This year's Workshop was the third to David Redfern, Peter Holt and Martin be organized by the COS, and the unani­ Harris, at the Quentin Maclean-designed mous opinion is that it was the best yet! 4/16 . It was an event which Run by COS Musical Advisor John Norris fitted in very well with the aims of the and publicity man David Lowe, it at­ COS Workshop. tracted some 60 people, aged between After Clayhall came a chance to sam­ The 10 and 70. A number of young organists ple some classical organ music at the attended, with the very welcome support historic Southwark Cathedral, alongside of their parents who , in some cases, London Bridge. The four-manual Lewis 1988 cos were able to come along, too! organ, installed in the Cathedral in 1897 The event centered around the soci­ and recently restored to its original con­ ety's very own magnificent 4/23, South dition, was in the capable hands of a Bank Wurlitzer organ. This instrument good friend of the COS, Harry Bramma, Theatre started life in the famous 3,500-seat the cathedral's Director of Music. Mr. Trocadero Cinema, Elephant and Castle, Bramma demonstrated the organ, gave in south London. It was installed in 1930 a short recital, and then - much to Organ and made famous by the legendary everyone's delight - declared open Quentin Maclean . Alas, the cinema console! closed in 1963 and was demolished to Then came another musical change make way for a far less attractive office (no one can complain about lack of vari­ Workshop block, but fortunately the COS was able ety at a COS event!). The evening meal by Roger Hedley to save the organ. was taken at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, The Wurlitzer is now installed in the where David Lowe is the Musical Direc­ Edric Hall of the South Bank Polytechnic, tor, playing a "four-manual " Hammond­ a college of higher education only a few plus-additions. On this occasion , how­ Like ATOS, the British hundred yards from the site of the Tro­ ever, we were entertained by another (COS} cadero. The organ has been enlarged young organist , Paul Sheffield, who slightly, from 21 ranks to 23, but this has plays regularly at the ice rink to accom­ is keen to do all it can do pro­ all been done in such a way that it does pany the skating sessions. mote the , to give not detract from the historical signifi­ And so, after the first busy day, on to cance of the instrument. Thanks to the overnight accommodation at Gold­ help and advice to organists, modern technology, the organ could be smiths' College in southeast London. and in particular to encourage restored to its earlier specification in a But, more " organ-ising" was to come! matter of an hour or so should this be Our London District Secretary , John youngpeople to play the theatre needed. A number of top American or­ Leeming, had arranged a "Twenty Ques­ organ and keep it alive for fu­ ganists have been very welcome recent tions" quiz based around organs and ture generations to enjoy. There guest artists at Friday night concert s: organists, and the college itself also has Tom Hazleton, Bill Vlasak, Dan Bellomy, an organ, a large four-manual Rushworth is a wealth of expertise both in Lance Luce. Lew Williams, current ATOS and Dreaper concert organ, which has Britain and America when it Theatre Organist of the Year, was the recently been restored to health by the special guest at this year's Workshop. COS technical team. comes to theatre organ perf or­ The Workshop was officially opened After an early (for some, too early!) mance. Hence, the idea of a on Sunday afternoon , August 21, with a start on Monday, a morning of talks and concert at St. John Vianney Roman seminars took place at the South Bank Theatre Organ Workshop was Catholic Church at Clayhall in northeast Polytechnic. Lew Williams provided an born, to try to bring together London. This spacious modern church opening " Fanfare" on the Wurlitzer , fol­ those with knowledge and houses a 3/6 Compton organ plus Melo­ lowing which official welcoming speeches tone unit, formerly in the Ritz Cinema, were given by the Mayor of the London expertise and those seeking it, Nuneaton, and moved to the church in Borough of Southwark and by the Direc­ and all in just four days of 1968. To those used to 30 + ranks of tor of the Polytechnic. Wurlitzer, a 3/6 Compton, even with its The first session consisted of an hilar­ almost non-stop activity! electronic Melotone division, may seem ious hour with talking very small. However, the position of the about the theatre organ world and remin­ organ and the acoustics of the church iscing about his own career. David Wil­ combine to produce a really big sound, liams, one of the society 's younger and who better to exploit it than Lew organists, then took over to talk about Williams together with "the old organ " Registering and Arranging , American­ grinder himself" Robin Richmond. Robin style,'' which is one of his particular in­ founded the long-running BBC radio show terests and something he has studied "," and after over many years. David was followed by many years absence has now made a John Mann, whose topic was " Entertain­ welcome return to the British concert ing the public." John hails from the south scene. coast seaside resort of Brighton and On that Sunday morning, the COS was spends all his time entertaining people, pleased to be able to support a concert touring with his Eminent 2000 theatre being run by London and South of Eng­ organ. land Chapter at the Top Rank Club, Kil­ After lunch, John Barlow (a former burn. We had the pleasure of hearing ATOS London Chapter Young Theatre four young organists, Rachael Ward, Organist of the Year) gave some very

18 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY THEATRE ORGAN good advice on "Arranging a Song for famous by and those well­ the Theatre Organ,'' proving that it is known sisters Ena Baga and Florence possible to play modern tunes on the deJong), the little 2/5 Compton in the for­ theatre organ in an appealing and musi­ mer Cameo-Poly Cinema, also in Regent cal way. Street (and now part of the Central Lon­ Buses then took everyone to Alexan­ don Polytechnic), the even smaller 2/4 dra Palace in north London. This famous "straight" Compton "Miniatura" organ north London landmark, surrounded by in the Central London Polytechnic itself an extensive park, is not a royal palace (but what a big sound!), and the fine 3/12 but a "people 's palace ," built in 1873 as Christie in the Granada Cinema, Walt­ a place of entertainmen t and recreation hamstow (installed in 1930 and still for the people. In the Great Hall was in­ going strong). stalled a four-manual, 87 speaking stops, It was to these venues, plus Clayhall "Father Willis" concert organ, which was (and of course the South Bank Polytech­ badly damaged during World War II and nic) that group visits were made on both rendered unplayable. For reasons which Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Each are still unexplained, the Great Hall was small group was accompanied by at least gutted by fire in 1980. Fortunately, how­ one experienced theatre organist for a ever, most of the organ had already been morning of personal tuition, advice and removed for renovation and so was practice. The visits were arranged by saved. The huge Great Hall has now Musical Advisor and top organ teacher been rebuilt and the organ is being rein­ John Norris. Both the 1987 and 1988 stalled, albeit in a smaller form than be­ ATOS London Chapter Young Theatre fore the fire. We had the honour of being Organist of the Year competitions were shown round the instrument by Henry won by students taught by John Norris Willis IV, the present head of the Henry - in 1987, Benjamin Vine and in 1988, Willis Organ Co., who are carrying out Christopher Bannister. the reinstallation work. Although the work Tuesday afternoon was spent back at has not yet been comp leted and only the the South Bank Polytechnic, and opened flue pipes were operational there was with a talk by top BBC orchestral com­ enough of it working to allow Lew Wil­ poser, arranger and conductor David liams to give an impromptu recital! Francis. With the help of Lew Williams Simon Gledhill leading a seminar at the South Bank Polytechnic. Finally, we moved on to an evening of at the Wurlitzer, David was able to illus­ food, drink, theatre organ music and re­ trate just how aptly the description "Unit laxation - · at the Plough Inn, Great Orchestra " can be applied to a theatre Munden. The Plough is a splendid British organ and how orchestral music can be country " pub," in the depths of the Hert­ adapted for the organ. He had composed fordshire countryside and accessible only a special piece of music for the occasion through some very narrow country lanes, and presented it to the society. Called which taxed the skills of our bus drivers "South Bank Showtime," it's just right to the full! The food was good, the beer as a signature tune for the organ, and excellent, and the ex-Gaumont Cinema, everyone received a copy to take away! North Finchley, 3/1O Compton organ Simon Gledhill, Britain's most outstand­ (plus grand piano, Melotone and Solo ing young theatre organist, then took Cello!) was in the capable hands of Ro­ over to give some excellent advice on bert Wolfe, who demonstrated his special "Arranging a Medley," something that style of playing and answered questions alas appears to cause many organists from the audience . some difficulty . Choosing some tunes For those of you who have not come written by Noel Coward, he showed just across a Solo Cello before, perhaps I how much thought and planning has to should explain that this is a John Comp­ go into putting together a medley which ton invention which produces, by the is well-balanced, musically interesting, mechanical bowing a single string, a and a pleasure for the audience to hear. sound not entirely unlike that made by a He emphasised the importance of having real cello. The Plough organ has one of a theme, rather than just playing an the few remaining operational examples. assortment of totally unconnected tunes All too soon closing time arrived, and the slung together at random. party had to return to Goldsmiths' College. COS newsletter editor Tony Moss fol­ But then again, there was always that lowed with an illustrated historical look concert organ to play (which some peo­ at cinemas, theatres and their organs, ple did until the small hours of the which the audience found very enjoyable. morning!) . Then it was time to board the waiting In addition to owning the South Bank buses once more to go off to the Musi­ Wurlitzer, the COS London District tech­ cal Museum in Brentford, west London. nical team also looks after a number of Founded in 1963 by the indefatigable other organs in the London area. These Frank Holland MBE, the museum con­ Workshop participant Robert Hope-Jones (great ­ grandson of THE Robert Hope-Jones!) at the COS include the lovely 2/8 Wurlitzer in the New tains a large collection of mechanical South Bank Wurlitzer. Gallery in (only the third musical instruments. However, the cen­ Wurlitzer to reach the UK, and made tre of attention on this occasion was the

THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY• 19 3/12 Wurlitzer organ, formerly in the Regal Cinema, Kingston-upon-Thames, in Surrey, and made famous by Joseph Seal. Our guest was David Shepherd, who talked about and demonstrated ways of playing marches and novelty numbers, something which he is expert at doing. The rest of the evening was spent social­ ising, hearing the various exhibits and playing the Wurlitzer, helped greatly by a splendid buffet meal arranged by the museum's Curator, Michael Ryder. After some more group visits on the Wednesday morning, the final afternoon was spent at the South Bank Polytechnic, first of all listening to the presenter of the BBC's "The Organist Entertains" radio programme, , talk about theatre organ. performance and particu­ larly programming - how to put together a well-balanced programme which flows well, keeps the audience interested, and Lew Williams and Robin Richmond at the St. John Vianney Church, Clayhill, Compton Organ. doesn't contain too much of the same type of music. He stressed the impor­ tance of listening to other organists play - in broadcasts, on record, and live - and also listening to a wide range of music generally, in order to develop a wide repertoire and greater depth of musical knowledge. After Nigel's contribution, a film show was given by John Huntley. John is well ~· ~ known in Britain for his archive film pre­ -~ sentations, and on this occasion his sub­ ject was - the theatre organ! Included in the show were a film shot in the Chris­ tie organ factory during the 1930s show­ (l ing theatre organs being built, plus some "shorts" featuring well-known organists playing the organ: Ann Leaf, Jesse Craw­ ford and Don Baker from America were featured, as was Reginald Foort at the O Compton then in the Paramount / .~,I.: 4c/1 Cinema, Tottenham Court Road, in L to R: David Lowe, Lew Williams and John Norris at the South Bank Polytechnic , home of the COS South London. Quite a number of these short Bank Wurlitzer. films were made in Britain during the thirties, primarily for use as interlude material in cinemas which did not boast an organ of their own. Film quality was very variable, to say the least. However, the highlight of the after­ noon was what we believe to have been the first screening for almost sixty years of a promotional film made by the Wur­ litzer Co. in 1929, showing organ pro­ duction in the North Tonawanda factory. A copy of the film was specially made for the COS by the British National Film Archive, who have a nitrate print in their collection. The film was, of course, silent, but ''resident'' technical expert and organ-builder David Pawlyn was able to add some interpretive comments to ex­ plain the various processes being shown. And so to the final session of the Workshop, which was led by Lew Wil­ .db . laims. Lew's mastery of the theatre organ Workshop participants gathered round the Goldsmiths ' College organ (John Norris playing, David Lowe makes him an excellent choice as ATOS turning pages. continued ...

20 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY THEATRE ORGAN Theatre Organist of the Year, and of par­ ticular interest to us here in Britain is his Banda Records presents their newest CD scholarly interest in the playing of and Quentin Maclean, which he was able so admirably to demonstrate 0 on Quentin Maclean's "own" instrument GE RGE WRiiGIHIT in a spectacular public concert on the Wednesday evening. The hall was com­ ''KALEIDOSCOPE'' pletely full, and the audience thrilled to a brilliant new collection of eclectic goodies - the sounds of the mighty Wurlitzer. more than an hour of exciting goodies in the inimitable All too soon the concert had to draw Wright style - DOD all the way to a close, and with it the 1988 Cinema Last Night On The Back Porch• Do It Again• Spring Is Here• The Mooche • The Song Is You Organ Society Theatre Organ Workshop. A Fred Astaire Memoir • Ill Wind • Cavaquinho • The Night Was Made For Love • Spring Fever Many good friendships were made or re­ Mexican Hat Dance• All Of Me• yesterday• "Meet Me In St. Louis" Medley newed, and everyone went away know­ ing more about the theatre organ and U.S. and Canada: how it can be played. Perhaps the two BANDA RECORDS $20.00 Postpaid - First Class most rewarding aspects of the whole P.O. BOX392 $22.00 (U.S.) Postpaid event were the number of top musicians OXNARD, CALIFORNIA 93032 Australia $23.00 (U.S.) Postpaid who were willing to give up their valuable time to pass on some of thei knowledge STILL GOING STRONG! to those eager to learn, and the number of young people who supported the 's "Red Hot and Blue" and "Anything Goes." Workshop. The 1989 Workshop is al­ SORRY, NO CREDIT CARDS OR C.O.D. ready being planned. Please allow ample time for handling and delivery . The COS is the largest national organ­ isation for people interested in the theatre organ, with over 2,000 members spread throughout the UK. The society itself owns three instruments - the South Bank Wurlitzer in London, a Compton or­ T.O.S.A. Keep in gan in the Midlands (which is currently being overhauled prior to reinstallation (W.A.) touch with in a new venue), and a Wurlitzer in York­ invites you to join us in a shire (also due to be moved to a new the British location shortly). The COS also runs con­ triple celebration certs using other organs, including, in Theatre London, the instruments at the New * the 17th National Convention Gallery, the Cameo-Poly, and the Gra­ Organ nada Walthamstow, all of which are in * our 21st year as a society Scene! the society's care. * the opening of our Compton However, the COS is very anxious to be able to promote the theatre organ cause in any way that it can to support CLOSING DATE FOR Subscribe to The Journal of the the work and activities of other organ BOOKINGS groups and organisations, no matter who 31ST JANUARY 1989 Cinema Organ Society, a they might be. There is no place in the quarterly publication featuring theatre organ world for isolationism or photos, history , stoplists, Post your registration booking to: conflict between different groups; co­ biographies and technical operation must be the name of the game. Convention Secretary To any readers of THEATREORGAN who articles ... Plus monthly may be coming to Britain, may I, on be­ T.O.S.A. (W.A.) newsletters of the latest theatre half of the COS and all other organ groups P.O. Box343 organ news, events, and in the UK, extend a warm invitation to MORLEY6062 record reviews. you to come along to an organ event. There are a number of organs in this WESTERN AUSTRALIA country which are worth hearing, and Send $20.00 (U.S.) or 9.50 pounds some good organists to play them. A let­ sterling for membership in The Cin· Telephone enquiri'es 09-276 6668 ema Organ Society. Includes a sub· ter or telephone call to COS committee scription to the Journal and 12 member David Lowe will secure for you monthly newsletters. all the latest information about organ Sit back, events in Britain. David lives at 18 Spruce relax ... Hills Road, Walthamstow, London E18 and be entertained General Secretary: 4LD (telephone 01-531 7979). John Smallwood '"music is the key" 33 Idris Villas, Tywyn, Gwynedd, A note about the author : LL36 9AW, Great Britain Roger Hedley was Treasurer of the Cinema Organ Society for the year 1988. He remains a member of the society 's General Committee . JANUARY/FEBRUARY• 21 THEATREORGAN