See it in color... then hear it in color! Wurlitzer950TA

You are invited to write for a pin-up picture of the most beautiful electronic organ we have ever built . . . then visit a dealer to hear the most beautiful sounds Wurlitzer has ever created!

It's our new Professional Model 950TA ... a Total Tone organ in Theatre Styling ... shown in Antique White with Gold, also available in Sable Cherry.

Conveniently placed controls for the myriad of available sounds make the or- r-t ••~r~-;~';-;--;::;;~~::;:;::;;:;;;;;;~:1111 -~::::::_::======:- ganist at home from the start. Five gen- _ eral pistons, third-keyboard Orbit Synthesizer and couplers for the keyboards and pedals further enhance the playability.

Pistons deliver impressive sounding pre­ set registrations: theatre organ with violin solo, strings with flute, orchestra with reed solo, full organ with trumpet, cathedral organ with chimes. Tibias sing a full range of pitches (16' to 1') with no doubling back, all playable through a built-in custom Leslie Speaker System.

For other thrilling preset combinations, there is the exclusive Spotlight Solo™ Section. New Chromatic RiffTMplays two-way chromatic scales at any speed from any note, an impressive effect. WuRLifZER® Percussion offers 15 rhythms combin­ The Music People able in endless ways plus instrumental percussion voices, and arpeggiation Send coupon for free color picture and complete stop list that follows chord and key changes r------1 automatically. I To: Wurlitzer, Dept. TO-680 , DeKalb , Illinois 60115 I Please send my free color picture and details on 950TA : Touch Response offers a new kind of I musical punctuation. Symphonic Pres­ I Name ...... I ence multiplies solo voices into choirs! I Address ...... • • • • • I Get the picture today ... I City ...... I and dream a little! I State ...... Zip ...... I L------JI D Send name of nearest dealer. I ATOS National Membership is $15.00 per cal­ endar year, which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN , the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Society. Single copies $2.50. Make check or money order pay­ (ISSN 0040-55311 JOURNAL OF THE able to ATOS , and mail to P.O. Box 45, Falls Church , Virgi'lia 22046. AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN Editorial Address SOCIETY THEATRE ORGAN P.O . Box 1314 Salinas , California 93902 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 3 Phone : (408) 663 -3238 Advertising Address JUNE / JULY 1980 ATOS Advertising 2231 North Burling Street Chicago, Illinois 60614 Membership Office featur-es ... P.O . Box45 Falls Church , Virginia 22046 Phone : (703) 573-4138 5 Opus 585: The Voice of Fresno's Pizza & Pipes ...... Ron Musselman ATOS Corporate Office ATOS 8 Canada's Last Original Installation ...... Thelma Smith 6900 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90038 9 Hazel Jones Spence Vail ...... John D. Everest Office of the President 13 Rochester's Wurlitzer Opus 1951 ...... Lloyd E. Klos Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum 4815 Leonard Parkway 14 Charisma and Serendipity ...... John Muri Richmond, Virginia 23226 Phone : (804) 353 -8376 15 Tube Directions (for Conventioneers)

National Headquarters 18 Satisfying a Growing Demand for ATOS Custom Consoles ...... Tom Thompson P.O . Box 1 002 Middleburg , Virgin ia 22117 20 Theatre Organists as Composers, Part I ...... Lloyd E. Klos Phone : (703) 364 -2423 26 ATOS Financial Report for 1979 National Officers Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum, President Lois Segur , Vice President Erwin Young , Treasurer Wyn McDonnell Davis , Secretary technical ... National Board of Directors 17 The Acoustical Consultant ...... R. J. Weisenberger Paul (Mac) Abernethy , Jr . John Ledwon 24 Choosing the Proper Solid-State Rectifier ...... John Persick William Rieger Judd Walton W . "Tiny" James Betty Mason Richard Schrum George F. Thompson depar-tments • • • Ray F. Snitil , Past President 25 Music Review Curator 4 Editorial Paul Abernethy 12 Dinny's Colyum 27 Vox Pops P.O. Box 2480 Burlington , N .C . 27215 12 Konsole Kapers 32 Letters to the Editors EDITORIAL STAFF 33 Chapter Notes Editor - George Thompson 15 Closing Chord Associate Editors - Lloyd E. Klos, 16 Nuggets from the Golden Days 52 Classified Ads Peg Nielsen Editor -Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green Photographer - Bill Lamb 22 For the Records Publishers - Floyd and Doris Mumm Editorial Assistants - Don Lockwood Jan James Advertising Manager - Len Clarke Circulation Manager - Lee Prater Cover- Vhoto THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bimonthly by the American Theatre Organ Society , Inc., a nonprofit organi ­ The Rochester Theater Organ Society's 4/22 Wur ­ zation. Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum , Presi­ litzer, Opus 1951, has been entertaining concertgoers dent . All rights reserved. Entire contents copy­ in the 2574 -seat Auditorium Theatre since 1967. righted. American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., 1980. Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329, RTOS was organized 16 years ago, when the organ Livonia, Michigan 48151. was still in the Palace Theatre . See story on page 13.

POSTMASTER : Second Class p()stage paid at Dick Harold Photo Livonia , Michigan . IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department , Box 45, Falls Church, Virginia 22046. ATOS 3 JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN .ABCBIVES/LIBRARY Richard Simonton Feb . 1 955 - Oct . 1958

Judd Walton Oct. 1958 - July 1961

Tiny James July 1961 - July 1964

Carl Norvell July 1964 - July 1966 ~l)ITO~IAL Dick Schrum July 1966 - July 1968

Al Mason July 1968 - July 1970

Stillman Rice July 1 970 - July 1972

Erwin A. Young July 1972 - July 1974

Paul M . Abernethy July 1974 - July 1976 ATOS, a nonprofit society or a commercial Ray F. Snitil venture? July 1976 - July 1978 Twenty-five years ago the founders of ATOS Preston M . Fleet formed the present organization for the pur­ July 1978 - Nov . 1978 pose of preserving the art of theatre organ. No commercial gain was considered by any­ one involved in the formation or subsequent t-i0~012Al2"1 growth of our group. M~M13~12\ In the recent past some have stated that a professional staff is needed to produce our 1959 - Jesse Crawford journal and to handle the business matters of 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer this organization. Why this feeling should arise 1961 - Mel Doner is beyond practical reasoning. The goals of our 1962 - Leonard MacClain society are not for gain, but to preserve a small 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter bit of Americana. Therefore, any one person or 1964 - Reginald Foort 1966 - Dan Barton any group of people espousing the theory of 1966 - W. "Tiny" James moving our group forward commercially, must 1967 - Erwin A. Young have self-improvement in mind. There is no 1968 - Richard C. Simonton need for advancing our cause by commerciali­ 1989 - Judd Walton zation. In fact, it would very likely cause the en­ 1970 - Bill Lamb tire theatre organ movement to disappear. 1971 - George and Vi Thompson ATOS is doing okay as it is, why make radical 19n - Stu Green changes for uimprovement"? Some modifica­ 1973 - Al and Betty Mason tions of our by-laws are probably necessary, 1974 - Lloyd E. Klos 1975 - Joe Patten but the alterations need not be of such a nature 1976 - Floyd and Doris Mumm as to alter the original conceptions of our 19n - Les and Edith Rawle founders. 1978 - Len Clarke 1979 - J .B . Nethercutt

4 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 The Voice of Fresno's Pizza and Pipes

by Ron Musselman Photos by Howard Martin and Ron Musselman

In March of 1977, Bob Breuer organ remained in the theatre until build a new structure, designed from opened his new Pizza and Pipes May, 1957, when it was purchased by the ground up to house and show­ Restaurant in Fresno, California, Harold Logan of Niagara Falls. case the organ. Finally. in 1976, a and hundreds of curious Fresnans Ontario. and installed in his resi­ site near a busy intersection was filled the building on opening night. dence. The chambers were located in located and the project began to take At 5:30, 24-year-old Don Croom a large basement, with the organ shape. took his position at the console, and speaking into the living room where The organ is installed in long and the 23-rank Wurlitzer roared to life. the console was situated. In 1974, fairly shallow chambers which oc­ In the years since, the restaurant Logan sold the organ to Bob Breuer. cupy most of the front wall, except has proven to be a huge success, Breuer's original plans were to use for the building's main entrance. with little advertising having been an existing building for his restau­ which separates them. The 23 ranks necessary. The news has spread pri­ rant, but the lengthy search proved of pipes and percussions are placed marily by word-of-mouth. And it's to be a dead end, so he decided to as follows: been encouraging to see large num­ Visible from the street are the 16' Post Horn and the 8' Tibia offset (on the left) and the large-scale Diapason offset bers of young people in the audi­ and 16' Tuba offset (on the right). The relay and blower rooms are above the front entrance, behind the sign . ences respond enthusiastically to their first exposure to a theatre or­ gan ... even when the sound of Bach comes rolling out of the cham­ bers. The interior of the 368-seat facility is attractively finished in dark woods, contrasted with red wall­ paper on the upper-half of the walls. Dozens of framed photographs of silent and talkie stars line the lower portion of the side walls. Several rows of small, clear lights highlight the edges of the balcony and its sup­ porting columns, as well as the peri­ meters of the pipe chamber windows facing the street. Opus 585, originally an 18-rank 260 special, has had an interesting history. It was first installed in Shea's Hippodrome Theatre in Buf­ falo, New York, in 1922. The most famous person to play it on a regular basis was none other than Albert Hays Malotte, best known for setting "The Lord's Prayer" to music. The

JUNE/JULY I 980 Extensive revamping of the relay and switches was a tedious job for Tom Delay . Below : The dining area at Fresno Pizza and Pipes. The main chamber is on the left and the solo chamber Before (left) and after (right) photos of the switchstack show on the right. The relay room is directly behind the evidence of the careful attention given to this installation . Marimba, at the center of the picture , above the front entrance to the restaurant . Main Chamber(left) the listening area. It delivers 3,000 Tuba Horn 16'-8' cubic feet of wind per minute at 15 Diaphonic Diapason 16'-8' inches of pressure. Tibia Clausa 8'-4' Although a considerable amount (Robert Morton) of work was done on the Wurlitzer Flute 16'-8'-4'-2' prior to its move to Fresno, a number Viol d' Orchestre 8'-4' -2' of things still required attention and Viol Celeste 8'-4' replacement. Technician Tom Delay Salicional 8'-4' has spent a great deal of time im­ Voix Celeste 8'-4' proving the instrument mechanically Quintadena 8' as well as tonally. It sounds notice­ Clarinet 8' ably better today than it did on open­ Vox Humana 8' ing night. Siren Don Croom, who plays Wednes­ Auto horn ("ooh-gah") day through Saturday nights, has Solo Chamber(right) shown considerable skill in extract­ Post Horn 16'-8' ing sounds from the theatre organ Brass Trumpet 8' that do justice to contemporary Brass Saxophone 8' material. And he does just as well Tuba 8' Don Croom plays nightly, Wednesday through with a standard like "Misty." His (Robert Morton) Saturday, at Pizza and Pipes. musical ability and easy-going per­ Tibia Clausa 16' -8'-4' -2' shade open. When all of the brass sonality have earned him a sizeable Open Diapason 8' -4' in the solo chamber is included, following, and he has just released Solo String 8' sound pressure levels in the middle his second recording. Krumet 8' of the dining area can exceed 90 db. From Sunday through Tuesday Oboe Horn 8' One interesting feature of the nights, a no less personable and Orchestral Oboe 8' installation is the placement of the talented Dick Cencibaugh presides Kinura 8' relay and blower rooms. They are at the console. Dick's involvement Harmonic Flute 4' housed in the shake-shingled struc­ with the theatre organ goes back (Removed. To be replaced with ture that protrudes from the front of to high school days. Equally adept 8' -4' Horn Diapason) the building and supports the Pizza at playing classic and standards. Glockenspiel and Pipes sign. The first of its two he played intermissions at the Fresno Sleigh Bells (tuned) levels is reached by climbing a metal Warnor Theatre's 4/ 14 Morton Unenclosed (in dining area) ladder located in the solo chamber. during the 60 . One of his teacher Marimba Inside this second story room, which was Richard Purvis. Xylophone is directly over the main entrance, In observing the crowds at Pizza Chimes are the relays. Access to the blower and Pipes, it's amazing to note the Chrysoglott (w/ Vibraharp) room in the top level is through a broad range of demographics cov­ Piano (w/ Mandolin attachment) hatch in the ceiling of the relay ered. On any night, you might see a Toy counter room. The 15 hp Spencer Orgoblo pipe-smoking college professor The wooden Diaphone extended was placed on this third story level sitting at a table across from a young to 32 feet, but the lowest octave to isolate it as much as possible from cowboy type who's wearing boots wasn't removed from the theatre. and a fancy western design on hi The Krumet was added by the fac­ Dick Cencibaugh plays for a Tuesday evening crowd shirt. Teenage boys bring their girl­ at the Fresno restaurant . tory after the organ was installed in friends in for a pizza, and the music the theatre. The Post Horn is a com­ is provided by the Mighty Wurlitzer posite of three different makes. The instead of the Rolling Stones. A top third is Morton, the middle Kim­ group of Pakastani students attend• ball, and the 16-foot "Gross-o­ ing Fresno State University comes in phone" portion is Wurlitzer. for dinner, then sits and listens at­ As with many of the newer pipe tentively for almost an hour. organ-equipped pizza parlors, the In the past few years, several new size of the chamber windows is quite restaurants with theatre organs have generous. allowing patrons a com­ opened. and all of them have done plete view of everything inside, in­ much to generate interest in the cluding wind lines, reservoirs and theatre organ. Fresno's Pizza and tremulants. As a result, a frequent Pipes has been an effective vehicle (and amusing) sight is that of a two­ in its own right. And while all busi­ foot high toddler wobbling up to the nesses exist to make money, the pipe glass to watch the reservoirs work up organ restaurant's secondary func­ and down. tion of exposing the general public The organ more than adequately to an incredible musical instrument fills the room and the ensemble is something you can't put a price sound is very assertive with the swell on. D

JUNE/JULY 1980 7 theatre organists in Vancouver, B.C. Her career began in 1926, when she played the organ at the Princess Theatre. It was one of the last the­ atres in town to convert to sound, but, in 1931, it finally did. Because of their love of organ music, the Millers still travel far and wide to haunt Washington State theatres, private installations and pizza par­ lors. Doris is always asked to play, and does so, as a true pro. You will often find Doris, when the time and opportunity are avail­ able, sitting, bundled up, on the or­ gan bench, in the darkened and cold Orpheum, playing by the light of a single lamp. The original mahogany has been covered in white paint, with a surface texture resembling that of icing. The ornate trim is gilt, and two rows of new plastic keys shine at the surrounding stops. It looks very much like a wedding cake wired for sound. The console, like many theatre organs, is mounted on a hydraulic lift and can be played at any height.

Doris Miller at the console of the 3/ 13 Wurlitzer in the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, B.C . Sections of the stage, however, must (Courtesy of the Vancouver Sun) be removed to allow the hydraulic life to operate, and this means a The Orpheum Wurlitzer• member of the stage hands union must be there to operate the lift. And, the theatre is only available Canada~s Last when the orchestra is not rehearsing, or touring performers are not setting up. To open for practice, or per­ O~iainal Installation formance, is an expense. by Thelma Smith The Millers have been hoping that Way back in the year 1927. a some time, it could still be saved, people in rest homes throughout the brand new Wurlitzer organ left the despite the dirt, for it had been used city of Vancouver could be treated to factory in North Tonawanda, New occasionally by organ enthusiasts a bus ride for a morning or after­ York, for the Orpheum Theatre in who rented playing time in the years noon concert, and that school chil­ Vancouver, B.C. Its cost, then, believe when the theatre belonged to Fa­ dren be given the opportunity to it or not, was $45,000. While itwasn't mous Players. hear, see and understand this mighty the most expensive organ in town Three enthusiastic members of the and wonderful maker of music. (the one in the Capitol Theatre had Puget Sound Chapter, well acquain­ The Wurlitzer at the Orpheum, cost $50,000), its 13 ranks, with near­ ted with this organ, are Bill Hale and while a drafty chill to the body while ly 2000 pipes, could handle anything Bert and Doris Miller. They will be practicing, brings back memories to in a silent movie. among a large group of Puget Sound warm the soul. There is talk of the Today, some 53 years later, the Chapter members who will head magnificent days when theatre or­ Orpheum organ is the only theatre north to Vancouver for a concert on gans, and many members of ATOS, organ in Canada still in its original this magnificent organ in May. were in their youth. They can re­ location. Except for an occasional Bert Miller, whose enthusiasm member that going to the theatre in concert, it sits silent, played only by knows no bounds, is worried that the twenties was a "big deal," when, the maintenance crew who come in his kind of music is disappearing. for 25 cents, you could enter a "pal­ to tune it. "These days, we've got to have a kid ace." Hats off to those who remem­ The Puget Sound Chapter helped with a gee-tar. We've caught our­ ber, who help to bring back those to clean and repair the organ in 1964, selves between symphony music, and memories for others and who re­ during restoration work at the Or­ gee-tars, and we just aren't going to pair, encourage and enrich what pheum, and for the first time were have this beautiful kind of music, used to be. Hopefully, someday, we first allowed to work at the console. much, anymore." will all be able to enjoy and see again. Although it had not been played for Bert's wife, Doris, is the last of the the mighty organs of times past. □

8 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 A Zest for Livina• ONES

as told to John D. Everest

Hazel was only ten years old when street, by a man named Mr. Swartz. $2.00 down. Soon after this a fight she left Port Jefferson, N.Y., with The orchestra leader had a fight ensued to replace 310 with the new her parents to live in Waterbury, with the owner because he hired a Local 802. Conn. There she entered the Kimball woman. However, Hazel won out and During this period, she heard a Conservatory of Music and was kept the job because of her talent, Wurlitzer organ being played on the taught to be an accompanist. At age and the fact that she did not socialize radio. Not liking the way the organist thirteen, she lost her father, and with the men as other women had played it, Hazel went to see Mr. she and her mother moved to Brook­ done in the past. Hazel's trick was to Huenneke, head of Wurlitzer. He lyn to live with her grand parents, eat garlic which kept the fresh young told her that as the highest paid Capt. and Mrs. William Mather men in their place. During this time, woman organist in New York, she Jones. She continued her studies she was approached by Ambrose would be crazy to give up the live with Madame Marchmardt, and Reiff, almost 90 years of age, and the theatre and applause to play on the later with Dr. R. Huntington Wood­ oldest delegate of the old Local 310, radio. However, he took her to see man. Hazel began to play concerts A.F. of M. She joined their union for the Wurlitzer, which was in a bleak while attending Public School No. 3, Hazel Jones Spence Vail poses on the rose-bedecked Wurlitzer console in the Oxford Theatre, Brooklyn , N. Y ., where both her father and her Aunt circa 1927. Margaret had attended before her. At sixteen, she became an accom­ panist in a vocal studio in Williams­ burg, Brooklyn. In 1909, she married Charles Davis Spence, Jr. After having four children, Hazel played the piano for her first theatre job in 1917 at the "Millionaire Col­ ony" in Southampton, N. Y. The following year, war broke out and the family moved to Flatbush, Brook­ lyn. While her husband worked in New Jersey during the week building DeHaviland fighting planes and coming home on weekends, she played at the Midwout Theatre. She recalls a terrible flu epidemic during this time. Hazel then worked at the Antion­ ette Theatre in Flatbush playing a two-manual organ which was a com­ bination of organ and piano with glass cases on each side housing the mechanical instruments. The theatre was long with two aisles and exit doors on each side of the organ. One day while she was playing, the the­ atre caught fire. No panicking, Hazel played the then popular song "Mickey" while the children sang and filed out of the theatre calmly. During this time, she also played a large two­ manual organ during the supper hour in a new theatre that was just completed on the same side of the

JUNE/JULY 1980 studio all draped in black to help Brooklyn, and substituted at the organ was a beautiful soft-stringed muffle the sound, and she realized block-long Metropolitan Theatre in instrument. he was right, and left. Brooklyn. However, having to travel Hazel left the Garden Theatre to Every two weeks Hazel journeyed alone at night to the various the­ have her fifth child. The manager of to Times Square to the Irving Berlin atre s was a hardship and she finally the theatre was furious with her for office on Broadway and several pub­ had to stop. using such a ridiculous excuse for lishers to get new orchestrations. While traveling to look at the leaving, as she did not look like she One day, passing by Loew's Old New Mer rick Theatre in Jamaica, she saw was expecting. After she had the York Theatre, she walked into the the Fox Vaudeville Theatre. She baby, she wheeled the newborn in­ office of a man named Mr. Lutz, who went in to look for someone to in - fant into the theatre to show them. was in charge of the Loew's Circuit quire about a job and walked all In 1926, she was sent for by the Theatres in the U.S. Hazel asked for through the theatre. Finding no one, Queens Rialto Theatre organist, a a job. Hearing of her experience, he Hazel went downstairs and recalls friend of hers, who was going on va­ took her to the building that housed seeing a barking seal in a tank. Not cation. Her friend never returned, the music. This building was a for­ liking the looks of the theatre she and the job became hers. The organ mer night club where she and her left. Hazel then went to the Rialto was a three-manual Midmer-Losh. husband had heard Madame Emma Theatre opposite Kings Park in Ja. Then Muller and Swartz asked her Tretina sing. It was now filled with maica, Queens, where she left her to return to play their new organ, a small cubby holes, each filled with name and address. They needed an two-manual Wurlitzer, at the Oxford music, and ladders were required to organist in the Garden Theatre in Theatre, State Street and Flatbush reach all the music. This music was Richmond Hill. Muller and Swartz Avenue, near the Brooklyn Long Is­ sent to Loew's Theatres all over the were owners of the Garden as well as land Railroad Station. This organ country with the films, whenever and the Woodhaven Theatre, Wood­ had twelve buttons for feet, birds wherever it was needed. He took her haven, and the Alhambra Vaude­ singing, bass, snare, tympani and in a small elevator to the roof where ville Theatre, Brooklyn. Acquiring castinettes. Between the two man­ the Arabian Nights Theatre was lo­ the job as organist in the Garden, uals were four second touch stops, cated. This theatre was used for pre­ she played at a two-manual Kimball two for the swell and two for the viewing new films for theatre owners organ with a full orchestra for four great manuals. One stop would be and managers. The roof theatre years. The theatre had a balcony all pushed half way down for one sound also had a fine two-manual Moller around it with two theatre boxes on and all the way down for another. organ. After she played a Waldau­ each side . She recalls young boys The challenge was to pick out sounds feul Waltz on the Moller, he ar­ throwing scent bombs at the orches­ to match what was on the screen. ranged for H. T. Fromme!, the sec­ tra leader. If he stepped on them, the Hazel played the night shift from ond organist from the N. Y. Capitol whole orchestra would soon leave 6-11 p.m. alone, including all vaude­ Theatre (the first full time theatre for because of the odor, and she would ville and specialities. movies) to coach her to improve her have to finish the show alone. Hazel Her sixth child was born in 1929 technique. She worked in the Loew's remembers one of the acts on the during the end of the silent movie circuit for a year, including six stage was the original Buster Browne era. She was offered the opportunity months at the Bijou Theatre in and his dog, and that the Kimball to stay at half price in the event the sound was not perfected, but she Hazel accompanied films and vaudeville at the two -manual Wurlit zer in the Oxford Theatre , State Street and Flat­ refused. bush Avenue , near the Brooklyn Long Island Railroad Station . In 1930, Hazel and her family moved to Setauket and then to Port Jefferson, N.Y. In the next ten years. she was semi-retired, having had her seventh child in 1931. Her husband took ill and was in St. Lukes Hospi­ tal. Bronx, where she moved in 1936 for one year. During her stay she was the St. Simeons Church organist at 1020 Carrol Place in the Bronx, play­ ing a new Moller church organ. Following her husband's death in 1941, she began a new career ... formed a Girl Scout Troop, joined the American Women's Volunteer Service (AWVS), sold war bonds and stamps, was an air-raid warden, worked for the local newspaper for six years and played the organ in many churches. A lawyer, George Darling, was looking for a memorial for his family and had installed the Midmer-Losh

JUNE/JULY 1980 organ, that Hazel played in the Ri­ When asked to recall some of her children in the theatre eating pea­ alto Theatre in 1925, in the Meth­ memories of other organists, Hazel nuts and then jumping up and down odist Church in Port Jefferson. He feels that her teacher, Dr. Wood­ on the shells making so much noise also installed a Riggs Jeffers Ampli­ man, composer and organist from that she could not hear her own mu­ phier which was connected to the the First Presbyterian Church in sic. She would get off the organ belfry of the church and permitted Brooklyn Heights for sixty years, bench and grab the culprits by the her to play concerts that could be was considered one of the finest or­ neck and make them sit down and be heard all over the town. In addition ganists of his time. She also recalls quiet. to her church work, she played the meeting Dr. Cartone, from Italy, and Hazel celebrated her 90th birth­ piano for fifteen consecutive years on H.C. Pommel, famous organists of day in February 1980. She is pres­ the Port Jefferson Ferry, The Park their time. She remembers being a ently living with her youngest daugh­ City, to Bridgeport, Conn. Many member of the Theatre Guild of ter and family in Port Jefferson, but times, she had her own orchestra Organists and meeting in an unused has had her own home all this time. with her on the ferry, as well as in loft in New York. She now has twenty-five grandchil­ local night clubs throughout Long Hazel recalls three fires while dren, seventeen great-grandchildren Island. playing; one in Southampton; one in and one more on the way. Her sec­ Hazel went to the Suffolk Home in the Antionette; and the one in the ond youngest daughter, Mrs. Jane Yaphank in 1950 to do volunteer Rialto Theatre. The Rialto had Erland, served for forty years as piano and organ playing for the twelve-hundred seats on one floor, organist of Christ Episcopal Church people living there. She remained and when she saw smoke in the in Port Jefferson. Mrs. Erland teaches there for seventeen years as enter­ ceiling, she realized the organ's organ, too. Although her sight is tainment director. While there, she blower was on fire. She shut off the poor, Hazel Spence Vail still plays played the largest Hammond organ switches while the orchestra con­ the piano , has a fantastic memory, then made. Hazel married William tinued to play, got someone to put it ahd a great zest for life. F. Vail, from Riverhead, in 1964, out and the audience never knew This, of course, is only the pro­ where she moved until his death in what happened. Hazel remembers a fessional side of Hazel's life. Al­ 1968. At that time Hazel retired cat that would walk across the stage though she loves music and was, and from the Suffolk Home and moved and climb onto the organ; she would still is, a true artist and professional, to Mt. Sinai, N. Y. However, she have to hold the cat in one hand and her first love has and always will be continued to play at nursing homes, play with the other. her family. But that's another story. weddings and whenever called upon. One fond remembrance was the □ r,--11--11--11--11--11--11--11--11--11--11--11--,, ~ The DORIC ORGAN SEAT ~

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L,--o o o 11--11--11-=:,:::::~=:,=:s>H~ JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 11 never seemed to find out about mak­ ble decker buses which was fun to in drinks cold with ice. When I got ride on top of and they had taxicabs into furren speakin countries like that you could get into without Germany and Denmark and like scrunchin way over and bumpin your that there I wasnt never able to put head. across what lumps of ice was. One One thing I never got to hear no time in Denmark they brought me a orgins in theayters and so I am glad glass of sherry, and another time I they is goin to be trips to some of got a dish of ice cream with a cherry them big ones espeshally that there stuck on the top. And in Germany one at Lester Square, they spell it nobody could even tell me what to Lei-ces-ter but they call it Lester, ask for. One place I think it was in with five keyboreds and it looks like Munick the desk clerk, only they say a big tur-bine generator but I bet it clark, in the hotel says I should ask dont sound no better than that big for Mund Eis which he says is the five keybored travellin orgin that Mr. word for mouth ice, but that dint Foort took all over England before I spose by now everybody who is work either. And even when I did get it was brought over here where it is goin to the Convenshun in London acrost what I wanted some ice for a in Pasadena after it was in a Pizza is already bought their ticket. I ain't cold drink they would bring me a Parlor in San Diego on acct. you cant because I always wait until the last coupla peaces about the size of mar­ scarcely hear pipe orgins no more in minnit seems like so I hope they is bles in a separete dish. So after while this country unless you like Pizzas. D still some tickets left because I sure I jest give up and quit fightin the would like to go. I aint been to Lon­ European Ice Sistem. don since 1958 and thats a long time But outside of the Ice problem we ago. Me and the Missis we decided mostly has a pretty good time. Oncet we would go over and see Europe in London we was goin to the Opera startin with England so when we at Covent Garden and I was late and got there on a Sattiday I went and I got kinda lost and so I ast a feller bought a Hillman Minx to tool in another car and he says follow me around _ in. So Sunday mornin I and he took me rite to the front door thought well there is a good chancet and give me a wave and turned to drive around when they aint so around back the way he come. That by Shirley Hannum Keiter many cars out and get used to this happen to us too or three times I left hand traffick. So I left the Missis guess we looked kind of helpless and ~ 11111111111 11111 II 11111Ill II ~ at the hotel and I got the car and I not speakin the languich and all. So started out and it was pretty scary at I dont take no stock in what they say BUil,DING A first because I kept a-thinkin I would about in Europe they is always givin MUSICAL FOUNDATION get a ticket for drivin on the rong us a raw deal on acct. of generally side of the road, and espeshally when they treated us pretty good. Within the realm of teaching or­ I went around the corner I kinda Back in London was when I got a gan to aspiring musicians, the em­ expected that I would have a colli­ gander at the subways. They call it phasis is usually on playing music shun an acct. I was on the rong side. the Toob and it sure shows up the now. Seldom is a student of theatre But I got back without hittin any­ BMT, and you dont have to worry organ taken through the theory of thing and after I had a good lunch of about gettin mugged either. I dunno. scales and progressions. The joy of Bubble and Squeak and washed it They talk about us havin more mon­ learning theatre organ is in the play­ down with some lukewarm beer why ey than anybody else, but we sure got ing, certainly. But, if the student I felt better in spite of the beer not dirty subways and we sure got more also gains an understanding of the bein cold. guys goin around holdin people up rudiments and theory of music, his One thing I found out all the time seems like. I dunno what its like knowledge will definitely expand and we was toolin around Europe is they now, but in 1958 they had them dou- will reflect in his playing. Although music has been or­ ganized into some sort of tonal pro­ gression since primitive times, it wasn't until the baroque era that the It may not be too late ..... major and minor scales, as we know them, emerged. In Music Through TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE Sources and Documents (Prentice­ Hall), author Ruth Halle Rowen IN ENGLAND states, "In his Well-Tempered Cla­ AT THE ATOS 25TH ANNUAL CONVENTION vier, completed at Cothen in 1722, Johann Sebastian Bach affirmed the SEE THE FEB/MARCH ISSUE FOR DETAILS major-minor cycle of keys as we know it today." Ruth Rowen also states, "After countless tern per a-

12 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 ments were conceived, some musi­ RTOS, through public sale of stock cians finally conceived the simplest in "musical nostalgia," pl us other means to solve the problem. The money raising ventures , managed to tones C. C#, D, D#, etc., are all sep­ save the Wurlitzer, and it was even­ arated from each other by equal tually installed in the Auditorium steps. Thus, the octave is divided 12ochester-~s Theatre in the Masonic Temple into twelve equal parts, each ap­ Civic Center. proximately a half tone. This is Since 1967, monthly concerts called equal temperament. . . " Wur-litzer­ (September through May) have en­ In applying this knowledge to the tertained tens of thousands of con­ study of theatre organ music, we find certgoers. The organ , now a 4/22, that the music played on today's Opus lCJcil has been enhanced by the addition of instruments is indeed based on a a Post Horn and a piano, in addition series of whole and half steps. For by Lloyd E. Klos to better placement of the percussive our purposes, a half step progresses effects. Judging from visiting or­ from one key to the very next, which The Rochester Theater Organ ganists' remarks, the Auditorium can be either a black or white key - Society will observe its 16th anni­ Wurlitzer is one of five best theatre F# to G, A to Bb, B to C and F to E, versary in August. The largest club organs on the circuit today. for example. A whole step skips a of its kind in the world today, RTOS Since its inception , RTOS has key (again, white or black), such as: is an outgrowth of a small, but dedi­ presented 81 organists in 152 con­ C to D, B to C# and Eb to F, and is cated group of enthusiasts in the certs. Benefits accruing to the 1584- equal to two half steps. Rochester, N. Y., area. After having famil y members included a circula­ The progressive combination of restored Wurlitzer Opus 1951 in the ting library, open console sessions. whole and half steps constitutes a RKO Palace Theatre in 1960, peri­ field trips . master classes. social scale. The major scale, very widely odic concerts were held at the Palace events and The Blower , a newsletter used in theatre organ music, always until 1964. when RTOS was or­ which informs members of all RTOS­ contains a half step between the ganized. sponsored affairs as well as those in third and fourth notes as well as the In early 1965, however, with less neighboring areas possessing theatre seventh and eighth notes. than 200 members. stunning news organs. The club now maintains a In the key of C, if we begin on C, arrived that the Palace would be second Wurlitzer, in a smaller audi­ there is a whole step between C and razed for an apartment-hotel com­ torium. which is used for events of a D, D and E, then a half step between plex (which never materialized). more intimate nature. D E and F, followed by a series of three whole steps, F to G, G to A and A to Console of the 4/ 22 Wurlitzer in the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester , N. Y . The organ is maintained by the Rochester Theater Organ Society and used for monthly concerts , September through May . (Dick Harold Photo) B, with a final half step from B to C, an octave higher than where we be­ gan. The C scale would look like this:

C D E F G A B C w w H W W W H

Try the G and F scales in the same way. Watch out for sharps (up a half tone) and flats (down a half tone), and include only one note of each letter in any scale. In the key of F. you'll find a Bb - not an A#; other­ wise there would be two As and no B. In future columns, we'll see how chords are built from scale tones, find a formula to find any chord needed, discover form in music com­ position and learn registration as it relates to form. Even those who have been in music for many years still make new discoveries of the intri­ cacies and mathematics of the won­ der of music. The next time you sit at the organ, take a look at the piece of music you're about to play and no­ tice the pattern of the notes and chords. The scale, with its whole and half tones, is at the foundation of it all. □

JUNE/JULY 1980 tion of theatre buildings continues unchecked; only a few large theatres are left, with most of them crippled by defective switchboards, vandal­ ized fixtures, and inadequate main­ tenance. Ticket prices and trans­ portation costs are steadily increas­ chARisMAANd sERENdipiTying, and hotel rooms and food for artists are costly. Word is out that concert attendance is down in several by John Muri areas. Perhaps the pizza organ people. who seem to have cornered our largest instruments, can help. Some smarties once got the idea for it gave him a trademark that In addition, the charisma (or lack that we needed more fancy words was more triking (and copied for of it) in each soloist determines for common ideas, and they came years after his death) than his fasci­ whether audiences like the programs up with charisma and serendipi(\'. nating registrations. Parenthetically, and indicate willingness to come If you don't know what the words we must note here that the porta­ back for more. Charismatic organ­ mean you're not alone, but if what mento. which has been a matter for ists seem to have emerged from a fa­ I read in the newspapers and the­ argument recently. is discussed and vorable heredity-environment com­ atre-organ magazines is true, we illustrated by Crawford himself in plex that no one really understands. need a lot of both of them. his Advanced Organ Course, pub­ Richard Rodgers gave a good deal of Take charisma. It means special lished in 1949 by Jesse Crawford thought and study to the matters of grace. charm. favor. or leadership Organ Publications. Emil Ascher, charisma and serendipity. He stud­ ability. and obviously not everyone Inc., New York. pages 103-107 in­ ied, among others. the youthful has it. It calls for strong reserves of clusive, in which he shows how single backgrounds of George Gershwin, energy. A goodly measure of brain glissandos (sequences of single notes) Jerome Kern, Cole Porter. Harold helps. but it is not absolutely neces­ convey the effect of double glissan­ Rome, Frank Laesser. and Vincent sary. Certainly, some leadership and dos when well played and how Youmans to see what influences were authority power falls upon people double glissandos (two notes moving) operating to produce genius and who secure or inherit positions of feel the effect of triple glissandos. creativity. He came to no definite influence. No matter how good an He re commended playing the mel­ conclusions about background and organist you were in the twenties, ody in the upper part of the harmo­ environment. For his own part, he you couldn't compete effectively nization on tibia or flute stops for felt especially lucky or serendipitous. with a fellow working a 4.000-seat mul t iple glissandos. In his Jesse A performer's charisma does not house if you worked a 1,000-seater. Reputations were built along with the bigger jobs. So was jealousy on To the Editor, the part of the small-timers. How they used to bad-mouth Jesse Craw­ After writing close to 70 articles for THEATRE ford in Chicago! ORGAN, I think it is time I took a vacation; so, the Getting the big jobs was largely a enclosed is the last I shall send you until I get my matter of luck (being at the right battery recharged and have something meaningful place at the right time and knowing to say. Your kindness in publishing my work is a the right people) plus playing ability. never-ending source of happy recollection for me. At such times. serendipity (v,:hich You have my thanks and best wishes. then was little more than dumb luck) was operating. Sadly enough. a few John Muri of the better and more fortunate players destroyed their luck with booze or something equally detri­ Cnrnford Collection qf Hit Solos necessarily appeal to everyone. Many mental. You can be lucky. but that (Robbins Music Corporation 1953) people. seeing the charm work on doesn't necessarily keep you lucky or he calls his written manuscript others. assume that they must parti­ prevent you from making a fool of glissandos "cued notes.'' cipate in the idolatry. Thus popu­ y·ourself. But back to our subject. This larity becomes fashionable. This sort Jesse Crawford had more luck (or theatre-organ movement of ours is of transfer works in the entertain­ serendipity) than charisma. His was going to need some luck (serend ip­ ment field to the financial and social not an out-going warm personality. ity) if it is to continue. The destruc- advantages of its beneficiaries. For I am sure his busy schedules had good or ill. it can be manufactured something to do with it. but I never Mr . Muri 's opinions expressed herein through advertising. Such promotion met anyone who admitted being a are his own and do not necessarily re­ is expensive. but it usually pays off close friend of the man. The Craw­ flect the policies of ATOS or THE­ unless the person being promoted ford portamento (or glissando. as he ATRE ORGAN Magazine . is utterly without quality. called it) was a fortunate conception. Most annoying are those individ-

14 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/ JULY 1980 uals who seem to enjoy destroying charisma. One example is the frequent belittling of the Los Angeles area film industry by those who call ({lo~tng({borb it "Tinseltown" despite the respect­ able heritage of fine and great films it left us. Some theatre organ fans Roland E. Nutrell, 66, died April addition to organ music, the pro­ have delighted in showing off the 4th following a brief illness. He came gram featured romantic poetry interior workings of organs for on the organ scene too late for s'ilent readings by Charles Purcell. The reasons that baffle me. The spectacle films. His career as a theatre organist broadcast enjoyed a 20-year run, of colored lights (sometimes fluores­ started in 1932, the year he gradu­ from 1937 to 1957. When the organ cents) flashing inside chambers ated from Baltimore's Forest Park business cooled, he turned to behind flapping swell-shades dis­ High School. Between 1932 and 1936 teaching in Baltimore public schools. tract the audience and display he mixed higher education with play­ He taught for more than 30 years, mighty poor taste. No individual or ing assignments at Baltimore's Cen­ many of them as a science teacher. institution can maintain charisma by tury, Valencia and Stanley theatres. He retired about ten years ago. His revealing everything and by exposing During this period he attended the career included many years playing trade secrets. There has got to be University of Maryland, and later for church services and his interests some mystery, some reserve in the Peabody Institute and Johns included boating and restoring street anything that can be expected to Hopkins University. As an organist cars. He was a member of ATOS remain glamorous. There is no he is best remembered from his Noc­ since 1960. denying the values in panache and turne program, a midnight radio Mr. Nutrell is survived by his wife, chutzpah. □ show emanating from WCAO. In Geraldine. □

TUBE DIRECTIONS••• Conventioneers arriving at Heathrow Airport should take the Tube to Gloucester Road Station. Conventioneers arriving at the Gatwick Airport should take the Tube to Victoria Station (about 30 minutes), change to the District Tube (3 stops) to Gloucester Road Station. At the Gloucester Station turn left, it is only a short walk to the Penta Hotel.

IWHETSTONC WOOOS,Dt PAAIC

MIU HILL WT

TURNPIU UN(

MANOltHOUSl. TOTiffiHAM WAL~STOW HALL C!.NtRAL auo::HORst S[V(N fll()A.O SISTERS * *

VAU)(HAU * THE LONDON RIVER THAMES UNDERGROUND

JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 15 organ presentation which he termed "New Year's Reso­ lutions." First on the program was "Harvest Moon." This was followed by a clever parody to "Long, Long Trail;" next came a brand new one entitled "Love Gave You to Me;" then a special arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne;" next "Now's the Time to Fall In Love," and for his closing selection, a burlesque on "My Blue Heaven." Jan. 23, 1932 (MPH) CHARLES DARRIN at Mans­ field, Ohio's Straughn Hall, who features original com­ munity singing novelties at this theatre (located within the grounds of Ohio State Teachers College), recently offered How about a "Potluck" column with nuggets from all another of his original concoctions, built around the pop­ over the country? From West to East. enjoy this feast! ular ballad "Just a Memory." After the introductory slide, References were Motion Picture Almanac (MPA). Motion he played the verse in strict, slow tempo, incorporating Picture Herald (MPH), Variety (V) and Exhibitors Herald many pleasing registrations. A chorus followed, enhanced World (EHW). by a scrim tableau with a male vocalist singing the lyric. 1930 (MPA Biography) EARL ABEL, organist. Born in Novel variations on the melody prepared the audience Chicago, 111.,May 26, 1899. Blue eyes. Parents : Ada M. for a singing chorus which received a significant reception. Inden and John T. Abel, non-professionals. Education: This audience of college students is ideal for an organist Lane Technical High School and University of Chicago, who features community singing. and it has been an easy S.A.T.C. Married Lillian Lewis, a non-professional. Hob­ task for Darrin to build a big popularity for himself. bies: golf and motoring. Solo organist: California Theatre June 1933 (EHW) Among the organists who have been in Los Angeles; Tivoli in San Francisco; Majestic in Tulsa; placed within the past six weeks are Mrs. HELEN CRAW­ Auditorium in Berwyn, 111.; Belmont and Congress the­ FORD at the New York Paramount; BETTYE LEE atres in Chicago. Currently in Texas Theatre in San An­ TAYLOR, Loew's State in Syracuse, N.Y.: BOB WEST, tonio. Loew's Stanley in Baltimore: ADOLPH GOEBEL. RKO's Feb. 21, 1931 (MPH) VERNON GEYER is now chief 86th Street Theatre in New York; TED CRAWFORD. organist at San Antonio's RKO Majestic Theatre, follow­ Loew's Norfolk; and AL CURTIS in the Academy of Mu­ ing a tenure at the Aztec. sic in New York. Mav 23, 1931 (MPH) "MAC" BRIDWELL at San An­ June 1933 (EHW) Indicating the relative gain in em­ tonio;s RKO Majestic Theatre, offered "When Your Hair ploying an organist in lieu of maintaining an idle organ in Has Turned to Silver," "Tie Me To Your Apron Strings." the theatre, is an incident which occurred recently at the and closed with song slides. The audience was not very RKO 86th Street Theatre in New York. During the leng­ quick to sing. thy period of operation of a straight picture policy at the Mav 23, 1931 (MPH) BETTY HAMMOND (Rosa Rio) house, the organ was seriously damaged by rain. When. at th~ New Orleans' Publix Strand Theatre, offers "My after persistent demands by regular patrons, the manager Public and Me." a song slide solo which brings in Miss decided to reinstate the organ program, the instrument Hammond's versatility as an entertainer. It opens with a was found to be in an impossible condition, the cost of hot number, then Miss Hammond sings into the micro­ repairs approximately $1.000. The re-establishment of phone a paraphrase of a popular melody which bespeaks the organ was delayed, but when demand continued, the singing prowess of her public. This is followed with the immediate action was taken. audience's joining her in singing "When Your Love Has Feb. 1942 (V) RICHARD LEIBERT, chief organist at Gone," "Running Between the Raindrops," and "Walk­ Radio City Music Hall, and on various commercial pro­ ing My Baby Back Home." A popular solo, but one lack­ grams, has opened a restaurant, "The Encore," on East ing the usual originality in Miss Hammond's work. 48th Street in New York. Jan. 9. 1932 (MPH) At Omaha's Paramount, ADOLPH Feb. 1942 (VJ Former theatre organist, BILL GAGE. "DOLPH" GOEBEL for his opening solo, surprised the is now a technician on Take It or Leave It, The Pet Milk audience with a novelty which was outstanding in its mer­ Program, Phillip Morris Playhouse, and Crime Club. its. A scene. showing the interior of a broadcasting studio all on CBS. is first thrown onto the screen. A man (it is Goebel. but the GOLD DUST: 1/28 DOLPH GOEBEL, Loew's Avalon audience is unaware of it as yet) announces thru a mike in Yonkers, N.Y ... 12/28 EDDIE SCHWARTZ, Proc­ that an organ recital will be broadcast over station tor's Fifth Avenue, New York; JACK SKELLY, Keith­ PUBLIX, with Goebel at the organ. and the Paramount Albee, White Plains, N.Y.; HOWARD WARREN, Brook­ Theatre mixed chorus as the special attraction. Before lyn's Albee; WALTER WILD, New York's Hippodrome going to the console. he introduces himself and then plays ... 9/ 30 HARRY ZIMMERMAN at Publix-Balaban and "Out of Nowhere," "You Call It Madness," an extremely Katz theatres, Chicago ... 9/ 31 JULIUS K. JOHNSON, laughable tongue-twister; a smart parody on local scenes; "premier organist and added attraction extraordinary," "River. Stay 'Way From My Door." a special "Good Night. at Omaha's Orpheum Theatre ... 11/ 31 JOHN GART is Sweetheart," and a special chorus of "You're the One I organist-musical director at Loew's 46th Street Theatre, Care For." As he is taking his bows and acknowledging Brooklyn; WALTER ANDERSON. Madison Theatre, applause. a slide bearing his likeness and words of greet­ Brooklyn; DICK HARTIGAN, Schenectady, N.Y.'s RKO ing appear on the screen. Applause was strong during Plaza; RON & DON, Brooklyn Fox. several of the numbers and especially at the finish. That's all for now. See you at the big show, sourdoughs! Jan. 23, 1932 (MPH) EARL ABEL at San Antonio's Jason and The Old Prospector □ Texas Theatre, for New Year's Week, offered a novelty

16 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 THE ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANT COeahcAbby ...

This item was spotted by Deke Warner, who thought it would be of Characteristics of Well­ interest to our readers. Reprinted with permission. Voiced Flue Pipes DEAR ABBY: I have always felt that standing ovations should be re­ by R. J. Weisenberger served for exceptional performances. Acoustical studies have shown the two distinct blowing points. The However, audiences in less sophisti­ performance of various pipes can be first occurs at about 1/10 the cated cities seldom see great per­ accurately predicted if several basic normal operating pressure or less, formances, so they reward every play, design parameters are known. Yet, only softly sounding the funda- concert and performance with a unless a pipe is properly voiced, it mental. This will disappear as the standing ovation. may not operate as predicted, or pressure is steadily increased un- I don't really feel like standing operate at all. tiI the second blowing point is and joining the others in shouts of Unlike flue pipe design, where a reached, which is usually at about "bravo" following a merely good change in a dimension is directly re- 1/4 normal operating pressure. As performance. I think a performance lated to a change in the sound, or in the pressure further increases, so should be truly outstanding to rate a operating pressure, flue pipe voicing will the pitch, power and har- standing ovation. is not as predictable. There is no monic development until a stable My problem, Dear Abby, is that I standard method by which all flue condition is reached prior to over- always feel like a killjoy just sitting pipes can be voiced. blowing. there instead of going along with the Small scales require a slightly 2.) Closed pipes operate best when crowd. different languid design, or place­ the air stream is directed toward Is it OK to remain seated at such ment, than large scales. Open pipes the inner edge of the upper lip, times? require a different languid place­ SAN ANGELO, TEXAS while open pipes must have the ment altogether than closed pipes for air stream directed toward the efficient operation. outer edge. DEAR SAN: I can offer no better Voicing requires a certain skill advice than that which Polonius gave and patience that comes from actual 3.) Small scale pipes require the air to Liertes in Shakespeare's "Hamlet": experience, but, there are several stream to be directed at a greater "This above all: To thine own self be generalities common to all well­ angle than large scale pipes. □ true, and it must follow as the night voiced flue pipes: (SEE FIGURES BELOW) the day, thou canst not then be false 1.) Well-voiced flue pipes will have (cut off views) to any man.'' □

ONE METHOD FOR VOICING UNIVERSAL VOICING METHOD LARGE SCALE PIPES FOR ANY SCALE OF PIPE

I I, 11 ,,_, 1 _1,_ ,, _,,_, , _ , ' I I -,,- 1------1' ~---'--~ t t

I I I t

CLOSED OPEN CLOSED OPEN PIPE PIPE PIPE PIPE LANGUID LANGUID LANGUID LANGUID POSITION POSITION POSITION POSITION

JUNE/ JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 17 Uevtr-onix Or-aans• Satisfying A Growing Demand For Custom Consoles by Tom Thompson

"Parking Lot Sale." L to R: a three-manual Paramount Scroll shell; the same console with manuals and pedal board added; a three -manual Paramount French style; a four -manual Publix French style; and the four -manual Modernis ­ tic (Waterfall) console custom built for George W right. If you wanted to find a Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ console for a pro­ time where nostalgia is common­ unusual sight and sound. So, where ject. where would you start looking? place. In the case of the theatre pipe there is a demand, suppliers will What price do you suppose you organ. nostalgia is only half of it. arise to fill the need. would have to pay? What kind of These magnificent instruments be­ The names Klann. Reisner. Kim­ condition do you think it might be ing reinsta lled. restored and kept ber-Allen. Hesco, Arndt and Dev­ in. if you were to find just the right alive are not only for and by the folks tronix are just a few that are impor­ style console? who remember them from the old tant to the theatre pipe organ rein­ With the growing interest and movie house days. but also for the sta11er. Each of these companies popularity of theatre pipe organs in younger set who are intrigued by the fabricates or distributes valuable public places. there is also a growing need for more consoles. Each year. Shell of the Moderni stic style Wurlitzer conso le custom built by Devtronix for George Wright. It is often called the " Wat erfall" style due to the distinctive caps. more pipe organs are relocated in private homes, restaurants, pizza parlors - a few even wind up back in theatres. installed there by the local members of the American The­ atre Organ Society. Periodically one i lost in a fire. The point is, the mar­ ket for the theatre pipe organ and its console is rapidly increasing while the supply diminishes. According to Judd Walton. there were 2,238 Wur ­ litzer theatre pipe organs built. of which he estimates nearly 1,500 can no longer be accounted for. Since the Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ has not been in production since 1934. you can't turn to them for a new one. fresh off the assembly line. And un­ fortunately, as the supply dimin­ ishes, the price rises. The good news is that we live in a

18 The four-manual Publix French style console built for the residence of Carl Weiss , of The Wurlitzer Modernistic style four -manual console built for George Wright, with Weiss and Turney Pipe Organ Builders, Long Island, N. Y. It will accommodate 315 manuals and pedalboard added. Approximately 270 stop tabs are planned . stop tabs and can control a 40-rank pipe organ . parts. Some of the parts are exact manual, 2-stop row French style. tinctive scalloped caps. Wurlitzer (reproduction) duplicates of long white and gold version of the con­ called it their Modernistic design. since worn out originals. while others soles built for the Paramount the­ While Devtronix is primarily an are replacements that can be made atres ... so he called it the Para­ electronic organ kit manufacturer. to fit and work. The Hesco Com­ mount French style. The next need their second function as console sup­ pany. for example. makes stop keys, came for a less fancy version and so plier has become very active. Their draw knobs, tilt tablets. pistons and the scro11 design was added to the consoles are beginning to turn up all name plates for the pipe organ con­ line for the Paramount organ. As any across the nation in homes and pub­ soles. Back in 1970 they acquired the line of products (or reproductions) is lic places where they power both use of the original Wurlitzer tem­ created, someone invariably comes electronic and pipe organs. Their plates from which they made their along who wants a lesser expensive circuit designs are as exacting in own set. They now supply exact model that isn't quite so fancy. Be­ sounding like the pipe organs, as copies in shape. size, color and en­ side that customer stands the person their consoles are in looking like graving style of the Wurlitzer orig­ who must have the biggest and most them. so the package comes together inals. complex one that can be built ... so extremely well. out of that need came the Granada Although Devtronix gets regular But what about the consoles? To­ model with 3 manuals and 1 stop row requests for woodworking blueprints day. the largest. and by far the best bolster; along with it came the Pub­ for their consoles. they currently builder of Wurlitzer theatre organ lix models with 4 manuals and 2½ supply only those for the two Para­ console reproductions is Devtronix stop rows Oater built with 3½ rows of mount styles. Since it requires a fair Organs. Inc. in Sacramento. Cali­ stops). Not far behind the comple­ amount of skill and an unusual array fornia. The company was formed tion of the theatre console line came of shop tools to build such a complex back in 1971 by Ray De Vault. then the classical or straight organ models project, very few blueprint buyers an electronics design engineer at - a 3-manual Concert style and a have tackled and completed the task. Lockheed Missile and Space Co. The 2-manual Chapel console. That For this reason. the staff at Devtron­ first effort of the then small com­ brought the line of available consoles ix has set up a program to provide pany was to supply keyboards and to seven. Along with the lineup. there consoles and electronic circ·uitry circuits for the organ experimenter. is an occasional custom order that built up to whatever degree the cus­ Eventually a need arose to have a can be a spin-off of existing styles. tomer requires. If the need is for a console in which the builder could George Wright decided he would completed console in unfinished house the accumulation of parts. like to have a special console for the wood. that's available. Or, it will be new pipe organ now being put to­ painted or stained. and will come The first consoles were modest. gether in his home. He has designed complete with keyboards. pistons. home organ looking furniture. not at it for practice and recording ses­ tabs. swell pedals and whatever else all unlike the Conns and Hammonds sions. He wanted a console like the is desired. The end result is a Wurlit­ of that day. A subsequent run at the one that came from the Oakland zer theatre pipe organ console that is console came from DeVault's long (California) Paramount Theatre but true in every detail to the originals of interest in the old movie palaces and none was available. so he called on the 1920s ... a console that is not their accompanying theatre organs. Devtronix to custom build it for him. only functional. but is a thing of The first prototype was constructed That console is frequently called the beauty that approaches being an art back in 1975. It turned out to be a 3- Waterfa11 style. because of its dis- o~ect. D

JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 19 As Composers PARTI • .! Compiled by Lloyd E. Klos

A professional musician hasn 'tfully "arrived," it has been stated, until he has writ­ ten and published a composition. Through the years, we have seen periodic references to organists who have written songs or have collaborated with others in the evolution of their works. In this feature, we o,.lfer an alphabetical listing of theatre organists and their com­ positions, some of which may be familiar, but many will prove new to the readers of THEATRE ORGAN. Note: This should not be considered a complete listing as time will have elapsed be­ t ween this list's compilation and the date of publication.

ELMER ALBRECHT. Born in New York Paramount Theatre 14 ALBERT JOHN "BERT" BUHR­ Chicago in 1901; died there in 1959. years; toured for Rodgers and Conn MAN, JR. Born in Springfield, Mo., Private piano study. Was organist organ companies. Inducted into April 19, 1915. Studied with Glen and pianist in theatres; later led his Theatre Organists Hall of Fame in Stambach. Organist at WOQ, WHB own band. 1971. in Kansas City. Music Director at Songs: Collaborator: Edward Lane KCMO. Played theatres, was staff "Don't Ever Darken My Door" Songs: organist on CBS radio and TV. Since "Elmer Done It Again" "Bless You For Being An Angel" 1963 at School of the Ozarks in "Elmer's Tune" "Snowtime Serenade" Missouri. "How Can I Live Without You?" "You're the Only Pebble on Work: The Bald Knobbers "How Was I To Know?" the Beach" (Opera) "Memories of An Old Bouquet" "Sea Shells on the Sea Shore" ELSIE THOMPSON BOYD. Born "Take the Whole Darn Farm" in St. Paul, Minn., May 27, 1904. PAUL CARSON. Born in Illinois. "You're In It- I'm In It Too" Was organist at 15 in silent film the­ Died in Mexico. Educated at North­ atres. Organist-singer, beginning in western University, studied under DON BAKER. Born in St. Thomas. 1929 in Brooklyn and N.Y. Para­ Edwin Lemare. Starred as organist Ontario, Canada, February 26, 1903. mount theatres; later staff organist on Bridge to Dreamland, One Man's Pianist in pit bands, organist at at CBS. Has had concert and TV Family and I Love a Mystery radio Rivoli and Rialto theatres in New appearances. series. York; Bernstein theatres in London; Song: "So Grateful" Song: "Patricia"

20 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 WILLIAM R. CARTER. Born in Around the Sundial "Nimble Fingers" Philadelphia, May 2, 1908. Educated Babillage "Sword Dance" at Temple University School of Mu­ Slumber Boat Songs: sic. Organist in silent film theatres. Wiltern Fan/ are "I Whisper Good Night" Pianist in small bands; night club, "Love Isn't Love" radio and TV soloist. Recording star. HELEN DELL. Born in Los Angeles. "Music In the Zoo" (12 songs) Songs: Studied accordion and organ. Ap­ "Once In Awhile" "Come Back To Me" peared in clubs. Has played for or­ "Tell Me Why" "Crystal Polka" gan clubs and ATOS chapters "Fly a' Polka" around the country, and for three LEE 0. ERWIN, JR. Born in Hunts­ "Lady in the Rain" ATOS conventions. Has arranged ville, Ala., 1908. Played theatres in "Lucie Waltz" music for several TV shows. Named the South; over WLW in Cincinnati; "Lost Lady" Los Angeles Dodger organist in staff of CBS on Arthur Godfrey "Savannah Beauty" 1972. shows. Written scores for a number "Wanderin' Road" Collaborator: Ray Blasdell of silent film classics. Inducted into Songs: the Theatre Organists Hall of Fame JESSE CRAWFORD. Born in "Buttercup" in 1971. Woodland, Cal., December 2, 1895. ''Coffee Cake'' Songs: Died in 1962. Studied composition "Up" "Dance Me Loose" with Joseph Schillinger, George Ger­ ''Goggle-Eye-Gee'' shwin and Glenn Miller. Organ­ COLLINS H. DRIGGS. Born in "Hello, Sunshine" ist in theatres in Washington, Cali­ Manchester, Conn. in 1911. Organist "Let's Have a Picnic" fornia, Chicago and New York. for Paramount theatres and billed "Mariners' Song" Toured England and United States. as "World's Youngest Featured "Mighty Navy Wings" Recorded for Victor, and played over Organist." On CBS. Led Ford En­ "Minnequa" CBS and NBC. Inducted into the semble at N.Y. World's Fair in 1939. "There Ought to be a Society" Theatre Organists Hall of Fame in Consultant in development of Ham­ 1970. mond electronic organ. FREDERICK FEIBEL. Born in Songs and Instrumentals: Collaborator: W. Edward Breuder Union City, N.J., 1906; died May 16, "Harlem Holiday" Songs: 1978 in Florida. Organist in film "Hawaiian Honeymoon" "All This I Pray" theatres, including New York Para­ "Lonely" "Fantasy" mount 7-1/2 years. With CBS 22 "Louisiana Nocturne" "I Alone Shall Never Be" years. Organist at First Presbyterian "March of the Matadors" "It's a Law-aw-aw-aw Way Back Church, Vero Beach, Fla. Inducted "Mood Tragic" Home" into Theatre Organists Hall of Fame "Starlight Rendevous" "Sleep Happy" in 1971. "The Swiss Doll" "The Day That I Was 17" Works: "Vienna Violins" "The Templed Hills" Eastern Postlude "You're Sweeter Than Any Bou­ Elegy to a Deserted Homestead MRS. JESSE (HELEN) CRAW­ quet" The Pixie Patrol FORD. Born, August 20, 1899 in Toccata In Blue Cincinnati. Died in 1943. Organist EDDIE DUNSTEDTER. Born in Modem Etudes (Book~ 1. 2 & 3) in Chicago and New York theatres. Edwardsville, Ill., 1897. Died in Master Course in O,gan Playing Toured with orchestra in thirties. 1974. Played in dance bands. the­ in Popular Style Inducted into Theatre Organists atres in the Middle West, with film Hall of Fame in 1971. orchestra and on TV. Inducted into WALTER FREED. Born in Spo­ Songs: Theatre Organists Hall of Fame in kane. Wash. 1903. Theatre organist "So Blue" 1970. 10 years. Teacher 10 years. Organist "The Moonlight Reminds Me of Songs and Instrumentals: at Fraunces Tavern in N.Y. 10 years. You" "Hello, Mom" Author of five teaching books on "Within the Prison of My Dreams" "Pi Ka Ke" organ. "San Francisco Beat" Works: Concerto In Miniature (piano) LLOYD G. DEL CASTILLO. Born MICHAEL EDWARDS. Born in Fiesta in New England in 1893. Graduate Hazleton, Pa .. 1893; died in 1962. The What-Not She~f (ballet suite) of Harvard. Played theatres in Bos­ Organist in Pennsylvania theatres. Songs: ton, and on radio. Opened theatre Collaborators: Bud Green and Gladys "Dawn of a New Day" organ school in 1927. Moved to Shelley "Ev'ning Reverie" California and has continued as a Instrumentals: "High In the Hills of God" concert artist. arranger, writer. and "Aladdin and the Princess" "I Find Solace" teacher. Inducted into the Theatre "American Seamen" "I Heard a Prayer" Organists Hall of Fame in 1972. "March Modernistic" "Last Night" Works: "My America" Stepladders "National Unity" (Continued in next issue) D

JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 21 To the best of our knowledge this is the first nationally-distributed al­ bum made on the 2/7 Wurlitzer in its present location, the home of Gordon and Thelma Gillette in Ni­ agara Falls, Canada. But, listeners to radio's The Lutheran Hour may have heard it when it was in the Ionia, Michigan, church where that program originated. Its original home was the Downer Theatre, Mil­ waukee. One pleasant aspect of the current installation is that it rarely sounds like a small organ, nor does the re­ corded sound show evidence of a small speaking area so common to home installations. The sound is large and uninhibited. The tonal resources are first rate, much more attrac tive than we are accustomed to By a Waterfall? Frank Olsen and visiting organist Ron hearing from relatively small resi­ Curtis illustrate the album title by going over Niagara in a barrel , in this gag photo . Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ dence organs. For that we are prob­ viduals sponsoring or merchandising ably indebted to William Hatzen­ recording organ. and one does not theatre pipe organ records are en­ buhler, whose tonal work on, and couraged to send pressings to the tire of the combinations Frank coax­ regulation of the North Tonawanda es from the seven ranks (plus per­ Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada Riviera's Wurlitzer years ago are Hills, California 91344. Be sure to cussions). If there is a complaint it still remembered. He did the regu­ include purchasing information (post ­ may be that the pedal voices do not lating . The Tibia is e pecially satis­ paid price, ordering address,) if appli ­ blend well , but that may be in the cable, and a black and white photo of fying, but so are the other stops. A way they are used. the artist which need not be returned. large-scale Diapason sound is heard untrem'd during the hymns, and a A Debussy fragment blends into fine-sounding Trumpet is soloed "By a Waterfall." a cheerful opener BY A WATERFALL: FRANK OL­ during some tunes. The one non­ from an early Dick Powell-Ruby SEN playing the Wurlitzer organ in Wurlitzer voice is the Vox Humana. Keeler musical film. There are four the Gillette home, Niagara Falls, A Kimball rank was substituted for medleys on the disc. each containing Canada. No. WRCI-806. $8.00 post­ the original pipes somewhere along one chorus of three or four selec­ paid from: (a) Frank Olsen, RR No. the line. It complements the Tibia tions. The first includes upbeat (but 1, Vimy Rd., Port Colborne, Ontario, perfectly. It all adds up to a fine not "quick-step") renditions of L3K 5V3 Canada, or (b) Laura Thomas, 3534 Bowen Rd., Lan­ caster, N. Y. 14086.

It would seem that more organists are seeking out smaller but tonally good organs to record. First it was Rex Koury with his highly-successful album played on the Rahway (New Jersey) Theatre 2/7 Wurlitzer. Now it's Canada's Frank Olsen. Best known in the Northeast and in Great Britain (he divides his time between Canada and the U.K.), although he played a recent West Coast concert, Frank Olsen first came to our atten­ tion years ago with a release entitled Paisley, played on an organ in a Scottish theatre, a 3/ 10 Hilsdon or­ gan. In the late '60s Frank moved to Canada and has several more record releases to his credit. All have inter­ est value, including this one. In fact, this one has the most pi­ zazz of the Olsen groovings to date. Frank Olsen. He worked wonders on a residence two -decker . (John D. Sharp Photo)

22 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/ JULY 1980 "When My Dreamboat Comes In," clop" treatment, but the tune re­ "Jeepers Creepers," "Bei Mir Bist mains recognizable. The medley Du Schon," and "Thank Heaven for closer is "Happiness." Little Girls." "The Peanut Vendor" The finale items are a couple of provides a Latin change of pace, hymns. "Praise My Soul" and "Duke then it's 3: 19 minutes of Beethoven's Street." for which the little Wurlitzer "Moonlight Sonata" played in a becomes a very presentable church vaguely rhythmic style. Pretty, but organ at times, a sound which will it's neither fish nor fowl. The second appeal to the Dean McNichols - medley includes "Are You Lone­ Lorin Whitney - Fred Bock fans. some Tonight?," "Springtime in the Recording is good. The jacket Rockies" and "Girl of My Dreams." includes a photo of Frank (at anoth­ One chorus each, but with key and er console) and some information registration changes. Frank seems to about the organ and some Olsen prefer a somewhat "thumpy" pedal biography. Frank Olsen again proves

bass and this fits well during the he's an able entertainer at the con­ Tony Fenelon. He should come "up over" more "Blaze of Glory" march. which he sole, one with a solid and authorita­ often . (Dick Harold Photo) has fitted with a Piccolo obligato. tive musical foundation, but with a Side 2 fun starts with a fast "Bye lilt. sole (he's probably better known as Bye Blackbird," a purposely corny a concert pianist "down under"). and "rip-tip-tippy" representation TONY FENELON, INTERVAL AT As Tony points out in the jacket of the oldie. Somehow we get the im­ THE REGENT, featuring the Mel­ notes, the music heard here comes pression Frank is kidding some of bourne (Australia) Regent Theatre from the last tapes made before the his colleagues. In complete contrast Wurlitzer organ. Harlequin L 25186 Regent Wurlitzer was removed. The is a delicately played "Poinciana." (stereo). $7.95 postpaid from Ken's photo shows a 2-manual, single stop­ featuring the fine Tibia and Vox. Organ Loft, 41 Gawaine Lane, Roch­ rail console, probably not larger than with counter melodies on a horn ester, N.Y. 14623. 10 ranks. On the record the sound is combination and on strings. This hall-filling. Miking emphasizes room­ one is a high point. Tony Fenelon has been a fleeting iness. without loss of intimacy. The third medley features Craw­ commodity on the U.S. scene for The tunelist is interesting. It in­ ford stylings of "I'm Sorry I Made several years, always making a fast cludes some Australian color in two You Cry" and "Together" plus and favorable impression but dal­ jolly traditional tunes , "We're Bound "True Love" soloing the Trumpet. lying never long enough to become for Botany Bay" and "Wild Rover." Frank must have had some reason firmly established among U.S . orgo­ two semi-classical selections are for including "Eriskay Love Lilt" philes. We recall his late '60s bid, ''Musetta 's Song" from La Boheme but it isn't immediately fathomable. starting with a memorable concert at by Puccini. and "Starlight Sere­ During the final medley Frank takes the then Hoberg 's-based Home Or­ nade" by Heyken. both previously some impertinent, but interesting gan Festival. There were several recorded by Reginald Foort. The re­ liberties with "Did You Ever See a more tours. but they provided mini­ maining eleven selections are imports Dream Walking?" making the mel­ mum exposure so most audiences from the U.S.A.: "This Could Be the ody with mind-boggling keyboard never had a chance to hear the con­ Start of Something Big." "Try a trickery. "Near You" is given a "clip siderable Fenelon talents at the con- Little Tenderness." "Wish Me a

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JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 23 Rainbow," "You'll Never Walk Bearing this calculation in mind. Alone," "Back Home Again in Indi­ Choosina it was figured that a 101-note flute ana," "Carousel Waltz," "Lover," rank unified at 16'. 8', 4'. 2-2/3', and four songs from Showboat. 2', 1-3/ 5' and 1' with sub and super Playing includes plenty of regis­ The Vr-oper­ couplers engaged might play as tration changes. Tony is especially many as 32 to 36 notes under ex­ partial to a smooth brass reed. The treme demands. More practically rhythm tunes are done in upbeat speaking. the average unit rank "intermission" style, with interesting §olid•§tate would be 85 pipes or less (depending key changes but without melody­ on the brand of organ) and would changing "rides." He makes like a play 22 to 26 notes under extremes. merry-go-round organ for "Carou­ l2ectif ier- Using these figures. we multiply sel," but always with musicality the maximum number of playing given first consideration. Showboat by John Persick notes by the current draw (in am­ has come up frequently of late on re­ peres) of a single magnet to get the leases and re-releases. The selections Having worked professionally on current draw per rank. The current provide lots of scope for an organist pipe organs and being an electronics draw for the 101-note flute was 2.63 to exercise imagination on, no two technician, I have read with interest amperes while for the 85-note rank arriving at the same musical con­ the technical articles in THEATRE the draw was 1.90 amperes. Multi­ clusions. Tony's approach is quite ORGAN and felt that the area of DC plying one of these figures by the different from those of Maria Ku­ power supplies and, more specifi­ number of ranks in the organ gives magai and George Wright, but the cally. solid-state power supplies. one the minimum output current end product is both dramatic and has been generally overlooked. Here. rating of the rectifier to be used. ear catching; he caught the spirit of is an easy method to determine the Figuring the number of ranks also the operetta, and while playing a rectifier size that is proper for a includes figuring tonal percussions. concert. as the applause reveals. pipe organ. the relays and toy counter. Each The Regent organ sounds fine. It Originally, unit theatre pipe or­ manual relay (e.g. solo. great. ac­ provides plenty of tonal variety gans were equipped with blower­ companiment on a 3-manual) counts ·throughout. Incidentally, it now driven DC generators. often rated at as a rank. For every three small (30- holds forth in a school auditorium in 20-30 amperes at 12 volts. By the 37 notes) tonal percussions (xylo­ Adelaide, where it was installed by nature of their construction they phone. glockenspiel) figure one rank Theatre Organ Society of Australia were able to endure much overload­ and for each instrument 49 notes and over (marimba. piano. chryso- members. Recording is good and the ing and abuse with relatively little. glott) figure yet another rank. Fi­ review pressing very smooth and if any. permanent damage. nally, for every 22-26 stop tabs pop-free. Jacket notes are minimal, Today. the preferred power source (which operate relay magnets) figure the space being occupied by photos is the rectifier which is extremely one more rank. Because a maximum of the Regent's interior. a truly lovely reliable and requires virtually no of three or four nontonal instru­ house of its kind. maintenance. providing it is used ments are usually used at one time, Yes, the album provides ample properly. However. rectifiers are toy counters draw minute quantities proof the theatre organ is alive and highly sensitive units and can easily of current and need not be included well in Australia. 0 be permanently damaged or de­ as a rank. The one exception would stroyed if exposed to the overloading be a fire siren or large horn which frequently found in cases where could possibly draw 20 or more generators were employed. Conse­ amperes and the rectifier would have quently. one must equip a pipe organ to be able to stand up under this with a rectifier rated higher than momentary surge. Whatever one's the original generator. One can final amperage figure is. another 10 determine a proper rectifier size by amperes should be added. for ex­ considering several important items. treme playing conditions. to be com­ The most important are the elec­ pletely safe. send your trical size of the magnets used in the The rectifier should be located as change organ and the current draw which is of address near the organ as possible to elim­ to ... determined by the maximum num­ inate excess line drop. Sufficient ber of these magnets that can nor­ size common wires, connected to mally be played simultaneously. clean and tight terminals, should be Lee Prater Theatre organ magnets are nor­ used. ATOS Membership mally found from about 165 to 400 Console lights should be on a Office ohms. Magnets of the 165-ohm vari­ separate power supply to eliminate P.0.BOX45 Falls Church, t ety were used in my experiments be­ dimming when chords are played. Virginia 22046 cause of their high current draw as Remember, it is easier (and cheap­ opposed to the lower current drav, er) to obtain the right size rectifier in of the 400-ohm magnets. Using a the beginning than to have to replace 12 v0lt DC supply. the power draw an underrated one that has burned of one magnet was 0.073 amperes. out. D

24 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 for the most efficient mastery of the more demanding passages. It might be worthwhile to get someone to show you how easy it can be done. The right hand flute obligato isn't anywhere near as difficult as it looks. Just watch out for the key changes and count beats within measures carefully. Billy Nalle, ALL THE THINGS politely until it slowly dawned that Printed registration suggestions YOU ARE: TRIO IN A STYLE OF the charming baroque trio was an make good sense because it is impor­ BACH, Gentry Publications (Hin­ arrangement of Jerome Kern's "All tant that each voice of the trio sings shaw Music, Inc., P.O. Box 470, The Things You Are." Cass told us distinctly. This reviewer also tried Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Price $2.00 that the manuscript was a gift from using a harpsichord (instead of flute) plus postage). Billy Nalle. Now that the Nalle treat­ for the right hand obligato and liked ment is available to all, we should the results equally well. Be fore­ One would expect the U.S.A. to take a closer look . warned to practice the three voices publish more theatre organ music Billy's organ arrangement is a trio separately - especially the pedal - than all other countries combined, in the true sense of the genre: the before trying to put them all and apparently we do. But one could right hand, left hand and pedal line together. easily buy a copy of everything in a1e treated as three separate instru­ Is this Nalle baroque version of print for less than the cost of a color ments working together. The har­ '' All The Things You Are'' one that TV. Though the quality of output re­ monic progressions and key changes every theatre organist of moderate ported in Music Review during the are dictated by the Kern tune. Inci­ skills should own? Perhaps not. past four years has been consistently dentally, the familiar melody is car­ Those who derive playing pleasure high, we can count on the fingers of ried in the left hand throughout the primarily from right hand melodies two hands the number of topflight single chorus. The right hand pro­ supported by oom-pah chords and a theatre organists who have published vides the fancy embroidery (that's rhythmic left foot will find this one a their own arrangements or original what baroque music is all about!) frustrating and confusing bore. But compositions. Nor can any of these with a single note obligato, while the for those who enjoy experimenting artists be accused of flooding the pedal gives harmonic and rhythmic with a variety of styles and get their marketplace. Consequently even one support. kicks from mastering a truly superb arrangement by the fabulous Billy The arrangement is not for all elec­ arrangement by a great organist, this Nalle adds up to a blessed event. tronic organs. If your home instru­ is a rare find. Even if you never play This one was not a complete sur­ ment doesn't have at least a two-oc­ it during "open console" it's well prise. A few years back Dr. C.A.J. tave pedal clavier you'll be in big worth a few skinned ankles. Who Parmentier, during a summer vaca­ trouble. The top note is an A-flat knows? Perhaps if we all buy Billy's tion visit, pulled a manuscript out of above C. Also resign yourself to the delightful "Bach-a-Nalle" (couldn't his portfolio and asked, with a wick­ fact that both feet must carry the resist the pun) he'll eventually treat ed twinkle in his eye, if we'd like to pedal line - or you'll hurt yourself! us to some of his other goodies. Such hear something classical, '' Alles Was There are no pedal markings to show as, he asks. How'z about all the Du Bist. '' This reviewer listened which toe/ heel on which foot to use things you play? □

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JUNE / JULY 1980 TH EATR E ORGAN 25 FINANCIAL REPORT AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY

1979 RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

1979 RECEIPTS 1979 DISBURSEMENTS

1979 Dues collected in 1978 ...... $28479.00 Headquarters: 1979 Dues collected in 1979 ...... 59588.41 Contract Fees ...... $4200 .00 First Class Mailing ...... 1246 .63 Telephone .. . 3272 .66 Advertising ...... 13449 .05 Postage ...... 1821.48 Binders ...... 832 .00 Printing . .. . . 432 .22 Rosters ...... 16 .00 Supplies .... . 441 .97 Extra Membership Cards ...... 2 .00 Transportation ...... 2537 .61 Savings Interest ...... 949 .15 Misc ...... • • • ••• •• 637 .86 Return from LA Conv . Adv ance ...... 3928 .75 $13343 .80 Stock Gift (Cal Jurei t) ...... 1250 .00 Wurlitzer Program Registration ...... 15923 .00 Membership: Misc . 172 .57 Contract Fees . . . . $2200.00 Total Receipts ...... $125836.56 Computer Service ...... 2400 .00 Loan -Middleburg Nat . Bank ...... 15000 .00 Telephone ...... 152 .70 To ta l Operating Funds 1979 ...... $140836 .56 Postage ...... 5091 .31 Disbursements 1979 ...... 135426 .90 Printing ...... 658 .33 Operating Profit 1979 ...... $ 5409 .66 Supplies ...... 1719 .72 Transportation ...... 45 .00 $12267 .06

65 Gibson Street President: Lessburg, Virginia 22075 Telephone ...... $ 78 .50 Transportation ...... 446 .00 $524.50 May 15, 1980

To the Board of Directors of Theatre Organ: American Theatre Orqar Society, Inc Contract Fees ...... $ 5000 .00 Telephone ...... 1599 .31 We havP examined the cash b;:is1sbalance sheet of American Postage .. 7435 .10 Theatre Orgar' Society, Inc as of December 31. 1979, anrl tl1e related Prin ting .. 59081.69 statement of 111comeand net worth, prepared 011the sr1I11ebasis, for Freigh t .. 215 .63 tl1e vear e11rled 0111 p,arrnI1a ion was made ,n accordance with Supplies ...... 2248 .51 cieneral!y accerited aL1d1t111cistandards r111d,r1ccorc!inqlv, inclllded Storage ...... 376 .30 such tests of the accoL1I1tII1qrecords a11rlsuch other F1L1ci1t111q Transportation .. 1232.44 procedures as we cor1<;1r!erednecessary 111thP cIIr.L1n1str11ices Advertising Expense 1145 .54 Misc .. 1841 .37 In our oriinI011, the frni-lnc1c1Is atements u=derrcci to c1ilovP present $80175 .89 la1rlv the r1ssetc, II, hil tit."- ,111d11Pw wortl ,111sI11qfror11 cr1sh In su rance and Bond . .. 733 .00 transactror's for the vear thr;,1 1~11decl,011 a has1<;co11~Isterit w1tll that 1979 Conv. Adv LA Chapter . 2380 .00 of the preredmq vear Loss on 1979 Con vention .. 451 .25 Tax Service and Audi t . ... 465 .00 Legal Service . 163.40 GeorDe A Roherc,o,· Loan Repayment .. 9000 .00 Cr~rt1f1 d Publir Ac c0t111tc1I1t Wurlitz e r Pr og ram Refu nds . 15923 .00

Total Disburs e m ents for 1979 . $135426.90

Keep your ORDER YOUR BINDER TODAY THEATRE ORGANS $5.50 each (including postage) Six or more only $5.00 each. in good shape! Allow $1.00 extra for overseas orders. This durab le casebound cover will b in d o n e full Mak e check o r money o rder year's issues of THEATRE ORGAN . Im printed 1n f')aynh le to: ATOS Binrler . gold on black , the binder becomes a pe rm anent refer ence volume that protects issues from M !Ito ATOS Binder damage and keeps them ,n perfect o rd er P.O. Box 1002 M agazines are held securely ,n place and can be Middleburg, Virginia 22117 inserted 1n only a fe w seconds. or ATOS Binder A sepc,a l pocket will enab le you to ea sily lab e l P.O . Box 1314 and identify the year of any volume. Salinas , California 93902.

26 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 Moller, skillfully installed in the •e)( P8PI Pasadena. California. Civic Audi­ torium. was dedicated by Tom Ha­ zleton with a concert which included music to appeal to many tastes. The event closed nine months of adapting the bulky instrument to the audi­ torium's hitherto unusued cham­ bers. installing it and coaxing theatre organ sounds from an essentially concert-style instrument. The house was full. including the balcony; the 3000 reserved seat tickets were free. In the audience were three men Reginald Foort at the console of his 5-deck brain­ whose lives were entangled with the child . A new home, hopefully permanent, its fifth. (Stufoto) Moller's destiny: (1) Reginald Foort. who designed it in 1937 as a "por­ were noted departing the area. As we Conducted . by Stu Green table" for use in English music halls. said. it's a giant and its 27 ranks (2) Sandy Fleet. who brought it back have been augmented by a 32' pedal Readers are encouraged to submit in­ to the U.S.A. for a brief life as a grunter. teresting sidelights on the organ hob ­ "pizza" organ, and (3) J. B. Nether­ Of interest to buffs was Tom's by (exclusive of chapter news items) cutt, who purchased it and donated "trip through the organ." wherein he material they believe will be of general it to the City of Pasadena. Each was demonstrated each voice separately. interest about local organ activities introduced and took his bow. Among One of the most effective audience and installations and the people who work at the hobby . We know "there's the unsung and invisible heroes were pleasers was Tom's classical-style VOX POPS in them there chapters" Dave Junchen and Steve Adams; development of the familiar Alka­ and it only requires a 70¢ postcard to they managed all technical aspects Seltzer jingle. He "plop-plop. fizz­ get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box 3564, of the installation. even managed to fizzed" his way through a number of Granada Hills, California 97344. If the make it sound more theatrical. vaguely related "variations." always contributor can afford a 75d stamp , The white console is on a lift and building in volume and intensity. please include a contrasty black and Tom Hazleton came up playing then. when the suspense was over­ white photo which need not be re­ "From This Moment On." For stan­ powering. he pounced on the raw turned. dards Tom offered medleys of Aint basic theme with everything the or­ Misbehavin ' tunes. a Gershwin set. gan had. He had said absolutely Where are this country's remain­ tunes from the Superman score. a nothing musically with this ditty. but ing operational municipal pipe or­ hymn and a grouping of tunes popu­ he had done it beautifully. His huge gans? Minneapolis? Memphis? lar in 1938 when Foort first as­ audience loved it. Pasadena? The ones in Cleveland tounded the British public with his ~ and San Diego are undergoing res­ giant "portativ." toration. Then there's the 60.000- Classical selections included The situation with regard to Shea's pipe. 177-stop Austin in the Port­ Bach's famous "Toccata." DeFalla 's Buffalo Theatre as reported in the land. Maine, City Hall Auditorium. "Ritual Fire Dance" and Moussorg­ February issue seems to have im­ It's been there since 1912. the gift of sky's "Great Gate at Kiev." a thun­ proved. The organization which Cyrus H. Curtis. of publishing fame, derer which figuratively rattled ma­ saved the hou . e from the wrecking and is named the Kotzschmar Me­ sonry on those sitting close to the ball. "Friends of the Buffalo." has morial Organ. It is actually eight Solo Chamber (right); so great was disbanded. However. an organiza­ straight divisions of one organ - the volume. a few sensitive souls tion with a new name. "The Preser­ Great, Swell, Orchestral. Solo. Anti­ vation Guild of Shea's Buffalo." phonal. Echo, Percussion and Pedal. has come to the fore and it includes and the instrument is capable of many of "The Friends." The PG will playing everything from Widor's concern itself solely with restoration; "Toccata" to Joplin's "Sting.'' The another group will take over the organ hasn't been given much publi­ management and booking opera­ city through the years. but an en­ tions at the house. deavor is being made to secure pic­ Meanwhile, efforts are being di­ tures and information for a future rected toward restoring the 4/28 story. Wurlitzer. In addition to Curt Man­ gel. other leaders in the organ's re­ furbishing. which was continued during the upheavals previously April 23rd saw an old friend in a reported. are Gorden Gillette and new and hopefully permanent home. Charles Koester. Console work is The famed Reginald Foort 5/27 Tom Hazleton . (Stufoto) being handled by Dave Junchen.

JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 27 any number of other factors, per­ closed with the 'Warsaw Concerto,' sonal and logistical - and he has to the resounding approval of the ridden the crest. Shea's Buffalo is afficionados nearby. What an or­ alive and well! Love and money are gan!" being pumped into the building by It is gratifying to hear of an in­ state and local governments, and stance where the new owner of an certainly by Curt and his staff." establishment can fathom the value of priceless assets, and restore them rather than remove them. Don Baker, weary of the Houston pizza parlor routine, is now playing a well-amplified Kawai in the Hous­ Tom Delay took time off from ton Astrodome for ball games, re­ getting married to report that the ports tourist Gary Kanas of Davis, Tom Gnaster . (Stufoto) large Tulare Theatre in relatively California. small Tulare, California, finally bit However. the dedication, previously the dust. The house opened in 1926 hoped for in the spring, has been The good word comes to us from with a 2/7 Style E Wurlitzer which delayed. Philadelphia, that the Wanamaker was sold to Bob Baese in 1960. Bob And we can add a report from Grand Court Organ will be alive and installed it superbly in his Cuper­ Tom Gnaster, one of circa 20 musi­ well for a long time. Doc Bebko re­ tino, California, home. In the theatre cians who played at the Buffalo dur­ ports, "The firm which owns the organ was a rare overhead prosceni­ ing the gala premiere on March 20th famed Neiman-Marcus store in Dal­ um installation. Opus 1496 (to keep of Hide in Plain Sight, a feature las, Carter Hawley, purchased Wurlitzer historian Judd Walton film shot entirely in the Buffalo area. Wanamaker's two years ago for a re­ happy). The event found Tom soloing an ported $60 million from the original Allen electronic, and there was a pit heirs, and is determined to re-estab­ orchestra, too. Ceremonies included lish the glory and grandeur of every­ Also from the mid-California area turning over the Keys to the City to thing which the founder created. The comes a report from Salinas that our Curt Mangel, III. who is perhaps Crystal Dining Room, about the size editor, George Thompson's kids the most active worker for the Buf­ of a football field and sporting 16 gave him a brand new Moller Or­ falo Theatre. The presentation was theatre-type chandeliers, has been chestral Oboe rank as a retirement made by Buffalo's Mayor Griffin. restored by a $1 million expenditure. present from his job. This will be Says Tom, "I have known Curt "About the same sum will be ear­ added to his studio Opus 1900 (Hi, Mangel since he was first in Shea's. marked to refurbish the Grand Court Judd!) Style 165 (2/6) Wurli. The He's been faced with seemingly in­ and the organ. When we heard the Oboe has full-length resonators, not surmountable fiscal problems, in­ instrument, the soloist did a half­ the more common Wurli half-length effectual corporations, politics, and hour program of light pops and type. The Oboe chest is being re­ leathered by able Bert Robinson. The console will also be releathered and, for the first time in the Thompson music room, winded to activate the combination action. Thompson sold his French Horn pipes to John Led­ won of Agoura, California, who is collecting parts to restore the 4/24 organ nearly wiped out in a brush fire a few years back.

Again from the Salinas, Cali­ fornia, area, we hear that Bert Rob­ inson has purchased the 2/4 Wurli that has seen much service in the First Baptist Church. Bert plans to add a Morton Trumpet and a Wur­ litzer Tibia next time he installs it. Why did the church part with Opus 209? No, not in exchange for a plug­ in. A 3/22 mostly Wurlitzer was do­ nated to the church and 19 ranks are already playing. It's a composite organ which includes Wurli pipe­ The Wanamaker giant . Safe for the foreseeable future . work from the historic Denver Isis

28 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 Theatre (see the first issue of this church, classic and theatre organ manual console. about "Style 260" mag, then called The Tibia) namely, tonalities. It will be recalled that the size. the Tuba Mirabilis and Clarinet Hoosier Theatre was equipped with a Bob Montgomery will serve as ranks. circa 3/ 11 composite instrument music director for the new hotel. It is played for services in theatre that played a part in at least one past says the Journal story, and will super­ style by ATOSers Nancy Hoffman ATOS convention, a remembered vise the installation. He will also play and Shirley Hansen. sequence being a search for "Chloe" the instrument on occasion. It is es­ by organist Eddie Weaver, assisted timated that installation will require ~ by swamp-trekker Stu Green bog­ about three years. gling the audience. Apparently the Making his initial RTOS appear­ ~ ance on March 22nd, Rob Calca­ pipe compliment has been greatly terra drew 1292 to the Rochester enlarged, as 10,000 pipes divided by What was once the 3400-seat Auditorium Theatre. This young even 73 (pipes to a rank) could ex­ Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, is man's endeavors at the 4/22 Wurlit­ ceed 120 sets. A photo shows a 3- now the Saenger Performing Arts zer were a fitting reward for those who ventured out in the blustery, snowy clime. He ran the gamut of selections from Bach to show tunes. His "Stars and Stripes Forever" was a pulsating windup with alf the nu­ ances of the Boston Pops, including the standard piccolo obligato. It was PRESENTS Rob's first eastern tour, and judging from the crowd's enthusiasm, it Chicago Weekender won't be the last. REGIONAL '80 ~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday Those who attended the 1972 November 28, 29 and 30, 1980 ATOS convention in the Washing­ Headquarters: BISMARCK HOTEL ton area, remember the "America On Wheels" roller rink in Alex­ ARTISTS andria, Virginia, with its big Wurlit­ zer, presided over by Jimmy Boyce. Bob Calcaterra Dennis James Last summer, the rink was closed, Lance Luce Walter Strony and the organ sold to Bill Brown of Phoenix. Now, the place is open PLUS additional ~ue§t arti§t to be announced. again with new personnel. A $10,000 Re~i§tration §tart§ at noon, Friday, Nov. 28, 1980 Fir§t event Friday eveuln~ sound system blasts the "Top 40" Convention end§ no later than 2:00 P.M. Sunday over eight 300-watt speakers, fed by two 1,000-watt amplifiers. The skat­ Registration for all events 875.00 ers, primarily middle-class, desire Includes Banquet & transportation music with at least 120 beats to the minute. something the Wurlitzer Early registration before Oct. 15, 1980 - 865.00 didn't provide. Plans call for paint­ Registration: CATOE P.O. Box 25, Glenwood, IL 60425 ing and refurbishing the cavernous interior and possible installation of Send Hotel Re§ervatlons direct to Bismarck flashing disco lights. From our view­ CATOE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY point - how sad. REGIONAL CONVENTION - NOV. 28 - 30, 1980 SI~GLE ROOMS ...... 824.00 DOl ' BLE ROO~IS (Double Bed) ...... 830.00 DOl ' BLE ROO~IS (Twin Beds) ...... 830.00 Remember Bob Montgomery who . was the sparker for the Hoosier The­ Sl "ITES (Parlor and One Bedroom) ...... 860.00 & l ' p . LARGER Sl'ITES A \'AILABLE ...... (Rates on Request) atre project in Whiting, Indiana, for A .M. so many years? Billy Nalle submits J;londolph ut Lo 5<111,. DateArriving: ______Hour P.M . 61,,.h,coqo 0060 a clipping from a recent Albuquer­ 100• . A ,r (.-,nd1t•o~•e(I Date Departure : ______que Journal which indicates that VISA' New Mexico will soon have a 3-man­ Name ______ual pipe organ in a unique setting, Address ______the new Classic Hotel banquet hall. City ______State ______Bob Montgomery supplied the or­ '.AMERICAN EXERESS Your reservation will be held until 6:00 P.M. Master Charge, Visa or gan. American Express card holders can guarantee late arrival using their -Telephone account number by telephone or written authority . A $20.00 check or The story rates the organ at 10.000 312-236-0123 pipes and adds that it's a mix of money order also assures a reservation for late arrival.

JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 29 ATOSer Chard Walker always has a goodie for us. He attended a con­ cert at the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, California, to hear pro­ prietors Bill Coffman and Bill Field play duets at their 4124+ Wurli, now that they have installed a second console. Chard informs us that the extra keydesk came from the Poly­ technic High School in Los Angeles, where organists Truman Welch, Phil Olson and Ira Swett got their starts back in the '20s. Says Chard: "I remember Ira telling me how

John Hammond. (Bill Lamb restoration)

Center. The atmospheric house, play its 4/22 Wurlitzer. With 1375 thanks to E. N. Breazale who pur­ in attendance, the organ in top con­ chased it in 1978, has been repaired dition, Dennis still improving, and and repainted to restore much of its the weather perfect, the event proved original glory. The 4/26 Robert Mor­ to be the highlight of the 1979-80 ton, once played by John Hammond season. The program embraced a and Rosa Rio, has been refurbished. wide spectrum of music, with Tchai­ More than 23,000 residents of the kowsky's "March Slav" the major metropolitan New Orleans area are work. Also shown were slides of the season subscribers to the "Broadway refurbished Ohio Theatre in Colum­ at the Saenger" stage series, and this Bill Field and Bill Coffman . Their "Old Town Music bus where the young man serves as Hall" has a new toy . (Stufoto) season such shows as Dancin, Annie, house organist, a hilarious silent Sugar and The Best Little Whore­ the Polytech students raised money short entitled Super Hooperdyne house in Texas, will have been in­ to buy the organ; they put up posters Lizzies, and a sing-along. Accorded cluded on the bill of fare. This shows around the school showing a parrot two standing ovations, Dennis ob­ what can be done to retain a theatre saying 'Poly wants an organ'." liged with three encores. He said, possessing good acoustics and facili­ "Each time I've come to Rochester, ties for every kind of stage produc­ ~ the organ improves in over-all sound tion. Apparently Paul Richardson, or­ and performance." It was his seventh ~ gani~t for the Philadelphia Phi11ies RTOS concert. and New York Yankees, doesn't Remember our story about the have a very high opinion of pipe or­ ~ 3/ 11 Morton in the River Mansion gans . if a biographical sketch in the Reader Ken Ladner calls our at­ Restaurant (near Sacramento, Cali­ May / June '79 issue of Hurdy-Gurdy tention to an item in a recent Read­ fornia) a few years ago? The organ is indicative. The AOAI mag quotes er's Digest. an article entitled "Re­ was advertised "for sale" at SO­ Richardson: markable Names of Real People." grand in a full-page advertisement in "Compared to a pipe organ, the Following such unlikely handles as these pages not long ago. It was orig­ Yamaha is like a 747 jet versus a "Cheatham & Steele" (bankers) and inally in Sacramento's Senator The­ Piper Cub." That opinion may be "Ophelia Bumps" (girl) was "C. atre. somewhat leavened by the fact that Sharpe Minor" (silent movie or­ Well. the 3/ 11 has been purchased the baseball organist is employed ganist). Yes, there was such an or­ by ATOSer Bert Atwood of Novato, by Yamaha. Meanwhile, viva the ganist and it was his correct name. California, according to Tom Delay, "Piper Cubs!" We trust they com­ The "C" stood for "Charlie ." He was and after a refurbishing it will be pare favorably with Yamaha's motor­ more showman than silent movie installed in a proper studio in North­ cycles. cuer, and peddled sometimes out­ ern California. The ranks will be landish novelties during his "Organ­ increased to circa 17 voices. Inci­ logues," such as the now familiar dentally, Bert Atwood is a fine or­ When the Rochester Theater Or­ "phantom console" duet, or putting ganist, classically trained on piano, gan Society decided to make its April a male quartet in a chamber to show he switched to the versatile theatre 10th concert a benefit for the finan­ how perfectly the organ could "re­ organ. cially distressed Auditorium Theatre create" a male quartet humming. (home of its organ), it selected a Charlie's musical acumen may not long-time favorite, Dennis James, to have been as profound as that of his

30 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 more gifted colleagues, but how he could not determine what plans have wowed 'em with those drums and toy been made for the disposal of the counter effects. 4/ 16 Robert Morton, but we trust Need proof? One Los Angeles the Aloha Chapter members have theatre paid him $1500 weekly at the the situation well in hand. peak of his career. That wasn't hay in 1926. It's always good news when we learn of theatre organ broadcasts, "The silence in old movies was an either live or recorded. Jesse Waller, asset," says Donald Williams, for­ Promotion Director of WTBS (radio) mer theatre organist. "Movies nowa­ in Atlanta informs us that a program days have too much violence. You of recorded TO music is being didn't see that in silent films." planned, to be sponsored by the The occasion was Donald and Atlanta ATOS Chapter. Here's a Evelyn William's 50th wedding anni­ chance for organists with records to versary, and they were expounding to sell to get on the air, if they can spare the local press. The Williams' play­ a pressing. The station will provide ing career was in the eastern U.S.A. source information to local inquirers. He was the personal organist for Contact Waller at WTBS, 1018 West famed film magnate William Fox Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga. 30309. and played many movie previews on "Cass " Parmentier in 1923. (Parmentier Collection) the organ at the Fox Long Island estate. Came "talkies" and Donald Lowe, Alma Tell and newcomer went irito theatre management , spe­ Organist Warren Clark sends in a Bela Lugosi. After the film came a cifically the Brooklyn Fox where he clipping from the March 30th Phila­ spotlight solo by C. A. J. Parmentier met and married Evelyn. Since their delphia Inquirer about the closing of at the Moller organ. A memorable arrival in the San Bernardino area of the local Fox Theatre after the show­ evening. California in 1962, both have been ing of the Star Trek movie. It was a Linda Kouvall's Inquirer story involved in music publishing. true cinema palace with all the opu­ traces 57 years of Fox history in some lence of the showcase Fox theatres. detail and Warren Clark supplies ~ Designed by Thomas Lamb , the the names of subsequent organists Returning from a Hawaiian honey­ Philly Fox opened on November 25, through the years - Ron and Don, moon, Tom Delay brings us the dis­ 1923. After the mayor's speech, Erno Harry Hartung, Kenneth Hallet, tressing news that the Waikiki The­ Rapee conducted the 55-piece Fox Karl Bonawitz, Leonard MacClain, atre in Honolulu is due for closing orchestra through the "Orpheus and in the late '30s, Mr. and Mrs. and the steel ball will follow, unless Overture." The feature film was The Jesse Crawford on stage. playing there is a last minute reprieve. He Silent Command with Edmund twin Hammonds. The theatre building will be re­ placed by a 37-story office building, including three cheesebox movie houses.

Closing on an upbeat note, Bill Brown informs us that the ground was broken on March 6th for Organ Stop Pizza (No. 3) in Tucson . Ari­ zona . Bill's great success with his Phoenix and Mesa pizzeries · (both with pipes) has encouraged the ex­ pansion. He says that the general plan will resemble the Mesa installa ­ tion . but that the organ console will slither out from between the cham­ bers on a dolly rather than the more familiar vertical thrust. Bill didn't say so. but the Tucson installation just migh t be the 4/ 34 Wurli from the Alexandria , Virginia roller rink Bill bought recently from Jimmy ~--!"J!'!!"!I!------...- Boyce. As we mentioned earlier, it has been replaced by a $10,000 The Waikiki Morton console. Looking for a home ? /Delay Photo) sound system.

JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 31 offered a good compromise: segre­ efforts to preserve the Chicago The­ gate the tapers, perhaps in the rear atre and its Wurlitzer organ. We will of the theatre. soon be able to release the results of 3) In his column, John Muri said a consultant study with regard to our the that "An American in Paris" is future role as a preservation / de­ "1924 music," so it's okay to accom­ velopment organization for the Chi­ letters pany a 1927 movie with it. Actually, cago, the oldest existing movie palace Gershwin started working on it d ur­ in the world. to ing a 1926 trip to Paris, and the first Until then, ATOS members can performance wasn't until December help keep the last remaining origi­ 13, 1928. A small matter, but I'm nal installation which Crawford the sure Mr. Muri wants to keep his played intact in these ways. Join facts straight. CLM. I realize that inflation has cut editors Sincerely, into our abilities to give, but even Letters to the Editor con­ Gary Kanas a small membership contribution cerningall aspects of the Davis , Calif. can help buy stamps, pay for print­ theatre organhobby are en­ ing or allow us to attract further press and media attention. Contri­ couraged.Send them to the Dear Mr. Klos: editor concerned.Unless it's Recently, having joined ATOS, I butions are tax deductible so Uncle Sam can help our efforts. Write stated clearlyon the letter received my first copy of THEATRE ChicagoLandMarks, Inc., 3051 N. "not for publication,"the ed­ ORGAN. I think it is the most inter­ Clark St., Chicago, Ill. 60657, for itors feel free to reproduce esting magazine which I have ever information. it, in wholeor part. seen! ATOSers might also like to write I was interested to know that the a letter to Mayor Jane Byrne asking Address: organ I played for Amos 'n Andy was that the Chicago be named a city moved to Missouri. We used it for GeorgeThompson landmark. Her address is 121 N. La­ Editor about three years and then NBC installed an organ in their studios in Salle St., Chicago, Ill. 60602. CLM P.O.Box 1314 Volunteer Peter Miller is monitoring Salinas,Calif. 93902 the Merchandise Mart which I played from then on. However, it the slow progress of this important never sounded as well as the first landmark designation process. one because it was stuck in a rela­ Historically and architecturally, there is probably no other movie Dear Mr. Thompson: tively small studio which had very little reverberation. palace as important as the Chicago. I'd like to comment on a few Its pipe organ may be the most im­ I was also interested about the items that appeared in the February/ demise of the Roosevelt Theatre in portant original installation left in March issue of THEATRE ORGAN. Chicago. It had a beautiful Kimball the world. CATOE has brought 1) In "For the Records," Don and I loved playing it. The organ had that instrument into the 1980s. We Knight was quoted as saying, essen­ a stop labeled "Oboe," which didn't hope to make the future secure for it and its home. tially, that "elegant, refined playing sound like an oboe, but more like a with tasteful registration" is passe', gorgeous vox humana which melted Theatre organ has taught many of with his hefty record sales being your heart. us to listen, not just to hear. Preser­ evidence of this. I guess that means The Chicago Theatre organ was vation is now teaching many more of it's time for George Wright to retire. the most beautiful Wurlitzer I ever us to see, not just to look. We ap­ for his playing fits that description played. It had a majesty which none preciate the help of ATOS in making beautifully! There is certainly a of the rest had. The Tivoli organ had the Chicago Theatre more than just place for Mr. Knight's music, but I the most beautiful tibia of all. They memories. wish he'd drop his superior attitude tried to imitate it elsewhere, but Yours very truly, over those of us who strive to attain were never successful. It must have Richard J. Sklenar true musical artistry. A hundred been due partly to the acoustics of President years ago there were any number of the theatre. ChicagoLandMarks, Inc. painters who made a lot more money Sincerely, than Van Gogh, but how many of Dean Fassler Dear Mr. Thompson: them are remembered today? Relative to the letter from Lyman 2) I share the view of Mr. Nellis Nellis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in (Letters to the Editor), regarding which he complains about the ban taping concerts at conventions. One Dear George: on the taping of concerts, don't sad aspect is that the ban in Los ATOS has long depended upon blame ATOS or the convention com­ Angeles was lifted, so Mr. Nellis and can be thankful for volunteers mittees. That ban is a rule of the missed a fine convention unneces­ like your staff, Vi Thompson, Betty American Federation of Musicians, sarily. Taping is not a sacred right, Mason and your February letter and any of your concert artists who and some people are irritating with writer, Bert Atwood, for their ser­ belong to that union, must adhere to their popping cassettes and mike vice. Likewise, ChicagoLandMarks the rules. This places the persons stands. However, Mr. Nellis has has depended upon volunteers in its who hold the concerts in the position

32 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 of having to publish such rules. It is true that the copyright laws only prohibit recordings that might be made for commercial purposes - but those union rules have not been changed. There is the possibility that use of these hand-held cassette type re­ corders could cut down the sales of the record albums or tape albums eHAPTERNOTE~ presented for sale by the artist. As a union member and concert artist, the collector of organ tapes, I sympathize with those who want to tape a concert. I personally don't Three busloads (105 people) left feel that the type recorder they use Let us know what's Indianapolis on the morning of April could compete with a commercial happening in YOUR Chapter! 12th for a trip to Lansing, Grand recording. When I present a concert Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Send Photos and News to: or concert and movie. I advise the Arriving in Lansing, we went directly GEORGE THOMPSON to the Roaring 20s Pizza Parlor, sponsor of the union rule and tell P.O . BOX 1314 them that I, personally, do not want SALINAS . CALIFORNIA 93902 where we were entertained by David to see such recorders in use. There Russell at the 3/25 mostly-Wurlitzer may have been some in use at my Deadlines pipe organ, a great instrument, concerts, but I have never seen them. Jan . 1st . for Feb ./ Mar . equipped with all the sound effects Keep coming to the conventions Mar . 1st . for Apr ./ May you would ever want. May 1st . for June / July Mr. Nellis. From Lansing, the buses traveled July 1st . for Aug ./ Sept. on to Grand Rapids where all 105 Yours sincerely, Sept . 1st . for Oct ./ Nov . Harry J. Jenkins Nov . 1st . for Dec ./ Jan . in the group settled in a motel for the San Diego . Calif. night. That evening, we visited the Grand Rapids Roaring 20s Pizza Dear George: CENTRAL INDIANA Parlor to be enthralled by music Whilst reading THEATRE OR­ Our chapter has really been doing from a 3/ 33 Wurlitzer organ. GAN over the years I have often things. On February 29th, Rob Cal­ The buses left Grand Rapids on a wondered if I would encounter a caterra played a concert at Manual beautiful, but cool Sunday morning reference to a theatre organist I High School at the 3/16 Louisville for the trip to Kalamazoo, with a heard in my youth. It turned up in a Uniphone pipe organ. Mr. Calca­ stop on the way at a delightful res­ poster illustration in April/May 1980 terra, a high ranking young organist taurant, Lee's Quay, for a delicious THEATRE ORGAN, namely - in Indiana, gave an excellent per­ brunch and musical entertainment Max Bruce. formance. He played a number of by James Lauck at their Marr & In my teens, circa 1930, I would familiar selections, accompanied a Colton 10-rank organ. Afterwards, spend sixpence (10 cents) for any Harold Lloyd silent, Haunted Spooks, the group was joined by a busload of seat in the house at the Regent Cine­ played a sing-along and returned to 47 from the Motor City Chapter for ma, Portsmouth, England; after 3 the console for a well-deserved en­ the trip into downtown Kalamazoo p.m. the regular prices would be core. to the State Theatre, a well-pre­ charged. I often saw the film again March 9th found the chapter at served old theatre with the original just to hear the 20-minute organ the Wurlitzer warehouse with 100 3/ l l Barton, for an organ concert by interlude, and the organist was Max members and guests present. Fol­ Donna Parker, Indianapolis Para­ Bruce. My memory tells me he was a lowing the usual order of business, mount Pizza organist. She presented competent performer, I only know he host Sam Eberwein introduced art­ numbers from the 20s and 30s as gave me much pleasure. He was ists Nancy Seneff and Jerry Downs, well as accompanying the Charlie probably in that location for a year who both performed at the electronic Chaplin silent movie, Behind the or two. The organ was a two-manual "Mighty" Wurlitzer 950. Sam Eber­ Screen. Christie. wein then played a medley of songs A tired, but satisfied, group That experience had a lasting ef­ and his own special arrangement of boarded buses for home, with one fect. I already had some organ tui­ "Tea for Two." The final artist of more stop in Fort Wayne, Indiana. tion. mostly Bach I think, but en­ the day was Sue Downs. Following for more organ and pizza at the joyed theatre organ music. Now these artists, Mr. Eberwein intro­ Village Inn Pizza Restaurant. living in your country, I can and do duced a seven-year-old organist, Sunday, April 20th. saw most of hear the "greats" in person besides Brian Holland. This young man has our chapter at a sold-out public attending a couple of conventions. been taking lessons for a year-and-a­ concert at the Paramount Pizza What happened to Max Bruce? half. He is a natural and has an ex­ Parlor featuring Lyn Larsen. His Yours sincerely. tremely promising future as a theatre performance, as always, was superb. Tom Warnell organist. Brian has become a mem­ Due to all of the exciting things St. Petersburg. Fla. D ber of the chapter. happening in the month of April,

JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 33 the chapter could not find time for a thing go wrong before the general CHICAGO AREA regular meeting. May should get membership had a chance to get Over 100 gathered at the Aragon everyone back to normal and making their hands, and feet, on it. Ballroom on March 20th for a good plans for more excitement in the April brought Gaylord Carter old-fashioned CATOE social. Bryon near future. back to Columbus at the Broad Durack did a short program during MARY HARRELL Street United Methodist Church for which he dedicated "My Man" to presentations of Cecil B. DeMille's Pearl White, who passed on two CENTRAL OHIO King of Kings and Ben Hur. Gay­ years ago. Among those who took On Sunday, March 16th, many lord's original scores for the silent advantage of the open console time members attended Roger Garrett's epics provided a fitting postlude to to try the 3/ 10 Wurlitzer, were Bob concert at the Ohio Theatre's 4/20 the Easter season. and Barbara Meisner, Larry Hen­ Robert Morton. Roger took us back The chapter was informed of the schen and new member Bob Rop­ in time to the prewar years when he rejection of our grant application to polo. Bob and his wife, Joann, own was the resident organist at Loew's the Columbus Foundation for funds and operate a lounge in Lyons, Illi­ Ohio Theatre. His traditional sing­ toward the continuing restoration of nois, where Bob soon plans to install along segments were a big hit. the Wurlitzer. While disappointed, a Barton. In March, over 110 met at Sallys The following weekend brought us the board approaches this defeat as Stage II in Lombard to hear Jerry together again. The source ofinterest a learning experience preparatory to Rosenberg at the console of the for­ was our own 3/16 Wurlitzer at the applying for grant money from other mer Montclare Theatre organ. Jerry Worthington High School audi­ private foundations. is new to the chapter and gave a torium, where many hours have The Indiana Chapter invited varied and interesting program. been spent by our organ crew since C.O.T.O.S. members to join a musi­ Open console, good food and social­ we last met at the high school. Sev­ cal sojourn into Michigan during izing made it a really fun afternoon. eral ranks are now fully functional April. Those few who were able to On April 20th, a crowd of more and expertly tuned. For the first attend saw and heard fine organs in than 1000 turned out at the Patio time since the organ left the Palace Lansing, Grand Rapids and Kal­ Theatre to see and hear Hal Pearl. Theatre in downtown Columbus, amazoo. Future cooperative trips are His program was excellent in variety music emanates from its depths being considered. and included accompaniment for under the guiding hands of our tal­ The April meeting was held on two comedies as well as a sing-along. ented membership. Now, only a Sunday, April 20th, at the home of A former staff organist at the Ara­ minimum of frustration need be Jim and Irene Blegen in Worthing­ gon Ballroom for many years, Hal anticipated due to the few remaining ton, Ohio. Karen Boerger enter­ now keeps busy with many solo en­ dead keys and hope springs anew tained a crowd of about thirty mem­ gagements and plays for silent film that the remaining ranks will soon be bers at the Blegen's Conn 651. Kar­ programs at Chicago's Central Li­ ready as well. en's musical program was accom­ brary. Our program for the day was panied by her own narrative of her CATOE's 17-year-old member, billed as a "change of pace." It was first year as an over-30 college stu­ Scott Stryker, won first place in the that, and more, as Ruth and Bob dent in the music department of Peoria area Liberace Keyboard En­ Shaw and Mark Williams presented Whittenberg College. Karen's trials tertainer Search. In addition to his a musical farce using the piano and and tribulations were as humorous prize for this, he received the oppor­ untuned violins. The organ was re­ as her music was lovely. tunity to go to Las Vegas to compete served for open console lest some- BOB AND PATTI CLARK for the World Finals.

Hal Pearl and a bevy of beauties in a publicity shot taken when he was a staff organist Hal Pearl at the Patio Theatre Barton. at the Aragon Ballroom.

34 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 Lillian Gish graced the Chicago Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Pressing tality that made possible a very en­ Theatre stage for the American Film by Concert Recording Company. joyable meeting. Institute April 23rd. Broken Blos­ ALMER BROSTROM W.F.POWERS soms, in which she starred, was shown, with Dennis James accom­ CONNECTICUT VALLEY DAIRYLAND panying the silent D. W. Griffith On March 15th-16th, organist Dairyland has been busy installing epic. Bill Thompson presided at the con­ its 2/8 Wurlitzer in the Racine The­ At the April 20th business meet­ sole of our Thomaston Opera House atre Guild Building. Crew Chief ing, at the WGN Studio, nomination organ. A varied program, well­ Rich Johnson reports good prog­ of board members were as follows: played, at a fine instrument, guaran­ ress on the new switching system and John Peters, chairman; Barbara teed a warm reception by the audi­ refinishing of the console. Meisner, secretary; Beverly Barton, ence. It is certain that after this first Elected at the annual business treasurer; Virginia Ferroli, member­ appearance at Thomaston by this meeting in December were: Greg ship; Almer Brostrom, Vox Catoe; talented performer, he will be asked Filardo, chairman; George Larson, Gary Bergmark and Joseph Sonntag, to return in the future. vice chairman; Bob Leutner, treasur­ vice chairmen; and Joseph Duci The April meeting was held at the er; John Scott, secretary; and Fred Bella, Bill Benedict, 'John Gendvalis residence of Stan and Marion Bar­ Hermes, Sr., social committee chair­ and Norbert Jarnow, members at ton of Westport, Connecticut, a man. Board members elected are large. Following the business meet­ delightful place containing a great Bill Campbell, Carrie Prod, Matt ing, Bill Tandy, staff organist at 2/7 Wurlitzer that got quite a work­ Smith, Fred Wolfgram, "Big" Bob, Sallys Stage II, gave an excellent out for one day. Fred Hermes, Jr., Rich Johnson and performance at the WGN Wurlitzer. Open console was the order of the Bill James. The chapter is grateful to AI Fields afternoon. Chairman Norm Ray Topics brought up for discussion for making possible the meetings managed to keep the business session were ticket sales, annual concerts, held at WGN, and will miss him short so that Program Chairman future club projects and possible when he retires and moves south in Joe Graif could have the evening for weekend trips to organ sites in the a few months. his presentation. Maintaining the near vicinity. George Wright was in the Chicago high standard established by him at The February social was held at area April 20th at the Hinsdale The­ the February meeting, his first as the home of George Larson. Enter­ atre, where he presented a superb program chairman, Joe presented for tainment was provided by James program to a full house. His question the evening's program his teacher, Knight. A group of 40 enjoyed sing­ regarding Sunday afternoon shows Lou Hanagan, an organist and teach­ ing along with the artist. Marcy Lar­ met with definite approval. CATOE er of many seasons. This man, with a son and her daughter prepared a member Jim Glass manages the sense of humor among his attri­ delightful birthday cake for Secre­ Hinsdale, and the organ shows, and butes, gave a program of very fine tary John Scott's 66th birthday. keeps his huge 2-console hybrid musical arrangements. After his In February, chapter members organ set up in beautiful working generous program , encores were also traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, condition. demanded and received. Many to attend the grand opening of the Lin Lunde of Richmond, Virginia, thanks to Lou Hanagan and con­ Madison Civic Center. Formerly is to be the featured artist at the Chi­ gratulations to Joe Graif. the Capitol Theatre, the new Civic cago Theatre for the May social and The chapter extends its sincere Center features a theatre, art center election of officers. Lin has many thanks to the Bartons for their hospi- and Crossroads Lobby. The restora- favorable credits, and members are anxiously anticipating hearing him. The November 28th, 29th, 30th Week-Ender plans are progressing very well under the chairmanship of Dr. Joseph Sonntag. The registration fee is $65.00 until October 15th; thereafter, $75.00. It includes con­ certs, bus transportation, and the banquet. The banquet alone for November 29th is $20.00 Send ad­ vance registration to Beverly Barton, Box 25, Glenwood, IL 60425. Hot off the press! CATOE mem­ ber Paul Swiderski, staff organist at the Elm Skating Rink, and his part­ ner, Jerry Glenn, have just released their Half and Half disc using the rink organ. Reports are that it is very good. Available at the rink for $6.50, Fred Hermes and his five-manual Wurlitzer , formerly in the Michigan Theatre , Detroit, now installed in a 150-seat or by mail for $7.00. Order from theatre in his home near Racine, Wisconsin . (Ned Vespa Photo) Paul at Elm Rink, 357 W. Roosevelt (Courtesy of The Milwaukee Journal)

JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 35 tion of the Capitol was well done. Members Matt Smith and Marty Dohm put in a lot of time restoring the 3/14 Barton. Without their ef­ forts, the organ probably would not be a predominant part of the new Civic Center. On March 9th, members and their families were invited to Fred Hermes' residence to hear a concert given by Kay McAbee. On March 16th, the Milwaukee Journal published an extensive arti­ cle on home pipe organs. All but one Dr. Jonathan Kleefield played the Eastern Mass. Wurlitzer at Babson College in January . (Paul Callahan Photo) were classical organs. The only the­ atre organ mentioned was Fred on theatre pipe organs, however, it Forbush and Tim Holloran. It was Hermes'. The reporter, Don Oleson, is difficult to find an artist with more amazing what these volunteers pro­ was quite shocked at what one per­ ebullience. duced musically as they took up the son has done with his basement. His widely-varied program in­ challenge of making these silent Quoting from the article, "Picture cluded audience participation in oldies come alive, totally without all this in your home: a mighty the­ singing a medley of patriotic songs prior viewing. Al Winslow's abili­ atre pipe organ complete with five during which time he showed beauti­ ties of mating the organ to the screen manuals ... 300 stops, more than ful color slides of a cross section of action are well known to chapter 2,000 pipes in 32 ranks and a glut of America, taken on various trips members, but his fellow organists special sound effects. Install it in a across the nation. With much ap­ were a pleasant surprise. Dick John­ 150-seat movie theatre ... and you plause ringing in his ears, the artist son coordinated the audio, projec­ have a modest notion of what Fred P. could not leave without an encore. tion and lights. Open console with Hermes has created in his place Customary open console followed many taking advantage concluded beside Lake Michigan in the town of with several members keeping the an interesting evening. Caledonia ... " pipes singing. It was a satisfying The planned program at Babson evening. in April was canceled inasmuch as As the Winter Olympics were tak­ all pipework, but the Tibia rank and EASTERN MASS. ing place at Lake Placid, the Feb­ the percussions, was out of the solo The first month of the first year of ruary 23rd meeting at Babson played chamber being cleaned. This was a new decade saw the chapter clan to a sparse house. After a brief busi­ necessary, as careless workmen, gathering at Babson on January ness meeting, Tim Holloran an­ installing insulation in the roof area 26th. During the business portion of nounced that open console would be of the auditorium, had neglected to the meeting, the chapter's first the­ the order of the evening and that no protect the pipework, with predict­ atre organ scholarship recipient, guest artist was scheduled. The sign­ able results! But there was still half Douglas Forbes, was introduced. in sheet and the ten-minute clock an organ, and it was open console for This was his first visit to the chapter, were reinstated so that all who wished those in attendance. and it is hoped he will return many might have a turn to play. Among Among those undaunted by this times in the future. those who participated were Tim handicap were Bill Forbush, Bill Announcement was made ofboard Bjareby and Al Winslow. What a Carpenter, 12-year-old Billy Moore, approval of two suggestions. Mem­ distinct privilege it is to have our Carol Moeller, Lucille Weston, Art bership Chairman John Ross had very own chapter theatre pipe organ. Goggin and many others, proving suggested that members selling tick­ At the meeting at Babson on that half an organ is by far better ets be given one gratis for each ten March 22nd, President Royal Schwei­ than none at all. sold effective with the spring con­ ger reported that a new trumpet STANLEY C. GARNISS certs. The second suggestion, made rank was being built to the Gotfried by Organ Crew Chief Arthur Goggin. design to replace the original Wurlit­ was to discontinue the back-to-back zer brass trumpet rank that had GARDEN STATE concerts and, effective this fall, to been stolen. Organ Committee This report is dedicated to the have one concert at Stoneham Town Chairman Dick Linder presented many people who put in time and Hall and one at Babson the following the chapter with an audible signal effort to keep organs going and spring. organ tuning unit which he, with the events happening. Although most of Vice President-Program Chairman help of board member Bill Carpen­ them don't play in public, they still Tim Holloran then introduced the ter, designed and built. nevertheless, like applause and are evening's artist, Dr. Jonathan Klee­ Program Chairman Tim Holloran surely deserving of a show of appre­ field. Jon is Chief of Neuro Radiol­ announced that six of Charlie Clark's ciation. ogy at the Jamaica Plains V. A. Hos­ old silents would be screened, to be In am sure that I may have missed pital and Assistant Professor of accompanied by EMC volunteers. some people, but it just isn't possible Radiology at Tufts New England Responding to the call were Al Wins­ to get everyone's name. At Trenton: Medical Center. When the focus is low, Bob Legon, Tim Bjareby, Bill Bill Smith, Bill Hartig, Bill McKis-

36 THEATRE ORGAN J UN E / JULY 1980 Rebuilding the player piano are ( L to R) Pete Polito , Jack Moelmann, Joe Visinho and Dr. B. D. Rhea has undertaken the task of duplicating a Wonder Morton console for Dan Costigan . the Gulf Coast Chapter .

sock and many others; at Pascack: their time and talent, but they get GULF COAST Joe Vanore, Roy Frenske, Ed Unis the applause whereas few ever get We have a surprise for you! We Oliver and Marjorie Vitakis; at Rah­ to know who the people are who keep are building a Wonder Morton! We way: Bob Balfour, Joe Visinho, Frank the air blowing and the pipes piping. have been picking up ranks and McCraigh, Pete Polito, Bob Reilly, We have had a number of bus chests and regulators with the inten­ Dan Costigan, Paul Szabocsik, Jack rides, run by Pete Polito, to the tion of enlarging our Robert Morton. Moelmann and Stan Sawyer - Stan United Palace in New York City and The chambers are pretty well taken donated two handmade break-apart to Long Island University in Brook­ care of, and we have revoiced some ladders for use in the chambers. lyn, and an upcoming trip to Thom­ ranks and releathered chests and This is not to deny the appreciation aston to hear Hector Olivera. regulators. Pipes have been polished due the players who have given of DON PLENKERS so that they gleam anew after SO-plus years of grime and dust. Our biggest surprise however, is our console. Our Chief Mentor, B. D. Rhea, M. D., a practicing radiologist by profession, and a museum-perfect craftsman by avocation, has under­ taken the task of duplicating a Won­ der Morton console for the chapter. Chairman Tom Helms has made two trips to Ft. Worth to photograph and measure the Wonder Morton console of the North Texas Chapter. David Dietrich, an architect, has drawn the

"New" Grandpa Bob Reilly pours champagne with Dan Costigan , Don Plenkers and Stan Sawyer re­ plans for us and work is progressing the aid of a long-standing usher . string and rebush the Glock . at a remarkable pace. Dr. Rhea

Working on the Chrysoglott action are Garden State members (seated, L to R) Don Toasting Grandpa Bob Reilly (center) are (front, L to R) Joe Visinho , Paul Szabocsik Plenkers and Joe Visinho and (standing, L to R) Frank McCraigh , Pete Polito and Bob and Pete Polito , and (back, L to R) Frank McCraigh , Ed Baykowsk i, Bob Balfour and Balfour . Don Plenkers .

JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 37 assures us the copy will be authentic, The Tauranga Wurlitzer has been to the original egg-and-dart molding played by Dennis James, of the Ohio around the keydesk. His skill has no Theatre, Reginald Porter-Brown, limits. The hours he spends on this from England and Dennis Palmistra, project are infinite, and he gives from Australia. We hope other over­ each minute detail his undivided seas organists will come this way attention. and share their great talents with our Tom Helms has built his own voic­ small country. ing machine, with thanks to Jim New Zealand may be small, but Peterson and his Ft. Worth crew for make no mistake, theatre organ mu­ their expert advice. With this dandy sic is alive and well here. Only the machine, who knows what sounds he Tauranga Wurlitzer is in regular use will be able to create. What he has at the moment, but, two more are already done is fantastic. Have we about to burst into life very shortly. got a surprise for you! ATOS members in Auckland are

Our Saenger Theatre here is full Margaret McClymont entertains at the 2/ 10 Wurlitzer busy installing one in a cinema there of work crews. The seats are all out in Tauranga , N.Z., during the October program . and Len Southward of Paraparaumu being recovered and workmens' (near Wellington) has built an audi­ scaffolding is everywhere. Oh how played a short bracket of numbers. torium to accommodate a 3-manual grand it will be to have it back as a Following this short rest, Len ap­ Wurlitzer as an added interest at his theatre again, instead of a maze of peared again to play for a sing-along, vintage car museum. temporarily strung lights, knocked then request time. MARGARET R. McCLYMONT out walls and flying dust and plaster. Len Hockly is well-known in Tau­ It will be especially nice to hear our ranga, both as a church organist and LANDO' LAKES organ sing again. at the Wurlitzer console. He also About 110 members and guests DOROTHY STAND LEY helped to install the Wurlitzer under enjoyed a mixed bag of entertain­ the direction of Rex White, who is a ment and pipe organ music at Cic­ KIWI city councillor and the official keeper ero's Edina on Sunday, January On October 20, 1979, the Town of the organ. Len often plays elec­ 27th . Hall in Tauranga began to fill with tronic organs for functions around Due to the regular opening time of people about 7 p.m. Members of the Tauranga as well as for lunchtime the establishment, open console Home Organ Society of Tauranga concerts in the Town Hall so that city preceded Alan Gerber's concert at were hosts, selling tickets, acting as workers have an opportunit y to see the 3/ 15 Barton. The echoes of a ushers, seeing to lights and checking and hear the Wurlitzer. somewhat extended open console the organ in readiness for a smooth­ session had pretty much faded when running concert. Alan made a timely and dramatic At last, the house lights dimmed entrance a minute or two before con­ and the 2/ 10 Wurlitzer, Opus 1482, cert time. He then demonstrated rose from the bowels of the hall to his mastery of the pipes and gave the the tune of "American Patrol." After Barton its opportunity to show off its a few words from HOST President fine theatre voices, and ran the gam­ Harold Gunther, the spotlight angled ut of the toy counter and all the many down onto the organ to show well­ other special effects. known HOST member Len Hockly On February 17th, chapter mem­ at the console. It was a moving mo­ ber Paul Lagergren presented a con­ ment for the audience of nearly 400 cert to a good turnout of members at as he began to play a program of the Brookdale Civic Center. Paul varied music. and the Yamaha EX-2 organ gener­

After the first half of his program , Len Hock ly at th e Tauranga W urlitzer during his pro­ ated some amazing audio pyrotech­ the writer, also a member of HOST, gram in October . nics that literally shook the audi-

. . . he 's a showman ... his warm personality got through to his enchanted listeners . - Theatre Organ Magazine GEORGE« In WRIGHT Concert

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38 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 Mike Erie plays the Dalquists' 3/7 Wurlitzer at the March meeting of the Land O'Lakes Walt Strony during his April program at Claude Newman's 3/ 18 Wurlitzer. Chapter. (Edwin Hirschoff Photo) (Edwin Hirschoff Photo) torium. A product of the Yamaha he was relatively new and unknown Hector provided one of the most Competition Festivals, Paul is both to most of the delegation of 20 or so exhilarating and polished musical a superb organist and master show- from Land O' Lakes who heard him performances ever to be heard dur- man whose performances are always play at the 1977 convention. At the ing the 43-year history of this famous stimulating, whether he plays pipes newly-painted console, in the lovely theatre to a large and appreciative or electronics. He has since gone on ballroom of the Cedarhurst mansion, audience. to win the regional Liberace compe- Walt played certainly the best pro- Featured at the end of Hector's titian in Chicago. Next stop will be gram to date on this fine instrument. sparkling performance, under the the finals in Las Vegas. The formerly all-gold console is now guise of an invitation to present a On March 16th, Mike Erie finally white and gold, and has a newly- framed photograph of himself, with let his light shine out from under the installed electronic capture action. other chapter members taken during bushel where he had been hiding it. The general opinion, after the con- the 1979 Los Angeles Convention, It was an afternoon during which a cert, was that the organ had never Hector presented Florence de Jong, number of things came together in a sounded so good as in the hands of our "First Lady of the Theatre Or- harmonious blend - a surprising, Walt Strony. gan," with an inscribed onyx jewel refreshing performance by a new- box in appreciation of her quite comer to the LOL artists' circle, the LONDON AND SOUTH exceptional contribution to theatre dulcet tones of the Dalquist organ OF ENGLAND organ entertainment in all its forms and the hospitality of Dee and Mark for well over SOyears. Gracious and Dalquist, hosts for the occasion. One of our chapter's most fervent warm-hearted as ever, Florence said Being a fan of Jesse Crawford. it is objectives has long been to introduce that she had never before seen or understandable that Mike's styling our much-admired member Hector heard such an all-round accom- for popular and traditional music Olivera in a major in-theatre pre- plished young theatre organ per- would be sentimental and nostalgic. sentation in London. We finally former as Hector and greatly praised Registrations were well-chosen, and managed it in early March at our his unique musicality and extern- changes skillfully executed. favourite 4/ 16 "Torch" Wurlitzer at porisation. Theatre organ artist Walt Strony the Gaumont State Theatre, Kil- A happy and relaxed house party played a special concert for the chap- burn . followed at Wurlitzer Lodge, the ter on Claude Newman's 3/ 18 Wur - Dashing from Wales to London on congenial home of Edith and Les litzer on April 18th. A featured artist the day of the concert. and having Rawle . where 83-year-old Florence at the last three ATOS conventions, never seen the instrument before, showed us, at the 3/ 19 Wurlitzer.

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JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 39 Florence DeJong presents Hector Olivera with a framed photograph of the Latin artist with London Chapter members, taken at the 1979 Los Angeles Convention, following his March concert at the Gaumont State Theatre , Kilburn . Looking on are Len Rawle and Stephen Vincent . (John D. Sharp Photo) The console of Graham Kent's residence Compton. (John D. Sharp Photo) that she has lost none of her talent mal business of the Annual General Having been privileged last year to and enthusiasm - especially in the Meeting - where a highly-success­ open Graham's ingeniously installed silent film idiom in which she has al­ ful second year of activity and healthy British three-manual Compton (for­ ways excelled, and still regularly membership and financial situation merly in the Savoy Cinema in the fulfills (at the piano) at the National were reported - the usual happy London district of Stoke Newington), Film Theatre in London as well as musical evening was provided by we were again able to enjoy this most on national television. numerous chapter members trying pleasing instrument and the fine Com pl em en ting our major concert their hand at the most-widely played hospitality of the Kent family. presentations are our ever-popular theatre organ anywhere. Tony Lucas then proudly demon­ monthly "Club Nights" at Wurlitzer Then came a delightful Sunday strated his three-manual Compton Lodge and occasional coach outings coach trip to the West country to the (ex-Alma Cinema, Luton), with to the homes of more distant mem­ homes of our members Graham grand piano attachment (ex-Ritz bers and other notable theatre or­ Kent at Thornbury near Bristol and Cinema, Oxford), and his custom­ gan venues. Tony Lucas at Wynchfield near Tet­ built five-manual Compton electric Although our March Club Night bury, a little further away in Glouces­ organ - both most imaginatively was basically concerned with the for- tershire. installed (the pipe organ on an adap-

Hector signs the visitors' register for theatre manager Bill Weir, after having presented Florence DeJong with an inscribed onyx jewel box. Others, L to R, are (front row) Edith Rawle and Les Rawle and (back row) George Harrison and Len Rawle. London and South of England members on a coach outing to hear residence organs in (John D. Sharp Photo) the West Country . (John D. Sharp Photo)

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40 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 showed that he has real promise and a most encouraging harmonic appre­ ciation. Len Rawle then provided his char­ acteristically well-structured pro­ gramme. Beginning with a tribute to the great international orchestra leader Mantovani, who had died a few days earlier, Len went on to re­ create and explain the distinctive stylings of famous British and Amer­ ican names who have appeared at the Gaumont State in recent years. He then finished off as "himself' Tony Lucas at his custom built five -manual Compton Rex Koury at the San Gabe console. His "Gunsmoke electric organ. (John D . Sharp Photo) with delightful overtones of universal Suite" mixed prairie panoramas , saloon scenes and a favourites George Wright and Jesse thrilling chase as " they went thataway ." (Zimfoto) ted "garage" lift) in a former stable Crawford, especially admired by Len. near his capacious country home. Our April Club Night saw the wel­ '50s on to the '80s with "Can't Smile Of the many chapter members come return of Byron Jones from Without You." who also played the Kent and Lucas Wales (and owner of the ex-Regal Instead of the usual Gunsmoke instruments, it was most pleasing fo Cambridge Compton theatre organ). theme, Rex presented a near sym­ hear our popular and well-known Bringing his mother and several phonic score of some of the tunes he photographic member Doug Sharp. local friends, along with Welsh composed to underscore the action He was a former circuit organist with member Desmond Jenkins (also on TV's long-running program. the Granada chain and assistant to bringing stateside Boston-area guests At intermission Rex sold not only the great Reginald Dixon during his Tony Delolis and Jim Rich), a lusty his records but a dozen copies of prewar winter tours of that circuit. bout of sing-along provided almost a Theatre Organ Greats in which ap­ With our enthusiastic member "Welsh Benefit Night" - Edith pears his arrangement of "Here's Harry Warburton driving our coach, and Les Rawle also being proud That Rainy Day." and also providing us with relaxing Welsh folk. In April, by contrast, one of the stateside taped organ music enroute, Our 1980 convention planning is youngest and best of the new crop of this was a wholly-enjoyable experi­ forging ahead and we also have the ence. exciting young Dutch console star In contrast to our usual presenta­ Hans Notrott scheduled to appear at tion of top international artists, our the Gaumont State on the late spring Easter Monday presentation at the holiday Monday in late May. Gaumont State saw a welcome re­ Happy, busy and exciting organ­ turn of our first two Young Theatre ising Britside! Organists - 17-year-old Pauline NORMAN BARFIELD Dixon (1978-79) and 16-year-old Stephen Vincent (1979-80) - with LOS ANGELES our very popular and exceptionally Rex Koury, one of the very best fine international pipe and electronic from theatre organ's "golden days," organ exponent Len Rawle at this was our solo artist in March at San most-distinctive Wurlitzer. Gabriel. Playing in the full organ Pauline quickly showed just how style of bygone days, Rex's program much progress and confidence she ranged from the classics such as has built up through her dedication "Meditation" from Thais through and eagerness to learn and arrange operettas with Romberg's Student her own music, while Stephen also Prince and Broadway's best from the Jerry Nagano . He landed a plum .

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JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 41 was a prec1S1on dance group, The Sophisticats, which thrilled the au­ dience with a number of dance rou­ tines, including a 1940s dance party, with organ accompaniment. Lionel's playing was well-received, as have been his appearances at our biweek­ ly movie series at the Redford. The chapter presented Bob Ral­ ston , from the Lawrence Welk fam­

ily, on Saturday and Sunday, March Frank and Helen Doka, with Lionel LaMay (left) and 15-16th, at the Royal Oak Theatre. Tony O'Brien (right) . This wedding in a movie the­ Bob Ralston has a way of knowing atre may be a "first ." ( Robert Duerr Photo) how to please audiences, and his program at the 3/16 Barton did just Candi. (Stufoto) that. We've all heard about weddings organists entertained at San Gabriel on horseback, -in the middle of bridges - Candi Carley! and other strange places. But, when Renowned for her ability to play Frank Doka and Helen Shook de­ "rock" organ with the beat of the cided to get married, having met on '80s, Candi amply demonstrated her a chapter train excursion to visit the command of "TO classic style" with Chicago Theatre last May, their a medley of Nelson Eddy-Jeanette desire was to have their wedding in a McDonald favorites, a rarely-heard movie theatre. The Redford Theatre. King and /medley, some Fats Waller Attended by a few close friends, and Duke Ellington tunes, and, of the wedding took place on Saturday, course, her now-famous foot-stomp­ March 29th. Their attendants were ing, hand clapping "Hoe Down!" Herb Head played the Barton in the Royal Oak The­ their own children (both had been atre for the March meeting of the Motor City Chapter The Pasadena 5-manual Moller is previously married). Chapter mem­ held there. (Fred Page Photo) a winner! That was the unanimous ber Tony O'Brien played for the conclusion of the 3,000 who packed ceremony and Lionel LaMay pro­ the Civic Auditorium for Tom vided dance music at the Barton Hazleton' s dedication program in pipe organ for the reception that April and Lyn Larsen's followup followed on stage. LATOS show in May. A truly per­ On April 12th, Hector Olivera fect blending of the right instrument returned to Detroit to play to an in the right theatre. To top off our enthusiastic audience at the Redford joy in having this world famous in­ Theatre. To lend a little Latin at•· strument in Southern California was mosphere to the occasion, several the news that our own Jerry Nagano chapter members dressed in Spanish has been named Pasadena staff attire to greet the concertgoers. It organist! was a most enjoyable concert for the RALPH BEAUDRY many that attended. Sunday, April 13th, found chapter MOTOR CITY members on another "Fred Page Lionel LaMay started off our con­ Special" bus excursion, this time to cert lineup on March 1st. with a the State Theatre in Kalamazoo for program at the 3/10 Barton in the an afternoon concert by Donna Donna Parker played the 3/ 12 Barton at the State Redford Theatre. Also on the bill Parker at the 3/12 Barton. Luncheon Theatre in Kalamazoo in April. ( Fred Page Photo)

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42 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 Members add a Latin flavor to Hector 's concert at the Redford Theatre. L to R: Bob Duerr, Hector Olivera, Marge Muethel, Tony O' Brien and Jerry Muethe l. The Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, Calif. Its empty chambers await a pipe (Roberta Duerr Photo ) organ . (Jim McGuire Photo) reservations had been made by Fred gan were Herb Head in March , and assembled by Hollywood organist at Lee's Quay (pronounced key) in Gar y Wick in April. and arranger Buddy Cole, was in­ nearby Parchment, where the group DON LOCKWOOD stalled in his residence studio and dined with members of the Central consists now of 17 Wurlitzer and 9 Indiana Chapter amid surroundings NOR-CAL Robert Morton ranks of pipework. reminisant of a riverboat tied up at a Sunda y, February 24th , the chap­ Tom Cotner studied classical or­ wharf (or. quay , hence the name of ter meeting was held at Redwood gan throughout his college years and the restaurant). City Pizza & Pipes through the hos­ his program of predominately clas­ A special feature of Lee's Qua y is pitality of owner Bob Patterson. sical and light classical selections the Marr & Colton theatre pipe or­ Everyone was anxious to hear Jerr y made good use of the resources of gan , and each chapter was repre­ Nagano, whom some had heard the organ. sented during an open console ses­ play during the National Convention Judd Wal ton, past chairman of sion. Other chapter members joined in July, 1979. This young man 's pro­ Nor-Cal , and a present national the busload at the State Theatre fessional appearance and artistic (certainly the flagship of the Butter­ ability make it hard to believe he's field chain) for Donna 's concert in still in his twenties. Natural ability the over-SO-year-old theatre und er guided by such teachers as Ga ylord twinkling stars and drifting clouds . Carter and Gordon Kibbee have al­ Th e monthl y Second Sunda y ser ­ read y made him a polished profes­ ies at the Michigan Theatre in Ann sional. He played a well-rounded Arbor featured Ton y O'Brien at the program of selections from jazz to 3/ 16 Barton in March and Fr ed Mozart. Fahrner, from Greenfield Viila ge, at On March 23rd , Program Chair­ the console in April, which also in­ man Ra y Ta ylor arranged another cluded a slide presentat ion of the delightful afternoon of music for the Michigan and other area theatres by chapter . Tom Cotner pla yed the 3/26 Dave Lau. hybrid Wurlitzer-Morton theatre Chapter artists appearin g at our pipe organ at the Cap 'ns Galley regular Fourth Sunda y programs at Pizza and Pipes in Campbell. Cali­ Jerry Nagano at the Redwood City Pizza & Pipes the Royal Oak Theatre Barton or- fornia. The instrument , originally four -manual Wurlitzer . (Jim McGuire Photo)

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JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 43 ing. Judson said the theatre is owned Since the regular business meet­ and operated by the Berkeley Board ings have been set up on a bimonthly of Education. It was designed about basis due to fuel shortages and en­ the time of the theatre organ era, but ergy conservation, things have slowed was not actually constructed until down somewhat. The last meeting on the 1950s. It is, therefore, a relative­ April 27th at Organ World in Gar­ ly new building, spotlessly clean, land, Texas, produced a good turn­ seating approximately 3000 people, out, especially in view of travel dis­ with a completely-equipped stage tances involved. Directing the busi­ and organ chambers. There is a ness meeting was Chairman Gene blower room in the basement already Powell, wielding the special gavel, connected to the chambers by a carved from the branches of a Bois windline. Judson said he has an d' Arc tree. Bob McGillivray's trea­ earnest personal desire to have a surer's report established that the theatre pipe organ installed in the chapter is financially in the black, Tom Cotner at the Cap'ns Galley Pizza and Pipes, Campbell, Calif . (Jim McGuire Photo ) theatre, where it would be available but, still open for contributions to for joint chapter and theatre use. the Wonder Morton project fund. A director, presented a very interesting Judson assured the chapter that the special part of his report was that he and informative program of historic Berkeley Board of Education is re­ is moving back to the Dallas-Fort theatre organ recordings at the cept ive to the idea. Worth area from New Orleans. He Berkeley Community Theatre, April Chairman Jim Dunbar asked for a has been commuting by air to prac­ 13th. His collection includes some vote on whether the chapter officers tically all the meetings since he was rare first records of famous artists. should proceed with an investigation elected treasurer, just before moving Judd proved once again that he is not of the feasibility of the chapter in­ to Louisiana. But, he has maintained only a technical expert, but, a dedi­ stalling an organ in the theatre. his membership, treasurer's post and cated theatre organ historian. At t_he Chapter members present at the loyalty to the North Texas Chapter. conclusion of his program, Judd meeting voted in favor of the idea. Among items discussed was a offered a box containing a prize to RUDY FREY resume of the fund raising activities the first person who could name one for our Wonder Morton project. The of a selection of unannounced tunes. NORTH TEXAS Schoeber organ, donated to the The first selection stumped everyone. Our chapter sadly reports the chapter, brought $2000 at the sale. The second selection, "Roller Coast­ passing of Doris Garrett, an active The Conn 652, estimated value er," played by George Wright was member since our formation. One of $20,000, brought no bids, so it was quickly identified by Bill Taylor who the builders of the chapter , Doris decided to sell it piece by piece. All received the mysterious prize box served several terms as a very cap­ which contained a dozen windline able secretary, always working for flanges! It was a most entertaining the preservation of the theatre organ afternoon. art, for ATOS, and chapter develop­ One of the chapter directors this ment and growth. Her husband, year is Judson Owens. He is the Fred, is the actual theatre organist, manager of the Berkeley Community having played in the area when the Theatre and it was through his cour­ organ was an integral part of the tesy, and the courtesy of the Berkeley movie theatres, but Doris was his Board of Education, that Nor-Cal grea test fan and staunch theatre or­ was able to hold its chapter meeting gan supporter. Her theatrical and in this beautiful theatre. Speaking musical background contributed after Judd's presentation , Judson much to the chapter. We all miss reviewed the history of the theatre, Doris and extend our deepest sym­

answered questions and conducted a pathy to her husband Fred and sons Tim Hart , concert artist at the North Texas Chapter basement to attic tour of the build- Gar y and Tony in their loss. meeting at Organ World . (Joe Koski Photo)

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44 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 Tim Hart, at the pipe organ, and Dale Flannery, at the Conn, play duets after the April Homer Pettigrew and Dick Cooper . Their hard work is evident at Organ World in program at Organ World . (Joe Koski Photo) Garland. (Joe Koski Photo )

of the proceeds will be applied toward After the business session and a Joe had to abandon their carefully the Wonder Morton project, which, short break, Program Chairman rehearsed duets and substitute solo because of a temporary leather short­ Dale Flannery introduced the guest numbers, trying not to repeat selec­ age, bad weather, energy conserva­ artist for the day, Tim Hart. A for­ tions he had played for us in Van­ tion, and other such problems, has mer member of the Southeast Texas couver last October. Having a large not been moving very rapidly. The Chapter, now living in North Texas, repertoire, Joe came up with a whole site committee is still waiting to hear Tim played a fine concert which was new program. He played a duet with from the University of Texas at Ar­ truly enjoyed by all. He is a young Gerry Gregorius, at the grand piano, lington on a final agreement to put artist and included in his repertoire which, although unrehearsed, was the Wonder Morton in Texas Hall some theatre organ numbers that up to professional standards. With there. The apparent holdup is state were at least twice his own age. It is Joe's styling and registration , the budgeting problems, since there certain that he will be asked back for new Rodgers Trio produced a start­ would be some necessary auditorium more programs. After refreshments ling reproduction of a theatre pipe modifications. Meanwhile, other lo­ and open console, Tim returned to organ. cations are being looked at, and · with the console and Dale Flannery joined This was followed by refreshments the arrival of new leather and fur­ him at the Conn for a good jam ses­ and a demonstration by Gerry Gre­ ther guidance, the renovation project sion. A fine ending to a pleasant gorius, of a Rodgers 205 combina­ should get moving at a faster pace. afternoon. tion pipe and electronic organ. Everyone is encouraged to get into JOE KOSKI On April 26th, we had the pleasure the action of rebuilding this great of hearing Marti Lynch at Uncle instrument. A project as big as this Milt's 3/ 18 Wurlitzer in his Van­ takes time, but the final results - a OREGON couver pizza place. beautiful 4/27 Wonder Morton in On March 23rd, we met at Stone's Marti is a veteran professional, action - will be an installation of Piano and Organ Co., in Salem, for having been a touring artist for which the chapter can be proud. what was to have been a piano and major manufacturers, and is now on Plans are going ahead for future organ concert featuring Mildred the playing staff at Uncle Milt's. meetings and programs under the Luttrell and Joe Gray, both popu­ Her superb styling is a rare combina­ capable guidance of First Vice Chair­ lar musicians in the Portland area. tion of contemporary harmony with man Dale Flannery. Membership Unfortunately, the flu bug caught up traditional theatre counter melody. Chairperson Grace Larner reported with Mildred an hour before the Marti played this program in sets, a roster of 116 paid members, with scheduled program, leaving Joe to go without pauses between numbers. more applying. it alone. This was achieved by skillful modu- IM4LTERSTRONY ,, ... a show stealer" THEATRE ORGAN

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JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 45 Her master's voice? Joe Gray and Spanky at the March concert at Stone 's Piano and Gerry Gregorius at the Rodgers 205, after the March program at Stone 's Piano and Organ Co., Salem, Ore. (Claude V. Neuffer Photo) Organ Co. (Claude V. Neuffer Photo)

lation and unobtrusive registration changes. After the concert, we enjoyed a buffet lunch served in the balcony, reserved for our chapter, and organ music by Gerry Gregorius. We thank Marti Lynch for the fine music and to Milt Kieffer for having added this very talented lady to his playing staff. BUD ABEL

POTOMAC VALLEY When a theatre organist, or any musician, can take a piece of noth­ ing and turn it into a delightful piece of music, there is real talent. Chapter member Lou Hurvitz did just that on the little red 2/8 Wurlitzer at the March meeting of the chapter held at Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland. Lou really put on a show for the 400-plus people present. His finger dexterity is something to see. He played a something-for-everyone Marti Lynch played the 3118 Wurlitzer at Uncle Milt 's Pizza Co., Vancouver , Wash ., in April. program, including a Laurel and (Claude V. Neuffer Photo) Hardy silent film , for which his ac-

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46 TH EATR E ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 Lou Hurvitz at the University of Maryland Kimball. One of the several exhibits at a joint meeting of Music Box International and the Po­ tomac Valley Chapter . companiment was outstanding. wise. While the instrument is a clas­ In addition to the great music, an sical one, in Floyd's hands the pro­ extra dividend was provided by the gram was pure theatre organ. The staff of the Weinberg Center: a dis­ concert consisted of a community play of colored lights on a scrim on sing, ragtime, mood music, pop­ stage behind the console. This great­ classics and marches. A feature of ly enhanced the mood for the music. the day was Floyd's improvisation on The meeting was a joint one with a hymn selected on the spot by a members of the Music Box Inter­ member of the audience. Floyd dis­ national. Their members displayed played his versatility on this one, and all manner of mechanical music included a passage on the pedals a la makers as well as a fascinating col­ Hector Olivera. lection of antique electric fans. A After treating the audience to a compressed air calliope, mounted in medley of Rudolf Friml tunes, a si­ a 1916 White ambulance, was wheez­ lent film was in order. This one was Floyd Werle at the 3/ 31 Marshall Stone "special " at ing merrily away in the parking lot Saturday Afternoon, Harry Langdon, Faith United Methodist Church, Rockville, Maryland . outside the theatre, off tune of course, accompanied by Floyd at the console. (M. Richmond Photo ) because of the cold, windy March The sound effects were unusual in not attending because the concert is day. It is hoped that a combined that they are not built into the organ. in a church. You will be the loser if meeting such as this one can be held The appropriateness of the tunes was you do. as an annual event. incredible, and of listenable quality DICK HAIGHT The April 27th meeting of the even without the film. chapter was also outstanding. Chap­ We are very fortunate to have in ter member Floyd Werle, treated Potomac Valley, two members of PUGET SOUND those present with a demonstration service bands. Lou Hurvitz is an ad­ Puget Sound celebrated its 20th of his total musical talent with a ministrative aide to the Chief of year as a chapter at a Sunday after­ program he called "Whatever Hap­ Bands in Washington, D. C., after a noon potluck party at the Haller pened to ?" The concert was stint as a percussionist with the West Lake Club in Seattle on April 13th. held at Faith United Methodist Point Band. Floyd Werle is Director Charter members Bob Jones , Lor­ Church in Rockville, Maryland, at of Composition with the Air Force raine and Mark Cockrill, Ken and a 3/ 31 Marshall Stone special con­ Band , The Singing Sergeants , and Corky Mayberry and Mr. and Mrs. sisting of Moller pipework recovered Airmen of Note. Don't miss a chance M. H. Strickland, Jr. , all introduced from a church in Annapolis, Mary­ to hear these gentlemen at the key­ by Dick Schrum, were honored. land, and all new equipment other- board. Don't make the mistake of Starting the entertainment.portion

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JUNE/JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 47 Dick Schrum (far right) introduces Puget Sound 20-year charter members Ken May- Phillip Keveran was the featured artist at Puget Sound's Haller Lake 3/7 hybrid in berry, Bob Jones, the M. H. Stricklands and Mark and Lorraine Cockrill . April. (Gennie Whitting Photo) (Katy Gallwey Photo)

of the afternoon was Phillip Keverin, with a taped background of some of Our annual spring concert, April a student at Gresham College (near the old time dance bands of England 17th, featured Walter Strony at the Portland, Oregon) and featured as well as some organ backgrounds. · 3/ 9 Wurlitzer in the Fargo Theatre. artist of the day. He entertained Members listened and enjoyed, al­ It was a quality performance and first at the Yam aha electronic organ most getting up to dance, as they did was enjoyed by the enthusiastic au­ and then on the chapter's pipe or­ so many years ago. dience. To compensate for not hav­ gan, a 3/7 hybrid Wurlitzer/Marr & Don Myers led off the open con­ ing our 3-manual console on a lift (it Colton. Eighteen-year-old Phillip is sole session and was followed by didn't arrive in time), we used a the 1979 winner of the Yamaha lo­ Ken Gallwey, Eddie Zollman , Sr., closed circuit color television system cal, regional and national electronic Wendell Dela, Merv Vaught and to display Walter and his fine tech­ contest in the Youth 2 section. He Robert Hutchinson. The organ came nique on a large screen so that every­ previously won the Youth I category, through bright and clear, thanks to one could see clearly. Doug Hamil­ which took him to the finals in Ja­ Jack Becvar and Ken Gallwey, who ton introduced Walter, who opened pan. Having been a student of Jonas checked out the organ and sound the concert with ''I Feel A Song Nordwall and Andy Crow, he was systems before the party. Coming On." The unusually warm able to shine forth in the areas of Chairperson Thelma Barclay, at weather here for April prompted him jazz improvisation and orchestra­ the Yamaha piano, joined Doris to dedicate "Spring is Here" to our tion. The chapter looks forward to Miller at the chapter organ for the chapter. Later in the first half, a seeing him progress most rapidly in afternoon finale. Members declared juggler from Fargo showed his skills his musical career. this to be one of the nicest affairs with Walter accompanying. The old The second part of the afternoon ever, and don't want to wait another vaudeville curtain was used as a featured programming of members 20 years to celebrate an anniversary. backdrop in the true vaudeville tra­ from Vancouver, B. C. The Canadian THELMA R. SMITH dition. part of the program, headed by Bert Intermission followed a sing­ and Doris Miller, featured Doris along. first at the chapter organ. She started Switching his black tux for a white out, in 1926, playing in the Prin­ RED RIVER suit, Walter opened the second half cess Theatre, in Vancouver, and is a In March, several chapter mem­ with the theme from Superman. A favorite wherever she goes to play. bers attended a spring concert by silent comedy was last on the pro­ She knows that pipe organ touch O'Lyn Callahan, Yamaha organist, gram with Harry Langdon starring and her repertoire is amazing. George at Knox Music Center in downtown in Saturday Afternoon. Walt re­ Francis then took the center stage, Fargo. We all enjoyed her selections ceived a standing ovation. The crowd singing in his rich baritone voice and warm personality. kept him busy autographing pro-

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48 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE/JULY 1980 Another closing curtain is at the tion. Over the years Bob has col­ Denver Theatre where, in the past, lected an enormous amount of news­ members enjoyed concerts on the paper articles, letters and other 3/ 15 Wurlitzer, which is now in printed memorabilia about theatre Phoenix. On April 29th, everything organ that fill large scrap books. in the theatre went up for auction His lifelong interest in theatre organ and the beautiful building will soon continues and he is now working on be razed. The only downtown theatre compiling a written history of the remaining will be the Paramount theatres in California's State Capi­ and we hope that it will be saved. tol, focusing on the silent era, the On Sunday, April 27th, over sixty organs and the organists. members and guests spent a most The month of March brought the entertaining afternoon at the Dick Sacramento area's Sierra Chapter Lewis home, as Patty Simon ex­ trekking to the Golden Bear Play­ hibited her talent at the Marr & house at Cal Expo, site of the Cali­ Colton console. This attractive young fornia State Fair and home of the Walt Strony and Hildegarde Kraus , following his chapter's 2/7 Wurlitzer, to hear a concert at the Fargo Theatre . lady is a featured organist at our (Charles Ingersoll Photo ) local Organ Grinder Pizza, so our recent transplant from the Bay Area, chapter was most anxious to hear her Dave Moreno. The meeting proved grams and records in the lobby, play varied selections of her choice. to be special for two reasons: Dave's while the local chapter of the Ameri­ The hour passed all too swiftly and surprise elements in his show and the can Guild of Organists hosted a re­ was followed by refreshments and a extraordinary preparation work ception on the mezzanine for our short business meeting, at which it done to the Wurlitzer. Dave's show members and guests. Hildegarde was voted to make a sizeable pay­ included a surprise, unannounced Krause, our honorary member, ment on our Wurlitzer organ. vaudeville-style act appearing on the played the white grand piano in the MARGARET ANN FOY Golden Bear stage. The antics of lobby before the show and during clown-juggler High Tops and his intermission. wonder dog, Toby, were accom­ SIERRA Walt's stay with us was a complete panied by Dave at the organ. Anoth­ pleasure. He is a true professional Before getting to chapter events, er surprise was his accompaniment and a joy to work with. there is an overdue note of grati­ of the premiere showing of a silent SONIA CARLSON tude owed from Sierra Chapter to movie titled Wilmunder's Ark. This Bob "Keyzanpedals" Longfield. The 1980 film depicts the real life drama Chapter Notes in the February / that occurred on January 20th of this ROCKY MOUNTAIN March issue were Bob's last, as un­ year when Sierra member, and ex­ On Monday night, February 25th, even health is forcing him to scale San Francisco Fox-foyer 3/ 12 Mol­ members joined the pizza patrons to down his chapter activities, which ler-owner Hal Wilmunder trucked hear Jonas Nordwall demonstrate his have been numerous. Bob's interest his 140-foot-long paddle-wheeler musical ability and expertise during in theatre organ dates back to the riverboat hull from its birthplace in a a two-hour classical concert at the "Golden Days" when his career as a land locked construction yard through 4/ 37 Wurlitzer at the Organ Grinder puppeteer working in vaudeville put the suburbs of Sacramento to its Pizza. him in contact with theatre organs launching point on the Sacramento Negotiations are continuing on the on a daily basis. His skills at pup­ River. The sum total was an enter­ possible installation of the chapter peteering, which include making his taining Sunday afternoon with the organ at the Iliff School of Theology own puppets, stages and props, led Wurlitzer doing yeoman duty ac­ on the University of Denver campus. Bob to start building an exact one­ companying and soloing as it may A new multi-purpose auditorium is quarter size incredibly detailed have served fifty years ago in its under construction and members replica of the RCMH Wurlitzer con­ original Leandro Theatre, San Lean­ are excited and hopeful about this sole. He has not yet finished and dro, California, location. location. readily admits to some procrastina- The extraordinary preparation of

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JUNE / JULY I 980 THEATRE ORGAN 49 the Wurlitzer for this event ended up Afterwards, several members had ter's pipe organ fund. Entertain­ being an overhaul of sorts. Dave the opportunity of hearing Lyle play ment for the meeting was provided Moreno, in addition to being a fine an impromptu concert at the Rod­ by Bob High, Bea Kotasek, Lois theatre organist, currently appearing gers Extended 990 in his church. It Seamands and David Wickerham. at the Big Top Pizza in Carmichael, was very impressive. Open console was followed by a de­ is an organ technician extraordinaire. For the April meeting, members licious meal. Teamed up with the chapter's dedi­ journeyed to Hervey and Janice Bar­ The April meeting was cohosted cated organ crew, Dave brought the bour's in Pryor, Oklahoma. Hervey by Allen Guirl and Richard Wood­ Wurlitzer to a sound and condition has installed a Wurlitzer Viole de worth. During the business meeting, that makes it downright spunky to Orchestra in place of his Aeoline, it was announced that the chapter play. and the 2/11 Kimball sounded very now has an organ being rebuilt and April's meeting at Big Top Pizza lovely indeed. Entertainment was assembled, and that it should arrive was billed in the monthly newsletter open console. The business meeting in Tucson in about twenty months. as seeing and hearing the "keyboard included a short report on the status After the business meeting, members pyrotechnics of Jerry Nagano." He of chapter bylaws and suggestions were entertained with the music of absolutely lived up to that billing. for national bylaw revisions. It was David Albert, a 16-year-old student This young man played with speed also voted to change the meeting at Palo Verde High School. He is an and rhythm, while having to make time (beginning in September) from organ student of Bob Barbara, who, registration changes without any Friday night to Sunday afternoon, in addition to teaching, plays at combination pistons. The organ except for the summer months. This Paulos on Speedway. Following crew, headed by Dave Moreno, will enable the chapter to have its David, cohost Allen Guirl played worked day and night before the technical sessions on the same day, several numbers at the new Conn concert, but, could not finish the new at a considerable saving of gasoline, 652. Open console concluded the 58-piston solid-state combination ac­ and will also be more convenient for meeting. Many thanks are in order tion in time. The Big Top organ , out of town members. for a fine meeting. formerly the famous WLW Moon The Weddles have instituted a BOB HIGH River Wurlitzer is being overhauled delightful newsletter exchange among and is now up to 18 ranks. a number of other ATOS chapters WOLVERINE RANDY WARWICK around the country. We really enjoy sharing ideas and experiences with The March meeting of the chapter other chapters, and would like to was hosted by the Bob Burk family invite other chapters to join us. at their Taylor, Michigan, home. SOONER STATE DOROTHY SMITH Bob has a fine 3/ 13 installation Lyle Thurman and Bill Dierker which is mostly Wurlitzer. The con­ provided organ duets for the chap­ sole and relay are from the New Ro­ ter 's March meeting at Tulsa's Conn chelle Theatre in New Rochelle, Keyboards. Lyle, who manages the SOUTHERN ARIZONA New York. This is a veteran installa­ sheet music department and is staff The February meeting of the tion, approximately 20 years old, organist for the company , played the chapter was held at the home of Ray, and was featured on the home tours Gulbransen. Bill manages the organ Helen and Lynn Staininger. The during the 1967 and 1974 Detroit and piano department and played chapter's new officers were wel­ co nven ti ons. the Conn. They are both very tal­ comed. They are: Ray Chase, chair­ One interesting feature noted in ented and their mostly-all-request man; Estelle Weiss, vice chairman; this organ was the relay, which Bob program was thoroughly enjoyed. Patricia Chase , secretary; Lois Sea­ says is still done in the original zephyr Later , members had an opportunity mands, treasurer; and Helen Stain­ skin. Bob said he has yet to recover to sample the Eminent electronic inger , statuatory agent. An oil paint­ any pneumatics - which speaks well instruments set up in a van in the ing, donated by the artist , Louise for the durability of this type of cov­ store's parking lot. Manufactured in Townsend, was won by member ering. Holland, these organs reproduce Ida Mae Morrow. The funds re­ In April , the Wolverines once amazingly real orchestral tones. ceived are for the benefit of the chap- again visited Michigan's finest home

Flicker Fingers Presentations The Organ and the Silent Screen Still Going Strong

IJJJ;'l'J.;1M!ll:1 ffl~1tl~~]!ffl]!1tl"1

364 AVENUE F Ga)llord PIT TSB U RGH , PA 1522 1 Carter (41 2) 8 23-3163 1371 Paseo del Mar • San Pedro, Californ ia 90731 (213) 831-6360

50 TH EATRE ORGAN JUNE / JULY 1980 Roger and Sue Mumbrue with English cinema organist Arnold Loxam . His selections at their 3/ 21 Marr & Colton hybrid will be heard over the BBC . (Fred Page Photo) Robert Burk at the console of his3 / 13 Wurlitzer in Taylor, Mich . (Ed Corey Photo) installation; which is, of course, the personality and excellent playing Following the afternoon at the 3/21 Marr & Colton hybrid of Roger ability soon captivated the group. Mumbrue's, the majority of those in and Sue Mumbrue in Bloomfield We also were witness to the taping attendance visited the Detroit area's Hills. The pipework is installed in of several selections which Arnold first pizza-pipe organ restaurant, the one large, very spacious chamber will use on one of his weekly broad­ Organ Grinder's Pizza and Pipes, in with the shutters at either end. Off­ casts over the BBC. Arnold has been Pontiac. There, we were entertained set chests are set into a pit at the rear on a concert tour of several North by staff organist Dennis Minear at of the chamber, which avoided any American locations, including the the console of the 3/21 Barton hy­ extra mitering. Riviera, Casa Loma and the Detroit brid. This instrument was originally Due to the large chamber and Theater Organ Club. a 3/10 Barton, when it was in the listening area, the instrument has a Arnold told us that Cinema Organ Birmingham Theatre, and is one of good deal of natural reverberation is very popular in the United King­ a trio of such Bartons installed in the which alleviates the raw, "beast in dom, and the broadcasts have a very Detroit area (the other two are still the basement" sound so character­ large listening audience. The deci­ in the Redford and Royal Oak the­ istic of home, high-pressure, installa­ sion, last summer, to remove the pro­ atres). Roger and Sue Mumbrue are tions. gram from the air for a few weeks, coowners of this very pleasant res­ A special highlight of the after­ after 12 years of continuous broad­ taurant, along with Wolverine mem­ noon was a visit by veteran English casts, resulted in the largest flood of bers Gary Montgomery and H. C. cinema organist, Arnold Loxam and protest mail in the history of BBC Scott. his wife, Audrey. Arnold's delightful programming - over 3000 letters. ED COREY

lndianauc Ii~., most Unit111e ~ew l?estaunu,t MU§IC V~L~C~ CONCERTS FAMILY PIZZA RESTAURANT RECORDING ~ & ICECREAM PARLOUR ~ featuring the Mightv Wur/iTzer Theatre Pipe Organ " ... novehy of arrangements from the 30's to the classics, performed with registration wizardry and superb footwork ... Paul plays straight from the heart . .. " Presenting - Land O'Lakes ATOS - UO~~A VAl?l\l=l? • 131LL VLA§AI\ at the console

CONTACT: MUSICONCERTS, L TO. 7560 OLD TRAILS RD. • INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46219 229 S. Main St. • Stillwater, MN 55082 • (612) 439-8970

JUNE / JULY 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 51 CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR SALE FOR SALE Rates: 20¢ per wo rd

D6Bdlines: 2/ 10 Wurlitzer relay - in good condition 3/ 14 Wurlitzer pipe organ, No . 1780, 235 Jan . 10 for Feb ./ Mar . asking $600 - contact Risden Hill, 108 East Special - prime condition. Serious buyers Mar . 1 0 for Apr .I May Longview Street , Chapel Hill, NC 27514. only. Specifications on request. Mrs. John L. May 10 for June / July Klein, 700 W. 3rd St., Muscatine, Iowa 52761, July 10 for Aug ./ Sept. Aeolian Pipe Organ No. 975, 2 manual, telephone (319) 263-6648. Sept. 1 0 for Oct ./ Nov. Nov . 1 0 for Dec ./ Jan . approximately 20 ranks, complete with large New England Manor House in Oxford, CT - 2-manual Wurlitzer, Style D augmented con ­ Send Copy To: fastest growing area in Connecticut. Console sole with relay. $1200 or trade clarinet or sax ATOS Advertising in large music / conference room - pipe rank or master harp. SDATOS. Call (714) 442- 2231 North Burling St . chests on third floor - blower / generator in 4649 or (714) 469-8531. Chicago , Illinois , 60614 basement. Building has 9000 sq. ft . on two NOTE: The first ten words floors plus full basement and attic. Entire of each ad are building could be used as residence or wing FREE to members! as residence (1800 sq. ft .) with remainder of building for business . Suitable for Corporate TakeAdvantage of thisPrivilege! Headquarters , Executive Offices, Restaurant, Computer Center, Management Training , Research and Development, Nursery or FOR SALE Music School , Seminary , etc. Building ap­ praised at $200,000, replacement value of Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra 2/7 organ , $75,000. All offered at $185,000. Write Style E Opus 1028 Carolina Theatre . Now to E. D. Sedergren at Sprain Brook Road, playing at Lowrey Music Hall Piano Organ Woodbury, CT 06798 - Tel. (203) 263-2609. Warehouse , 6596 Interstate 85 Court, Nor­ cross, Georgia 30093, (404) 449-8448. All Wurlitzer parts - Circa 1925-27 Wurlitzer original and intact , never burned, flooded , or 3 manual console and relay; chime action (no vandalized. Completely releathered. Ready chimes) , Vox Humana , Orch. oboe ; Flute­ for investment. bou rdon and chests; Quint (non-Wurlitzer) ; Toy Counter (large); Tuba 16' and chests; 7 ½ 2/ 11 Pipe Organ rebuilt by Stannke Organ hp Spencer Orgoblow . Call or write forspecs / Co. in mid 1950s. Has unit flute V.D .O., price list. S. J . Cevasco, 620 Calaveras Ct. , Celeste, Vox , Clarinet , Chimes and usual Martinez, CA 94553 - (415) 228-4025 or church ranks. Console has 50 tabs includ ing (415) 676-3114. 11 couplers . 1 hp Spencer Orgoblo . For more information call or write : Central Baptist Rodgers 340 Century Theatre Organ. St an­ Church, 1901 - 12th St., Moline, Illinois dard spec., distress oak. Four-channel cus­ 61265, (309) 762-0650. tom speakers. $24,000. Like new . Call (213) 429-5210. Marr & Colton pipe works. 85 note Tibia clausa 8'. 73 note VDO 8'. 73 note Open Dia­ Rodgers 340 Century Theatre Organ . Walnut, pason 8'. 61 note Vox Humana 8'. Also 97 extra generator for Diapason chorus 8' -4' -2', note Barton Tibia clausa 10" wind . Everything Oboe and Cor Anglais. Seven speakers complete. Call Al Combs at (305) 558-5955. including 30" pedal. $27,500. Call M. Ellis at (714) 583-4235 or Wickstrom , (213) 429-5210. 8' Kinura (11115 #7) , 8' Gottfried .Vax , 8' Austin Wood Bourdon Hinners Pedal Bour­ 2/ 11 Wurlitzer . Combined organ from a 2/ 8 don , 8' low pressure Gamba, misc. 8' wood and a 2/ 3. Has many extra parts . Was origi ­ and Zinc Basses (Aeoline, Gamba, Open Dia., nally a radio station organ , so it is suitably etc .). Best offer for each, all in good to ex­ voiced for a residence installation . Console cellent shape. Rick Hass, P.O. Box 147, Por­ has been refinished , needs leather . Asking tage , Indiana 46368, (312) 327-7710. $14,000. For further info rmation, write Eric­ An drew Organ Company, P.O. Box 195, Allen Continental Carousel 157 with external Danvers, MA 01923. " gyro" speaker. Excellent condition . Make offer . Phone (303) 364-5530, M. F. Link , Rodgers 340 Special. Double bloster console , 12855 E. 14th Ave ., Aurora , Colorado 80011, 2nd touch on acc ., solo to great pizzacato, or call Allen representative Denver area seven Rodgers tone cabinets , metal bar (303) 733-7257. glock . This organ is in absolute showroom condition . Current price of this organ is Rodgers Trio Organ self-contained speak­ $50,000, t his instrument is offered at $29,900. ers, equipped for easy plug in of external For fur t her information, write Eric-Andrew cabinets . To settle estate . N.Y. area. Call Organ Company , P.O. Box 195, Danvers, (914) 561-0700, days; (914) 562-3160, eves. MA 01923.

52 TH EATR E ORGAN JUN E/J ULY 1980 FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

Wurlitzer swell pedal, any condition. Ken Allen Digital Computer Theatre Organ, Sys­ Personalized study of theatre organ (theory , Ladner , 161-08 91st Street, Howard Beach, tem 435. One year old , with double memory harmony , registration) by cassette tape with N.Y . 11414. capture action (w/ toe studs), card reader , active concert artist. Write or call Rosa Rio, and external gyro cabinet , $9,900. Call or 130 Mill Street , Huntington , Connecticut One set Wurlitzer shutters and action 7 ½ 'x write : George Simpson , P.O. Box 235, New 06484, (203) 929-1652. Everythings Coming 8 ½' Frane. David C. Cooper, 6596 1-85 Court Berlin, Illinois 62670, (217) 488-3612. up Rosa, stereo LP 4/ 26 organ, $6.50 post ­ paid . N .E., Norcorss, GA 30093, (404) 449-8448. Warehouse clearance of pipes, chests, and Help! Help! Eastern Mass. Chapter needs other parts . Wurlitzer and other builders , RECORDS only four pipes to complete club organ. Will send SASE to Jeff Weiler, Traer , Iowa 50675. you help by checking your collection of misc . Priced to sell. Collectors - mint hi-fi series, George Wright Encores at the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. pipes and advising if you have the following for sale? All Wurlitzer : Viol Celeste # 51 (D) Orchestral pipe organ for home or studio. Send $8.00 each, postpaid to Art Lopez, from 73 pipe rank, Clarinet # 47 (A # ) from Ten ranks, three 16' extensions , four tuned 6656 Cleomoore Ave. , Canopa Park, Cali­ 61 pipe rank , Kinura # 58 (A) and # 60 (B) percussions , toy counter and traps , two fornia 91307. from 61 note rank . Royal N. Schweiger , 41 2-manual horseshoe consoles . Genny Whit ­ Lawndale Rd., Stoneham, MA 02180 or call ting , 1223 NE. 108, Seattle , Washington Paul Swiderski and Jerry Glenn play the collect (617) 438-1633 after 6. 98125. Phone: (206) 362-3167. Elm 4/ 27 pipe organ . Excellent capturing of a unique instrument . Two 1977 convention artists bring out surround -a-sound combina­ Theatre pipe organ, large or small, or parts. Wurlitzer relay 2/ 6, $250. Low pressure Write: P.O. Box 66261, Portland, Ore. 97266 pipework : Austin Oboe $100, Oboe $150, tion. Send $7.50 each, postpaid to Elm Records , Roosevelt and Butterfield Roads, large scale 4' Diapason $150, Aeoline and Theatre organ , 2 or 3 manual 10/ 15 ranks Elmhurst , Illinois 60126 . Aeoline Celeste $150, 4' Quintadena $50. Wurlitzer, Moller , Morton, Kimball , Barton . W. Potter , 3249 Baywood Lane, Napa, Cali­ For donation or modest price for Baptist fornia 94558. Dessa Byrd stereo records . Collector 's items . Piano Melodies and Organ and Piano Melo­ church. Contact : Rev. Mickey Proctor at (305) 431-2458 or write to: 9250 Sterling Road, W . dies Old and New - $6.00 each, postpaid. Saville - 3 manual , white and gold , 3 years Hollywood , Florida . old . $20,000 or best offer . William Van Twis ­ Make checks payable to "CIC -ATOS ." Send tern (516) 981-5837 - 39 Wolf Hollow Road, to : Ed Morris , 10315 E. 42nd Street , Indianap ­ Centereach, N. Y. 11720. olis, Indiana 46236.

Wurlitzer , Style 235NP (3/ 10) - Complete , Attention Conventioneers: Hear William releathered , excellent playing condition , re­ Davies, David Shepherd, Reginald Porter­ NOTICE moved to storage . Make reasonable offer , as Brown , Bryan Rodwell and the Odeon (Lei­ is where is. San Diego Pipe Organ Company , cester Square) , Granada (Kingston) , South ­ 4610 Santa Fe St. , San Diego , CA 92109. ampton Guild Hall and Regal (Edmonton) TO Phone : (714) 270-5082. pipe organs and many others on Deroy records for enjoyable permanent mementos! ALL Rodgers 33E Theatre Organ (Walnut) , per­ Send for list of 100 Cinema Organ Encores fect. Custom deluxe speakers , home enter ­ series from exclusive U.S. Distributor , Stan ­ MEMBERS tainment center , computer capture . Like ley C. Garniss, 35 Union Street , North Easton, new , $15,000. Don Huelke (313) 663-6788. Mass. 02356. WE'LL BE 1925, 2/ 10 Barton Organ . Ava ilable February Organ Music Recordings of the Nostalgia Years. Cassette , 8-track , or LP. A $6.95 28, 1981, to highest bidder . Buyer to remove. ALMOST A Contact Tom Springmann , c/ o Trin.ity Lu­ value each . Special offer : $2.40 each or 3 for $6.90. J immy Rhodes - Box 2811, Palos theran Church , 2035 Geneva St ., Racine, WI MONTH LATE 53402, or call (414) 637-4616. Bids will be Verdes , CA 90274. WITH THE op~ned on August 1, 1980, 7:30 p.m . WANTED NEXT ISSUE Rodgers 33E. Walnut beauty with glocken ­ spiel and five Rodgers tone cabinets , includ ­ Trade hi-performance ski boat , $10,000 value , Because we want to publish ing two L 1.U Leslies and pedal cabinet with for theatre pipe organ . P.O. Box 66261, Port ­ the story of the 25th Con­ two 15" woofers . A. Kehr , 1209 Dixon Lane, land , Oregon 97266. vention in our next issue ... Rydal, PA 19046. Call after 7 p.m.: (215) and the convention takes 886-6919. Rodgers Trio, Allen Computer Organ with card reader or comparable. Cash for right place in late July .. . our MISCELLANEOUS instrument . Prefer West Coast location. August / September edition Call (206) 282-5900, even ings . of THEATRE ORGAN wlll Western Reserve Chapter is having Open probably not reach you un­ House, July 20. All ATOS members are cor ­ American Fotoplayer or Wurlitzer photo ­ til late in September . Please player instruments. Early Robert Morton dially invited to visit and hear our 3/ 15 Wur ­ be patient. litzer Theatre Pipe Organ at Grays Armory , console with enclosed player unit . Wurlitzer 1234 Bolivar Road, Cleveland , Ohio . Start ­ style W . Organette . Desire complete units or ing at 1:00 P. M. until ? For further informa ­ any parts or rolls . James Williams , 799 Maple THE PUBL /SHER tion , call (216) 226-3883. Street , Ogden , Utah 84403, (801) 394-7263.

JUNE /J ULY 1980 THEATR E ORGAN 53 Pipe Organ Craftsmen Since 1906 WICKSPIPE ORGANCO. has ·1he answer lo the residential and enlerlai ____enl market . . .

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Real professional - Realconcert instruments (no electronic synthetic sounds>- The Marimba, Vibraharp Xylophone. orchestra Bells,Celeste and the Piano ALL CANNOW BE PLAYEO DIRECTL y FROM ANY KEYBOARD­ INSTRUMENTthrough "Expressive-Electric"solenoid drivers

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Makes all concert marimbas sound just like theatre kind, only better! All instruments are in the open - no swells, no chambers, no muffled sounds, no pipes, no air. Just real instrument sound right from your organ! converts other hand-played instruments into electronic sound centers, too. Truly the greatest musical creation of our time, and one you've got to see and hear to believe!

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A 1 v,s,on ot Nor r lr>dust11E.s c 1980