popeye the Sailorman," career started in Kansas City theatres "Turkey in the Straw" ( with the audi­ and radio stations {193 2), eventually THEATRE ORGAN TREASURES ence whistling) and "South of the hit the big time at CBS New York. Border." He uses the familiar show­ Now a teacher/organist back in his Stereo organ records at $2.84 each man's tricks of pitting the balcony home territory, Bert longed for the is the off er of Concert Recording, denizens vocal volume against the rest sound of the theatre organ, luckily 3318 Platt Avenue, Lynwood, Calif. of the house, and stopping the organ for us. The last recording by Bert 90262. Twelve brands of organ and a abruptly to let the audience carry on we reviewed was a Columbia disc variety of organists are heard on the alone. Roger Garrett has the sing-along which he played on the Byrd theatre seven record set: 4 / 19 Wurlitzer (Tony trick down cold and the enthusiasm in Richmond, Va. in the late '50s. At Fenelon), 2/7 Robert Morton (Dolton of the audience makes one a little sad the time we noted his liking for heavily McAlpin), Christie (George Blackmore), to realize that today's entertainment mutated combinations. He still has it, 5/17 Compton (Gerald Shaw), 3/10 seekers no longer have that warm, but displays much more registration Barton (Wendell Kennedy), 5/24 Marr wonderful fun. All proceeds from the variety than on his "And the Pipes & Colton (Dick Schrum), 4/42 Moller sale of this record go into a club organ Will Play" release. (Bob Van Camp), 4/22 Conacher restoration fund. Members have done The selection, aside from the ballad (Jackie Hlyer), 3/10 Hilsdon (Frank a fine restoration job on the Ohio of that haughty "Ipanema" hussy, Olsen, 3/16 Wicks (Kay McAbee), Theatre Morton, so we may anticiapte avoids the over-recorded cliche tunes. 4/15 Page (Buddy Nolan), 4/40 Hill, equal success in their more recent The opener is an emotion-packed Norman and Beard (Douglas Reeve), Wurlitzer project. "Lover" on full combinations, played plus two sides of music played on as a waltz ballad in "big feature nickelodeons, orchestrions, Reginas presentation" style. The "Ipanema" and similar automatic players. All are NOSTALGIA - BERT BUHRMAN broad is treated much too kindly by complete sides from previously re­ STARRING AT THE MIGHTY WUR­ Bert; she's downright attractive as she leased albums and the T .0. discs have LITZER, American Artists label AAS- swivelhips nonchalantly past those 1003-LP (stereo) available by mail at all been reviewed here over the past banks of cloying Tibias and shimmer­ four years. We don't recall a bad one $5.50 postpaid from School of the ing reeds and strings. Bert's approach in the bunch. The set was originally Ozarks, Point Lookout, Missouri is usually orchestral, which is marked priced at $35 .00 but Concert has 65726. by brief untremmed passages and con­ about 700 sets left and has reduced This 3 / 15 Wurlitzer was originally siderable Chrysoglott harp tinkling, as them to clear at $19.87 postpaid, an in the RKO Keith's theatre in Flush­ during "You Are Too Beautiful." attractive price for the 14 sides. The ing, N .Y. and was donated to the "Springfield Missouri" is Bert's favor­ set is guaranteed; it may be returned School of the Ozarks by the RKO ite, a tune which over the years helped within 15 days for a full refund if the Stanley Warners theatre chain for re­ steer him back to the Ozarks to stay buyer is dissatisfied. installation at the School. Enroute to circa 1961.

16 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN "Gypsy Airs" is an effective pres­ the purpose of mulitple trems. But distributed through stores which deal sentation of mostly Hungarian folk this is one man's opinion and what in religious items. One side consists tunes, music which is alternately fast, bugged us may bother no one else. of hymns played with theatre organ then slow, then fast. A bright com­ Bert Buhrman, who is the official registration - "Day is Dying in the bination of reeds subs for the inevitable organist at the School of the Ozarks West." "At the End of the Road " freewheeling violin solos. worked hard and long to make th; "The Lights of Home," "No Night A lush reed combination carries Wurlitzer a reality for the school. He There" etc. Its the secular standards the verse of "You and the Night and has a style all his own, one which is on side 2 which will interest T.O. buffs. the Music" while an attractive Tibia always pleasant to hear, but which · The lush sound ot Tibia and Vox, mutation combination starts the first sometimes soars. The record is both most appropriate to the title mood, chorus. Memories of Bea Wain and interesting and entertaining. dominates "Just a Song at Twilight," Larry Clinton's danceband are brought Wagner's "Evening Star," a somewhat to mind by "Reverie," a tune ex­ DAY IS DYING IN THE WEST. Paul somber "Moonlight Sonata" and the cerpted from the classics (Debussy) Mickelson playing the NBC Pipe Organ, most captivating "When Day is Done" and here given a more tasteful rendition No. CS-6001, stereo. $5.25 postpaid since Crawford's. Mickelson, whose on the Wurlitzer's Tibias, Clarinet and from Console Records, Box 352, Glen­ talents are cast in the Loren Whitney­ Harp. dale, Calif. 91209. Brad Braley-Irma Glen mold of reli­ "You're Blase" was heard on Bert's gious music in theatre organ style, first organ broadcast in 1932. In our does full justice to the selections, opinion it's the most fascinating tune using the dominant Tibia/Vox com­ on the record. Played in bravura style, bination effectively, with frequent di­ with Buddy Cole-like counter melodies versions on a lush string section and a against lush reeds, it creates some of majestic Tuba. A good theatre style those electric moments too seldom played on a fine sounding organ. experienced while listening to grooved music nowadays -. Well unified Tibia DENNIS JAMES AT THE RTOS sound marks "Street of Dreams" WURLITZER. In stereo (no brand (wonder if Bert recalls that it was the label). $5 .25 postpaid from Rochester Hit Parade station break tune in the Theatre Organ Society, Box 8114, B.A. Rolfe days?). A tasteful and very Rochester, N.Y., 14617. gemutlich "Tales from the Vienna Every time we hear Dennis James Woods" closes the show and it's a he seems to sound better than last good one. The old maestro has lost time, a rising affirmative which started none of his touch. If we can apply when he subbed for ailing Leonard a little critical hindsight, we would MacClain at the 1967 ATOS Con­ prefer more expression through use of vention at Detroit. He was just 16. the swell pedals. They seem to be PAUL MICKELSON His console prowess has _grown con­ usually wide open. As for the record­ Remember when the radio announc­ sistently ever since, and this record ing, groove modulation seems very er declared "/ Love a Mystery!", and proves it. high, resulting in some distortion. Our immediately there followed a broadly So much has appeared in print review copy suffers from a pressing played "Waltz Triste" on theatre pipes about the RTOS 4/22 Wurlitzer, we fault; it is nearly 3/32" off center on which put listeners in the mood for need not amplify here. Enough to say side one and a little less on side another Morse broadcast adventure? it's a rare gem. two, a condition which results in a This is not a recent recording, but it One nice characteristic of the James slow "wow" in the music throughout gives a good tonal demonstration of approach to playing the organ is a but worst on the inside cuts. This the long gone NBC Hollywood studio complete lack of any set style. Each should not discourage purchase be­ organ ( even the studio building at selection gets the treatment the organ­ cause it is usually an isolated con­ Sunset and Vine has since vanished). ist feels will present it most effectively. dition ( out luck to get the faulty one). The organ, played for the Morse broad­ Dennis opens with a bubbly "If My Record sellers are always willing to casts by Paul Carson, was a hybrid of Friends Could See Me Now" marked exchange defective discs for perfect about 10 ranks but had a thoroughly with Glockenspiel sparkle and "show ones. theatrical sound. opener" tempo. '~Butterflies in the As for the organ, it gives out with The last time we reviewed a Paul Rain," a bit of whimsy about a soggy a typical Wurlitzer sound which we Mickelson ret:ord was when he par­ lepidopteron is a light, rhythmic nov­ believe can be vastly improved by a ticipated in a 4-organist Readers Digest elty tune which again calls for the different setting of the trems. This is a record release in the late '60s. This Glockenspiel in best "golden era" corn highly subjective area of discussion, record was made in the mid '50s. style. Then the whistling of the bridge­ pivoting on personal preference, but Later, when NBC decided to move to builders is punctuated by drumbeats we felt the Tibia trem was a little Burbank, Mickelson purchased the or­ as the troops pass in review before choppy and too fast. The instrument gan and it remains stashed, awaiting "Colonel Bogey" and march into the has six tremulants. Yet during some a home. sunset, doing a slow fade. Lush Tibias tunes it seemed as though the other The recording would not normally carry the bitter-sweet message of "Rain­ five were beating in sync with the come to the attention of T.O. fans ing in My Heart," from that spoof of Tibia trem, a condition which defeats because it's on a church-oriented label '30s musicals, "Dames at Sea."

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 17 If there's a "best number" on this pounds that same self confidence with MOONLIGHT SONATA, Bill disc it's "Danse Macabre," Saint-Saens considerable experience - now that Thomson at his Rodgers style 340. old warhorse about skeletons who she's 15 ! The tunes she offers are BT-3401, stereo. Available at $5.25 cavort in best Disney bacchanale style mainly standards, with a preponderance from Lift Music Co., Box 663, West when old Beelzebub whips the horse­ of fast novelties, "Just One of Those Covina, Calif. 91790. tail across the catgut for some fancy Things," "Flapperette," "Nagasaki," This is an important recording. It fiddling. It's a dramatic bit of pro­ "Kitten on the Keys," "Brazilian Sleigh marks another step closer to pipe sound gram music ( definite story line) and Bells," and ( of course) "Dizzyfingers." simulation via electronics. That's one Dennis uses the Posthorn to obtain She performs these with great accuracy reason it's important. The other is Bill the raucous sound an obviously non­ and all the musicality they deserve. Thomson's performance which brings union musician such as Old Nick the closer simulation into perspective. would have to get from his asbestos The Rodgers model 340 is an off shoot Stradivarius. It is often difficult music, of the famous Bob Power "style 260" yet Dennis manages to represent all Rodgers, so named because an alleged the ensembles and solos as they sound $52,000 was spent in getting it to when played by a large orchestra. sound as much like a Wurlitzer style Fine phrasing, too, and effective use 260 as research and development could of expression. "Maple Leaf Rag" is make it. Rodgers Organs, under the Dennis' salute to the coin-operated able guidance of Rodgers Jenkins, was player pianos, orchestrions and nick­ one of the pioneers of accepting the elodeons of a bygone era. Lots of theatre pipe organ as a model to shoot percussers hammering away. The big for, and the only company to stick band era lives again in the Glenn Miller consistently to that ideal. With Rodgers medley, which includes a lushly sac­ Jenkins, who led the search for new charine "Moonlight Serenade," a rhyth­ ways of using electronics to make the mic "Pennsylvania 6-5000, a haunting Bob Power organ a reality, no longer "Serenade in Blue" and a jumping in the Rodgers driver seat, engineer "Chattanooga Choo-Choo," all played George Kirkwood developed the model to the hilt in danceband style of the 340, using most of the new circuitry '40s. Next, the "American Patrol" in developed for the Power organ. The march tempo with Sousa-style piccolo stoplist, which appears on the record frippery embellishing the "Columbia, jacket, could be that of any 3-manual the Gem of the Ocean" segment. The theatre pipe organ, including the closer is a ballad treatment of "Some­ DONNA PARKER - (Stufoto) Second Touches on the Accompani­ one to Watch Over Me," a bouncy They are flashy, fast and marred only ment manual, and six tremulants. "Fascinating Rhythm" and "I'll Build by the use of a too deep tremulant The idea for Bill Thomson's "Moon­ a Stairway to Paradise" which is only on fast passages. But no matter, these light Recital" is the result of a natural slightly marred by a schmear glissando tunes are outshone by Donna's way phenomeunon; on clear nights when (Dennis!!!). This one is recommended, with such ballads as "Tangerine" (good Bill presents concerts on the 340 in a real happy combination of a fine '30s swingband style) and rhythm­ his Woodland Hills, Calif., hillside artist and a particularly responsive ballad treatments of "Body and Soul" home, he times an appropriate "moon" instrument. Lloyd Klos' sometimes and "I've Got it Bad," which are tune to coincide with the rising of the esoteric jacket notes also hit the spot. downright sexy! This quality disappears moon, which is visible to Bill's audience when she goes mod for a well-per­ through a huge picture window. Titles formed "We've Only Just Begun" but are "Moonglow" (with the "Picnic" - THE PLUG-IN CORNER - it's back for a ballad-with-a-beat treat­ theme counter melody), "Moon Over ment of "Satin Doll." However, the Miami," "Moon River," "Old Devil PRESENTING MISS DONNA selection which illustrates the great Moon," "Fly Me to the Moon," Victor PARKER,playing Conn models 650 promise of Donna's musical future is Young's "Moonlight Serenade," and 580, stereo. Available postpaid not a pop, ballad or rhythm tune but "Magic is the Moonlight" and at $5.00 from Lesly Records, Box a piece written for the organ by clas­ "Moonlight Sonata." The temptation 154, La Verne, Calif., 91750. sic al organist, Robert Elm ore. to play them all in a soporific "Pavanne" is a Debussyesque fragment "late night radio program" style has Donna Parker first came to our of mood music which Donna performs been resisted; arrangements are all attention during an L.A. chapter jam with sensitivity and awareness far be­ different in treatment and tempo. The session at the Elks Club. The self yond her years. In short, it's a beauty. much improved organ voices are used assurance of a 13-year-old in tackling The Conn organs come off well on with exceptional skill by Bill Thomson; a finger twister such as "Dizzyfingers" the recording, suffering only an over­ excellent celested strings, raunchy solo on the great sluggish monster ( 4/ 16) choppy trem on a too-prominent Tibia. and sparkling color reeds and the best was nearly. as eyebrow-ra1sing as the Otherwise Donna's registration is ap­ Tibia since Gulbransen's late lamented result; she actually made it come off. propriate and satisfying. Recording is "Rialto" model. Only the piano fails We've had our eye on Donna ever since okay. Good first recording for a little to come through on the record with a - and not only because she's a very gal who would have fitted so well into convincing sound. Everything else com­ pretty girl. Her first recording com- the theatre organ's "golden age." bines to produce a fine recording. □

18 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN this Dr. Ohl Comes from. I never Well, you can certainly see times heard no kids in Sunday school singin has changed in the last fifty years. movie music or jazz music in my day Just this last month I read about one like Dr. Ohl says. Of course I aint no minister who did dancin in the isles, authority because I was a soprano in liftin his skirts up like he was a girl. a Episcopal quire, but we certainly And in another church they had a didnt sing no movie or jazz music rock combo playin durin the service. there, only hims and anthems. But to And then they is all these plays taken get back to my colyum I dug up from the Bible like Jesus Christ Super­ another peace about a minister name star and Godspell and like that there. of Patton in Los Angelees who says And the movies they show nowadays, he got a lot of people to go to church if you could take them back 50 years by showin movies there, and in the and show them to a audience, most of list of movies he showed they was the women would faint and the rest movies with names like The Hottentot, would scurry out as fast as they could and Mr. Billings Spends A Dime, which skedaddle. To say nothin of the fack dont sound like no religious movies that in 1925 they was only silent to me. I got lookin over some of my old movies, but now they got sound movies But the point is, or was fifty year colyums that was in the Jacobs mag­ and the actors use words no respektable ago like I rote in my colyum, Kwote: azines, and all of a sudden I got a lady ever heard in them days, and the "Now they begun to have movies in shock when I come to the fack that only reason they aint no movie organ­ church, why do they objeck to a movie they was writ fifty years ago. So I ists playin in churches is they aint no organ. I just as soon see a movie in thought maybe it would be kind of silent movies in the theayters. So now church as anywheres else, maybe even fun to take the mothballs off en them we gone all around the circle, and all more because the price is right. But and see what they was about way of a sudden we begin to have silent how is the organ player goin to play back in them good old Prohibishon movies with organ players fittin the days. Like here it says, or as us riters the music for a movie with just the music to em, and people come to hear flutes and diapasons and like that say, Kwote and Unkwote: em because it is a genuwine novelty. there that is in a church organ." "I read how in The Covered Wagon Yup, times have certainly changed the Boy Scouts made em change the End Kwote. all right, all right. □ name of Kit Carson because in the picture he got soused, and the boys would get the wrong idea of the way he carried his licker. This licker business is all the bunk anyways. I remember BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE when the Prohibition Commandment SOME IN SHORT SUPPLY was passed we was kidded into think­ in we would have to do without THEATRE ORGAN Number 2 (Summer) 1959 Volume 1 THEATRE ORGAN Number 3 (Fall) 1962 Volume 4 licker, I says what will the movies do THEATRE ORGAN Number 4 (Winter) 1962 Volume 4 now without a lot of drinkin to put THEATRE ORGAN Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 1963 Volume 5 in the sinarios. But the way it turns THEATRE ORGAN Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 1964 Volume 6 out, the old days was tame alongside THEATRE ORGAN Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 1965 Volume 7 of all this flask and home brew and bootleggin. Well, its nothin new to BOMBARDE Numbers 1, 3, 4 1964 Volume 1 find out we're all a-goin to perdition BOMBARDE Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 1965 Volume 2 as usual. They is a feller name of Dr. Ohl who is in charge of all the music THEATRE ORGAN Number 1966 Volume 8 for the Lutheran Churches, and he is BOMBARDE Number 1966 Volume 3 upset about church organs gettin jaz­ THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE Numbers 2, 3 1966 Volume 8 zed up, and he says: Church organs (Combined) (Summer, October) should not ought to include the Numbers 4, 5, 6 1967 Volume 9 karakteristiks of a movie organ to (Aug., Oct., Dec.) temp the organist, who may himself PRICE: $1.00 per copy, for issuesfrom 1959 through 1967 be a movie organist, so that instead of church music the congregashun is THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 1968 Volume 10 treated to movie music." Unkwote. Numbers 1, 2, - 4, 5, 6 1969 Volume 11 Now aint that somethin. This Dr. Ohl, accordin to my old colyum, goes THEATRE ORGAN Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 1970 Volume 12 · on to say is it any wonder the kids THEATRE ORGAN Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 1971 Volume 13 cant take religion serious when they PRICE: $1.25 per copy, for issuesbeginning 1968 are taught to sing music kind of like Send check or money order to: the movie and jazz bands. I dunno ATOS CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT what kind of Sunday Schools they Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901 have in Philadelphia, which is where

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 19 he moved to escape the smog and rat to make this instrument one of the race of Los Angeles living. best on the concert circuit. Though ~ Doc had no time to acquaint himself with the Barton ( the first he ever Al Emola and Paul Loomis, who played), the response encouraged him maintain the Link organ in the Rober­ to promise a return engagement next son Center for Fine Arts in Bing­ year. hamton, N. Y., had a 4-day organ tour in November in the Philadelphia-New Jersey area. They visited the Jim Carter, Another word about the restored George Allen, Lowell Ayars and Al Coronado Barton comes from organist Bizik home installations, Wanamaker Stanton A. Hyer of North Miami Store, Brookline Theatre, Tower The­ Beach, Florida. Stan invested his vaca­ atre, Dickinson High School, and Long­ tion in a trip to Rock[ ord where he wood Gardens. Could this tour be remembered the Ba.rton from early Readers are encouraged to submit in­ aimed toward a bid for the ATOS boyhood and later played it for in­ teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ convention in 1976 which would mesh terludes during high schoot days. Stan by (exclusive of chapter news items) with the USA 's 200th birthday? Some found theatre manager Russell Steven­ material they believe will be of general in the Delaware Valley Chapter are son most cooperative in showing off interest about local organ activities willing. and installations and the people who his restored treasure. Stan writes "the work at the hobby. We know "there's theatre was a joy to behold. Clean, no VOX POPS in them there chapters" chipped paint or plaster, thoroughly and it only requires a 6i postcard to lamped and as sparkling as when new, get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box 3564, Granada Hills, California 91344. The Bsrton has the same lush tone I If the contributor can afford an Be remembered. CATOE's Orril Dunn stamp, why not include a black and came in while I was there and played white photo which need not be several selections so I could wander returned. through the auditorium and soak up the sound. The morning passed in Conducted by Stu Green what seemed like moments and I emerged from the Coronado with a big lump in my throat. Thank you Rex Koury returned to the Old messrs Dunn and Stevenson and Town Music Hall in El Segundo , Calif. CATOE for one of the nicest days of in November for his second concert Doc Bebko at the 4/15 Barton in the my vacation. " there, and also to present his original Coronado Theatre. score for the epic Cecil B. DeMille film Ah! The power of the press! In "Kings of Kings. " He played three August 1970, we reported in this Ann Leaf continues to be busier presentations on the 4/24 Wurlitzer , column that organist Doc Bebko had than a one-armed paperhanger. Follow­ and suffered but one cipher. He was discovered a 4/ 15 Barton in the Cor­ ing her eastern tour to Detroit, Roch­ delighted that proprietors Coffman onado Theatre in Rockford, Illinois, ester and Binghamton in October, she and Field had installed a huge "en and that the management was willing returned home to Los Angeles to start chamade" Chinese gong because the to let proven enthusiasts restore the scoring, and then to play for two film calls for that sound. Rex is en­ 1926 instrument. CATOE members showings of "The Student Prince" at thusiastic about living in Reno where took the bit in their teeth; for much the First Film Exposition of Holly­ of the past year, they have diligently wood at the Chinese Theatre, a 1O­ applied their efforts to this task. During day showing of all classes of pictures. Thanksgiving weekend, Doc Bebko re­ She also sat in with a 23-piece orchestra turned to Rockford and performed an to cue "The Ten Commandments. " hour-long recital for an audience of The "Mighty Mite" is indeed a bundle 100 friends and associates of theatre of energy. manager Russ Stevenson and West W. Wilcox, old friend of the organist. "This is one of the most immaculate Another gal organist with a lot of and beautiful houses I have ever seen," moxie is eastern organist Rosa Rio, says Doc. Vincent Price appeared there whose concert schedule seems endless a few months ago in conjunction with ( she played eleven concerts in 19 71). one of his films and admonished: Rosa was set for a concert on the 2/ 10 "Whatever you do, do not ever change Wurlitzer in the State theatre, Water­ one particle of this theatre. It is bury, Conn. on January 14, and on magnificent. Absolutely unbelievable April 28 and 29 she'll titillate a Rodgers in this day and age." Doc says that the during two public concerts to be held organ still needs some work, but the in the Congregational Church at Hunt­ Rex got the gong . - (Stufoto) crew, led by George Smafield, is bound ington. Conn. Then on May 16 its

20 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN back to pipes for a stint at the No. the display ads run in newspapers Mary Bowles reports that Dick Tonawanda Riviera theatre's 3/ 15 Wur­ emphasize the instrument with a pic­ Kline's big Wurlitzer installation in his litzer (yes, it has grown) for the ture of the console backed by pipes. Frederick, Md. home is nothing short Niagara Frontier Chapter. "The gang at Steve's welcomes you to of fabulous. She was in attendance with old-fashioned fun, plus old time fa­ 260 others who jammed themselves ~ vorites at the mighty Wurlitzer organ into Dick's spacious abode to hear - the Northwest's only variety show. Billy Nalle. "What an installatio _n; what Two shows Friday nite, and three on a setting! Simply incredible!", she Saturday nite with can-can girls and says. That's Mary's testimonial for an all the gang in a nostalgic trip back to installation which is slated to be a the good old days." Puget Sound focal point during the ATOS Con­ Chapter: When do we come back? vention in July.

Canada's "Mr. Theatre Organ," It is reported that veteran radio Clealan Blakely, reports from his visit and theatre organist Fred Feibel is to the Roberson Center in Binghamton, still walking a foot off the ground NY. on November 21, that the organ because of his election to the ATOS sounds vastly improved since his visits Hall of Fame. Fred whose Organ of a year ago. Lee Erwin did the Reveille radiocasts in the '30s made honors, and his concert was describ­ getting up a little less painful, has Dewey Cagle - (Photo by Jimmy Connor) ed as "most enjoyable." applied for ATOS membership, stating Many ATOS members, especially "I'm looking forward to being a mem­ ~ those in Central New York State, have ber and enjoying your fine publi­ been wondering what has happened to The Rochester Theatre Organ Soci­ cation. " The news that Fred made the the ex-Loew's State Syracuse 4/20 ety had its annual meeting on December Hall set for mer radio organist Bert Wurlitzer, which was sold to an organ 3. Directors elected are: Joahn Fox, Buhrman to pleasant reminiscing. Now broker in March 1965 and spirited Stuart Moffatt, Don Hall and Jack organist/teacher at the School of the away before the Syracuse enthusiasts, Fulreader. Among plans for the follow­ Ozarks at Point Lookout, Mo., Bert who had restored it, could have a ing months are the hoped-for instal­ recalled the old, hectic radio and early chance to bid on it. It is now owned lation of a 3/8 Wurlitzer in an audi­ TV days in New York; "Fred is such by San Lorenzo, California "Ye Olde torium in the city, an expanded ed­ a nice guy. We both worked at CBS Pizza Joynt" operator, Carsten Hen­ ucation program and revision of the and he always volunteered to play my ningsen, who has it in storage. Carsten constitution and by-laws. RTOS mem­ spots during my vacations - even to says it will go into a new Pizza Joynt bership enjoyed a 14% gain during covering for those organists I was when a suitable location is found. "But 1971 and was reported at 726 family subbing for." the location must be right - like the memberships. No. 1 spot," he says. According to Dewey Cagle, the walking encyclopedia of west coast installations, "Henningsen Billy Nalle 's head has been "in the Our recent Harry Blair Legend knows this business as no one else!". clouds" between concerts and his kicked up more dust from veteran seventh annual week in Hart/ ord, play­ organists than any other recent article. ing Christmas music at a bank. Cause The two part story prepared by organ­ Syracuse's favorite theatre organist, for this elation is his learning that his ist Rose Diamond presented the tribute Carleton James, reports that a standing .. Project 3 album has surpassed in sales room-only crowd witnessed his ac­ all previous theatre organ albums re­ companiment to a silent movie comedy leased by the standard commercial program at the New York State Fair­ record firms. This includes sales of all grounds (ex-Keith's 3/11 Wurlitzer) on single commercially-released albums in December 12. Laurel & Hardy and the stereo era which spans 17 years. Buster Keaton films provided the mer­ Billy is getting good milage also from riment. Carleton has moved into a his article, "Renaissance of the The­ new ranch-style home, and is now atre Organ." MUSIC JOURNAL was collecting data and pictures for his the third major magazine to reprint it. biography to be published in THE­ Incidentally Billy used waiting periods ATRE ORGAN. during September jury duty in New York criminal court to plan his pro­ ~ grams for his October 22 Indianapolis When the ATOS conventioneers in Rivoli concert as well as the Nov. 6 Seattle last July stopped at Steve's bash at the Dick Kline studio in Fred­ "Gay 90's" in South Tacoma for their erick, Maryland. This may account for smorgasbord lunch, they saw the the snatches of Prisoners' Song and Eddie Dunstedter (caught during a tape-to­ makings of a fine Wurlitzer installation. We're Hanging Danny Deever which disc transfer of tunes he recorded). The 3/8 organ is now operating, and are said to have haunted both concerts. (Stufoto)

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 21 of a representative group of organists, Aeolian-Skinner will be dedicated early more than enough to tell the basic in 1972 with Paul Calloway, organist story of two wonderful people, but at Washington Cathedral, at the con­ Rose was disappointed in the response sole. Mrs. Catherine Filene Shouse to her initial effort to collect in­ secured the grant for the organ from formation; only a few of the organ­ the Filene Foundation of which she is ists Rose contacted by mail replied. a trustee. Sounds like another in­ Others begged off - "too busy." Rose, teresting installation to visit during who lives in California, had no way the ATOS convention in July. of contacting the New Yorkers other ~ than by pelting them with letters - until Rosa Rio volunteered to do One would never believe it, but the East Coast leg work. But the the well-known "Dainty Miss", organ­ publication of the two installments ist Helen Dell, says she has been doing got a rise from a whole raft of Blair "funny things lately. "She played the Lee Haggart in his pipe shop. He helped friends Rose didn't know about. Notes music for the internationally-televised tone generators move closer to pipes. have been received from Bob Mack, Mexican boxing matches, in which she is very different from the pipe original. Fred Feibel and a phone call from reports "the better participant emerged Comparisons aside, the new sound is Eddie Dunstedter who has some ac­ triumphant. " Then, she joined the extremely satisfying, sometimes colades to add. And, wonder of "horsey set" and played for 10 per­ thrilling. wonders, Jack Ward has dug up a formances of the International Horse Results: Bill Thomson came by and photo of the Blairs, So, it looks as Show. All this in addition to her after a few minutes workout exclaim­ though we'll have another installment other concerts and the marketing of ed: "I'd sure like to broadcast this as soon as enough material accumulates. her many records have kept Helen baby!" Next came Lyn Larsen: "I'd hopping. like to record it again!" For years this publication (and For over 2½ years, the Seattle firm especially this column)has encouraged of Balcom & Vaughn has worked to electronic organ builders to go to the build an authentic replica of the New source, the original, for their patterns; York Paramount Wurlitzer console to to study the theatre pipe organ in replace the original destroyed by fire order to make electronic replicas. It in Wichita. According to Bill Bunch in seems like the most natural procedure, an illustrated article in the Seattle yet very few have done it. Even Times on November 11, his firm will examining the merchandise isn't ship the console by furniture van to enough; an interpreter/translator is Wichita. About 95% of the one-ton needed. The Rodgers Co., under the keydesk was made in Seattle. Manual enlightened guidance of then prexy keys were made in England, and the Rodgers Jenkins, is one of the few Bob and Alice Power. Their Rodgers -with­ hand-carvedand painted designs on the the-mostest went th rough growing pains. which used a theatre organ as source console will be done in Wichita. Total (Stufoto) material (the now circa 44-rank mostly cost: $50,000. In Camarillo, Calif., Bob Power, Wurlitzer on the Vollum estate near owner of the most elaborate (and Portland Oregon). The Rodgers engi­ costly) Rodgers theatre electronic or­ eers and tonal advisors developed a gan, took stock of his instrument. basically fine instrument but it took True, it was the nearest replica of a the pipe and electronic knowhow of theatre pipe organ extant, yet Bob had old pro Lee Haggart to accomplish a feeling that it could be brought what pipe factory men call "finishing." tonally closer to pipe sound. But who The Rodgers now has a "high gloss" would have the knowhow? Then he finish in its tonal spectrum. recalled reading here about the open­ ing of Lee Haggart's pipe shop in ~ Granada Hills, and made an appoint­ Remember the recent article in this ment with Lee. It was a fortunate magazine announcing the establish­ choice because pipe doctor Lee is also ment of a library of silent movie cue an electronics engineer who was once music and a collection of tapes on $50,000 worth of console ready for ship­ on the Hammond design staff. Lee which prominent organists and those ment. - (Photo by H. A. Sommer) arrived with Harvey Heck and tackled associated with the hobby would tell the "Style 260" Rodgers in only two their own stories. Mary Bowles, the areas - sound dispersal and tuning. originator of the plan, visited various What is promised as "one of the Lee and Harvey required only one day parts of the western USA following country's great pipe organs", is now to create an improvement in sound the 1971 convention and wherever being installed in the Concert Hall of quality which defies description. It she stopped she broached her plan. the Kennedy Center for the Perform­ was good sound before; now it's often Result: InSouthernCalif Mary's com­ ing Arts in Washington. The $200,000 difficult to determine that the sound merical was so effective that she has

22 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN been installed in the Casa by Toronto group, but all of them that space will enthusiasts. On October 28 at its allow. The cost is $5.00 yearly (12 weekly luncheon meeting, Horace issues). For further info, drop a card Lapp, who played the instrument in to THE ORGANIST, Box 398, Lyn­ its original location, and later when wood, Calif 90262. it was in Maple Leaf Gardens, pre­ ~ sented a program in which he played the organ and told of its history.

Organists Rose Diamond and Ario Hults interview one another in Ario's garage studio for the tape library project. - (Stufoto) organists interviewing one another, and the tapes are piling up. From the Hollywood area she has received taped interviews with Randy Sauls, Rose

Diamond, Lee Haggart and Ario Hui ts Lyn Larsen retiring - (Stufoto) - and one with Eddie Dunstedter is in preparation. Stu Green has been A few issues back we passed on a tossing the questions for most of the rumor that Lyn Larsen had retired interviews. from the concert field. Glad to report the rumor had no foundation; the Hot Rumor Department: lad was merely loafing and storing Looks like Phoenix Arizona might up strength and ideas for his ambi­ soon be a home for ex-giants of the BILL WORRAL tious winter series of concerts which theatre! Bill Brown has the five man­ The newest organmag editor/publisher started with a December concert at ual Chicago Paradise Theatre Wur­ His part in the debacle disturbed the San Diego Fox 4/32 Morton and litzer in his home, and now our under­ him deeply. Organist Bill Worral had will end with the San Gabriel, Calif. ground information channels say two been instrumental in promoting over Wurlitzer dedication during the Re­ more big ones are to be playing in 200 subscriptions in his home area gional Convention in February. Be­ Phoenix soon. One, said to a 4/37 (Long Beach, Calif) to that much­ tween the two, Lyn has booked a Wurlitzer ,just might be (by the process pro mo ted midwes tern organ magazine slew of appearances which will take of elimination) from the gone Brook­ - which promptly f aided, its obliga­ him far from his Hollywood head­ lyn Fox. It has already been purchased tions to subscribers mostly unfulfilled. quarters - dates with pipes in Detroit , and shipped. The second one is de­ So, when Bill launched his own pub­ Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton. scribed as a 4/42 Wurlitzer. 4/42 Wur­ lication, THE ORGANIST, in January Guess he got tired of retirement. litzer? Kick that one around for a­ he entered a gratis one year subscrip­ ~ while. tion for all persons whose subscrip­ tions to the dead magazine he had It isn't often that the organ hobby Approximately 1700 enthusiastic promoted. Bill Worral is an energetic world is honored by a visitor from patrons gave a standing ovation at the go-getter (his stint as editor-publisher far off New Zealand. The last time Rochester, N. Y. Auditorium Theatre of the excellent Long Beach Profes­ Mat Matthews' freighter docked at on November 13, when organist Dennis sional Organists "Stars and Notes" was Long Beach Calif, it was on the James, in his third appearance, this a personal triumph) but one with an night Don Baker played a concert at time with the Singing Hoosiers from obvious sense of responsibility. We the L.A. Wiltern, and hobbyists met Indiana University, presented a new wish him well in his venture into the the young ship's officer at the dock approach to a theatre organ concert. national publishing field. THE and spirited him to the Wiltern. That The 48-voice group, led by Rochester­ ORGANIST promises to be comple­ was two years ago. Late in the fall of born Robert E. Stoll, showed new mentary to rather than competitive 19 71 the wind was right and we ideas in presenting old and new songs, with most existing publications. Fo­ knew Mat's ship was nearing Long sprinkling them with choreography, cussed on the interests of both amateur Beach again - with a new load of raw humor and organ accompaniment, all and professional organists, its forecast tuna. This time Mat was able to catch tastefully executed. While in the city, lists special organ arrangements, where Carol Jones' winter concert. Obviously Dennis appeared on the Louise Wilson to buy sheet music and records, pro­ impressed by both the music and the TV show. files of prominenti, reviews of events girl, Mat muttered, "She's a lot prettier (countrywide), how to get music pub­ than Don Baker!" Mat had lots of ~ lished and recorded, where organ serv­ news from "way down under": Addie The Kiwanis Club of West Toronto, ice is available locally, organ club news Aiken's 2/ 10 Wurlitzer (from the Em­ Operators of the famed Casa Loma, and lots more. One big advantage, bassy theatre, Wellington) has been has begun to utilize the ex-Shea's says Bill, is that the monthly will not sold and moved from Tokoroa High Toronto Theatre Wurlitzer which has represent any one special interest School to Tauranga Town Hall. Len

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 23 best but I'll bet it's the prettiest 3- couple of weeks rehearsing and taping manual Wurlitzer around". He has it the 4/26 Wurlitzer in Long Island mounted on the remodeled platform University's gumnasium (the former) and figures wiring it in will take Brooklyn Paramount) for his new about a month of spare time between Reader's Digest album, and now he cycle sales. It's a hybrid, of circa 19 has gone all the way. Every Tuesday ranks and Joe plans to add a piano, 16' and Saturday night, as well as the odd pedal Tibia and Posthorn to round it Thursday night, New York area organ out tonally. It's a well balanced in­ fans will find Ashley perched high strument. Sounded good on the Don above the basketball court in Madison I Thompson record. Square Garden getting some marvelous sounds of the Rodgers Specia.l theatre ~ ' organ as the Knicks and their op­ As if he didn't already have enough I 1 ponents dribble around on the floor to keep him ridiculously busy, Ashley Carol and Mat. A pleasant visit 'up over.' below. Two hours of Ashley Miller's (Stufoto) Miller seems to have taken a liking to music is a bargain for the price of any basketball, In November he spent a basketball game. Southward owns the 260 Special ( 3/ 16 with Posthorn) removed from the Auckland Civic theatre and is prepping it for installation in a Vin­ tage Car Museum in Wellington. And

24 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN THEATRE ORGANIST REX KOURY REMINISCES...

In looking back over a long and coda, or four-bar ending. Okay? Well, have been directed my way. Yes ... I varied career in show biz. I've found I played through the piece beautifully, should have seen the handwriting on that invariably in reminiscing with made my return for the repeat, and the wall! others about the past, it's most often then ... forgot how to get to the coda! When I was about fourteen, (circa the humorous things that happened By now, it's obvious to the reader that 1926) after having studied theatre that evoke the greatest of nostalgic my teacher was one who insisted in pipe organ for several months, a young memories. I say humorous ... some of everything being memorized in recital. man who played in one of our local the things that happened to me seemed Well, I played it all over again. And neighborhood theatres asked me if I almost tragic at the time. But time forgot how to get to the coda again. would like to substitute for him while heals all pain, and the things that were So I played it again. And again! What he went on vacation. I had pestered so embarrassing at the moment have was intended to be a two-minute and badgered the poor fellow into become quite funny in retrospect. number at best, soon grew to sonata listening to me play in all my supreme Whenever embarrassing situations proportions . . . two minutes, then confidence. Anyway, he said he are being handed out, you can always four ... then six! Titters from the thought I could do it okay ..Me ... I count on me to be standing around audience gradually grew in intensity, was thrilled. So the big Saturday ar­ with my hand out. Oh, I don't mean and to this day I can see my very rived when I was to start my two­ such things as forgetting the "bridge" large ( and at times, formidable) teacher week stint. It was the two-o'clock of a tune during a community song­ frantically motioning for me to finish matinee, and I proceeded to walk up fest, or doing a pratfall off an organ the darn thing ... and me looking the foyer and past the ticket-taker lift ... those things happen to every­ back at her in helpless confusion. She large as life itself. The scene went body. What I mean is ... well, I'll had a voice, bless her heart, that went something like this: let you in on a few of my whoppers! with her ample size, and it seemed to Ticket-taker: "Hey you! Where's I suppose I should have seen the me the whole auditorium could hear your ticket?" handwriting on the wall, when during hear her yelling, "That's enough! Don't Young Koury: "It's alright. I don't my very first piano recital . . . I was start it again! Just stop ... get off! need ... " all of nine years of age and a first­ Get off!" Finally, in desperation I Ticket-taker: "Look, we don't allow year student ... things came unglued! thumped out a G-chord and fled the no kids in here without tickets!" I remember my piano piece had a stage amidst peals of laughter. It was Young Koury: "But, I'm here to title something like "Rippling Brook". fortunate that my teacher had some play the organ." It was one of those compositions that GO OD students performing. They Ticket-taker: "You can't play the was played through to a "de capo", or saved the day and the concert, and organ here . Mel Johnson is our return to the beginning, then played tempered, I'm sure, much of teacher's organist and he don't allow kids to through again down to a sign to the ire and frustration that would later touch it." Young Koury: "But you don't understand. He asked me . . . " (BY THIS TIME A LARGE CROWD The following anecdotes were gleaned from an interview recently held OF CURIOUS BYSTANDERS HAS with Rex Koury. Mr. Koury is not too well known in today's roster of the­ ASSEMBLED AND MY EMBARRASS­ atre organists. This is due mainly to the fact that he has spent many years in MENT HAS SOARED LIKE AN AT­ the anonymous surroundings of supplying scores and themes for radio and LAS MISSILE TAKING OFF) television. Ticket-taker: "Look kid, you'd bet­ ter run along ... you're holding up There was a time, in the 1930's, when "Rex Koury At The Console" the line!" appeared in the billing throughout the R.K. 0 theatre chain. Rex was billed (ENTER MANAGER OF THE­ as the "Youngest Professional Organist in the World". Having studied with ATRE FROM LEFT OF LOBBY TO Jesse Craw[ord, and learning well, young Mr. Koury displayed considerable SEE WHAT ALL THE COMMOTION talent at the theatre organ and proved to be a big attraction. IS ABOUT) Manager: "What seems to be the With the demise of theatre playing dates, he became involved in radio trouble?" scoring, which proved to be a permanent livelihood. His best known com­ Ticket-taker: "This kid's trying to position is the "Gunsmoke" Theme. This music has been used every week on bust in without a ticket ... says he the air for seventeen years. (See record review - T.O. October 1971) wants to play the organ." Young Koury: (WEAKLY) "But Rex Koury 's theatre organ sty lings are an authentic reminder of the Mr. Johnson asked me to come and halcyon days of R.K.O., Loews, Paramount, and Fox. Here he relates some play for him." of his early experiences. Manager: (IT'S BEGINNING TO DAWN ON HIM) "You mean Mel

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 25 asked you to play for him during that the same exact thing had happened back onto the platform. Then it hap­ his vacation?" to him some time before. However, pened! Standing in front of their seats Young Koury: "Yes Sir." he was luckier than I ... he wasn't and still arguing away, one of the Manager: (LOOKING AT YOUNG auditioning! musicians unthinkingly sat down on KOURY RESPLENDENT IN POW­ Fortunately, I wasn't always the the concertmaster's seat! A loud DER-BLUE KASHMIR SWEATER, butt-end of fate's whimsies. The follow­ "crunch" . . . complete and stunned AND KNEE-SOCKS) "You mean you ing episode occurred while I y.,as play­ silence ... then a wail of despair from can really play that thing? How old ing an engagement at the world-famous the stricken owner that could be heard are you, Son?" Roxy in New York. It happened to all the way back to the fourth balcony! Young Koury: "Fourteen, Sir." someone else for a change. However, Well, you guessed it. The practical (?) Manager: "well . . . okay. You go I still awaken occasionally with the jokers had purchased one of Frank and on down to the pit, but be sure you "cold shudders". A week or so previous, Milt Britton's break-away $2.00 fiddles play real soft until I get a chance to some of the musicians in the huge and exchanged instruments while our listen to you!" Roxy orchestra had attended a show friend was absent. His fine violin had Well, I guess I must have turned in featuring the frantic "Frank & Milt been carefully placed in it's case and a satisfactory performance after all. Britton Band". This was a zany group stored under his chair. Needless to say, Four years later this same theatre that squirted Seltzer bottles, clubbed we played two or three shows that manager, a wonderful man by the name each other over the head with rolled­ day before our good concertmaster's of Harry Black, was to give me my up newspaper bats, broke fiddles to hands stopped shaking enough to allow first crack at the "big time" and a four­ bits, and generally indulged in all sorts him to continue in his official capacity! y ear contract with Radio-Keith­ of musical (and unmusical) mayhem. I must tell you about a letter I Orpheum Theatres in the east. But hilarious! Well, that's where the received back in 1941 , while I was Then there was the time several idea was born. The concertmaster of solo organist for the National Broad­ years later and after sound movies the Roxy orchestra at that time, who casting company in Hollywood, Studio had taken over, that two big-wigs from shall now remain nameless, was a most H boasted a very nice three-manual the RKO music department in New vocal and vociferous individual, par­ theatre-style pipe organ which my old York City came to the theatre where ticularly when it came to discussions friend, Paul Carson, had designed and I was then playing. They were there to of a political nature. Now it happened installed. NBC in those good ol' radio listen to my solo spot. It seems there that this talented gentleman had re­ days maintained two separate net­ was an opening for a solo organist in cently come into possession of an works ... the Red, which covered one of RKO's top movie palaces and extremely valuable old Italian violin, about one-half of the nation, and the I was being considered. Came the show, an acquisition that had set him back Blue Network (soon to become the and my big opportunity! I had selected some $3,000! It was his pride and joy, American Broadcasting Company) that week to play Rachmaninoff s and I'm sure he valued it more than which covered the remainder of the popular "Prelude In C-Sharp Minor" life itself. Well, as anyone who has country. As part of my duties I played ... generally conceded to be quite worked with string musicians knows, daily broadcasts over both networks difficiult to perform smoothly on the it is the habit of most violinists to set on this fine organ. On the Red, I played organ. The "Mighty Wurlitzer" as­ their bows and violins down on their under my own name ... Rex Koury. cended silently while a film-clip pro­ chairs while taking a break. The "fid­ On the Blue, I went by the moniker of jected on the screen explained all this dlers" at the Roxy were no exception. Roy St. George. I suppose to some to a packed house. With full organ, I That is ... all but one. That con­ extent I cheated. Because of the lim­ then commenced ... "A", "G-sharp", certmaster wasn't going to leave his itations of time I usually played many and down to low "C-sharp". And there priceless treasure where anyone could of the same arrangements under both it was! My audition consisted of three touch it. For days other string players names and on both networks. Same notes, all played in the pedal! What kept up a constant kidding and chiding style ... same registration ... every­ happened? You guessed it. The heavy over his extreme precautions. After thing. So it was all the more remarkable open Tuba low "C-sharp" ciphered, all they also had valuable fiddles. when one day I received the following drowning out each and every attempt They weren't afraid to leave them on communication from a fan: to proceed! Ah, me ... nothing to do their chairs. After all, the orchestra but push the "down" button and sink pit was in the basement. What could "Dear Mr. Koury: unhappily into the bowels of the pit. happen? I enjoyed your fine organ music To make matters even worse, the show So the day inevitably came. Against over our local Red network station at could not proceed until someone suc­ his own better judgement, I'm sure, 10:00 P.M. last tuesday evening. I ceeded in yanking the pipe . . . a when the pit had descended for a listen to your music regularly and matter that seemed to take hours! twenty-minute break, our friend very think your selections are great and Probably only took three or four carefully placed bow and violin on his style is terrific. We also listen occasion­ minutes, but it seemed an eternity. chair like all the others, and returned ally to that other fellow, Roy St. Well, that was that. No ... I didn't to the unfinished poker game that George on NBC from Hollywood, but get the job even though the "brass" would continue until the warning buz­ he can't play nearly as well as you ... ". was enveigled into staying through zer sounded. In a most fiendish and the next show. An odd thing ... in subtle manner our concertmaster was Then there was the time during my chatting with one of my first theatre carefully drawn into a complex discus­ sojourn as organist at ABC when I was organ teachers, a wonderful player by sion of things political, which heated assigned to do the music for a radio the name of Bill Meeder, he told me debate continued as the orchestra filed drama called "The A mazing Mr.

26 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Malone". I was assisted at the Ham­ mond organ by a small group of CallingAll TheatreOrganistsl musicians who helped provide the background music, cues and bridges. professional and non-professional One day in the midst of dress rehearsal, President Rice has appointed a com­ would be available at slight cost to any the organ suddenly quit, billows of mittee to investigate a way in which other interested parties. It could be smoke began pouring out of the Leslie ATOS national headquarters can es­ updated annually. speaker, and "you-know-who" jumped tablish a directory of all persons capable A primary objective of this booklet off the organ bench as though struck of performing full length, or spot type would be to help chapters and artists from behind with a poisoned arrow! theatre pipe organ concerts. The com­ After considerable coaxing on the part mittee is pursuing the idea of a pam- locate one another quickly and easily. It is also directed to help locate non­ of the director from the booth I was phlet type brochure. As presently professional performers who would finally pe_rsuaded to turn on the organ planned, it would devote one full page make their services available for short and try again. I did. I played a few to each performer. Layout would in­ performances at chapter meetings for bars more ... and then, another mild clude a wallet size picture, biographical considerably less cost than a paid explosion and more smoke pouring information, promotion material (if professional concert. out from the organ console! Well, available), and address of artist or that was it. I threw up my hands. artist's manager. Performance costs At this point, committee is pri­ "You'd better get another organ moved would be included also, at the artist's marily interested in reactions to the in here fast", I said, " "This thing will request. idea, and we urge all performers to never play again!" At that, everyone This is a suggested layout, and it write to us before April 1, 1972 and in the studio burst into gales of laugh­ could be modified according to the advise whether or not they will con­ ter. The joke was on me. The sound desires of each artist. Page size would sider purchasing a page. If response is engineers had very carefully strung be approximately 5 x 8 inches. De­ too small, the idea necessarily will be hair-thin electric wires all the way pending upon the response, pages shelved for now. Please address all around the studio from the sound­ would probably cost about $15. Only letters to: Mike Foley, Chairman, Con­ effects truck to the organ, and on a full pages would be s~ld. A copy of cert Circuit Committee, ATOS, P.O. cue from the booth had set off smoke­ each brochure would be sent free to Box 66, Buckland Station, Manchester, bombs in the organ and speaker. each chapter's program chairman, and Connecticut 06040. □ Verrrry funny! But you see, what nobody in the studio that day could have possibly known . . . I had sold that Hammond and Leslie speaker to NBC the week before! I had good and Wyoniina Cliarters T.O. Club sufficient reason to be "shook"! Different composers work in dif­ The theatre industry trade magazine Film Society, chartered in the State of ferent ways. In composing the initial BOXOFFICE of August 2, 1971 c;ar­ Wyoming. score for a new radio or TV series it ried a story concerning the formation ATOS members are prominent in was always my custom to write all the of the Cowboy Theatre Organ and this organization, including Edwin background and cue music first, leaving Pegram of Bozeman, Montana, Hal the "theme" until last. Since this is the "Gunsmoke Theme" while sitting on Pearl of Chicago as Vice President, most important musical element, I the "john"." You know . . . it took Dr. E. J. Mullins of Cody, Wyoming prefer to tackle it after all the rest is all of ten minutes! as Secretary-Treasurer, and Dr. Arthur out of the way. By that time, I've Well, that was eighteen years ago Movius, member of the Board of Di­ established the "feel" of the aggregate and still the great show goes on. I sup­ rectors. A recent meeting was held at and have had time to think about, and pose I've written several suitcases full the home of Dr. Movius, Billings, mold the ideas I would incorporate of original composition in my life­ Montana. The Movius home contains into the theme. One morning shortly time, but is is ironic in a way, that a beautifully installed Robert Morton after CBS had engaged me to supply this particular bit of music should organ. the music for a new series called, turn out to be my most successful, Mr. Pegram managed the Ellen The­ "GUNSMOKE", and I had completed and lucrative, piece of writing. It has atre, Bozeman, for 30 years. He is an all the new background scoring the been heard continuously on CBS'most accomplished organist and released an night before, it suddenly dawned on popular TV drama since it's inception. album on the Concert label called me that I had yet to compose the It has been recorded by over twenty "On Wings of Love". This was re­ theme! Now, the time was about 9:00 different recording artists on as many corded on the Ellen Theatre Wurlitzer. A.M. and all the manuscript had to be labels ... from the rather obscure Hal Pearl is well known to every­ delivered to the copyists by 10:00. I "Broome Brothers" in Nashville . . . one who has seen "The Toy That Grew still had a half-hour drive into town, by the Lawrence Welk aggregation Up" on T.V. He has been the organist and I hadn't written the theme. I ... and up to the great Arthur Fiedler for both Republican and Democratic hadn't even finished dressing for the and the Boston Pops. It has earned Party Conventions. Hal was also pic­ day! In desperation I grabbed a pencil, this writer over $100,000 in royalties tured in the nostalgia issue of LIFE some manuscript paper, a magazine alone! Yes . . . I have many times magazine, February 18th, 1971. This for support, ran into the bathroom and thought about moving my desk into coverage showed him at the Oriental proceeded to write the now-famous the bathroom. I may do it yet! □ Theatre, Chicago. □

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 27 ~ntpptt~from ~nglanb / roNv BERNARDsMITH

A man much envied by the British general: "Generally speaking, it is in always disapproved of the end noises theatre organ fraternity is Gerald Car­ the voicing of the pipes. Whereas a - but Ron has done a superb job of rington. Why? He is both mine host theatre was always very deM - no showing the biggest organ can be suc­ of a good old English pub and also the reverberation, no echo - it required cessfully shifted into a house." owner of a fine Compton instrument. a much higher wind pressure, a much ~ Which is not quite so surprising louder sound to compensate for this STACCATO SNIPPETS - High­ when you know that he has spent deadness. Mechanically they are very class preservation job is indicated by the similar and, in fact, companies who built church organs before the war news that organist Roy Bingham has learnt an awful lot from theatre organs. gained zoning permission to modify Whereas a church organ would be used four Elizabethan cottages in the heart for maybe a couple of hours on Sun­ of England so that he can install his day a theatre organ could possibly own Wurlitzer . . . Local enthusiasts be switched on in the morning and the have reached agreement with the man­ blower would run ... " agement of the Astoria, Corstorphine, Would he recommend clergy to buy in Scotland. Theatre boasts a unique ex-theatre organs for their churches? Ingram 2/4 and the local boys have "Nothing wrong with that at all." agreed to patch it up as best they can One of his jobs in hand is the re­ in return for promise of first option if building of the four-manual Compton the building should close and the organ from the Odeon, Southend. This had be for sale ... Here's a small sensation the distinction of being the only - an organ going into a theatre! The Compton with both Melotone and management of the Regal, Henley-on­ patent solo cello (mechanically bowed Thames, have completed arrangements and electrically amplified). With basic for the Compton 3/7 of the Regal, Gerald Carrington, amid the works of the ranks enlarged from 10 to 12, and Tunbridge Wells, to be transplanted. Pavilion, Hoddesdon, Christie. minus, a few of the extras, this is to go With luck it will sing again by Christ­ much of his life as an organ builder - into a small concert hall being specially mas. "Let's hope we can set the trend," and much of that for the firm of built for it by farmer Peter Palmer, of says manager Gordern Mintern who Comptons. He's still active in that Huntingdon. is - you've guessed? - also an organ field, too, as well pulling pints behind buff first class ... Many instruments the bar of the Plough, Great Munden, Organ builder Ron Curtis has also in Granada circuit houses have been in Hertfordshire. That's where he has won fame as a performer and in his sold recently but I hear the famous installed the 3/9 plus Melotone and own gloriously titled Paramount Organ Granada, Tooting, Wurlitzer 4/ 14 is piano from the Gaumont, Finchley, Works in Bolton he's now built himself being kept playable through "grafts" adding two ranks in the process. a fine set of whistles. It's a four-decker from the nearby Granada, Woolwich An acoustically designed lounge with 10 ranks and is mainly the Comp­ . . . Among_ the many European the­ houses the console and audience and ton from the Paramount, Liverpool. atres slated for twinning is the Rem­ two large chambers were built for the The Tibia, though, is a Wurlitzer one brandt, Utrecht. The house boasts a pipes. Every weekend the serious from the Gaumont,Preston and various Standaart 2/ 5 and there are hopes that drinkers are augmented by the organ bits and pieces join the ensemble this will be retained, playing only in buffs who come to listen to resident from other sources. the 775-seater lower auditorium ... and guest performers. Ron has been arranging some recitals Seeking all the long-lost treasures, my Recently, Gerald was able to help since the organ was opened earlier Dutch friends have now discovered the some enthusiasts who restored the this year. One performer - it was his Standaart 2/5 from the Rialto, Tilburg lovely little Christie 3/6 in nearby first British concert date since a tour (now demolished). It's in a local pen­ Hoddesdon and a firm of which he is of Australia - was Andrew Fenner. itentiary's chapel and played by a managing director have rebuilt a three­ Now Andy is noted among his farmer's wife who has gained some decker Compton in the church of St. friends and colleagues as a bit of a reputation among the convicts for her Andrew, Chorleywood. This ex-theatre perfectionist, but he described Ron's use of the traps and effects . . . job has been put in with all traps and re-creation to me as "an incredibly Nostalgic volume tentatively titled effects. excellent job". The Mighty Organ is now being penned "It has been a very great success," "The lift ( elevator) operating was by Geoffrey Wyatt who is currently he says. Which is useful to note at a silent and as safe as houses," he told seeking out all the old photos he can time when many theatre jobs are get­ me. "Spotlights changing colour, plus find ... Sign of the times? The famous ting new homes in churches. the sound from so big an organ which Odeon, Leicester-square London, now He proffers a technical distinction was massive without offending the ear. displays a billboard to announce that between church and theatre organs in "The first time I can say this - I've Gerald Shaw plays there daily. D

28 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN late ATOS Wickersham, by the dual have altered the course of my life • hobbies of Alden Miller, etc. Un­ considerably, I think. In our part of fortunately some members of each the country there were few theatre . ~. clan are jealous of their one-hobby organs and fewer big name theatre status! organists. While visiting my aunt in ~ John Muri may be 99% right as to Flushing, Long Island, I visited the ~ ...... ~ lack of promoting organists against Keith theatre there and through her pit orchestras, but that wasn't true in influence got to take some lessons Buffalo. The 1926 Buffalo advertised from the long time organist there. ~ I its resident organists (Henry Murtagh This organist was the same Bernie TTT-a;rTTT and Herbie Koch) about as fully as Cowham mentioned in the Blair article. its resident conductors (Herbert Straub This was in 1934. Every summer I Letters to the Editor concerning all and Lou Breese); the defunct Lafayette, would visit my aunt and get pointers aspects of the theatre organ hobby usually band-less, certainly plugged C from Bernie. In 1937 I entered Baylor are encouraged. Send them to the Sharpe Minor when he came; and the University to begin my freshman organ editor concerned. Unless it's stated demolished Great Lakes certainly made studies. TWO DAYS after I registered clearly on the letter "not for pub- the most of local Carl Coleman, in­ I received a letter from Bernie saying 1ication," the editors feel free to cluding live programs played into the there was an opening at Duke Univ. reproduce it, in whole or part. WKENcity studio upstairs. theatre for an organist to play their Address: P. 0. Box 2329 Wm. C. Kessel 3/10 Wurlitzer. He added ·that they Livonia, Michigan 48150 Hamburg, N.Y. used his slides and that if I was in­ terested I should write and tell them Dear Sir: HARRY BLAIR told me to write. Dear Sir: Huzzah for Stanley Hightower and (Bernie was marketing slides through his letter in the current issue. I have I was pleased to see mention of my Shapiro-Bernstein and Harry Blair was been feeling that maybe I was all alone old friend and fellow-Compton worker, with that firm at the time. I did write in my distaste for all these cute ideas, Leslie E. A. Bourn, in December's "Vox Mr. Upchurch at Quadrangle Pictures, and even more so, my distaste for Pops" column. Duke Univ. and, it seemed, would cute or gushy writing. I think, for However, unless Mr. Bourn was have had the job as one of the last instance, of the thoroughly horrid doing it in secret, other than an organ chances to play a theatre organ with for his own home, he was not a pipe article in the February issue, ostensibly song slides but my parents thought written in the first person by the organ organ designer for Compton. it best to stay at Baylor and pursue my itself. I have seen this sort of thing Bourn is the inventor of Compton's music studies. (The Duke job was not done by parents in home movies of famous electro-static "plug-in" and, connected with the music school or their babies, but this is the first time in my opinion, the most brilliant Chapel organ job in any way and I was I have seen an organ personified and electronic organ designer in the world. already enrolled at Baylor Music I do hope it is the last. In the late 20's and early 30's, Bourn school). I am, therefore, indirectly My reaction to it, in fact, was well held English Patents and some Amer­ indebeted to Mr. Blair for a once in a described by the late Alexander ican Patents on every system of elec­ lifetime chance and I never even had Woollcott who said "tonstant weader tronic design - long before anyone the opportunity of meeting him! fwowed up." else visualized the many possibilities I am now a teacher at Tyler Junior Can't the editor of this magazine of electronic generation of organ College and avidly reading every word ... Simply tell your contributors to sounds. So - let's give credit where in THEATRE ORGAN. Other names "tell it like it is" and forget the fancy credit is due. Cordially, in the Blair article bring back mem­ writing, and cute ideas? Orrin A. Gustafson ories. Through Bernie Cowham I met Now, after the brickbats, some many organists who were using his Mr. Editor: bouquets. Compliments to Bill Exner Lest any historian read Lloyd Klos's slides. Arlo Hults, then playing at the for the Orgoblo story in the August 86th St. theatre, Leo Weber at the page 17 reference to the Buffalo­ issue. And huzzah to Judd Walton and Niagara Falls High Speed Line, it was 58th St. and Johnny Winters at Loew's Jack Bethards for the article on higher Valencia in Jamaica, L. I. One of the other Buffalo-Lockport interurban standards of installation in the October which bounded the Wurlitzer plant; issue. These articles contain useful and I wonder how many organs were information, not gush, and they don't shipped out over the interurban rail­ need fancy writing to make their point. way which held a 999-year lease on the This is how the whole magazine should ERIE??? The New York Central had a be ... line nearby, true; and the station name John S. Carroll ""Wurlitzer" was doubtless a tribute to a freight customer. Dear Editor: Patriarchal Editor Freeman Hubbard The current issue of THEATRE of Railroad Magazine has been forced ORGAN really brought back memories THE ATOS to note the overlap in hobbies as to me when THE HARRY BLAIR NATIONAL CONVENTION railfans are organ buffs and vice versa, LEGEND caught my eye. I never met JULY 10 thru 14, 1972 as illustrated by that British rail-and­ Mr. Blair but through a combination WASHINGTON, D. C. TO disc, by E. J. Quinby's eulogy to of circumstances his influence could

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 29 Bernie's best ideas was to take each done than many indoor theatre organ good job is done in this regard; how­ week's news and write complete par­ installations. The instrument has ex­ ever, once in a while below standard odies for sing-alongs. To my knowledge, cellent balance and carries well con­ material does appear. I think that our he was the only featured organist at sidering that tonal regulation has just friend from Memphis misdirected his Keith's in Flushing. He came there begun. One interesting note is that comments. The article on page 40 of from Wisconsin and was the last regular the "woods" seem to improve eff ec­ the August, 1971 issue (right across the organist there. His work in Flushing tiveness of the swell shades and help page from "Alice"!) is a much better began in 1928, I think, until health dissipate unwanted static noise. This (worse!) example. I refer to the type forced his retirement in the 40's. He organ will be worth hearing, Mr. High­ of article which describes and often died in 1949. Once , in 1939, I men­ tower. praises the most amateurish efforts tioned I wanted to buy a Howard Second, Hightower criticizes the of organ hobbyists. Incorrect and mis­ organ seat and asked him for advice style in which the article is written. I leading terminology is used, improper where to look for one. His answer was disagree with his basic thesis. THE­ procedures are often given -credibility "I don't know where you can get one, ATRE ORGAN has a fairly wide by appearing in print, a few days but I'll will you mine when I decide to readership among wives, casually in­ spent in cleaning, trouble shooting and bump off this earthly planet." In the terested enthusiasts and other non­ rough tuning is many times overly summer of 1949, I received a letter technical people. To many of them dignified by the title "rebuild", gross from an attorney informing me I had it is interesting from time to time to errors in care of organ components been willed "one Howard organ seat read a general interest article, such as are often glossed over with a laugh. from the estate of Bernard Cowham." Doris Ensele's, written in a light man­ The efforts of enthusiastic hobbyists The seat is still here and I'm hoping ner. It provides a way for these people deserve credit if the work accomplished some day to have something besides to share some of the interests of the improves the condition of "needy" a Hammond so that I may put it to more serious hobbyists. Certainly, this instruments. However, let's not print proper use. type of article should not take the in THEATRE ORGAN material that Thanks for helping bring back mem­ place of "deeper" pieces, but once in a could give people, especially those ories! while it provides a good change of new to the hobby, the impression Sincerely, pace. that amateurish workmanship is ap­ Lawrence Birdsong, Jr. Third, and most important, is Mr. plauded by ATOS. The article, "High Hightower's plea for high standards School Organ Speaks Again" does no in the content of THEATRE ORGAN. service to Dan Tenerowicz, who I am To The Editor With this I fully agree. In general, a sure deserves kudos for his hard work. It appears to me that Mr. High­ tower's letter (letters to editor, Dec. DORIC STEREO1401 1971) covers three points. I should like to comment upon each one but PIPIN' HOT FROM THE CAP'Ns GALLEY not necessarily in the order presented Vic Hammett, 3/12 Wurlitzer from the Seattle Fifth by him. First, he condemns outdoor Avenue Theater as installed in the Redwood City, organ installations, particularly the California restaurant. Ensele's "Alice". The attack is not Fantasy Stereo 8396- justified. For several ·years I have GANGB USTERS & LOLLIPOPS Bill Langford at the Warfield Wurlit­ maintained the large Austin at the zer, San Francisco as installed at Ye Bohemian Grove in Northern Califor­ Olde Pizza Jo ynt, San Lorenzo, Calif. nia. This organ has been played with great success for the past 51 years. DORIC STEREO 1402 It is in first class condition and has WHO? WHO? THE KEY MASTERS never had a major re-build. It with­ TH Ill IIISTEBS• EnretlNoune Frank Denke, piano and Everett Nourse, stands very difficult winters amid a Rodgers electronic organ. redwood forest at the edge of the Russian River. It is completely sat­ FAREWELLTO THE FOX series isfying tonally, considering the intent Everett Nourse and Tiny James of its specification. It speaks directly at the San Francisco Fox Theater Wurlitzer organ. into open air . . . the most perfect Fantasy Stereo 85013-Volume I "studio" possible. Afterall, there can Fantasy Stereo 85014-Volume II be no "room sound" outdoors! The Fantasy Stereo 85018-Volume III tone carries well and there are no r------7 resonant frequencies. All in all, despite DORIC RECORDSSALES COMPANY I what one might assume, this outdoor PostOffice Box605, Alamo, California 94507 : organ is a most valid instrument. Out­ Choose from these speciols: I RECORDS door organs can be good and from I personal observation I can state that D Any one (1) of the above~--~ $5.50 post paid. I I Any two {2) of the above (___ & ___ ) $9.95 post paid . "Alice", when finished should D I be another excellent example. The D Any three (3) of the above ~-- ___ & __ ___, I chambers are NOT shacks. They are $]4.45 post paid . I very well constructed - much better Enclose check or money order. I

30 FEBRUARY , 1972 THEATRE ORGAN One would hope that the work was note is stationary, higher octave band a high degree of inharmonicity. Au­ done more expertly than the article, patterns can simultaneously be ob­ dible-type tuners with clarinet tones, with its strange terminology, would served moving in the "sharp" direction; on the other hand, are nearly as rich indicate. To sum up, the Ensele article the higher the octave, the faster the in harmonics as string pipes, and as covers the trials and tribulations of motion. Since one or more of these such are much more useful for putting the organ hobby in a light fashion, "inharmonic" harmonics is going to all the significant harmonics into proper but it does project the feeling that be of primary importance in tuning, perspective. the owners are trying for professional it does little good to filter them out One last comment concerns a tech­ results. However, the other article (a piano which is "perfectly" in tune nicality involved with using an ear­ projects the feeling that any organ will have a scale of fundamental fre­ phone in connection with an audible­ work is good organ work. (For ex­ quencies which is "compressed" from type tuner in order to amplify the ample, "The Oboe was more 'oboe­ the theoretical scale on either side of tuner's sound. Neurologically, it is ized' while the Diapason (swell) was the temperment octave). almost impossible for a beat to be increased in volume", would make Inharmonicity with regard to vi­ produced "inside the head." Two any experienced organ man shudder brating strings does not show up in sounds, in order to beat against one at the thought of hundreds of amateur most physics books because, for reasons another, must be algebraically added organ builders out "oboe-izing" and of simplified mathematical analysis, either acoustically or electronically worse!) the string is assumed to have com­ before they reach the eardrum; the A closing thought. Perhaps it would plete flexibility. A piano string, on the brain is incapable of performing this be a good idea for material to be other hand, is quite rigid, and it is addition. This can be demonstrated more thoroughly screened before pub­ this rigidity in the vicinity of the by hooking a pair of tight-fitting stereo lication in THEATRE ORGAN to be bridges which produces inharmonicity. headphones to two independent audio sure that statements which might en­ Similar inharmonic characteristics oscillators, and then trying to tune courage below standard organ work can be observed in organ pipes (al­ one oscillator to the other by "zero are not given a "stamp of approval" though to a considerably lesser degree) beating" it. Removing the headphones by appearing in these pages. for reasons known in acoustical and and positioning one ear between the Sincerely, electro-magnetic propagation theory as two phones will make a much easier Jack Bethards "fringe effects." This has to do with job of it. The procedure described in the manner in which the acoustical the article will work, however, pro­ Editors: impedance of the organ pipe is ter­ viding that the acoustical path from While I hate to criticize anything minated at the pipe's extremities , and the earphone to the ear canal is not that is said or done by as competent is one of many distinguishing dif­ sealed tightly enough to exclude the and as dedicated a man as Allen Miller, ferences between pipes and plug-ins. sound from the pipe being tuned; i.e., I am disturbed by the lack of reser­ This type of inharmonicity is worst sound from both the tuner and the vation with which he recommends with large-scale pipes, but luckily the the pipe must be allowed to strike the electronic aids for "Painless Tuning." loudness of the harmonics which are same eardrum simultaneously. Although I'm sure he knows better, affected generally decreases with in­ While many of these comments are his article implies agreement with the creasing scale. A thin-scale string pipe, perhaps beyond the normal technical popular misconception that if the for instance, is rich in harmonics but, scope of our magazine, I feel that at fundamental frequency of a musical because of its thin scale, there is al­ least a superficial exposure to them is note is in tune , then the note will most no inharmonicity. For this reason almost essential if the amateur tuner sound right with other similarly "in it is always advisable to use such a is to avoid unnecessary frustration and tune" notes. This is seldom true, ex­ string rank to set a temperment (which disappointment. To neglect the men­ cept for electronic instruments. Nor­ may be done quite easily with any tion of such things allows the reader to mally, problems arise because of in­ electronic tuning aid) , and then use assume that they don't exist - or harmonicity, a situation wherein a this rank as a reference to tune the worse, to inductively "formulate" er­ second harmonic, for example , is some­ remainder of the organ. Because of the roneous theories in order to explain what higher in frequency than exactly string 's rich harmonic content, it is the trouble he experiences in tuning. twice its corresponding fundamental usually possible to octave-tune the William P. Zabel frequency. If out-of-tune upper har­ entire balance of the string rank using Fort Wayne, Indiana monics are of sufficient loudness a single octave temperment as a ref­ (which is frequently the case), beats erence, and thus avoid the compound­ between them will be faster and more ing of errors which is mentioned. Ranks offensive than the negligibly slow beats of pipes physically adjacent to the between the fundamentals. Thus, other string should be tuned from the string than for temperment tuning, it is pipe at least an octave below the pipe usually desirable to tune the upper being tuned in order to avoid "pulling" harmonics , if present , rather than the the string away from its original fundamentals. frequency. Inharmonicity can best be dem­ The piano experiment suggested AT THE ATOS onstrated with a piano (perhaps the above should adequately demonstrate NATIONAL CONVENTION worst offender) an d a st robe-type some of the major drawbacks involved JULY 10 thru 14, 1972 tuner. If a string is tuned so that the with strobe-type tuners when used to WASHINGTON, D. C. octave band corresponding to that tune instruments ( or ranks) displaying

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 31 Feb. 1927 (AO) GRACE CLARK the Lowell Theatre, Little Falls, Minn.; and RALPH WALDO EMERSON re­ CELESTE WARD, Strand in Green NUGGETS cently played, by remote control, a Bay, Wis.; MRS. FRANK HAYDEN, from the duet on two Barton organs, over WLS. Rapidex in Alexandria, La.; ETHEL GOLDEN One instrument is in the Barton School V. OLSON, State in Duluth, Minn.; and the other is in the Hotel Sherman. MAUDE K. ROSENBERRY,4th Street Mar. 1928 (J) Two American organ­ Theatre, Easton, Pa.; BLANCHE ists are playing in Paris theatres. MISS WARNKEN, Grand in Grand Forks, FRENCH is at the Wurlitzer in the N. Dak.; JEAN COCKSDYCHE, Strand Madelon, and VIOLA MAYER plays in Seaside, Ore.; MISS B. GOLDBERG, at the Paramount in the French capital. Fairyland in Cleveland; IRENE JUNO, Mar. 1928 (J) VERA KITCHENER Takoma and EMILY THOMPSON, gave a fine demonstration on the small Central in Washington . . . 3/26 but effective three-manual Moller re­ ADELE V. SULLIVAN, . Longmont cently on Loew 's New York roof (Colo.) Theatre; MARY AKIN, Royal Mar. 1928 (J) FLORENCE BLUM in Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; MARY TAYL­ is acting as guest organist of the Reid OR, Olympic in Wichita Falls, Tex.; Circuit in New Jersey. LOUISE PRYOR, State in Eureka, Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos Mar. 1928 (J) EMILY FARR and Cal.; MARGARET LIBBY, Avenue DAISY GRAA G are alternating at Grand, Washington ... 4/26 CECELIA Once again, Jason and I have come the Wurlitzer in Tacoma's Broadway O'DEA, Central in Washington; MARY up with some nuggets relative to the Theatre. CARNES, Home Theatre in Alexandria, lady organists in the good old days, Mar. 1928 (AO) ELLEN FULTON Va.; MILDRED LALONE, Liberty in thereby saluting all the hard-working is broadcasting from the Chamber of Herkimer, N.Y.; GLADYS BYERLY, gals of the ATOS. References were Commerce over WQAN in Scranton, Garrick and MARIE D. SCOTT, Zelda American Organist (AO), Diapason (D), Pa. in Duluth, Minn.; ALMA OSTERMAN, Jacobs (J) and Melody (M) magazines. May 1928 (DJ A Barton organ has Harris Ritz in Pittsburgh ... 5/26 been installed in the studio of WTMJ, LILLIE MAE KENT, Palace in Wichita Jan. 1926 (M) IDA CLARK is the Milwaukee Journal station. MAR­ Falls, Tex.; JESSIE SAMS BAKER, serving as relief organist at the Tivoli GARET STARR and ARNOLD KRU­ Columbia in Portland, Ore.; VIOLA K. and Ambassador theatres in Wash­ EGER are staff organists. LEE, America in Denver; NELL PAX­ ington, D. C. Oct. 1927 (J) At the Keith-Albee TON, Metropolitan , Washington . . . Feb. 1926 (M) FLORENCE RILEY Theatre in New York, GERTRUDE 7 /26 GRACE FISHER, Belvedere in is playing in both the Grand Theatre DOWD presides at the 3-manual Cumberland, Md.; MARIBEL LIND­ and new Lexington Theatre in Rose­ Wurlitzer. SEY, Ambassador, Washington ... ville, Ohio. Nov. 1928 (Local press) Organist 8/26 MARTHA LEE, Crandall's Strand Mar.1926(M) VIOLA HUMPHREY JEAN WEINER is broadcasting daily in Cumberland, Md.; EDDIE SELLEN is at the 2-manual Wood organ in the over WPG in Atlantic City. & GRACE NORLING, F&D, Oakland; Majestic Theatre in Dallas, Oregon. Aug. 1 929 (D) The six-manual LAURA B. LUKE, Ritz, Spokane; Mar. 1926 (M) MADELYN HALL Barton organ in the Chicago Stadium MRS. WATKINS, Colony and RUTH presides at the Wurlitzer in the Princess was opened on August 1, with RALPH FARMER, Takoma Park, Washington; Theatre in Washington, D. C. WALDO EMERSON at the console, JOHN MITCHELL & FLO GILBERT Mar. 1926 (M) LYLA M. CASTER­ assisted by his wife, organist ELSIE at the 3-manual Kimball, Stahl Theatre, LINE is playing the Estey in the MAY LOOK EMERSON. Cost of the Pittsburgh; JANE CLARK, Camera­ Char-Bell Theatre in Plymouth, Ind. organ is $250,000, and it has a 100- phone in E. Liberty, Pa.; ALMA As a substitute organist, she has played horsepower blower. The console weighs OSTERMAN, Ritz, and IRENE Hope-Jones, Kimball, Wurlitzer and 7½ tons and has 828 stop keys. MADONNA, Capitol, Pittsburgh . . . Smith organs. Jan. 1930 (DJ EDITH LANG has 9 /26 MINNETTE LEA at the Sun Apr. 1926 (M) Mrs. ED F. SMITH been retained as solo organist at the Theatre Wurli in L.A.; RUTH MASE at is at the Estey in the Char-Bell Theatre Exeter Street Theatre in Boston, play­ the 2-manual Wurli in the Valley The­ in Rochester, Indiana. ing a spotlight solo, newsreel, coming atre, Lansford, Pa.; EFFIE DREX­ Apr. 1926 (M) ELLA McBRIDE is events, and three numbers during inter­ ILIUS GABLE, People's in Pittsburgh; at the Hi/green-Lane organ in the mission. The organ-playing receives AMMOURETTE MILLER, Chevy Temple Theatre in Lorain, Ohio. hearty applause, appreciated as a Chase in Washington; ELIZABETH Apr. 1926 (M) GLADYS BEA VER change from the Vitaphone. SCOTT, Liberty in Benton Harbor, BAKER plays the Wurlitzer in the Mich.; A VEL YN M. KERR, Mirth in Rourke Theatre in La Junta, Colorado. GOLD DUST: 2/25 MR. & MRS. Milwaukee; NAIMO GERGER, Walnut July 1926 (M)MARGARETGRAY JESSE CRAWFORD at the Chicago in Vicksburg, Miss ... 10/26 IRENE is at the Capitol Theatre in Vancouver, Theatre ... 1/26 VIOLA F. KLAISS, JUNO at the Earle and NELL PAX­ B. C. She is the only woman organist Palace in Phila.; GERTRUDE KREI­ TON at the Metropolitan, Washington. in that city. SELMAN, Savoy, MARIBEL LIND­ Feb. 1927 (AO) ELSIE E. GARNER SEY, York and PEARL HAUER, Home That should do it until next time. is playing the 3-manual Geneva in the theatres in Washington . . . 2/26 So long, sourdoughs! Lorraine Theatre in Hoopesfon, Ill. HAZEL RUSSELL at the Bartola in LLOYD & JASON

32 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN new Post Horn was brilliant. The month of October proved to be even more eventful for the chapter than September. On October 16 CATOE presented John Grune at th; console of the beautiful 4/15 Golden Voiced Barton for the first public concert at the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, Illinois. It proved to be a eHAPTERNOTE~ 44th Anniversary celebration of great magnitude for the Coronado and another great milestone for CATOE who is celebrating 10 years of in­ credible growth this year. The after­ noon performance drew an attendance CENTRAL OHIO and considerably more concert oriented of more than 900 enthusiasts who The Central Ohio Theatre Organ than is usual for CATOEwhose shows cheered John's well presented program Society (COTOS) is still actively work­ generally include a film and/or stage - accompanying the sing-along with ing on the restoration of the Wurlitzer acts. The 3 / 10 Barton is in very good great gusto, and laughing heartily with 3/15 that was removed from the RKO condition, and has been so much im­ John's brilliant pacing of the Laurel Palace in Columbus a couple of years proved voicing-wise during the past & Hardy comedy. ago and is temporarily stored in a year by the tireless efforts of crew warehouse. Much of the releathering leader Barney King and his associates, has been done, the console refinished that it was felt by all that the organ and the manuals restored to their was ready for mastery by an expert; original beauty. Several prospective and who could have done it better sites are being investigated for in­ than Ashley Miller? stallation of the beast. As the program progressed, Ashley's Our annual Christmas party was enthusiasm and enjoyment became held in the Ohio Theatre with open more and more apparent - a feeling console at the Mighty Morton 4/20. shared by an exuberant and appreci­ This fabulous instrument has been ative audience. Later he confided to us that he was literally "carried away" in mint condition now for several by the organ's excellent tonality. But years, thanks to the ATOS. it was Ashley's lush registrations and COTOS has issued some 7" stereo harmonies that made the instrument records at 33 rpm that were taken come alive and become the hallmark from sing-along sessions at the Ohio of his career. We hope that Mr. Miller with former staff organist Roger will honor us with another visit to A CATOE "FIRST" ... Chicago organ­ Garrett at the console. These are the ist John Grune welcomes his audience to ones advertised in the classified section CATOEland very soon. the Coronado Theatre in Rockford where of recent issues of "THEATRE A Business meeting - Social was held CATOE presented its first public concert at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, on the 4/15 Barton, October 16. ORGAN". (Bill Lamb Photo) Three of our COTOS members who Illinois, on September 25. After the produce organ shows at the Ohio are unusually long business meeting Dennis Although Rockford is 90 miles considering bringing Roger Garrett Minear played a very enjoyable short from Chicago, many inhabitants of the back for the fourth time on February program which included a bouncy Windy City braved the hazards of the 13. He is still well remembered in Charleston number by little Kathy tollway to hear this historic event and Columbus. Shirey and her friends dressed in you can be sure they will be on hand Meanwhile, with several good home authentic fashions of the roaring when soon CATOE will present an installations of Mortons, Wurlitzers, Twenties. The 3/10 Wurlitzer with the evening performance at that beautiful Mollers, and others either playing or soon to be plus the Ohio and Palace organs, we are considering making a bid for the National Convention in the REMEMBER mid 70's but more on that later. FRANK BABBITT

CHICAGOAREA Ashley Miller, one of the nation's at most respected artists, got CATOE's ,~ All::~:::::~:;:::::~::d P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Mich. 48154 fall schedule off to a tremendous By the FIRST of the month PRECEDING publication start, with his fabulous concert at the Mont Clare Theatre on September 16. Copy for April Issuemust be in by March 1st. The program was refreshingly different

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 33 theatre where clouds wisp by overhead films during the concert - yes, three. while stars twinkle through just as And for those who enjoyed singing they did during the theatre's Golden along, Hal presented a thirty minute Age. song slide program during which time Our hats off to crew leader George· he must have played at least one Smafield and Orrill Dunn and all the chorus of every song written between enthusiasts who have worked so hard 1915 and 1930. to make that Golden Barton sing again. His registrations maintained a curi­ They are trying to get the organ into ous element of surprise throughout perfect condition, and have almost the entire program. A phrase beginning reached that point now! CATOE has Hal Pearl, taking his bows from the Patio with Tibias and Voxes might end with been blessed not only with an abun­ Theatre's 3/17 Barton during his CATOE Reeds and Xylophone. This never dance of exceptional instruments, but sponsored concert. - (Bill Lamb Photo) ceased to amaze the discriminate with workers who can bring out the To wrap up the 1971 concert season, listener. very best in them. CATOE presented old-time theatre or­ Hearing Hal Pearl in concert is a ganist Hal Pearl (known as Harold valuable asset to those who take the Perl in the twenties when he played theatre organ seriously. It helps them at the Midwest Theatre on Chicago's develop a true appreciation for the south side) at the Patio Theatre's 3/17 finer qualities of the art. Barton December 2. CA TOE's Christmas socials have Pearl opened his three and a half been held in churches for the past hour music marathon with his own several years but this year two organ­ rendition of a theme from the Warsaw ists were featured in a program at the Concerto, not to anyone's surprise. Montclare Theatre. Jules Lurey, who This seems to have become his theme played the theatre's 3/ 1O Barton when song over the years, as well it should the house first opened, played a short since nobody else plays it the same program and accompanied the Laurel way he does, with full right hand and Hardy film, "Big Business" which chords and athletic left-handed featured the team as Christmas tree arpeggios. salesman. His style, an authentic rep­ The house was almost full but resentation of early theatre organ most of those present remember Hal technique, was quite enjoyable. only from when he played fill-in music During the second half of the pro­ at the Aragon Ballroom several years gram, Ed Smith played several Christ­ ago. Many organ fans know very little mas selections and a Christmas oriented TAKING HER BOWS ... Rosa Rio ac­ knowledges enthusiastic applause between about him since he has always avoided sing-along which, judging from the selections at the Pickwick Theatre's 3/10 any close association with CATOE audience response, everyone enjoyed. Wurlitzer. CATOE presented her in a con ­ except when the club promotes him in cert and Vaudeville show on October 28. DENNIS MINEAR concert. ( Bill Lamb Photo) CHARLOTTE RIEGER Hal's style is truly unique - one And on October 28, only 12 days of the few which this reviewer has DAIRYLAND after the Coronado Show, CATOE never heard another organist copy. It The Dairyland Theatre Organ Soci­ presented the famous radio and con­ is especially delightful to those who ety completed 1971 with a very suc­ cert organist, Rosa Rio, in an "old­ enjoy humming along to all the fa­ cessful December show at the Avalon time" vaudeville Revue at the Pick­ miliar choruses which are entwined in Theatre in Milwaukee - first in this wick Theatre in Park Ridge. Right his silent movie scores. Maybe that city. Patrons departing, inquired as to from the beginning, it was apparent is why he decided to use three silent the next concert and Tom Gnaster of that Rosa had complete mastery of Chicago performed with great artistry the 3/ 10 Wurlitzer. Her warmth and at the console establishing a very close feeling permeated every corner of the rapport with the audience almost im­ theatre. The delicacy of her "blues" mediately. In addition to organ solos, and ballads held her audience spell­ the silent film, a comedy of the 20's, bound. And she accompanied the was scored with great precision and vaudeville acts, Miss Loni and the sing-along Christmas song slides were Goetschi Brothers, with a skill that sung with great gusto by the audience. would ordinarily take years to de­ The advent of the Avalon show was velop. Her sing-along was a triumph heralded with excellent radio and TV she seemed to enjoy as much as the advertising. There was a film made by now famous CATOE community sing­ Channel 6 of construction work on the ers who did their utmost to live up to Avalon Wurlitzer, arranged by member their reputation. Fred Dove which appeared at prime Many thanks again to all the un­ Hal Pearl, during the sing-along portion of time twice, just before and after the his three and a half hour CATOE concert sung members who make all these at the Patio Theatre's 3/17 Barton. national football game the day prior to activities possible. (Bill Lamb Photo) the show. Also on Channel 12 the

34 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN club chairman was interviewed on occasion. During a brief business meet­ "Dialing-For-Dollars" at noon just be­ ing, presided over by Chairman Neal fore the concert. This was arranged by Kissel, the following officers for 1972 D. Wayne Barrington, Dairyland mem­ were elected: Vice-chairman, Sam Dick­ ber and Channel 12 executive. The erson; Secretary, Bob Stratton; Treas­ Milwaukee Journal featured a ¾ page urer, Dick Schroder; and Program feature article with chamber shots, Director, Bob Carson. 1971 Vice-chair­ and a smaller write up appeared in the man Chick Lander automatically ad­ Milwaukee Sentinel. Our society na­ vances to 1972 Chairman, and 1971 tionally as well as locally, well ap­ Chairman Neal Kissel remains on the preciates the incredibly broad news Executive Board as Liaison Chairman. media coverage given to the resur­ With the business meeting out of rection of the theatre organ. All this the way, the 150-plus members present at no cost to our Theatre Organ settled down to enjoy themselves - Society. and enjoy themselves they did! Our The Avalon Theatre is a beautiful host, Johnny Ledwon, led off the John Bennett. He combines 'mod' with atmospheric house, still boasting all entertainment with two solos on the 'traditional.' - (Stufoto) the twinkling stars and indirect light­ Wurlitzer which, being freshly tuned Speaking of "pros of the golden ing. It has been immaculately main­ by Harvey Heck, and with 16-foot era" brings us to the high point of the tained since opening in 1927. The Posthorn and String newly voiced by program, provided by none other than severely water-damaged three manual Lee Haggart, sounded nothing short of the inimitable Stu Green. Through Wurlitzer was completely restored by magnificent. Johnny then presented the years Stu has made such a name the Dairyland Chapter's maintenance a choral group of his students from for himself as editor, columnist, and committee, headed by Century Organ the Newbury Park Junior High School confederate of Effie Klotz and Elmer Company of Geneva, Ill. where he teaches. Fubb, that it's easy to forget that he Also Dairyland was treated to a was a pro among theatre organists, special Christmas social at the First and a doggone good one. For some Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, unfathomable reason, Stu likes to pre­ Wis. Gary McWithey, organist, played tend that this was too far in the past a classical and religious concert on the to ever be recaptured; and all too few large 3 manual 41 rank Moller Organ. of us had the pleasure of being present Several Bach pieces, Purvis arrange­ when, strictly among friends, he has ments, and other compositions put limbered up his arthritic (he says) the Moller through its paces, and fingers and magically conjured up the this instrument proved to have many spirit of the Crawford era. beautiful romantic tonalities in ad­ Only by ganging up on Stu and dition to its classic ensemble. wearing down his resistance over a Following the concert Gary was our two-week period were we able to host for a tea in the church hall. prevail on him to appear on the pro­ FRED HERMES gram - but it was sure worth it! In spite of his mumbled comments that LOS ANGELES "somebody must have rearranged the The Los Angeles chapter's last for­ stops since the last time I played this mal concert of 1971 took place on organ" Stu managed a number of Sunday morning, Nov. 21, and featured thoroughly convincing Crawford re-cre­ our Program Director, Dwight ations, including the gorgeously corn­ Beacham, at the Wiltern Theatre's Donna Parker. Listener Eddie Ounstedter ball musical cliches which were almost 4/36 Kimball. This was Dwight's first said, "She's cute - and she plays well". as much a part of Crawford's stock­ (Stufoto) Wiltern Concert since his debut there in-trade as the "tibia roll". The audi­ in 1968, and once again he thoroughly Following this, two highly talented ence loved it. They also loved Stu's delighted his audience; not only with young organists, Donna Parker and commentary between selections, which his musicianship but with his inimitable John Bennett, took their turns at the somehow had the effect of making dry humor. The Kimball itself was in console. Both of them, though still 1930 seem not so very long ago after excellent voice, thanks largely to a in their teens, are outstanding musi­ all. last minute going-over by Ken Kukuk, cians. Donna, a long-time student of After a break for everyone to enjoy who is rapidly becoming a top con­ Bob St. John's, already has an ex­ the refreshments provided by Katy tender for the title of "World's Fastest cellent organ record to her credit Lynch and her hospitality committee. Organ Tuner". (Presenting - Miss Donna Parker), Bob St. John took over the console, On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 5, the and John teaches professionally for pinch-hitting for Loren Whitney who Chapter's annual Christmas party and Wallich's Music City in Lakewood. had been forced to cancel his ap­ election of officers was held at the It's always a thrill to hear these young­ perance at the last minute due to an fabulous living room-studio of organist sters who can play so spontaneously emergency eye operation. (Friends of John Ledwon, who generously offered in the style of the best pros of the Loren will be happy to know that the the use of his 3/24 Wurlitzer for the "golden era". operation was a success and that he has

THEATRE ORGAN FE BR UAR Y, 1972 35 of an experience for him as his pro­ Fifteenth" ATOS convention in 1970, gram was for us. Don gave his audience a memorable Our Friday night pipe organ inter­ program rich in variety and with a missions have gone over so well at the satisfying mixture of the familiar and Royal Oak Theatre that the manage­ the unfamiliar. ment has asked us to play on Saturday Leading off with "Colonel Bogey night as well. And, as if that isn't March", Don showed his willingness enough, the soundtrack to the National to tap the resources of the Morton's Anthem trailer is now turned off and toy counter where it was appropriate. the strains of "The Star Spangled He took his audience on a musical Banner" now come from the chambers tour leading off from his homeland, of the ten rank Barton. Needless to England, as characterized by selections say, chapter intermission artists are from Lionel Bart's "Oliver". Southern busy securing scores for our National Europe was represented by" that faith­ Anthem to add to their repertoire. ful warhorse of old-time theatre organ­ Keeping up with such enthusiastic ists accompanying westerns - Von theatre managers can be trying at Suppe's "Poet and Peasant Overture". times, but very rewarding. No films were projected during his Friday night organ intermissions concert but hundreds of long-departed are also under way at the Redford horses flashed across the stage area in 'Dirty, lowdown organ music!' Bob St. John makes it. - (Stufoto) Theatre and will begin once again at memory when he came to the "chase". the Punch & Judy Theatre. Across the Mediterranean for some completely recovered.) Bob St. John DON LOCKWOOD Arabic selections - new to virtually can, when he feels like it, play the the entire audience but captivating dirtiest pipe organ ever heard, and he NEWYORK none-the-less! Then, to demonstrate no opened his portion of the program with prejudice, "Hava Nagila!" On to Spain Thompson Invades Broadway! a rendition of "True Blue Lou" which with "Malaguena" then to Austria, caused one listener to comment that From Bach to ragtime with a side trip to the near East/ not for waltzes but music by Fritz he expected to see unmentionable Kreisler, and finally, a stirring items of feminine apparel come flying "Finlandia". out from behind the console at any With a complete change of pace moment. for the second half of his concert, Don As the party drew to a close, every­ rose from the pit attired with a shirt one agreed that it was an occasion to that could only be described as "stop­ remember, thanks to our host, the light red". Ragtime numbers punc­ artists, and the many who worked tuated this portion of his program behind the scenes to make it a success. contrasting with several ballads which BILL EXNER he arranged as if they had been written by Bach, Bethoven and Debussy MOTORCITY ("Body and Soul" ala "Clair de Lune", Don Baker, who thrilled thousands for example). He also included a tribute of patrons of the New York Paramount to Ethel Merman with a medley of on Times Square during his fourteen six of her most noted numbers, an year tenure at the "mother" Wurlitzer, arrangement which can be heard on couldn't have had a more appreciative his Concert Recording "Date with audience than the aggregation of Motor Don". And, for a thundering finale, City Chapter members who turned Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries". out for our Christmas program at the DON THOMPSON His enthusiastic audience demanded Redford Theatre on Sunday morning, an encore and Don obliged with December 12. With a brief introduction Although Don Thompson has made "Twelfth Street Rag". by newly elected Motor City Chair­ quite a name for himself on the West Out in the ornate hispanic lobby man Claude Sheridan, the 1971 mem­ Coast since he hit these shores from of the 4,000-seat house, club Secretary­ ber of the ATOS Theatre Organists England back in 1968, relatively few Treasurer Allen Rossiter presided over Hall of fame, Don Baker, ascended theatre pipe organ afficionados in the a table of Don Thompson recordings from the pit aboard the newly re­ East were familiar with his name or which also featured Don's note-by­ furbished 3/10 Barton. his music - until the evening of note analysis (made originally for his The combination of Baker and November 16th. students) of the famed Crawford Barton is not often heard and it was That's when he played his first glissando. When his program concluded, pleasant to listen to some of our Don concert on Broadway appearing at the the table was virtually bare. Baker favorites played on an instru­ United Palace (the former Loew's No longer is Don Thompson a name ment on which we have labored so 175th Street Theatre) for members of unfamiliar to club members of the New many hours. Don seems to feel at the New York Theatre Organ Society. York, New Jersey (and even Con­ home at any console and we would Playing the 4/23 "Wonder" Morton necticut) area. His invasion of Broad­ like to think the Barton was as much featured prominently in the "Fabulous way - upper Broadway to be sure but

36 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN nevertheless - was a memorable Holiday Season. This was the first success! ARTHUR M. COX, JR. buff et-dinner with Wurlitzer for the N. Y. Chapter. HERE'S TO MANY New York ATOS Festive Holiday Fun MORE! JINNY VANORE Fanfaredin by Mighty Wurlitzer The setting was a beautiful red and NORTHERN CALIFORNIA gold dining room with soft glowing With so many theatre organs to gold chandeliers. The priceless jewel, choose from, we were not able to visit was a three manual, 17 rank Wurlitzer. all of them this year - but we had a Dominating one complete wall, were good sampling. Newly opened ip 1971 two lighted chambers of stately pipes were the 2/7 Robert Morton at the and gleaming brass trumpets guarding House of Pizza in Fremont, the 3/15 the middle, midnight-black chamber Wurlitzer in Bella Roma Pizza in filled with the multi-colored toy coun­ Martinez, the 3/13 Robert Morton in ter. Each table was filled with mem­ the Pizza Pub in San Rafael, the 2/4 RAY FRAZIER and the Grant Union High bers and friends and music was the Robert Morton in Waltz Pizza in Tracy School Wurlitzer/Kilgen. constant wonderful sound. (now closed and the organ sold) and The occasion was a buff et dinner the 3 /26 Wurlitzer/ Ro be rt Mor­ On to Santa Rosa for another joint party held at the Suburbian Resturant ton "Buddy Cole" organ in the Cap'ns meeting with the SONOMA COUNTY in Wanaque, New Jersey. About 200 Galley in Campbell. ORGAN CLUB to hear LARRY VAN­ people from New York, New Jersey NUCCI play the 2/7 Wurlitzer in the and Connecticut attended. Allen Ross­ California Theatre. This was our first iter, secretary and treasurer of the session at the California since manager chapter was the able master of cere­ DONALD BURRILL arrived on the monies. Frank Cimmino, resident scene after HAROLD WRIGHT's re­ organist, opened the program and was tirement, and we appreciate coopera­ succeded by a long list of all the tion we have received from both of prominent organists in the chapter. them. Yannucci really shines on All evening the tiny dance floor, smaller organs, getting more out of directly in front of the chambers, was them than seems possible due to his filled with folks hob-nabbing and skill at registration and his exquisite literally bathing in the gorgeous sounds phrasing. JACK BETHARDS had the cascading over them. Others formed instrument in "tip top shape", as such a large circle about the console, always. In the following open console it was sometimes difficult to see who period we heard our Vice Chairman was performing though most of the WARREN LUBICH, BILL TAYLOR organists were easily recognized by and JIM ROSEVEARE. their own inimitable style of playing. Mountains of food were consumed. Everett Nourse at Grant Union High School The strains of Lohengrin introduced Wurlitzer the chapter's newest unification, - newlyweds Bon and Sue Smith. A Since our last report we visited rousing birthday song to Dr. Claude "Myrtle" in Suisun City to hear Miller, Vice Chairman of the chapter, EVERETT NOURSE preside at the added to the fun. 2/ 12 Wurlitzer ( this was the only organ heard at the First National Convention of ATOE). Everett turned in a great performance. Included were some of the numbers heard on his "Farewell To The Fox" recordings, which in­ cidently are still selling well, with Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 back for re-pressings. Our 82 year old host JOE CHADBOURNE was in good spirits as he greeted old friends from both the Nor Cal and Sierra Chapters. To round out the afternoon, the Sierra group then pre­ Larry Vannucci and the Wurlitzer. sented RAY FRAZIER in a group of We all went to the wonderful FRANK CIMMINO his smooth sty lings. Then, Ray, in a Seattle convention in July (well al­ As midnight approached, members nice gesture, turned the console over most all of us were there) and the reluctantly left as the next day was a to LARRY YANNUCCI to complete Puget Sound Chapter deserves a real work day. The motor was finally a "great day". Kudos to JUDD hand for a job well done. stilled about 1 :30 A.M. WALTON and BOB JACOBUS who After a short rest from the busy Truly a great way to begin the have kept the organ in fine shape. Convention schedule we visited the

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 37 his crew for having the organ "just so" playing are chapter members Lance for our meeting. Resident organist Johnson, Alice Harden and Pat Kelly. BILL WATTS was on hand to cheer After a pleasant meal with pipe organ Tiny on, as were ATOS Honorary music, the chapter opened its business members, Theatre Organ staffers meeting which centered on the Winter GEORGE and VI THOMPSON. Kudos organ fund raising concert. It was also to ROY DAWSON for his technical decided to raise the price of tickets work on the Wurlitzer. and to postpone it until late winter so as not to conflict with the Arts Festival silent film showings which were recently presented without charge. Warren Lublich and the Robert Morton. Ottelia Kepner reported on the Na­ tional Convention in Seattle and talked new Pizza Pub in San Rafael to hear of the many interesting concerts and our Chapter Vice Chairman WARREN other activities. Officers that served LUBICH playing the 3/13 Robert the previous year were all re-elected Morton. Warren gave us a real tour for the 1972 season. through this fine sounding instrument, played for a .hilarious color cartoon Gerald Schjelderup was host for the November 7 meeting in Moorhead. and used to advantage the mirror-bali The business meeting again dealt with and color spots. Lubich was looking the big concert for the Organ fund. It forward to his second appearance at was reported that Harvey Gustafson the Seattle Granada's 4 manual Wur­ who usually plays for these events was litzer. Our thanks to DINO SANTIZOS not available this year due to his tight and JOHN WALLACE FOR being our playing schedule in Minneapolis - St. cordial hosts and to BUDDY KURZ Paul. Chairman Lance Johnson volun­ for his continuing efforts to make this teered to play for the silent movie another great theatre organ installation. TOM PRIEST - (Milton Mann Photo) which will be a full feature instead of It was bound to happen and we a short comedy. The organ concert made it so in October when TINY To_ ~inish out an interesting year, we VlSlted another new installation will only consist of a half hour of JAMES, former National President of music as people are coming in. Adver­ ATOS, was reunited with the 4/20 the 2/7 Robert Morton at the Hous; Of Pizza in Fremont to hear TOM tising will be changed as it was found Wurlitzer "Crawford Special" in the that direct mailing was not paying off. Melody Inn in Los Altos. Tiny had PRIEST, who alternated between the pipes and brand new Lowrey electronic The Concert has been set for Monday played this Publix No. 1 in its original evening, March 6th at Bud's Roller in home in the Oakland Paramount for sent over by the San Francisco Carnes Music Store where Tom sells during Moorhead on the Johnson theatre many years, and as Chapter Chairman pipe organ 3-manual, 7 rank. The DEWEY CAGLE said: "It Was Just the day. Priest is a newcomer to pipes and is doing a great job of entertaining program following the business meeting Like Old Times". Tiny played in that was Lance Johnson giving a short real "theatre organ style" which have the diners four nights a week. During the "open console" period following demonstration using the Thomas organ made his "Farewell To The Fox" on how amateur organists can improve records such a hit. And the crowd of Tom's stint we heard members BOB DRAGON!, WARREN and NANCY their music with the use of some in­ 200 really sang to the song slides! teresting devices. Using examples of Thanks to host STEVE RESTIVO and LUBICH, FLORENCE LYDON ALEX SANTOS, DAVE SCHUTT' simple popular tunes Lance demon­ BILL TAYLOR, WARREN WHITE strated the phrase, accent, ornamen­ and ART WOODWORTH who proved tation, rhythmic playing, registration, beyond a doubt that we have an glissandos, counter point, heel and awful lot of talent in our membership. toe pedaling and legato manual A good sign, owner TOM ATKINS technique. wants us back! Thanks to both Toms for helping us wind up a good year. ST. LOUIS Greatly appreciated were the efforts of Bill Oliver who guided the The St. Louis area has been a bee­ installation. hive of activity lately with the prospect of organs going into new homes and concerts featuring some of our pre­ RED RIVER viously "unheard" talent within the The Rex Cafe in Moorhead, Min­ chapter. Recently the chapter acquired nesota was the scene for the first a 2/8 Wurlitzer from the Majestic meeting of the Fall season held the Theatre in East St. Louis, Ill. When evening of October 11th. The Rex is we received the disappointing news renting a Johnson Theatre Pipe Organ that our large Wurlitzer would not be TINY JAMES "By A Waterfall" of five ranks for use as dinner Music going into the Affton High School (Dave Sauer Photo) six evenings of the week. Organists as planned, our members determinedly

38 FEBRUARY, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN set about the rebuilding of the small Coates presented the program on the behind the console. They seemed to organ. It must be said at this point organ and piano. set the mood for the meeting, and I'm that to this writer, no group ever The end of the year in St. Louis told, were the handiwork of Mrs. Jureit. showed such great spirit in the face of signals a "New Beginning" for us with The featured artist this Sunday disappointment or such "espirit de the hope of '72 seeing the small organ afternoon was Pete Dumser, and artist corp" in banding together to start playing and a new home for its larger he is, for he wove a melodic medley of another project. We all looked for­ sister. At any rate, watch our smoke traditional and pop Christmas music, ward eagerly to the Affton project and this year and a happy and prosperous punctuated by familiar standards. His when it didn't pan out everyone just and productive new year to us all ... program was well received. The "early picked himself up (as the song says) "Ten-Four". bird" feature was the early birds them­ and went back to work with new JOHN FERGUSON selves. Perhaps Lee Taylor coaxed sights. music from the big instrument which We don't feel at liberty yet to dis­ encouraged the more timid souls to close the location of the little Wur­ SOUTH FLORIDA try their hands, and the "open con­ litzer at this printing, but work on the Bouquets to Mr. and Mrs. J. Calvin sole" never really was! . organ is in full swing and should be Jureit, who displayed their most gra­ A short business meeting was sand­ finished well in advance of the new cious generosity by hosting the Decem­ wiched between the festivities, and building which will be its home. ber 12 meeting of the SFTOS at their elections for 1972 officers were held. Our last concert featured Vice­ Gables Estates home for the third A joyous time was had as witnessed Chairman Bob Case at the Gulbransen year in a row. The Jureit home was by the many who lingered long after Rialto at Affton High School. Bob smartly decorated with large red foil the scheduled 6:00 P.M. conclusion. displayed a different style from what candles, set in panels along the wall STEVE FITZGERALD we have heard locally, but interesting, tasteful and well-based in solid music­ ianship. The audience loved it! After intermission Bob accompanied silent movie film "Should Married Men Go CLASSIFIED ADS Home?" starring Laurel & Hardy. Ac­ Classifiedads are carriedat 20 cents per word, per insertion.No chargefor first ten words for members. colades to Bob and here's hoping we have a chance to hear more of this FOR SALE - Demonstrator theatre pipe FOR SALE - 7 rank Wurlitzer from Iris fine musician. Incidentally our con­ organ, 2 manual five ranks. Built 1968. Theatre, Detroit. A Trumpet has been added. Johnson Organ Co., Inc., Box 634, Moor­ Full Toy Counter, Chrysoglott, Glocken­ gratulations to Bob for his appointment head, Minnesota 56560. Serious inquiries spiel, Xylophone and Marimba, only, from as Minister of Music of the Third only. Los Angeles Paramount. Releathered, re­ Baptist Church in St. Louis. finished, and playing in residence. $5000.00 FOR SALE - Demonstrator Artisan "Cin­ or best offer. G. G. Chrestense, 7309 Sou th Stan Kann just had another smash ema 2" Organ. 3 manuals, 32 notes AGO Klein, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73139. hit at the Fox Theatre with his recent Pedal board, 60 stops, 4 sustains, 4 separate presentation of The Hunchback of tremolos. Perfect condition. Manufacturer's FOR SALE - Rodgers 36-E, Antique White Notre Dame with Lon Chaney. At­ prototype bu i It by Artisan in 1971. Actual and Gold finish, including matching bench, and full compliment of speaker cabinets. tendance was over 3000, Stan always price of Production Model - $12,600. A True Once in a Lifetime Value at $8,500. Has been used exclusively in private home. presents a 45 minute concert before Geniune Artisan Electro-Mechanical traps Have moved from large home to smaller the movie which is well received. Its and Glockenspiel also available. Write or quarters. Contact Joe Brown, Kimball Music always interesting to note how much call Organ Research Associates, Inc., 10 Center, Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, of the audience is made up of young West 19th Street, New York, N.Y. Phone Delaware. Phone : 302-988-0491. (212) 924-3624. Serious inquiries only. people, high school and college age. WANTED - Help! Need desperately the Lets hope this interest grows as these FOR SALE - 1- 4 rank Kimball Main following Wurlitzer stop keys: 1- 16' young people are our future audiences. chest reservoir, etc. $200.; 1- 8' large Lieblich Bourdon; 1- 8' Lieblich Flute; After the concert Malar Records prexy scale Tibia $175.; 1- 3/11 Gotfreed Relay 3- 8' Concert Flute; 1- 5 1/3' Tibia Quint; 2- 4' Tibia Piccolo; 2- 4' Lieblich Bob Carson was in town to record all electric relay, except switches; 1- 2/10 Wurlitzer Console late Model, all black caps, Flute; 2- 2' Tibia Piccolo; 2- 8' Violin Stan at the Fox organ. Yours truly $600. Harold Morch, 127 Belmill Road, Diapason; 2 each - 16', 8' and 4' Piano; was there til the "last dog died" Bellmore, New York 11710. red tabs; 2- 8' Kinura; 2- 8' Clarinet; (8:30 A.M.) and heard and observed black tabs; great to pedal ; solo to pedal ; the recording session. The record with­ FOR SALE - Baldwin PR-200 Professional accompaniment to pedal. Contact John entertainment organ, many extras, like new, Ferguson, 7216 Pershing, St. Louis, Mo., out a doubt will be one of the best sells for $8,253. Make an offer. W. Graffis, 63130 or call collect 314-725-6970. theatre organ offering in many a moon. 2717 Calmer Dr., Joliet, Illinois 60432. Nuf sed!!! Phone 815-727-9808. WANTED - Theatre Organ color photo­ The annual Christmas party was graphs, including make, size and location. held in the home of Paul and Billie FOR SALE - Allen Positiv, used only in Gene Dolloff, 207 Jenness St., Lynn, concert, $5990. Victor Pianos and Organs, Mass. 01904. Coates. Paul and Billie have amassed an 300 N.W. 54 Street, Miami, Florida 33127. unusual and enviable collection of Phone : 305-751-7502 . WANTED - 8' 61 note 15" wind Trumpet, antiques and old music machines and 8' 85 note 15" wind Tibia, Toy counter reproducer pianos. There isn't a "dull" FOR SALE - Miller Pipe Organ, all parts parts and percussions, approx. 100 Wur­ and wiring, in storage over 20 years. In­ litzer Black cap magnets, and a B Diaphone corner of this home. All of the unique terested offers please write : Alvin W. Hat­ on 15" wind for the 16' octave. Bob trappings only served to heighten the field, 711 N. Scott St., South Bend, Godfrey, 4 Avon Place, Woodcliff Lake, party atmosphere even more. Tom lndiana 46616. New Jersey 07675.

THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY, 1972 39 Live a Little """]'.. ~-- _j -···_..a·_J _\ __J

c1.1-stom 340

Specifications

Pedal Accompaniment Great Solo 16' Trumpet 8' Post Horn 16' Post Horn 16' Post Horn 16' Diaphone 8' Trumpet 16' Trumpet 16' Trumpet 16' Tibia Clausa 8' Diapason 16' Tibia Clausa 16' Tibia Clausa 16' Bass String 8' Tibia Clausa 16' Clarinet (TC) 16' Vox Humana (TC) 16' Bourdon 8' Clarinet 16' Bass String 8' Post Horn 8' Tibia Clausa 8' String 16' Vox Humana (TC) 8' Trumpet 8' Clarinet 8' Concert Flute 8' Post Horn 8' Tibia Clausa 8' Flute 8' Vox Humana 8' Trumpet 8' Clarinet 8' Sustain Bass 4' Octave 8' Diapason 8' Kinura 4' Piccolo (Tibia) Accompaniment to Pedal 8' Tibia Clausa 8' String 4' String 8' Clarinet 8' Concert Flute Solo to Pedal 4' Flute Bass Drum 8' Kinura 8' Vox Humana 4' Vox Humana Wood Block 8' String 4' Piccolo 2' Tibia Piccolo Cymbal . 8 ' Piano 8' Concert Flute 4' Piano 8' Vox Humana 8' Piano Voices On Toe Studs Harp 5-1/ 3' Tibia Quint Chrysoglott Bass Drum on Toe Stud Chrysoglott 4' Piccolo Glock Sforzando on Toe Stud Ch inese Block 4' String Chimes· (Optional) Crash Cymbal on Toe Stud Snare Drum 2-2/ 3' Tibia Twelfth 2' Tibia Piccolo Tambour ine Voicing Trems Cymbal 1-3/ 5' Tibia Tierce Main Vibrato 1' Tibia Fife Post Horn FF 1 Trumpet Main Trem Accompaniment 8 Piano FF 2nd Touch Diapason FF Flute Solo to Great Sub Tibia FF Vox Humana 8' Post Horn Clarinet FF 8' Trumpet Tibia ~~o General String FF 8' Tibia Clausa Flute Computer Capture Solo to Great Pizz FF 8' Solo to Accompaniment Vox Humana Combination Action (Except Chrysoglott) FF 4' Great to Accompan iment Piano FF 4 Pistons per division Great Sostenuto 3 Pedal Toe Studs Pedal (Optional) 6 Independent Celeste Off General Pistons 1 General Cancel ORGAN COMPANY 1300 N. E. 25th Avenue, Hillsboro , Oregon 97123 1 SET Piston ~