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- ,.._.,_11\:rl::~....,~~=~==­ ganist at home from the start. Five gen- eral pistons, third-keyboard Orbit Synthesizer and couplers for the keyboards and pedals further enhance the play ability.

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 l') with no doubling back, all playable through a built-in custom Leslie Speaker System.

For other thrilling preset combinations, there is the exclusive Spotlight Soldr.1 Section. New Chromatic Riff™plays two-way chromatic scales at any speed from any note, an impressive effect. WuRLiTzER® 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-129, 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 ...... ence multiplies solo voices into choirs! I Address ...... Get the picture today ... I City ...... and dream a little! I I State ...... Zip ...... I D Send name of nearest dealer. L------J 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 0040-5531) JOURNAL OF THE able to ATOS , and mail to P.O. Box 45, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 . AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN Editorial Address THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY P.O . B ox 1314 Salinas, California 93902 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 6 Phone : (40 8 ) 663 -3238

Advertising Address ATOS Advertising DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 2231 North Burling Street Chicago , Illinois 60614

Membership Office P.O . Box 45 Falls Church , Virginia 22046 feature§ ... Phone : (703) 573 -41 38

ATOS Corporate Office 5 Inside Hector Olivera (Conclusion) ...... Stu Green ATOS 6900 Santa Monica Boulevard 10 Dr. Landon Presents His Hybrid .. Lloyd E. Klos Los Angeles , California 90038 12 Make Way for Tomorrow ...... John Muri Office of the President Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum 13 Oklahoma City's Kilgen ...... Paul Haggard 4815 Leonard Parkway Richmond , Virginia 23226 Phone : (804) 353 -8376 14 The Best of Both Worlds ...... William G. Schneider National Headquarters 16 Lowell Ayars, the Singing Organist ...... Lloyd E. Klos ATOS P.O . Box 1 002 30 Vox Popper Crowned King at Music Festival Middleburg , Virginia 22117 Ph one: (703) 364 -2423 31 Betty Mason - A Decade of Service National Officers Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum , Pr esident Lois Segur , Vice President Erwin Young, Treasurer technical ... Wyn M cDonne ll D avis , Secretary 26 The Acoustical Consultant ...... R. J. Weisenberger National Board of Directors Paul (Mac) Abernethy , Jr . 29 Questions and Answers ...... Lance Johnson John Ledwon William Rieger Judd Walton W. " Tiny" James department§ ... Betty Mason Richard Schrum Nuggets from the Golden Days George F. Thompson 4 President's Message 28 Ray F . Snitil , Past President 32 Vox Pops Curator 11 Konsole Kapers Paul Abernethy 37 Letters to the Editors P.O. Box 2480 20 Dinny's Colyum Burlington , N .C . 27215 21 Music Review 38 Closing Chords EDITORIAL STAFF Editor - George Thompson 39 Chapter Notes Associate Editors - Lloyd E. Klos , 22 For the Records Peg Nielsen Classified Ads Editor - Emeritus - W . " Stu " Green 25 Book Review 56 Photographer - B ill Lamb Publisher - Betty M ason Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Len Clarke Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson Cover- Vhoto THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is pub lished bi-monthly by the Am erican This Kilgen organ was originally installed in the Theatre Organ Society , Inc .. a nonprofit organi ­ zation. Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum . Presi­ studios of radio station WKY in Oklahoma City. dent . All rights reserved . Entire contents copy Now in that city's civic center, it is the home righted Am erican Th eatre Organ Society , Inc .. 1979. Offi ce of publication is P.O. Box organ for the Oklahoma Chapter. See page 13 . 2329. Livonia . Michigan 48151. POSTMASTER : Second Class postage paid at Cover Photo by Floyd Duffy Livonia, Michigan . IF UNDELIVERABLE , send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department . Official City Photographer Box 1314, Salina s. California 93902 .

DEC. 1979/J AN. I 980 THEATRE ORGAN 3 Richard Simonton Thanks to the many members Feb. 1955 - Oct. 1958 who have responded to our '' Are Judd Walton You Going To London" notice in Oct. 1958 - July 1961 the October issue. Many questions Tiny James regarding cost, length of conven­ July 1961 - July 1964 tion, travel plans, etc., have been Carl Norvell asked but the final answer to most July 1964 - July 1966 of these depends on the support Richard Schrum that is indicated by the letters from July 1966 - July 1968 ATOS members. Al Mason We plan to have most of the July 1968 - July 1970 answers in time for publication in Stillman Rice the February /March 1980 issue July 1 970 - July 1972 of THEATRE ORGAN. Hopefully Erwin A. Young July 1972 - July 1974 this will provide the information that many of you have re­ quested from National Headquarters in your reply. Please Paul M. Abernethy July 1974 - July 1976 keep those cards and letters coming. Our London Chapter has some of the most dedicated mem­ Ray F. Snitil July 1976 - July 1978 bers in our entire organization and we know from past experi­ ence that they will put all stops down to give us a great show. Preston M . Fleet July 1978 - Nov. 1978 Sine~/~

170~0l2Al2.,,­ Tommy Landrum M~MU~l2~ President

1959 - Jesse Crawford 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer 1961 - Mel Doner 1962 - Leonard MacClain 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter 1964 - Reginald Foort 19fii - Dan Barton 1966 - W. "Tiny" James 1967 - Erwin A. Young from the officers of the 1968 - Richard C. Simonton 1969 - Judd Walton American Theatre Organ Society 1970 - Bill Lamb and the staff of 1971 - George and Vi Thompson 19n - Stu Green Theatre Organ ~Iagazine 1973 - Al and Betty Mason 1974 - Lloyd E. Klos 1975 - Joe Patten 1976 - Floyd and Doris Mumm 19n - Les and Edith Rawle 1978 - Len Clarke 1979 - J.B. Nethercutt

4 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 by Stu Green )\ Photos courtesy of Walt Molt Management

Conclusion Hector at the Tivoli Wurli in Frederick , Maryland , his first publi c con cert on a theatre organ .

In the first installment we learned the club's better-planned conclaves. usually with somewhat prominent of Hector's early hfe as a classical But despite the ill-chosen head­ pedal parts, a feature which was music prodigy in his native Argen­ quarters hotel, there were few com­ destined to become an Olivera trade­ tina, also of the pover(v which sur­ plaints about the scheduled events. mark. He was his own MC and lis­ rounded the Olivera fami~v. He came One involved a bus trip to nearby teners could not tell whether he was to the USA, hoping for better oppor­ Frederick, Maryland, where the re­ doing a Desi Arnaz accent on pur­ tunities in New York. He became conditioned 2/ 8 Wurlitzer in the pose or was faking it for effect. No choir director in a Baptist church Tivoli Theatre beckoned. The sched­ matter. Hector left an indelible im­ and met his future w1fe, Lucy. But, uled artist was Ray Brubacher. Un­ pression. It was the start of his career despite the man_, church jobs. pay known to the arriving convention­ as a performer on the theatre organ, was still low. We left him just as he eers, the organ had experienced a a calling which now parallels his was about to discover something blower disaster just before conven­ classical concerts, and has become as that would change his lffe - the tion time. To get the organ in shape remunerative. theatre organ. in time for the scheduled concert. In his association with Walt Molt. Brubacher had indulged in around Hector's fortunes changed drastic­ When Hector had been in the USA the clock repair work. He met the ally. Finally, he was being paid in a shoti time he heard about the deadline in good time but the all terms commensurate with the theatre organ, an instrument dedi­ night sessions had left him ex­ quality of his music. He started to cated to popular entertainment, but hausted. In his opinion he was in no study theatre organ stylings by lis­ where he came from organs were shape to play a concert. But Ray had tening to records made by major intended for church use, or for the discovered a rather gaunt young man popular pipe organists. He fell in performance of music written by who held much promise. After play­ love, especially, with the stylings of great classical composers. As a vehi­ ing one selection to get the concert the late Buddy Cole, one of the few cle on which to perform such earthy moving. Ray introduced his stand-in, organists he tends to imitate, consci ­ ditties as "Alley Cat," somehow the a totally unknown quantity to most ously or otherwise. organ didn't seem right, despite his 1972 conventioneers. After Ray Bru­ one session at the Byrd theatre. bacher's introduction, he left the Hector and Lucy . Yet, when Hector had taken in a console to be replaced by a frail performance at Radio City Music youth with sharply chiselled features. Hall back in New York, the organ It was Hector's first experience with was always in a featured spot. and a pop-oriented audience, and he was the quite different tremulated sonor­ nervous. ities were somehow attractive to the What followed is history. Few classically trained youth. people who witnessed Hector's con­ A TOSers first became aware of cert that day are likely to forget it. Hector during the 1972 national con­ Hector put the 2/ 8 through a rather vention, based in Washington, D.C., gruelling test, playing both popular an event generally regarded as one of and classical selections. the latter

DEC. I 979/J AN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN For bachelor Molt, it has taken him out of the candy distributing business; he now devotes full time promoting the concert career of Hector Olivera. No more $8.00 en­ gagements; Hector's fees now rarely fall below four figures, says Walt. And Hector now manages to tip the scales at 112 pounds. It didn't all happen at once. One big boost for Hector was an engage­ ment at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall, the former Loew's Penn Theatre, now a performing arts center. The organ in the Penn was long gone so Hector's concert was played on the Rodgers Touring Organ, a one-of-a-kind electronic. It was a classical concert sponsored by the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra Association. Hector played selections by Bach, Brahms, Guilmont, Liszt and Cesar Franck. He even offered his own A contemplative artist, Hector studies his music in depth and gives much thought to his performance of it .

The Olivera conce rt dates are now about equally divided between straight and theatre organ con ­ 1953 "Toccata," written when he has been touched by the Muse. What certs. Here, he relives a part of his early youth, playing a tracker Moller in Allison Park , Penn. was seven. That was in December. others achieve by much application 1973. and it earned the organist the and hard work is often accomplished kind of stature needed for a career in instantaneously by this gifted organ­ the classical field. In 1977. he played ist. a concert on the famous Beckerath His list of engagements for theatre organ in Pittsburgh's St. Paul's organ concerts now reads like a Cathedral. roster of existing theatre organ in­ He was described in National Re­ stallations - the Redford Theatre view as arriving in jeans and a sloppy Barton in Detroit; the Civic Center T-shirt. The reporter's impression Kilgen in Oklahoma City; the Coro­ pictured him as physically slight. nado Theatre Barton in Rockford. even emaciated. Hector soon dis­ Illinois; the DTOC Wurlitzer in carded the informal wear and got in­ Detroit; the RTOS organ in Roches­ to his musical outfit - white trous­ ter's Auditorium Theatre; the East­ ers, white shirt (with blue ruffles). ern Massachusetts ATOS Chapter's white jacket and slick-soled white Babson College Wurlitzer. the Para­ shoes. The burden of the program mount Theatre Wurlitzer in Cedar consisted of music by Liszt and Rapids. Iowa; the "Queen Mother" Bach, but the encore deserves special in Wichita's Century II Civic Center; mention. It was presented as an im­ the Akron Civic Theatre's Wurlitzer; provisation. in which the organist is the Wilmington Dickinson High expected to play variations on a few School Kimball, to name a few. He notes handed to him on paper. and has also invaded Great Britain and with no preparation time. Australia. It's always the same story; The tune for embellishment se­ after one concert they want him back lected by St. Paul's music director, as soon as possible. says manager Paul Koch. was the Atka-Seltzer Molt. commercial ditty - "plop. plop. What qualities in the Hector Oli­ fizz. fizz." It didn't phase Hector in vera makeup causes audiences to be­ the least. He improvised on the come so enthusiastic? We have ex­ simple tune for over 10 minutes, amined many reviews and they have raising it from inanity to concert a certain sameness. Typical is "Or­ level. When he was finished. his ganist Olivera Btings Down the audience burst into cheers and ap­ House," which headed an Atlanta plause. So much for his classical Times 1978 review covering Hector's standing. But what about his aspira­ last minute substitution for ailing tions to play theatre style? Virgil Fox at an Atlanta Fox Theatre As we mentioned earlier, Hector Symphony Concert.

THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979 / JAN. 1980 stage presence of Gaylord Carter." Considering that many of these ac­ complishments have evolved since 1972, there is much to be said for Hector's adaptability. In stage terms, he's a "quick study." The going has become much easier since 1972, when Hector dis­ mantled his trailer-encased four­ rank pipe organ and moved to Pitts­ burgh. In 1974, he purchased a large turn-of-the-century home in Manor, Pa., near Pittsburgh, and on August 20, 1976. Hector became a citizen of the United States. With Walt Molt's deft business acumen. Hector and Lucy no longer have to worry about money. With approximately 100 en­ gagements a year (including "sea attends Presbyterian services), but safari" cruises aboard ship for an soon the desire for a pipe organ over­ electronic organ manufacturer). took him. Hector bought used parts Hector's future seems assured. He and some new pipe organ compon­ now owns the big home in Manor, ents from Moller. He constructed his own console, tearing it down Recent photo of Suzette and her brother. 'Hec -J.' and that's where he lives (when not Will they follow dad's musical path? "on the road") with wife Lucy. twice to enlarge it to accommodate mother Rosa. daughter Suzette and the growing number of ranks of Perhaps VOX CATOE, Chicago son Hector James, or "Hec-J" as he pipework. Originally the chapel ATOS chapter's newsletter, summed has been dubbed. housed the complete organ. How­ up Hector's drawing power in the Being a deeply religious person, ever. now Hector has installed a fewest words: "He has the theatre Hector converted his basement seventeen-hundred pound console organ technique of George Wright recreation room into a chapel. a in the living room and the entire . . . the classical technique of E. room which must have reflected his chapel has become pipe chambers . Power Biggs ... the warmth and Roman Catholic upbringing (he now At the time this was written the organ was a mix of classical and Hector acquaints daughter Suzette with what makes the sounds at a very early age. theatrical voices, 4 manuals and 47 ranks of pipes. soon to go to 51. Those who have heard it insist it's a "dream organ." How did Hector Olivera learn the craft of organ construction? By trial and error. explains his manager, even to the very intricate process of revoicing pipes. "Hector ruined more pipes trying to learn about voicing techniques. but he finally got it all together." The organist is also an inveterate reader of technical material. With a

During a 'Save the Fox ' effort , he was visited by veteran Hammondizer Lenny Dee. Hector makes a point of establishing good relations with contemp o­ raries . Millie Alexander loves him dearly . I l I AID II~ IOII ~~ NECTOI ~ .....~....,•;;.

......

basement full of choice pipework. Hector has also built a recording studio and as embled a console to accommodate six. soon to become eight. synthesizer he has acquired. This. plus the 4/ 47 console and the electronic organ-complex he uses for an occasional club date (when time Hector has a great interest in electronically -generated sounds . Here , he has stacked several synthesizer manuals for a sorta console effect in his home recording studio in Manor , Pennsylvania (John Tyner Photo) allows). along with another plug-in in the den. makes for a rather full Does Hector have any regrets? the pedalboard as another manual. house of music. What does he do in and with his facility he can manage his spare time? He builds harpsi­ Yes. one. at least - his "Flight of it. Yet. Hector would be the first to chords. But we won't go into that at the Bumblebee" pedal solo which has become so popular with the more admit that "Bumblebee" comes off this time. other than to state that vociferou element in his audiences. best. from the musical viewpoint. there's a partly finished large grand when performed on the manuals (it in the Olivera bedroom. It's fortun­ When he first started playing con­ wa originally a flute solo). But once ate that Luc\ i<; an under<;tanding certs he didn't know what US audi­ ences expected. although he was he had performed it as a pedal solo \\'Oman! aware that the Americans (North. "sight gag," the less sophisticated One of his favorite projects was keeping the wreck ­ that is) would tolerate more inform­ members of his audiences howled ing ball away from the now -safe Fox Theatre . This ality than others. He has long treated with glee. The more musically in- later concert was performed shortly after the 1978 Atlanta ATOS Convention . Hector subbed for Virgil Fox on short notice . Hector holds court with his Atlanta audience. The huge Fox console provides an impressive backdrop . clined people deplored the perform­ ance of a below-the-belt Bombus Americanorum as a sort of vaude­ ville trick. unworthy of a concert atiist - even though others have performed equally silly sight gags, such as deadpan Edwin Lemare's performance of the piccolo embel­ lishment of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" on the pedals, way back in 1915! Yet. Hector is aware that his pedal "Bumblebee" has divided his audi­ ences. He hopes to phase it out. He Hector at the Rochester Theater Organ Society console in the Auditorium Theatre. He has come a long way did not perform it at his ATOS Con­ since his trial concert on the 2-manual Tivoli organ (page 5). His future is most certainly involved with theatre vention concert on the Spreckels organ , despite " Bumblebee" diversions . (Harold Photo/ organ in San Diego's Balboa Park. and he learned that his audience. as a whole. never missed it. Having initiated the "Bumblebee" sight gag is his one major regret. He sincerely hopes future audiences will not demand it of him. One well-known organist. after examining the Olivera string of successes. asked rather impatiently, "Doesn't that guy have even one flop to his credit?" We put the question to Hector. He thought for a moment. searching his memory. Then that beaming smile which has charmed o many concertgoers lighted his face. In accents still reminiscent of Jose Jimenez. he replied. "Si. I have known one enormous failure - my job as a mail sorter when I first arrived from Argentina. I didn't know much English and I'm certain I misdirected a lot of the firm's mail. For that I am very sorry.·· Then the smile broadens. ''But the company is still in business!"

The four -deck console Hector built in his Manor home . He has rebuilt it several times to accommodate the con There can be no doubt; Hector tinual addition of pipe ranks. On the side, he builds harpsichords . (John Tyner Photo) Olivera is a unique phenomenon. D

DEVTRONIX - THE ULTIMATE IN ORGAN KITS Save up to 60% of the cost and space of a pipe organ and still get THAT sound. - Send $1 .00 for catalog and demo record.

- L _J - -.· - ·, -. ~ '(!11 rl --~---, ( <-~---c-.: ~ - ..\\ I l Organs~, Inc. ~1·- -✓~- ~r., ~ '­ Dept. 30 I 6101 Warehouse Way II...__PUBLIX______CHAPEL CONCERT GRANADA Sacramento, CA 95826 ._(.Ill

DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 9 DB.LANDON PRESENTS HIS HYBRID

by Lloyd E. Klos

On the evenings of September 25 and 26, 1978, over 100 invited guests gathered at the Lexington, Kentucky, home of well-known organist and historian-writer Dr. John W. Lan­ don. The object of their interest was the opening of a 3/ 11 hybrid theatre organ, played by the master, Hall of Fame organist, John T. Muri. The background of the main com­ ponents of this instrument is a story in itself. Essentially the organ is a Wurlitzer-Uniphone. The console is from the 3/ 10 Wurlitzer which had been installed in the Tilyou Theatre in Brooklyn in early 1926. Though some pipework is of Wur­ litzer origin, and the Tibia is signed by Anton Gottfried, much of it is from a Louisville Uniphone organ, built by the Louisville Pipe Organ Co .. and installed in that city's Labor Temple in 1927. The building served The main chamber (left) of the Landon organ houses an English Diapason , Violin d ' Orchestra , Violin Celeste , as a labor meeting hall and theatre. Flute , Vox Humana , Clarinet and Diaphone . At the (right) the solo chamber . Includes the Tibia , Gamba , Gamba with the organ being used to ac­ Celeste and Tuba. (Landon Collection) company silent films. Following ad­ vent of the talkies, the instrument was unused. eventually to be sold to the United Hebrew Congregation in Terre Haute, Ind., and installed in their synagogue in the mid thirties. In 1965 organ enthusiast Tom Ferree, of Indianapolis, arrived on the scene in the nick of time. It was a matter of days before the organ was slated to be sold by the syna­ gogue to a junk dealer. Ferree pur­ chased, enlarged and refurbished it. and installed it in the Rivoli Theatre in Indianapolis. From 1966 until the theatre's closing nine years later, the Rivoli became one of the best-known in­ stallations on the theatre organ cir­ cuit. with well-known artists per­ forming there. With the Rivoli's closing, the Uni­ phone was put into storage. Ferree,

DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 tambourine and castanets, of course. tutes the most and best use of these add to the flavor of Latin melodies. gingerbread stops. The celesta and Tuned percussion includes harp are perhaps the most useful. chimes, harp, celesta (more com­ They can be combined with other monly called, chrysoglott), marimba, stops, in the accompaniment, or used = ; piano. glockenspiel, orchestra bells, in an arpeggio at the end of a ballad. =~ etc. Each one is quite different from The chimes. of course, are quite use­ the next, and each also varies greatly ful in hymns and Christmas carols from pipe to electronic organ. In with single-note melodies. applying all of this to theatre­ Some electronic organs have keyed ~ 111I II II Ill 111111111111111II ~ organ playing, we need to approach percussion which acts in the same the subject from the standpoint of an way as the trap section of the theatre by Shirley Hannum Keiter orchestra or band .• pipe organ. But the rhythm unit is In a march, for example, you something common only to electron­ All organists go through stages of might want to add bass drum and ic instruments (so far, anywa~r). development in a quest for new pla­ cymbal on the pedal, snare drum in There are only two rules to follow in teaus in musical growth. One of the accompaniment, and orchestra using an "automated" sideman - these stages is our seemingly endless bells to a full ensemble registration choose a rhythm complementary to fascination with the percussions. with right-hand chords. To create the music (make especially sure to But like anything else in musician­ added interest and excitement, just use a 4/ 4 rhythm with a song in that ship, the percussions should be used use the drums et al on the final meter, and any waltz only in 3/ 4 tastefully. chorus. Be sure to use a pedal-chord­ time), and be sure you and it agree There are two categories of per­ pedal-chord alternate accompani­ on the tempo (it's 1-2-3-4 and yours cussions - untuned and tuned. ment. Use the tambourine and cas­ must be the same). One of the criti­ Let's deal with one at a time. tanets much the same way - use a cisms of the automatic "beat box" The trap section includes all Latin rhythm in accompaniment and is its cold. unfeeling adherence to the drums (bass, snare, tom-tom, tim­ pedal and use these traps sparingly. beat; the player has no real opportu­ pani, etc.), tambourine, castanets, Of course, there are also many nity for variety. But try changing the wood block. all cymbals, and other novelty effects that call for percus­ rhythm on the bridge of a song (fox untuned percussions. Although sion (wood block on Anderson's trot to swing; rhumba to bossa; these are used rarely in orchestral "Typewriter Song" or single-stroke waltz to swing waltz; etc.); or remove work, the drums are the rhythmic xylophone on "Satan Takes a Holi­ it for a time; or start without it and mainstay of the marching band. The day," for example), which consti- add it later. Not all music is fit for this use. but some comes alive if the unit is used with discretion. meanwhile, had founded the Heaston dedicatory recitals. The first eve­ If your electronic organ is not Pipe Organ Co. in Indianapolis. De­ ning's audience included members blessed with tuned percussion, you siring a theatre pipe organ for his of the Bluegrass Chapter of ATOS can construct a few with a tibia or home. Dr. Landon contacted Ferree. (which Dr. Landon helped organize). flute and sustain. To make a mar­ bought the Uniphone, and instal­ and the Lexington Chapter. AGO. imba, use 8' and "jiggle" the chord lation began in August, 1976. The second evening's performance to simulate the mallets. Use the same The organ contains 718 pipes. In­ was played for Dr. Landon's per­ registration to create an orchestral stalled in two chambers on the fin:t sonal friends. neighbors, and his col­ harp sound by rolling the chord level of Dr. Landon's home. the in­ leagues from the University of Ken­ from the left hand through the right. strument speaks into a music room tucky. To create a celesta. use 4'; music in which are located the console, and Mr. Muri included a broad spec­ box. 4' and 2' to add extra sparkle. a 1920-style Pianista upright player trum in his program: from Dubois' The chimes are perhaps the most piano. playable from the organ con­ "Toccata" to selections from My difficult to duplicate. Again, use 8'. sole. Two organ roll-playing mecha­ Fair Lady. Albeit a program of num­ To make a middle C pitched chime, nisms are to be installed which will bers to please every musical taste. start with the E above middle C and permit the playing of Skinner and The artist was urged to play several the next C in the left hand. Continue Aeolian rolls. encores by his appreciative listeners. with the next higher G and C in the One feature of the Landon instru­ Dr. Landon acknowledges superb right hand. Play them all at once. ment is a two-rank Celeste (labeled installation work by the crew which The formula for any key is 3-1. 5-1 Gamba and Gamba Celeste). from included Tom Ferree. Carlton Smith of the scale. an E.M. Skinner residence organ. and Lewis Hodson. Finishing work In closing, if the percussions are This rank provides a soft. etheral and final tuning were done by Hod­ used throughout the song, that's all quality. necessary when an organ. son. The Landon instrument is one your listeners will hear eventually. formerly in a large auditorium. is of two theatre organs to be installed The tonal capacities of the organ moved into a smaller area. in the Lexington area by Heaston consist of the speaking stops, of When the organ was declared Pipe Organs. The other. in Oscar course. and the percussions should ready to be heard by the outside Wilson's suburban home is the Wur­ only be used as icing on the cake - world. John Muri, a personal friend litzer once housed in Lexington's tastefu Ily. Have fun making merry of the owner. was contacted for the Kentucky Theatre. D music over this holiday season. 0

DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 1 1 shows adapted to the limitations of their stages and the taste of their audiences. If one needs other evi­ dence. one may look for a sample at the recent overflow Sunday-night au­ MAkEWAY f OR TOMORROW diences for the film series The Silent Clowns at the Detroit Institute of Arts. What can we say about Christmas Future? Prediction is old wives' busi­ by John Muri ness; even doctors' progno . tications go sour. You can be safe only when predicting the obvious. We shall re­ strict ourselves here to a fev,· sur­ mises and some recommendations. With cu1Tent systems of recording Year after year at this season we in evidence, and a whole new genera­ and filming in rapid evolution. we return to Charles Dickens' A Christ­ tion of young players is beating at get some hints about the nature of mas Carol and re-live with Scrooge the doors, hoping to make a career in tomorrow's movie. Older films are his visions of Christmas Past, Christ­ theatre organ, or at least to make nov, released on video-tape for home mas Present, and Christmas Future. some extra money. Concert opportu­ use. and we shall have those films on Since there will probably be no ghost nities are few. and silent movie shows video-discs soon. It is quite likely of Marley to bring us visions this repeating old comedies are no longer that new theatre film will be issued year. we shall have to create them for the novelty they were in 1963. In one in a sirniiar format. either on tape. ourselves. large Ohio community, a conspicu­ disc. or film for large-scale projec­ Ah, those Christmases Past in the ous percentage of the potential audi­ tion. but the relative bulk of film and silent movie days! Crowded theatres, ence has become selective enough to the simplicity of disc-tape s~'stems afternoon shows for thousands of stay away from organ shows featur­ suggest that we may be shortly seeing children. long hours of work for or­ ing movies. Organ shows have been new v,·ays of presenting motion pic­ ganists, vaudeville shows in addition going on for the past sixteen years tures in theatres. to films. backstages bustling with with little change in format. The Those of us contemplating the actors. stagehands, and musicians - organs have been removed from the manufacture of pipe organ record­ it was great fun. Outside. the bright th eat res (many of the theatres are ings should give serious attention to marquees lit up thousands of Main gone, too) to be re-installed in the digital method of production. Streets across the country, bringing homes. churches, and pizza estab­ which is now over the horizon. Direct out crowds of people who didn't fear lishments. You have to travel far to recording has the disadvantage of the streets at night. People went to hear a great theatre organ. and it's requiring complete performance of theatres in droves by mass trans­ a rare radio or TV station that an LP side without interruption. and portation, mainly streetcars. Parking broadcasts organ music. The most it is expensive to produce. Digital is was no problem, since few people trbublesome element is audience more flexible. allov.·ing for stops and needed to drive. Our past was of willingness (or lack of it) to attend correct ions. short duration, lasting only from theatres. Reasonably or unreason­ We could use a fresh supply of about 1918 through 1928 - ten ably, thousands of former theatre­ good silent movies that haven't been years. A few dozen organists were goers refuse to go "downtown" run too often. An approach to the able to hold on until about 1933. The where the big organs used to be lo­ film companies and the copyright ten years were happy ones. Some of cated and where a few remain. Ours holders (particularly Paramount and the organs were magnificent; the or­ is a fearful society, and we are en­ Metro-UA) will be required. using ganists who played them were en­ gaged in a preservational struggle. the only appeal they understand: vied, but many of the instruments There still exists a large young money. We will need to show that were merely adequate. Many were audience for live theatre. evidenced profit can be made if superlative cheap, small, and badly voiced, but in the huge attendance at rock con­ entertainment in silent film shows allof them provided jobs and some certs . The rock crowd has been mov­ can be made traditional. So far as public recognition. Radio was at­ ing into more and more elaborate organists are concerned, we must tracting people to programs like Jack presentations in the old style. using keep in mind that only first-rate ac­ Benny's, but it didn't seem to hurt newer technology. Amateur and companiment work will keep cus­ theatre business. Organists had con­ summer theatres seem to have been tomers coming. Failing this, there venient mobility between jobs, but doing well. Night clubs use stage doesn't seem to be much future in by 1930 sound-films had lowered the trying to sell exclusively silent movie lights everywhere, and organists shows. There isn't enough good were looking for whatever work they Mr . Muri's opinions expressed herein available material. For novelty, we could get. are his own and do not necessarily re­ might try double features, one in As one might expect, Christmas flect the policies of ATOS or THE­ regular sound and the other one Present is a different scene from that ATRE ORGAN Magazine. silent. One can start the evening's of 1928. Few veteran organists are show with the sound film (say, an old

12 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 Marx Brothers comedy) and follow it with a silent mystery thriller, etc. with organ accompaniment. The evening might close with a re-run of by Paul Haggard the sound movie. Such a schedule permits keeping the box office open for stragglers two or three hours The Kilgen organ console featured til it wasn't heard at all and then longer than is customary if only a on our cover was originally installed nearly forgotten. single evening show is given. Organ in the studios of WKY Radio, Okla­ The Civic Center facility was re­ solos may be played before or after homa City, Oklahoma. designed, reducing the original seat­ the silent film - preferably before; None other than Jesse Crawford ing from six thousand to about thirty­ certainly not afterward. ATOS chap­ played the dedication and for open two hundred. During this recon­ ters operating on nonprofit status house the first week of opening fest­ struction the organ received some need to make certain that they are ivities. Crawford did no broadcasts, damage but it was not serious. operating within IRS specifications. but played every day for local audi­ In 1976 a successful drive for We may use a couple of other de­ ences. public contributions made it possible to restore the Kilgen to its former vices: (1) run vaudeville with the After the opening Ken Wright glory and Hector Olivera played the organ presentation. The acts should started broadcasting the instrument rededication concert, in 1977. be of high quality; local amateur and held the position until it was re­ The instrument is now used for efforts should be extra good. Magi­ moved to the Civic Center about most events and is the home organ cians, ventriloquists, acrobats, ani­ 1949. mal acts, escape artists. etc. are ac­ for the Oklahoma City Chapter of Some famous organists who ceptable. Singers need to be carefully ATOS. played the Kilgen were Edna Sellers, screened. Most of them are medio­ The chapter has offices, a library, Venida Jones, and Milton Slosser. cre. if not worse. Comedy musicians and a shop in the building for main­ No doubt there are other big names are usually very good. Musicians' tenance and the projected improve­ but record keeping was rather and stagehands' union locals cause ments and additions to the organ. sketchy. trouble in some towns if you try to It is in good hands. the future is put on vaudeville; so appraisal of the After being installed at the Civic bright for another once-neglected union situation is necessary before Center Music Hall, use declined un- theatre organ. D committing a chapter to vaudeville. If an organist plays for the acts. r-;::------make sure he can read music at sight l and transpose. Actors often bring difficult hand-written music that they want played exactly as written I - in a different key. (2) Run mati­ nees. particularl y on Sundays and GEORGE holidays. People are less likely to want to come out evenings after a long work-day. New Years (Decem­ WRIGHT ber 31) afternoon is an excellent time; so is the Sunday after Christ­ In Concert mas. Few people are at work; most are waiting for the evening's parties. COMMENTS FROM SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS ... With the steady destruction of theatre buildings. we may increas­ Scheduling George Wright in Rochester has always been cause for a ingly need to turn to pizza restau­ grand rush for tickets. He never fails to attract people from hundreds, rants. churches, or electronic organs. if not thousands of miles away. The drawing power of George Wright is unbelievable. With the present competition and Rochester Theater Organ Society technical expertise in the electronics The George Wright Concert sold out in record time and he is a delight field. it may become advantageous both on and off stage. for us to use more of the current pro­ Shirley Flowers, Director duct. Great-sounding electronics are Pittsburgh A. T D.S. expensive. but they will probably be­ C.A.T.O.E . has sponsored many successful organ concerts but, in my come less costly in quantity produc­ opinion, none has topped the entertainment or financial success of tion. No matter what happens. 1980 George Wright's "Grand Finale" to the 1977 A.T.O.S. National will be a different year electronic­ Convention . Doug Christenson, Director ally. theatrically. and organistically. Chicago A. T.O.S. As Clement Moore said in The Night Before Chn"stmas: "Happy Christ­ For concert information and availability contact: J. NELSON MANAGEMENT mas to all. and to all a good night." 900 Andersen Drive, San Rafael, California 94901 And as Tiny Tim said. "God bless us (415) 457-0255 every one." D

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 13 as told by William G. Schneider

On September 15th this year, a Eaf!.fe. Don Granger. sets the scene: having no idea of what to expect in musical event which stirred the con­ advance and had come in a state of "It can be done after all. Peter Nero cert world was presented in a theatre mind tinged with some apprehen­ and Billy Nalle combined the music organ concert series. Wurlitzer Pops sion. Just one evening could be al­ of a full blown theatre organ with in Wichita. Kansas. began its eighth lotted to rehearsal due to Nero's com­ grand piano. electric bass and season with a concert played jointly mitments. Despite equal standing in rhythm Saturday night . The results. by the famous musicians Peter Nero their respective fields. Nalle and which could have been dreadful. and Billy N alle. The setting was Ex­ Nero never had met and had only were marvelously entertaining. The hibition Hall in Century II Center. t,:i.·o telephone conversations for pre­ combination was magnificent! It Nero was at the Steinway concert rehearsal planning. Billy was sent isn't easy to decide which of the two grand and Nalle was at the Wichita skeleton chord sheets for the Duke principals should receive more Wurlitzer. Performing with them Ellington pieces he and Nero had de­ credit." ,:vere the two men of Nero's trio, cided to program for the final third Mike Barnett on bass and Dale Cook Never had Nero in his career per­ of the concert. Facing such a situa­ on percussion. A quotation from the formed with a theatre organist and tion with many unknown factors. senior music critic of the Wichita he and his manager believe this con­ many musicians would have been cert was the first in the professional anxious and nervous. From being a

Rehearsal time in Wichita with Dale Cook . per­ world to have been played by a major musician during my college days. 1 cussion , Mike Barnett , bass. Peter Nero at the piano soloist and trio in combination know that it says a great deal about Steinway with Billy Nalle at the Wurlitzer . with a theatre organ. They admitted the talents and experience of both "magnificent musician" and could play in terms that "give me a kick." Billy's pleasure from his three com­ paQions was equally plain and the way they made music together ... well ... to paraphrase a famous song title, "I could have sat there all night!" The concert was divided into three periods separated by two intermis­ sions. First was Billy and the Wur­ litzer in concert versions of five great popular pieces which ranged from the deeply touching to the sizzling. The second period was by Nero play­ ing alone and with his men in music which ran a wide gamut from the popular field. Then came the final third as already covered, which never will be forgotten by anyone fortunate enough to be present. The box office manager told me there were groups from the four surrounding states. Two couples from Oklahoma sat at the table with me and it's been a long time since I've seen people react with

Peter Nero and Billy Nalle after their second encore during their Century II concert in Wichita in September. such excitement to a concert. One of This was the first such instrumental combination in the pro concert world , and opened the 79-80 series. these had heard the organ in New York and kept telling their friends men. that in just a few moments they that never had occurred to me. that that "it never sounded as glorious as were playing together as though the y the theatre pipe organ was the I his/ " had been doing so for years. Each world's original synthesizer and also This was the first concert of the supported the other, each impro­ the original stereo because, in most 1979-80 Wichita Theatre Organ­ vised around and with the other. theatres, its pipe chambers were sponsored series. In March, 1980, Both major instruments were heard divided in locations on both sides of Lyn Larsen will come to provide a in solo sections. with each also trad­ the stage area. Nero shook his head program of concert numbers and his ing the role of accompanying with in amazement at the lightning re­ original accompaniment to the film the other. The bass and rhythm men sponse and at the beauty and clarit y The Phantom of the Opera. The were featured at appropriate times of the organ's tone. Later, he was series closes with a May concert by and integrated their work in a taste­ heard to tell his manager that now he the Argentine-born organist Hector ful. solid manner, which. like the understood why this particular Olivera. work of the principals. was "pro" all theatre organ was so famous world­ In November, 1980. Nero will the way. There was an excitement wide for its tonal quality. He said move from Los Angeles to Philadel­ that built to a point which brought that its ability to be a full orchestra phia. He has been engaged to form the audience to its feet in a roar. Two one minute and a single solo instru­ the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra, encores were demanded and these ment the next he would not have which will be Philadelphia's answer also were taken from the music of believed but for hearing it himself. to the Boston Pops. Most members the great Ellington, the second end­ He seemed delighted that it could of the Philadelphia Pops will come ing the evening with "I Let A Song provide such a clear, beautiful blend from the great Philadelphia Orches­ Go Out Of My Heart." Well. that as well as exciting contrasts. During tra and so the famous old Academy extraordinary night never will go out one number with the trio, Billy add­ of Music will be hearing some new of my heart! ed some of the organ's percussion sounds! Though the venerable hall What fascinated me during the re­ to that being played by Cook. It has no theatre organ, no one should hearsal the previous evening were the "stopped the party cold" as all three be surprised if Nero and the Pops surprises, even some happy shocks, stopped playing to look up at the import a large electronic theatre which Nero and his men were getting organ chambers in disbelief. They organ and engage Nalle for a pro­ from the famous Wurlitzer. When laughed, they loved it and the results gram similar to the one done here in there was a rehearsal break, they were repeated Saturday evening. Wichita. Given the great success of gathered around the console of the During the conceti, when all four their first collaboration. proper Phil­ organ. That scene could have been musicians "went for broke." it went adelphians would be treated to a captioned "Three Cats With Curi­ far beyond what words can describe. sensation. Now ... also ... what if osit y." Billy explained the console During rehearsal conversations and we could get the Philadelphia Pops functions and they were popeyed. He from the stage concert night, Nero to come pa y a visit to a certain Wur­ gave them two interesting thoughts made it clear that he felt Nalle was a litzer .. . ? D

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 15 LOWELL AYARS

THE SINGING ORGANIST

by Lloyd E. Klos

During the first big era of the the­ "The Singing Organist" during his October , 1975 program in Rochester's Auditorium Theatre . Originally sched ­ atre pipe organ. there were a number uled for the previous April , a huge snowstorm in Rochester nullified the earlier concert , the first cancellation in ATOS history . /Dick Harold Photo) of organists who gained an added measure of fame because of their ability to sing as they played. One was Julia Dawn. "The Golden-Voiced Songbird." Another was Milton Charles who employed his vocal tal­ ent during a long stay in the sump­ tuous Mastbaum Theatre in Phila­ delphia. There was also Symphonic Hawley and Russ Thayer. A fifth. who is still pleasing audiences on today's circuit. was Lowell Ayars. Lowell C. Ayars was born in Bridge­ ton. New Jersey. on March 21. 1915. As with most good artists. his love of music was inherited. His mother's side of the family was very talented; all his uncles. save one. played var­ ious musical instruments. and his father sang. though he had no fomial training . Lowell's mother was a com­ petent pianist. When he was five. Lowell began piano lessons, and six weeks later, performed in his first program which consisted of playing an ascending and descending scale. At seven, his piano instruction became full time . Organ lessons began at the age of 13. and after a year of study Lowell was named assistant organist at a church in Bridgeton. His first full time paid position began in 1932. at the same church. but as chief or­ ganist. In 1932. he entered the Zeckner­ Hahn Musical Academy (now the Philade lphia Musical Academy).

16 the only private music school which granted a degree if one's academic work were done outside. Two years later he began studies at Clarke Con­ servatory. where he eventually joined the faculty as an assistant teacher. In 1932, his career as a theatre organist began at the 1350-seat Cri­ terion Theatre in Bridgeton. The house had a 2/ 5 theatre organ whose name never achieved the stature of a Wurlitzer or Marr & Colton. It was a United States, and strangely did not have a Tibia. The ranks were Salicional. Concert Flute. Horn Dia­ pason. Vox Humana and Kinura. A toy counter was included. United States organs were built in Cruml­ lynne. Pa. There were still some silent pic­ tures shown in 1932. and Lowell took some theatre organ lessons from Fred Spencer, organist at the Cri­ terion. and he was allowed to play parts of the pictures. Beginning in 1935. Lowell played the 1550-seat Stanley Theatre in Bridgeton. using a 3/7 Kimball. Since Fred Spencer could not play Thursdays and Saturdays because of other commitments. Lowell accom­ panied the vaudeville acts. One group he especially remembers was Singer's Midgets. They brought along their own orchestra. and played Lowell at the 3/7 Kimball in Bridgeton's Stanley Theatre , about 1938. The organ was installed in 1927. He ac­ such things as "The 1812 Overture." companied vaudeville, did solo spots (with singing) , sing -alongs and broadcasts . (Ayars Collection) It was great experience for Lowell. and he was engaged in this activity town Theatre. Performing two or from 1936 to 1939. He also put his three programs a week. he wound rich baritone voice to work. singing up the series with 100 to his credit. with his playing during spotlight During this time. Lowell studied the­ solos and sing-alongs. atre organ technique from Leonard Another theatre in which he served MacClain. The organ used for les­ was the 1100-seat Broadway in Pit­ sons was the 3/ 17 Wurlitzer in Phila­ man. N.J. The house had a 3/ 8 Kim­ delphia's 3300-seat Tower Theatre. ball (still doe ). and besides serving and he studied under Melody Mac as first organist. he played piano in from 1936 to 1939. the nine-piece orchestra. Frank About 1940. using his Hammond Bunting. a second organist. was em­ at home, he broadcast over WSNJ. ployed for Saturday evenings and the He had served the station as musical two would perform piano-organ director, without pay. from 1937 to duets. with Lowell at the piano and 1939. and as program director with providing vocal support as well. The pay from 1939 to 1941. His first show use of the orchestra was eliminated with organ music was from 8: 15 to because of problems in booking 8:30 a.m. He was employed by Sea­ vaudeville acts. and Lowell performed brook Farms and sponsored by the organ spotlight solos for the better Ritter Processing Co .. an unusual part of a year. Then. the organ was arrangement. Lowell did his own an­ used on a very limited basis - only nouncing which was entirely ad lib for prologues of major movies such - no scripts. as The Sound of Music. A busy man. this fellow. Lowell His first venture into broadcasting Fliers were given to patrons at Bridgeton's Stanley Ayars! And a smart one! Seeing that Theatre about 1938, inviting them to write in their was in 1936 over WHAT. using the requests , "and Lowell Ayars will gladly oblige." the days of the theatre organ for 3/ 17 Kimball in Philadelphia's Up- (Ayars Collection) movies or broadcasting were num-

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 17 bered, he felt that training in an­ other field was imperative. He first took a coorespondence course from Trinity College of Lon­ don which would prepare him for a singing career. Studying solo singing, teaching and form, he received his diploma in 1939. The written work was sent in a sealed envelope to London for grading, while a traveling examiner came to the United States for the singing exam. Vocal renditions had to be sung in three languages, and Lowell chose English, German and Italian. His resulting associate de­ gree is the equivalent of a two-year degree in the United States. He also attended the University of Pennsylvania where he studied for the teaching profession with mu­ sic as his major. He received his bach­ elor's degree in 1951 and his masters in 1953. Classical organ he studied with Edward Shippen Barnes and voice under Marguerite Barr. As if his theatre, radio and school work weren't enough, this console artist found time to be a church or­ ganist and choir director as well. Up to 1939, he was with the Central Methodist Church in Salem, NJ.; in 1943 when gasoline got scarce, he accepted a post in Bridgeton at the West Presbyterian Church at one-third the salary of his former

Lowell did spot announcing for Seabrook Farms in 1943. (Ayars Collection) T ..... In 1942, Lowell was broadcasting from his home over WSNJ , using his Hammond . The sheet music on the rack is Noel Coward's "I 'll See You Again ." He has been seeing audiences again and again ever since . (Ayars Collection)

position. The next job was at Christ Lutheran for five years, and then back to West Presbyterian which had become First Presbyterian after a merger. He is still there! With theatre positions passe (ex­ cept for very special programs in connection with movie premieres). Lowell Ayars entered the teaching profession in 1951, and for three years, taught English, mechanical drawing, woodworking and metal­ working at Bridgeton High School. In 1955, he entered the Vineland, N .J., high school system where he taught general music, chorus. glee club, orchestra and band. From 1961 on, he taught vocal music exclusively.

DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 and from 1973 to 1975 was certified as an English teacher as well. Lowell has had considerable ex­ perience playing state fairs, dating back to 1941. He once toured five fairs in Pennsylvania using a sound truck, owned by George Schulmerch (of electronic chime fame). pulling a Hammond-equipped trailer. The previous organist, Art Hinett. had other commitments. so Lowell did the honors. While at Allentown. Lowell met famed Fort Wayne Em­ bassy Theatre organist Buddy Nolan. who was playing the Traylor Hotel. In 1975, Lowell was official organist of the New York State Fair in Syra­ cuse. When asked for some amusing anecdotes of his career Lowell will­ ingly obliged. "When I was broad­ casting over WHAT from Phila­ delphia's Uptown Theatre. a friendly Lowell Ayars is capable of play ing the big pipe organs as well as the small ones . He played the Atlantic City Con ­ mouse ran up the console and peered vention Hall 7/ 455 Midmer -Losh at a Delaware Valley Chapter meeting in November 1963. (Ayars Collection) around the music rack at me. I thought it rather cute. But not the stead of being in the customary key. NJ. The booker, a friend of the Pit­ alternate organist! She spied the ro­ it was in D Minor. I asked her if it man's owner, was Eddie Sherman. dent one day, let out a sudden scream, were all right for me to play it in the As a result. I had the opportunity to vaulted from the console. and there original key. and she replied that she see many famous acts perform. I was a long period of silence. The the­ 'could never possibly dance it in any remember Aunt Jemima, played by atre people found her at home. re­ other key'! I ignored that and played Tess Gardell; The O'Connor Family, solving never to play in that theatre it in the original key. and she com­ including Donald; Eddie Peabody, again! I doubt if she ever set foot in plimented me on the best rendition the Banjo King; Roy Smeck and Pro­ the place! she had ever heard. fessor Lamberti. I played the orches­ "Another time during my vaude­ "In order to play Woodside Park tra piano for many of the acts. ville accompaniment days. a ballet in Philadelphia and the Steel Pier "Once. while playing the Rahway dancer. dressed in a tennis outfit, in Atlantic City. vaudeville acts had (N .J.) Theatre. one could hear voices handed me her music. It was Chop­ to play three Saturday performances over the public address system which in's "Waltz in C# Minor," and in- at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman. were definitely not those of anyone in the house. The mystery was solved Keeping his theatre organ technique sharp is easy for Lowell Ayars . He purchased this 2/8 Wurlitzer . originally when someone discovered a police in the Fox Theatre , Appleton , Wisconsin , for his Bridgeton , N.J ., home in 1960. (Ayars Collection) car, parked in back of the theatre. Its radio frequency was affecting our PA! Ben Hall was MC that evening and it provided much humorous comment. "When doing broadcasts from home, I always posted a sign on the front door to warn anyone not to ring the doorbell. One day. the postman didn't see the sign and rang the bell. I told the audience: 'The postman only rings twice. so there will be 15 seconds silence while I answer the door.' " Lowell has an excellent sense of humor. a refreshing adjunct to his concert proclivities. So. life for our versatile musician has not been only hard work; it has had its light moments as well. Lowell Ayars is one of the charter members of the American Theatre Organ Society. and has been fea­ tured artist at six ATOS Conven-

19 sance, and what must be done to a club like and meet regular oncet a keep the theatre organ a part of the month somewheres so I took it up cultural life of our country. His re­ with mr. jacobs and he says why sure freshing remarks are worth noting: Dinny if you want you can meet in "I believe we must keep as many the conferents room and use the organs in theatres as possible - per­ coffee machine. So we done that and haps through such organizations as they elect me secertary on account I the Society for Historic Preservation rite so good and we begun to have which has been able to save quite a picnics like when the wether got few public auditoria. We must also good and Gus Sweeney who was realize that there is no such thing as the president and Angelo Pietro who just one style of theatre organ play­ was the treasurer and me would get ing. Let us try to appreciate the new together and buy the food and the and treasure the old. Take young drinks and make all the arrange­ people to as many theatre organ ments as you might say and we events as possible. They won't all would go out to places like Norum­ become fans, but some will!" D bega Park and Revere Beach and like that there and have a good time. Well this went on for a couple of Lowell at the 2/ 5 Wurlitzer console in Grosse Pointe years and it got to be kinda hard to Farms' Punch & Judy Theatre , during his concert find new places to go to and some­ there for the 1974 ATOS Convention in Detroit . It was Lowell's sixth convention concert appear ­ times we got tired of totin all that ance . (Bill Lamb Photo) food and bottels to where we was goin because it seemed like we had tions. and a cameo performer at to do it all ourselfs. And then some others. of the other guys they begun to Behind every successful man. grumble because they dint like some there is invariably a lady love. and in of the places we picked out and we this case. it is Lowell's charming would say all rite you find us some wife. Reba. They were childhood places and that would generly shut friends and it took a goodly number them up. But they was a couple of of years before they realized that it guys from the elevaters in the big 8 was love! Each has loyally stood storey bildins down town who was through thick and thin. adversity never satisfied seemed like and they and triumph. with the other - the begun to make cracks like what do supreme test of all good marriages. you guys get out of it we pay $5 a One reason Lowell keeps his the­ Last month I got to goin on about year to be in The Elevater Mans atre organ technique sharp is his the theayter organs and how they Club and how do we know how much home installation. In 1960 he pur­ stop usin them when the talkeys you spend for these here picnics. chased the 2/ 8 Wurlitzer which was come in and now they has been So that made Gus and Angelo and originally installed, in 1929. in the moved to the piazza parters where me kind of mad after all the work we Fox Theatre in Appleton. Wisc. they sound louder than ever but its was doin that nobody else wanted to (Opus 2070). When he is called upon great to be hearin them again. Well, do and so we made up a letter and to concertize for any of the organ so then I got to thinkin back some we sent it to all the guys and we told clubs or ATOS chapters in the coun­ more which is quite a strain on my em off good on how we was

20 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 round out the goodies. If you've been looking for the definitive organ ver­ sion of the New Year's Eve classic, this is• it. The second chorus has a gentle beat. Page turning points are awkward more often than not, registration by Walter J. Beaupre, Ph.D. helps for the theatre organist are minimal. and McCandless still can't Earl McCandless, MEDLEY FOR (i.e., "Allegretto" - "With spirited make up his mind with which lan­ AMERICANS, Dave Coleman Mu­ dignity"). Page turning is awkward guage to describe tempo changes, sic, Inc., P.O. Box 230, Montesano, for "Columbia, The .Gem," but don't but Pop Tunes of the Revolution is Washington 98563 ($2.50 in music let these minor flaws keep you away another must. The level of playing stores or from the publisher). from an otherwise fine work. For the difficulty varies a little from tune to home organist with very modest tune. Those who have been playing Fortunately in the U.S.A. one can playing skills Medley for Americans for a while should have no trouble. express honest reservations in spite is a real find. Incidentally, it's solid of the showbiz addage about not enough musically to please the more knocking the Flag and Motherhood. advanced player also. Earl McCandless, STEPHEN FOS­ Less fortunate, perhaps. is the cynic­ TER MEDLEY: NO. 3, same pub­ al reaction of instant suspicion lisher ($2.50 at music stores or from whenever the Flag is waved in enter­ Earl McCandless, POP TUNES OF Dave Coleman Music). tainment circles. For example, if THE REVOLUTION, same pub­ you saw the title in a music store lisher ($2. 7 5 in music stores or from Can we make it three in a row for Medley for Americans and a blurb Dave Coleman Music). Earl McCandless? Sorry, the on the cover announcing "an ar­ Stephen Foster Medley just doesn't rangement for All Organs of our If anything, Pop Tunes of the have it for this reviewer. "Come most cherished National Melodies" Revolution turned out to be an even Where My Love Lies Dreaming" gets you might suspect that the musical nicer surprise. probably because a a transfusion of harmonic ideas that contents would be as square as a few of the tunes were "new" to this don't jell. It's stilLa. tiresome bore. tibia resonator and avoid it like the reviewer. Breathes there an organist "Nelly Bly" works quite well as a plague. In this case you'd be making with ear so tin - that he doesn't snappy two-step. "Laura Lee" is best a serious mistake. know "Yankee Doodle." "Drink to forgotten as a damsel in harmonic The Earl McCandless Medley for me Only," "Jolly Good Fellow," and distress. "Are we Coming, Father Americans is first rate music beau ti­ "Auld Lang Syne"? Ah yes. but can Abraham" is a simple and catchy fully arranged. Five tunes are in­ you whistle "Chester" or "Heart of march, and "Jeanie With the Light cluded and each is a "piece of cake" Oak"? You'll want to after playing Brown Hair" becomes a pleasant to play. "America, The Beautiful" these captivating arrangements for modern arrangement that sounds introduces the refrain in C with a organ by Earl McCandless. The har­ like any number of other treatments smooth modulation into F for the monies are definitely 20th Century available in music stores. Stephen chorus. Harmonies are open, simple, and reminiscent of those fabulous Foster fans will probably want to and yet feel fresh and new under the Dave Coleman arrangements of pop own a copy of the McCandless Med­ fingers. You'll like the modulation tunes for organ a few years back. ley. Non-buffs should probably into the key of G for "My Country, The first tune "Chester" has also sample instead some of the other ex­ Tis of Thee." You '11 also like the ar­ been arranged for organ by Lee cellent offerings in the Dave Cole­ rangement - well nigh perfect! Erwin (Salute to the Silents, E.B. man catalogue. For instance, the With only a scosh of tricky maneu­ Marks). Which one should you luscious George Wright "While vering you'll find yourself safely in B chose, the Erwin or the McCandless? We're Young" is still one of the best flat for a snappy chorus of "Colum­ It 's a draw! Both are equally simple buys anywhere. and this reviewer has bia. The Gem of the Ocean." Then to play. neither imitates the other, had great fun with Dave Coleman's an effective modulation back to C for and both are lovely. Romantic Classics. Oh yes, and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." If Now who would think that "Yan­ whatever happened to those superb there are better arrangements of this kee Doodle'' could hold any sur­ Coleman arrangements of "Laura," grapes-of-wrath classic, there cer­ prises! It definitely does and it's 'Tm in the Mood for Love" etc. that tainly is no more satisfying organ great fun. This reviewer's favorite in once appeared in folios? Are they treatment of the finale, "Star Span­ the medley is "Johnny has Gone for a still in print? They should be. Ele­ gled Banner." It's so good that you'll Soldier." The home organist will gant, elegant stuff! D forget our National Anthem can only have to work a bit harder on this one, be sung by the likes of Yma Sumac. but it is well worth the effort. "Heart The suggested registrations for of Oak" offers a martial change of Tlaeatrc Or~a11 tabs and drawbars are not very pace. Then the Coleman influence is Want Adllli imaginative, and McCandless has a back for a tasty treatment of "Drink GET RESlTLTS habit of switching willy-nilly from to Me Only." "For He's a Jolly Good Try One Italian to English tempo instructions Fellow" and "Auld Lang Syne"

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 21 This album celebrates the 40th "Temptation Rag," "Ship Ahoy" year of Britain's Theatre Organ (the four preceding tunes played with Club, easily the most long-lived or­ TOC studio audience, with banter by ganization of its type. The Northern Cleaver and community singing); Theatre Trust and the TOC joined "Bridal Waltz" (Gade), "Invitation efforts to co-produce the album to the Waltz" (organ-piano duet), which reproduces Parlophone re­ "Czardas" (Monti), "Andantino" cordings made by organist Robinson (Lemare), "Canadian Capers," Cleaver between 1937 and 1941, "Dance of the Hours" (Ponchielli). probably his most active and produc­ One may wonder how two sides tive period. The TOC started life as can hold so many selections, and Cleaver's fan club and later expand­ these are not abbreviated cuts. We ed its horizons to serve the entire timed one side to just over 26 min­ hobby and its practitioners. Cleaver utes (17 to 19 is more usual) and we still serves as TOC president and can only conclude that the 78 trans­ the club's No. 1 fan. Except for a few fers permitted some thinner LP early 10" LP Deccas, Cleaver's music grooves. Yet there seems to be no never got wide distribution in the lack of bass, often the results of USA, so be prepared for a nostalgic "squeezing." There is occasional dis­ treat. So much for background. tortion, which may be simply origi­ The music heard here is dubbed nal record wear. But technically, from 78 rpm monaurals. The quality the cuts made by various techni­ Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ varies but most of the cuts are very cians so long ago, blend well. viduals sponsoring or merchandising good. The originals were borrowed theatre pipe organ records are en­ This record also provides an op­ couraged to send pressings to the from collectors all over England and portunity to compare Compton and Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada the miracle is that so many listenable Wurlitzer organs, so many things Hills, California 91344. Be sure to 78 rpm pressings could be located being equal. The Comptons provide include purchasing information (post­ after 40 years. a bright sound well adapted to the paid price, ordering address,) if appli­ The album features three organs, rhythm tunes, while the more lush cable, and a black and white photo of all 8-rankers; the Compton in the Wurlitzer is used by Cleaver for most the artist which need not be returned. Regal Cinema, Bexley Heath (per­ of the standard classics (the final manently KO'd by the Luftwaffe in four tunes listed are played on the WW II); the EMI Studio Compton Wurlitzer, the rest on the two Comp­ in London, and the Wurlitzer in the tons). Of course, all the organs heard AN EARFUL OF NOSTALGIA, Granada Welling Theatre (the only here have the usual percussions. Robinson Cleaver at the Compton one of the three still perking in its which Cleaver uses tastefully. and Wurlitzer organs. NLM 104. original installation). All are re­ Now to Robinson Cleaver. We $8.00 seamail or $11.00 airmail from corded in close-up perspective and have been wanting to review some of N.T.O.T. Records, 137 Towngate, no artificial reverb has been added in his recordings for a long time, and Ossett, West Yorkshire WFS O PN, the transfer to LP. Don't hesitate be­ this is the one worth waiting for, a England. U.S. checks and postal cause the instruments are 8-rankers. compendium of his best work. There money orders accepted; make them There is a difference between the are more recent Cleaver records but out to Theatre Organ Club. often assembly line 8-voice organs too many of them reveal evidence of installed in US theatres when the electronic organ influences, musical rush was on and the more carefully devices and playing practices which finished organs put in English cine­ may be okay on a B-3 but cause mas in the '30s. On this disc one is raised eyebrows among pipe fans. not aware that the playing is being Not so on this album. It's all pure done on relatively small organs. Of theatre organ. course, that is partly due to the art­ The meticulous attention to de­ istry of the player. tail, the crispness of attack, the The selections: "Ca C'est Paris," deadly accuracy of the technique, "Boo Hoo," "Little Old Lady of Pov­ the amazing amount of registration erty Row," "Red White and Blue," variety, the basic drive, and the over­ "Frasquita Serenade" (Friml). "Pol­ all musicality of the Cleaver ap­ ly," "Dinah." "Nola," "Dainty proach wipes away the 40 years since Miss" (Barnes), "Annabelle Lee," the originals were miked. Cleaver's "Somebody Stole My Gal," "Knave ballads have just the correct amount of Diamonds," "Shadow Serenade" of schmaltz while his classics are (with violin enhancement), "The Toy mostly by the book. but with TO Trumpet." "Bugle Call Rag," "Let's registration. True. to present day Break the Good News" (with dance listeners some of the pop playing

'Robbie ' Cleaver circa 1960. His re-issued 78's band and girl vocalist); "An Earful may sound a bit ricky-tick and cor­ evoke some happy nostalgia . of Music," "Fall in and Follow Me," ny. but it didn't at the time it was

22 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 recorded; Robinson Cleaver was for weekend revivals sponsored by joyable if not spectacular. We must then the toast of British cinemas and the chapter. regard Ms. Libbin as a "comer" in it's a privilege to relive some of the But how does she do on the need of some expert instruction in grand moments with him. rather ambititious list of selections propt;r theatre styling. The album is attractively pack­ heard on this album? The answer - As for recording technical quality, aged and includes a 12-page bro­ not bad. Not bad at all. For a com­ there is an attempt to squeeze too chure with a Cleaver discography, 18 paritive newcomer to the TO field many minutes of recording into the photos of the organist (2 with wife she has picked up quite a few useful grooves of a 12-inch disc. This, plus Molly), notes about the selections tricks. She goes through the old over modulation in recording level and a history of the Theatre Organ timers with an easy familiarity for on the review pressing, makes for Club. Good show, TOC! one who has not studied with a well­ considerable distortion on the inner schooled pro. cuts. The jacket photo reveals the face HERE'S BUBBLES! Marilyn "Bub­ of a very lovely and vivacious wom­ bles" Libbin playing the Emery The­ an, and the jacket notes are tailored atre 3/23 composite Wurlitzer. to enhance her considerable talents. Available from Emery Theatre, 1112 This recording will serve as a sample Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio of her first grooving effort. 45210. Postpaid price not stated.

Marilyn Libbin is a new recording ON THE MARCH! Del Castillo entity to us. The organ is the pride playing the LA Wiltern Theatre 4/28 and joy of the Ohio Valley Chapter Kimball organ. CR-0175. $7.50 post­ of ATOS, and well it should be. It's paid from Castle Services, 2008 a beauty in grooves. Basically a style Preuss Rd., Los Angeles, Calif. 260 Wurlitzer (when in Cincinnati's 90034. Albee Theatre), it has been built up to 23 ranks, and the new ones blend, This is a very precious album, not thanks to the technical expertise of Marilyn Libbin . The Emery Theatre's manager only for the considerable musical ATOSers Ev. Pratt, Dick Kersting dubbed her 'Bubbles' and it stuck . values, but for several sentimental and their able crews. This is the sec­ reasons we'll get into presently. The ond record release, the first having One problem is the transference title, On the March, is actually a been played by an eastern practi­ of the personal charm, which the misnomer; there's only one selec­ tioner. jacket notes project, to musical reali­ tion, Sousa's "Semper Fidelis," The tunelist avoids the hackneyed. ties. The microphone has a tendency a rousing closer, that lives up to the Selections are: "Applause," "Caba­ to ignore the feminine magnetism album title in the traditional sense. ret," "Maple Leaf Rag," "Falling in which the jacket notes attempt to It's actually a Del Castillo concert, Love with Love," "Mary," "Over establish. It's all reduced to what the with eleven well-chosen selections, There," "Give My Regards to Broad­ microphone hears, and that end is some of them even fitting the des­ way," "Harrigan," "Yankee Doodle quite revealing. For example, it's criptive title "march." Del has chos­ Dandy," "It's a Grand Old Flag," evident that Ms. Libbin isn't very ex­ en his titles from opera, circus mu­ "Bewitched," "I'll Build a Stairway perienced as a theatre organist, else sic, the classics, silent movie music, to Paradise," "I Believe in Music," she would not commit the unfor­ music composed for English crown­ "Syncopated Clock," "San Fran­ givable "no-no" of "Schmear glis­ ings plus his original march honor­ cisco," "Till There Was You," sandos" on pipes, a dead giveaway ing the '76 bicentennial and his ma­ "Queen Rag" (on Tibia'd "calli­ of her electronic organ background. jestic "Wiltern Fanfare" which ope"), "Alabamy Bound," "Georgia She diminishes her opener ("Ap­ introduced all ATOS organ concerts Cakewalk," "Alexander's Ragtime plause") with a full manual "wipe." at the famed theatre while Del was Band," "Are You From Dixie?," More are heard during her other the chapter's program chairman. plus three movie or newsreel intros: selections, all with the same repug­ In fact, he opens with the brief 20th Century Fox fanfare (with Cine­ nance. This flaw takes the edge off fanfare, then joins the circus for a mascope extension), Movietone some quite fair playing in the '40s rousing "Entry of the Gladiators" News theme and Paramount on Pa­ intermission style. during which he has some fun with rade (listed in wrong order on the Disregarding the big flaw, ar­ the Trio, playing it in the style of a jacket). rangements are simple but well per­ slightly zonked calliopist. Humor The jacket notes supply our only formed. She doesn't do much key has always been a Del Castillo forte. clue to Ms. Libbin's musical back­ changing within selections, nor even But next comes a sobering "Phan­ ground. She hails from Fort Thom­ between selections. But one never tom Brigade" during which the sol­ as, Kentucky and studied piano as a worries, either, now she will get out diers return from the war as they had little girl. She put in two years classi­ of this or that musical cul-de-sac, promised their wives and sweet­ cal study in Cincinnati's College simply because Ms. Libbin doesn't hearts, but they return as ghosts, Conservatory of Music. The notes work her harmonizations into musi­ parading in formation before the liv­ say she has accompanied silent films cal dead ends. There is lots of regis­ ing, while the unanswered question, at the Emery for the past two years tration variety. The playing is en- "why did you send us to die?" per-

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 23 the boyish enthusiasm of a brilliant the Kaiser. Del, you struck an em­ student who has prepared his lesson pathetic chord, and that's only a well. The closer is the aforemen­ part of the remarkable musical tioned rip-snortin' "Semper Fidelis." career Del Castillo chalked up in the This guy's in his mid-80's? In our years since his Fort Devens adven­ recollection he never performed ture. Of course, these notes are not better on a recording. relative to the music on this record Bill Johnson's recording is good. but they certainly are relative to Del This is a difficult organ to record; it Castillo, and he is indeed unique. tends to sound "tubby" on records, As many readers know, the organ but that quality has been minimized heard here is in jeopardy. By the here. The jacket notes are a produc­ time these notes are published it is tion apart. Ross Farmer's notes very likely the Kimball will be in about the organ are informative (he storage, or perhaps in Hollywood's was the organ's "Keeper" for several Pantages Theatre. It's disposition years). But it's Del's notes about his was unsettled when we went to press. adventures as a "doughboy" band­ So this will be the final recording of master in the 1917-1918 conflict it. It couldn't have been played by a with the "Boche," a war to end war more representative nor skilled or­ and to make the world safe for de­ ganist. mocracy, as President Wilson put it, which stand out. Del's experience in Del Castillo and the Kimball. He gave the venerable entering the army, getting into the MUSIC FROM 'STAR WARS' played organ its final workout in grooves in the LA Wiltern Theatre . ( Stufoto) band with a horn he couldn't play, by John Rose at the 4/140 Austin his promotion from cymbal player to organ in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, vades the atmosphere. Then comes bandmaster and to 2nd Lieutenant Hartford, Conn. Delos No. DEL/F Franz Schubert's "March Mili­ prior to shipment overseas to join 25450 (stereo). Available in record taire," one of the misnamed "presto" "the big parade," parallels the naive stores. $8.98 postpaid from Delos concert pieces entirely lacking in trust of many an American youth Records Inc., 855 Via de la Paz, military qualities. Del makes the swept into that conflict, full of ideal­ Pacific Palisades, Calif. 90272. most of a good piece many of us ism but with no idea as to what war played as piano students, but don't with the seasoned Central Powers This John Williams score made believe it is easy. really meant. The jacket, with its quite a splash among movie fans, Abe Holtzman's "The Whip" was sepia 1918 photos of a youthful Del especially in view of the fact that it used by silent film accompanists for and his 302nd Field Artillery Band. was part of a smash film. It is a ro­ horse race and chase scenes, and is are loaded with the nostalgia of those mantic score in the tradition of such better described as a gallop rather innocent days when all we had to do great film composers as Max Steiner than a march. Del's original "Bi­ to form a perfect world was to whip and Erich Korn gold, and we just Cent'ennial March" illustrates his skill as an arranger. It is comprised of bits and pieces of recognizable US folk tunes such as "American Pa­ trol," "Marching Thru Georgia" (there go sales in the South!), "The President's March," "Yankee Doo­ dle," "Dixie" (here they come back) and "America" played up-tempo and given a Sousa style treble obliga­ to. It's a study in phrase patchwork­ ing. with the final result coming out as interesting music. Del couldn't resist that always good seller, "Pomp and Circum­ stance No. t" (Elgar), which includes a hymn to the "Land of Hope and Glory" but also heard is "P. and C. No. 2," an equally thrilling corona­ tion march. Here Del turns off the trems and plays the big Kimball as a concert organ. and it serves well. Two additional concert pieces from the classics are Poldini's "March Mignonne" and Halvorsen's "Entry of the Boy a rs," both performed with Now in his mid -20s, John Rose has made his mark as a classical organ recitalist .

24 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 don't get many scores of their qual­ He had plenty of brass for the title Michael Nemo, by John Rose and by ities anymore. music fanfares, but fared less well Tony Thomas, a veteran of many The concept of recording the score trying to make the quieter expository film score record jackets. The tech­ on a straight organ was the idea of material interesting. In one instance. nical 2roblems of overcoming re­ Delos Records' Michael Nemo, who according to the jacket notes, the verb in' the 5 million cubic-foot ca­ searched out and located both organ­ Williams music was abandoned thedral have been dealt with suc­ ist John Rose and the Cathedral of completely in favor of new material cessfuIIy, and even in the mighty St. Joseph Austin. It's an ambitious (apparently composed by Smith). climaxes (some with 32' pedal voices) project. Mr. Rose states in the jacket The resulting "Last Battle" is one of there is remarkably little distortion. notes: the record's weak spots, with little This album we will recommend as "The pipe organ as we know it to­ audible to suggest a battle. a courageous experiment which has day is essentially an orchestral in­ The cues played are: Main Title, some satisfying moments for the strument possessing an enormous "The Desert " and "Robot Auction," film score enthusiast. variety of tonal capacities which can the "Princess Appears," "Inner be mixed or used in counterpoint City," "Cantina Band," "Mouse Ro­ Several albums have been received with each other, just as an orchestra bot," "Blasting Off," and "Ben's without the required merchandising performs." Quite true, but although Death" and "TIE Fighter Attack," information (postpaid price, where he is apparently not aware of it. Mr. "Princess Leia's Theme," "The Last to send the mail order) nor the re­ Rose is describing the potentialities Battle," "The Throne Room," "End quested black and white photo. of the theatre organ, rather than the Title." There isn't much point in running straight organ heard on this album. One portion which comes off rath­ a review unless we can put seller and An organ suitable for the perfor­ er well is the Cantina music, the prospective buyer in contact, so be mance of Bach, Guilmant. Franck. scene in the space bar where we meet sure to include ordering information Reger or Karg-Elert isn't necessarily some unearthly critters. It's an in­ when submitting records for review. □ the best choice for romantic film mu­ destructible little bit of corn which sic, and this fact is never more evi­ on this organ comes out somewhat dent than during "Princess Leia's like calliope music. But there are Theme." Admittedly, the Fisher girl long stretches of very low level sound played the part deadpan, with little which are just plain dull. as there emotion showing. but that's all the isn't sufficient volume or registration more reason to add some schmaltz variety to sustain interest. in the score, as the orchestral score Speaking of sound levels, this re­ did. But in this reincarnation. the cording is one of the most honest re­ sexless Diapasons and untrem'd cordings we've heard. Apparently. Flutes match Carrie's dullsville por­ once recording peaks were set, there trayal perfectly. and that's a shame. were no further volume adjustments. BOOKRfVIEW Does the music rate a performance At face value, this seems like an ideal covering two sides of an LP? Is the situation. Yet. it results in over­ by Lloyd E. Klos interest value high enough to rate long stretches of levels so low the such a lengthy exposition? The an­ pressing's surface noise competes PRESENTING THE WURLITZER swer is a resounding Yes. The best with the music. REPRODUCING RESIDENCE OR­ recourse we have is to compare Mr. Mr. Rose does very welI playing GAN. Reprint of original catalogue. Rose's performance with the sound­ material not suited to his instru­ Eight pages. Vestal Press, Box 97, track recording played by the Lon­ ment, although one has the feeling Vestal, N.Y. $3.50 (New York State don Symphony Orchestra. This cov­ he would be more comfortable play­ residents add 7% Sales Tax). ers four sides and there isn't a dull ing more traditional fare. Yet we moment in the hearing. must give him credit for breaking Once again. Harvey Roehl's or­ The organ transcription is there­ away from the beaten path. We hope ganization has provided a reprint of fore necessarily shorter and some he wilI discover the orchestral organ a catalogue which should appeal to cues are omitted. but no important should he have the opportunity to collectors of pipe organ memora­ ones. This, like many romantic film record theatrical music in the future. bilia. The original was provided by scores. consists of a few main themes. Jacket notes are by producer the Australian Division of the Theatre From this basic material are drawn Organ Society. the variations orchestrated to fit the The booklet contains specifica­ many scenes. In this score the main tions of models R-J 11, R-J 12, R 13. themes are the opening title music, CORRECTION. In the Oc­ R 14. RJ 4, RJ 8. RJ 10 and R 16, "Princess Leia," the "Cantina," tober/November issue we with pictures of five consoles. The and the "Throne Room" (closing). listed the postpaid price of date of the catalogue is not given. A very difficult chore fell to adapt­ Musical Moods of Maria but the picture of a waterfall-type er/ arranger Robert Edward Smith. Kumagai as $6. 75. It should console indicates it is close to the For example he had to get along have been $8.00. Our apolo­ thirties. without the tympani and gongs which gies. W. A. Crowle. Ltd. is listed as the are so much a part of the orchestral Australian representative of Wurlitz­ version. er. with head office in Sydney. 0

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 25 expected advantage, little known to many organ builders, also results from such a change. Basically the cut up will establish the output capability of the pipe; low cut ups lower the output capa­ bility while high cut ups raise it. Pipes operating far below the point of overblowing will naturally exhibit Dynamic Capabilities less harmonic development than pipes operating near their limits. Organ builders of SO years ago ap­ of Familiar Ranks parently realized this. by R. J. Weisenberger Tests have shown that the output capability is related to the cut up as a 4th power function, and to the As those familiar with pipe organs for to maintain a similar tonality, operating pressure as a 2nd power know, the larger scales of pipes are the pipe scaling must remain identi­ function, when using a given flue. ultimately capable of higher acous­ cal. If the pressure were simply low­ BasicaIIy this means that the point tical output, but the question is ered to achieve a change in dynam­ at which a pipe will reach a given "How much more?" ics, this would also lower the har­ degree of harmonic development One also may be aware that larger monic development in the pipework, and output can now, for the first scales can be made softer while thus also mellowing the tone. time, be calculated. Thus, pipes with smaller scales can be made louder, Those familiar with pipes know high cut ups are capable of the same to narrow the dynamic gap between that raising the cut up will lower degree of harmonic development as various tonal colors. The question harmonic development, and lower­ those with low cut ups, given the pro­ again is "How much modification in ing the cut up will do the opposite. per increase in pressure, while also pipe design is needed to accomplish Repeated tests have shown that there providing an exponential increase in this?" is a good reason for this, but an un- output. Yet another case is building pipes If pipe organs are to be built to of a similar tonality, but of various FIGURE 2 fill today's stadiums, coliseums and dynamic ranges. Many builders may convention centers with similar think this is almost an impossibility, Severalscales of 8' pipesof varioustonalities levels as attained in theatres, such for samepressure and output: (PEAK)

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 3 Largescale 8' tibiaclausas of similartonality B C Severalscales of 8' tibiaclausas where larger for variouspressures and outputs: 10:1PIPE 20:1PIPE scalesare dominant:!This representsthe WILLPRODUCE 100 DB IN ROOMSOF: 2:1 MOUTH 1:1MOUTH mostwidely known method of pipescaling A)600,000 CUBIC FEET !OPEN) (OPEN) used by most builders.Note the inherent Bl 30,000CUBIC FEET limitationsof smallscale pipework designed Cl 2,000CUBIC FEET in this manner.)Cut ups are more known for theireffect on tonalquality than for theirpro­ A B C A foundeffect on dynamics. 5:1 PIPE 5:1 PIPE 5:1 PIPE 5:1 PIPE A B C 1:1MOUTH 2:1 MOUTH 4:1 MOUTH 2:1 MOUTH 5:1 PIPE 7:1 PIPE 10:1PIPE 2:1 MOUTH 2:1 MOUTH 2:1 MOUTH

tibia tibia tibia tibia tibia tibia clausa clausa clausa tibia tibia flute clausa clausa clausa 80" W.P. 20" W.P. 5" W.P. clausa plena 20" W.P. 10"W.P. 5" W.P. 12608@3' 11408@3' 10208@3' 20" W.P. 20" W.P. 20" W.P. 11408@3' 10808@3' 11408@3' 11408@3' 11408@3' 10208@3' NOTE:PIPE RATIOS ARE DRAWN TO NOTE:PIPE RATIOS ARE DRAWN SCALE.ACTUAL LENGTHS WILL BE NOTE:IF EXTENDEDTO 16', TOSCALE. ACTUAL LENGTHS GREATESTFOR PIPE "A". WILLAPPEAR THE SAME. WILLBE GREATESTFOR PIPE "C".

26 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 technical knowledge is essential. come a forgotten art to future gener­ Note: Detailed technical informa­ Such knowledge can also be used to ations, we'll have only ourselves to tion and graphs compiled from design organs for small installations, blame. actual test results (concerning this so that the pipework is capable of My next article will look at the article) are available on request. filling a room with a loud sound directional characteristics of various For further reading: We've Got when needed, but yet not pose a ranks, and the factors that make Problems by John Muri (THEATRE serious hazard to hearing. pipe-produced sound unique. ORGAN, May '77) □ Included with this article are scaled drawings of actual proven de­ Higherdynamics and solo scaled pipework signs, their operating pressures , and (a majorcontribution of the theatreorgan over previous designs) their relative outputs. You will note the vastly unused dynamics most pipe scales have yet to offer. FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 During this century, fields such as (OPEN) (OPEN) aeronautics, electronics, medicine, etc. have made tremendous strides due to scientific research. typical typical There is no longer a reason that low pressure high pressure the field of organ building be limited diapasonpipe diapasonpipe to the knowledge gained through only its past achievements. Organ building could again be­ come a live and well profession if we mouthsextend really want it to be; if it should be- 1/3 pipe circumference

FIGURE 4

Severalscales of 8' pipessuitable for usein largestinstallations such as stadiums,col­ iseums,and conventioncenters:

B C 10:1PIPE 7:1 PIPE 12:1pipe 12:1 pipe 1:1 MOUTH 1.4:1MOUTH 4:1 mouth 2:1 mouth (OPEN) (OPEN) 3.5" W.P. 15" W.P. 100DB @ 3' 112DB @ 3'

A This theatrical version, although 5:1 PIPE Look familiar?This is what first 1:1 MOUTH comesto mindto most peopleupon tonallysimilar, can producea power hearingthe words"organ pipe." outputof 16times that of the former, In 1905, GeorgeAudsley in his given4 timesthe operatingpressure. work, "The Art of Organ-Building," Pipes similar to this should be describeda similarpipe as the most recognizedby anytheatre organ buff. powerfulneeded on an organ. Becausethe scienceof acoustics Dueto the lack of availablescien­ was still in its infancyin the 1920's, tific evidenceover the past fifty the buildersof theatreorgans had no years,many builders have reverted to way of knowingjust how importanta suchpractices . contributionthey actually made to Suchpipework would be usefulas the art. an echorank in a largeorgan to ex­ Guided by a state of the art tend the dynamicrange of a given knowledge of acoustics, organ builderstoday could build instruments tibia tibia tibia tonality. Organsdesigned solely of to rival any ever built, and re­ clausa plena plena low pressurepipework will require introducethis instrumentto a genera­ 80" W.P. 80" W.P. 80" W.P. (as in this case)up to 16 times the tion which has all but forgottenit. 126DB@3' 126DB@3' 126DB@3' numberof ranksto fill an auditorium with the samesound level. The cut Pipe organs can begin being con­ NOTE: NOTE: up playsthis importanta role. sideredfor installationsthat would IF EXTENDEDTO 16' IF EXTENDED have been both technically and PIPES,A & B TO 16',WILL economicallyunfeasible. WILLAPPEAR THE APPEARAS SAMEAS SHOWN. PIPE"B" . Piperatios are drawnto scale,actual length will be greaterfor the pipefor a givennote.

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 27 liked as a result of his fine personality. Mar. 16. 1929 (EHW) BERNIE COWHAM at the RKO NUGGETS Theatre in Flushing, Long Island, played an organ solo fwm the called "Isn't Nature Grand?" Bernie used special slides which explained why nature is grand, and a request for the audience to sing. Everyone complied with Cowham's re­ GOLDENDAYS quest and sang "The Sun Is At My Window", "Where the l'nlspcctcd Shy Little Violets Grow". and "A Precious Little Thing h~· Lloyd E. Klos Called Love". Jimmy Flynn of Remick's sang a chorus alone and one with the audience which were received very well. Bernie. through his pleasing manner and fine play­ With the Christmas season here. Jason and I deliver you ing. has become very popular at this house and also at the some choice nuggets involving the big names in the great Madison Theatre in Brooklyn with which he alternates era of the theatre organ. References were Motion Picture each week. World (MPW). Around the Town (A TT), Exhibitors' March 16. 1929 (EHW) HENRY B. MURTAGH at Herald World (EHW). and Motion Picture Almanac the Brooklyn Paramount, offered an original solo called (MPA). "Follow the Leader". His numbers were "My Blackbirds Sept. 12. 1925 (MPW) For his solo presentation this Are Bluebirds Now". "Once In a Lifetime". "I Faw Down week. ALBERT HAY MALOTTE is playing Elgar's an' Go Boom" and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". Inter­ "Pomp & Circumstance" at the Uptown Theatre in mingled with the numbers. Murtagh used some clever Chicago. slides which told the story. As usual. his reception was big. May 6. 1928 (Detroit Sunday Times) ARTHUR GU­ March 1929 (Roxy News) The Roxy Theatre in New TOW, organist of the Michigan Theatre. is sailing for a York City has as its feature picture this week Strong Boy short vacation abroad. He has been heard each Wednes­ with Victor McLaglen. Leatrice Joy and Robert Ryan. day over WJR. Detroit. from 11 :45 p.m. to 12: 15 a.m. Organists are LEW WHITE. DR. C. A. J. PARMEN­ Gu tow will return to his radio hearers in a few weeks. TIER and GEORGE EPSTEIN. Dec. 1928 (ATT) MAURICE COOK. "The Jovial Con­ Sept. 1930 (MPA) RAMON BERRY. guest organist for sole Master", is making a popular hit as solo organist at the Lynch Circuit in Chicago, has also appeared in concert Loew's State Theatre in Syracuse. Although this is but his in Sioux Falls. Fargo and St. Paul. He is instructor at the first year at this house. he is featuring spotlight solos and Ball Theatre Organ School in Chicago. has built quite a following. Previous to this engagement, Sept. 1930 (MPA) EDMUND C. FITCH is featured he was with the Finkelstein and Rubens circuit for three organist at Melbourne. Australia's Regent Theatre. years. His vital personality helped him gain much head­ Sept. 1930 (MPA) EMIL VELAZCO, organist and way. composer. is broadcasting over the Columbia Network Dec. 1928 (ATT) With an engagement of seven years to thru WOR from his own studios at 1658 Broadway in New his credit. BILLY KLAISS has built up a tremendous York. He is a recording artist. using his own name for following at the Stanley Theatre in Philadelphia where he Columbia recordings and a nom-de-plume for O'Keh and is the organ soloist. Harmony discs. Dec. 1928 (A TT) A varied list of virtues can be added to Sept. 1930 (MPA) HENRI A. KEATES. Balaban & ROBERT J. BERENTSEN's triumph. A very thorough Katz' solo organist. is "The Man Who Put Community musician and teacher of organ at his studio in the East­ Singing on the Map". Born in Liverpool. England. he had man School of Music in Rochester; broadcasts over vaudeville experience. playing several instruments includ­ WHAM; and the much desired opportunity to open the ing violin. cello. French horn. piano and organ. He has Capitol Theatre in New York, are all factors which have been a theatre organist for 22 years. "playing deluxe helped Berentsen to achieve his spectacular success. He houses in every state of the Union". was featured at some of the largest houses in New York. May 1936 (Syracuse U. "Dai~v Orange") A silent film and has been connected with the Eastman organization classic. The Covered Wagon. starring Lois Wilson. will be for six years. His delightful personality and optimism have presented by the Drama Dept. of Syracuse University over helped him to gain his remarkable height in the world of the weekend at the Civic Theatre. Fine Arts Junior. W. organists. STUART GREEN will supply the music score on an elec­ Dec. 1928 (A TT) JOHN GART is being featured at the tric organ which is supposedly manufactured by a clock organ at Loew's Metropolitan Theatre in Brooklyn. N.Y. maker. This is his second year at this house. having been with the Loew's organization four years. He also teaches organ at GOLD DUST: 3/ 26 AMBROSE LARSEN. Terminal his own studi(). in Chicago ... 4/27 TOM GRIERSON. Rochester's Dec. 1928 (ATT) EDDIE DUNSTEDTER. featured Riviera ... 12/ 28 BOBBY DEMMING. Shea's Ken- organist at the Minnesota Theatre in Minneapolis. has sington. Buffalo; JACK WOODBURN, Windsor and many Brunswick recordings to his credit. HARRY ZIMMERMAN, Belmont in Chicago; WALTER Dec. 1928 (ATT) In his second year at Loew's Century WILD. New York's Hippodrome; ELLIS BUTLER. Theatre in Baltimore. HAROLD RAMSAY is meeting Gary. Indiana's Tivoli ... 9/ 34 EDDIE BUTLER. with great success. He has written several new numbers Omaha's Orpheum. which will be released shortly. Formerly at the Rivoli That should do it until we dig you later. Theatre in New York four years. and one year at Shea's Buffalo. he has a tremendous following and is very well Jason & The Old Prospector D

28 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 A#. I checked all junction boards and switches but all seems fine. What can I do next? It's Dues Time BUESTIONS See Page42 A. It sounds to me that your con­ of the Oct ./ Nov. Issue AND tact plate is rubbing the adjacent 8 for details on how to ANS\NERS as it travels downward. pay your dues for 1980. Don't Miss an Issue! ON THE Q • I have added a Posthorn to TECHNICAL my residence organ which I would like to operate on static pressure SIDE slightly higher than the rest of my it was voiced at. Check the CC pipes pipework. Is it possible to just run for a voicer's pressure marking. by Lance Johnson the chest off the high pressure air supply? Q • I find that I am away much of the time and when I return to play A. No I would not recommend my theatre organ, I have so many that procedure. First of all, the dead notes. After I have played it pressure in the chest will quiver with some, most dead notes will be elimi­ Doyou have any questions? sudden demands from other heavy nated. What could be the cause? pipework. Secondly, there will be a Send them direct to: noticeable tremulant effect from the A. There is nothing more closest tremulant that will bleed troublesome to contacts than house QUIZMASTER back into your Posthorn. I would dust. It is even worse than theatre and Organbuilder suggest putting it on it's own regula­ dust because it is the same dust that forms balls under your bed. You will LANCE JOHNSON tor or even a Wurlitzer equalizer have to devise some type of dust Box 1228 just to cut the pressure back for even supply. This will cancel ambient covers for your contacts or just have Fargo, ND 58102 tremulation and pressure quivers. more trouble. Also keep non-sili­ The Posthorn pressure must be what cone spray for contacts handy. D

Q • I have an old Major Flute from a 1920 Holtkamp which I would like to make into a Tibia For 34 years, patrons attended San Clausa. Is this possible for my resi­ Francisco's largest movie palace. dence hybrid theatre organ of seven Today, a 380-page hardbound book ranks? I want to use it on six inches recaptures all its grandeur, the wind. Do I have to leather the upper organs and much more. Over 600 lips? illustrations, including color.

A. Yes. it certainly is. This has been done quite successfully by several organ people. If you will send me the inside scale of the C's, I will try to adjust the scaling to be suit­ able for your small residence organ. It will be necessary to raise the cut­ ups especially in the bass end and ... story of the world'sfinest theatre gradually leaving them lower in the high trebles. Your biggest job will be making your stoppers. It would by PRESTONJ. KAUFMANN not be necessary to apply leather to the upper lips. S35, plus S2.75 each to cover postage and handling . Call! . residents add 6% sales tax. Check or money order, In U.S. Funds , payable to "Showcase Publlcatlons ". Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery . Q • I have a three manual Wur­ litzer with a run problem that I can­ not trouble shoot. The low A# pedal SHOWCASE PUBLICATIONS plays B at the same time. But if I play B, it does not play the A#. I P.O. Box 744-C, Dept. D, Pasadena, CA 91104 figured that if the two were shorted in the wiring, then B would also play

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 29 King Stu the First exhibits his suffering ' Oscar .'

The September stanza of the the bewigged and robed Heaps parently aching hernia. Both Stu and annual Home Organ Festival at announced the winners and asked Flo wondered "why me?" A clue was Asilomar, Calif., established a new them to come to the stage to the provided on the printed ballot which gimmick this year - the election of sound of a mighty paean of cathedral urged festivaleers to "vote for your a King and Queen. A ballot was music played by Dick Bailey. The favorite character." issued to each registrant and they ceremony was played for laughs Later the King and Queen were were counted on the final day and which counterpointed the dead paraded about the park grounds on the winners "crowned" in an elab­ seriousness of the new monarchs. a lorry fitted with simple "thrones." orate tongue-in-cheek ceremony They had been taken by surprise. Flo was very queenly but Stu between concerts. This year the royal Crowns "fit for a King" were lower­ "knighted" his subjects, both male titles were won by two ATOSers; ed onto the royal noggins as majestic and female. Florence Lehtinen was the elected fanfares echoed through the rafters. Queen and Stu Green was King. Stu Andy Bonacci. as a bumbling page, Stu wore his crown right up to bed is known to readers for his many got the most laughs. It was probably time, when wife Peg pried it off his stories and articles in this and other the first time in history a king and head. "Gosh, that crown felt good" publications. queen were elected by popular vote. said Stu. The ceremony, held between musi­ The new monarchs were provided It wasn't the first such honor for cal events in the concert hall. was with sceptres and Oscar-like statu­ Stu. He was selected as ATOS' 1972 conducted by veteran radio organist ettes of an Olympic-style athlete "Man of the Year." but that didn't Porter Heaps. As "Prime Minister," holding a laurel wreath to an ap- involve a crown. D

30 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 Betty Mason - BACK ADeeade ISSUES of Service. AVAILABLE With the publication of this issue, Some in Short Supply Betty Mason retires as publisher of THEATRE ORGAN, ending an eleven-year association with our THEATREORGAN magazine. Number2 !Summer).. . 1959Volume 1 Betty's involvement with our Number4 ...... 1963Volume 5 publication began back in 1969, Numbers1, 2, 3, 4 ..... 1964Volume 6 when her husband, the late Al Numbers1, 2, 3, 4 . ... . 1965Volume 7 Mason, was in his first year of office as National President of ATOS. BOMBARDE Production problems in Seattle Numbers4...... 1964Volume 1 called for a change and Al and Betty Numbers1, 2, 3, 4 ..... 1965Volume 2 Mason readily accepted the challenge of producing our Betty Mason . THEATREORGAN magazine. Betty was also ATOS Na­ Number1 ...... 1966Volume 8 tional Secretary, a job which, at that 1969, but because of increases in time, always accompanied the office dues and in membership we can now BOMBARDE of President. enjoy this luxury. Number1 ...... 1966Volume 3 During the remainder of Al's Our method of typesetting has term as president, Al and Betty gone from ''hot type'' to compu­ THEATREORGAN BOMBARDE Mason continued to produce the terized ''phototypesetting'' allowing (Combined) magazine with the assistance of Don for more innovative layouts since Number3 !October). . .. 1966Volume 8 Lockwood, who had been named Floyd Mumm, of Pica Studio, was Numbers4, 5, 6 ...... 1967Volume 9 publications director when the given the job of designing and type­ Numbers1, 2 , 3,4, 5, 6 . 1968Volume 10 setting THEATRE ORGAN. How­ magazine moved to Livonia in 1969. Numbers1, 5, 6 . . . . . 1969Volume 11 In July 1970, following his term ever, there was still the responsibil­ as National ATOS President, Al ity of proofing, coordinating all THEATREORGAN Mason was appointed publisher of material for publication and the big Numbers1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 . 1970Volume 12 THEATRE ORGAN, a position job of mailing. Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . 1971Volume 13 In 1973 Betty shared, with Al, the which he held until his sudden death Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . 1972Volume 14 following the 1974 convention. title of Honorary Member of the Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . 1973Volume 15 Upon his death, Betty agreed to Year. Behind that award were Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.. 1974Volume 16 become publisher of the magazine, countless hours of work and dedica­ and her name first appeared on the tion to ATOS of which few people Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .. 1975Volume 17 masthead of the publication she had were aware. And the dedication for Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .. 1976Volume 18 already been involved with for over Betty didn't stop there, it went on Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .. 1977Volume 19 five years. and was to increase in years to Numbers1, 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6 .. 1978Volume 20 During her eleven-year tenure follow. Numbers1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .. 1979Volume 21 with our magazine, Betty has seen Last year Betty Mason was re­ her share of publication problems. elected to her second term on the PRICE: However, with her passion for meet­ National Board of Directors. She $1.00per copy, for issuesfrom ing or beating deadlines, she has will continue her dedication to 1959through 1967 made sure that THEATRE ORGAN ATOS while taking a well-deserved $1.25per copy, for issues was mailed as close as possible to rest from the many hours she has beginning1968 devoted to the magazine over the the scheduled mailing date during $1.50per copy, for issues past eleven years. the past decade. beginning1975 A lot of changes have taken place The officers, the publication staff in THEATRE ORGAN since the and the entire membership thank $2.00per copy. for issues days when the "dummys" for an you, Betty, for a job well done. of 1977and 1978 Floyd Mumm, who has worked issue were spread out on endless $2.50per copy. for issues with Betty since 1971, will take over tables in the Masons' living room of 1979 the position of publisher. Floyd and where Betty, Al and Don decided on Send check or money order to: the placement of type, photos, his wife Doris were named headlines and ads. Honorary Members of ATOS in ATOS The magazine has nearly doubled 1976 because of the extra effort they P.O. Box 45, in size and our four-color covers put forth to make each issue just a Falls Church, Virginia 22046 would not have been possible in little bit better. 0

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 31 completed collecting parts for his The Miami Herald and the ¥8)( P8PI planned studio organ with the ac­ South Florfd Theat~r Organ Societ y quisition of the entire Solo division pr aenl from the style 216 Wurlitzer form­ erly in the Los Angeles Westlake Theatre, a 1926 installation. In ad­ dition he has the Main division pipe­ work from the 1924 Wurlitzer in­ stallation in the Omaha Elks' Lodge , plus a replica of a Wurlitzer Brass Sax, 13 ranks so far . All releathering has been completed and parts are stored in Los Angeles awaiting a probable Januar y installation start­ CAI ing date. Involved in the preparatory work were Abbott & Sieker, the Chrome Conducted . by Stu Green Organ Co., Junchen-Collins Organ Corp. and Villemin Organs. ANDJIIE Readers are encouraged to submit in­ ~ teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ by (exclusive of chapter news items) Elbert Dawson writes that the Des material they believe will be of general Moines Paramount went out with a interest about local organ activities "BOOM" on October 14 last. A Cwit h theA youngNARY concert org an master and installations and the people who chain of dynamite blasts brought the work at the hobby. We know "there's 11-stor y building down in a few sec­ Walter Str ony VOX POPS in them there chapters" onds. at the keys of the mighty and it only requires a 10¢ postcard to WurUtzer pipe organ get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box 3564, Granada Hills, California 91344. If the The program chairman who has wide circulation - at no cost to the contributor can afford a 15¢ stamp , shelled out many shekels for news­ club. With newspaper advertising please include a contrasty black and paper ads plugging plublic organ usually being the largest item on the white photo which need not be re­ concerts ma y turn a bit green at the bill, the arrangement with theHerald turned. rare but ver y fortunate alliance be­ leaves lots of bread for organ main­ tween the South Florida Theatre tenance and improvement. The news­ Organ Societ y and the Miami Herald. paper charges the ads to its promo­ In the little communit y of Arcade. tional budget. N.Y. the local chapter of the Busi­ The club has access to Gusman Hall (originall y the Miami Olympia The­ Club member G.W. Gerhart in­ ness & Professional Women's Club forms us that the first show in April on September 24 sponsored a lecture atre) with its original style 260 Wur­ litzer. How to pull in an audience? 1978, starring a Ga ylord Carter by L. Curt Mangel. guiding genius of "Flickerfingers " show. sold out the the restoration of Shea 's Buffalo The club made a co-sponsorship deal with the Herald: the chapter house's 1800 seats. This year, a two­ Theatre. Using colored slides. Curt column ad the length of the page covered the entire histor y of the pa ys for hall rental. organist's fees. house crew and taxes. and the profits trumpeted the club-newspaper spon­ theatre, from its opening to toda y's sorship of a Halloween show starring refurbishing. Structural repairs. go for organ maintenance. The Herald promotes the public shows via its Walter Stron y cueing the vintage restabilation of the stage. Grand silent chiller, The Cat and the Ca­ Hall, lobb y staircas e. chandelier s nary, complete with a sketch of a etc .. were shown. He reported that haunted house and a tear-off ticket the _4128 Wurlitzer should be read y order form. This cooperative effort for tts re-dedication in the spring of is an idea available tc, any organ club 1980. The instrument. once adver­ which will do the groundwork. tised as " the lar gest Wurlit zer be­ tween New York and Chicago." will once again be the status symbol of a magnificentl y maintained house as it Jack Skell y, having some free time was in 1926 when Lloyd Del Castillo from his organists duties at Pla yland pla yed it those opening weeks. Casino in Westchester. N.Y .. visited Wouldn ' t it b e poetic justice to have Radio Cit y Music Hall during Sep­ him re-dedicate it! tember. "It was a marvelously enter­ taining program. and was held over an extra month, ending September A release from George Wright 's 26. The next feature . "Snow White W alter Stro ny helped t he cat chase the canary in booking manager, John Nelson, in­ M iami (photo made before the co ntact lenses w ere and the Seven Dwarfs," had admis­ forms us that Wright has nearl y insta lled). sion boosted to $12.50. The two or-

32 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 ganists, Chad Weirick and Lance Tokyo's Mitsukoshi department Luce, play 15 minutes before and at store. He added that it sounds good intervals during the show. They play but needs a major overhaul. very well, but if one could offer con­ Something in the association of structive criticism, it was too loud - John's name with that instrument practically full organ. Could it be, struck some deja vu chords in our that in gearing the Music Hall shows memory so we shuffled through our to satisfy not only adults, but also the carton of "used" photos. Sure rock-oriented kids, the new policy enough there was a photo of a boyish includes upping the decibel count to John playing the same Wurlitzer for please the latter group? Japanese shoppers - in 1965.

~ ~ You may receive this in time to Bill Wright's musical activities catch one of Terry Charles six seem to be increasing since we ran ! Christmas concerts at the Kirk of the veteran film cuer's biography a . ~ Dunedin, Dunedin, Florida. A press Al few issues back. Shortly after "The release from the Kirk states that Wrong Wright" hit print he got a Terry is the most popular organist to \ rather urgent phone call from a TV appear in the series since they producer who insisted that Bill show started in 1968 (that apparently in­ up at the Pasadena Crown Theatre Bill Wright. Lots of magic but the big green beast cludes the concerts played on their was nowhere in sight . (Stufoto) in 30 minutes - attired in a tuxedo. 4/23 Wurlitzer by such prominenti The house had been rented for shoot­ as Helen Dell. Ann Leaf. Billy Nalle 26. There was the Wurlitzer music ing a segment of the Incredible Hulk, and George Wright. Ed). Terry's cueing the magician's tricks - and and when the crew arrived and dis­ "Christmas Fantasy" was set for Bill? He explains, "If you didn't covered the organ intact. the pro­ presentations on Dec. 6. 7, 8. 17, 18 blink, maybe you saw me." ducer decided it would be just the and 19. We established that Terry thing to accompany the magic act could smile in a recent column. We to be videotaped. So they needed an never had any doubts about his organist who knew the instrument. Dr. John Landon, organist. playing ability. The fact that he Bill moved fast - in the direction minister, teacher and author, can packs 'em in year after year is evi­ of a costume rental service - and well add the title of "traveler" to his dence enough. made it in the prescribed time. Then credits. In September, he embarked ~ he sat around while the cast rehearsed. on a 2½-month trip to England. He We received a postcard from Finally came the magic show and was to give an updated version of his traveler John Ledwon, who went on a Bill fitted music to it easily. The pro­ Jesse Crawford slide-sound presenta­ world-girdling vacation following his ducer was pleased and Bill was happy tion for the London Chapter, ATOS. chairing of the 1979 ATOS conven­ with the generous fee. Another program, based on radio tion. John wrote that he had played The episode was aired on the CBS items from his collection, entitled Japan's only Wurlitzer, the one in Network in prime time on October "Theatre Organists on Radio in the United States," was scheduled for the Cinema Organ Society of which John has long been a member. "Of course, I won't be adverse to trying out a few English theatre organs if the occasions present themselves," he said before departure. On August 20th, Landon partici­ pated in a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the l 700-seat Paramount Theatre in Anderson, Indiana, entertaining at the restored 3/7 Page organ with a sing-along as well as a solo presentation. The feature film was The Cocoanuts star­ ring the Marx Brothers. the film which opened the Eberson-style house in 1929.

~ Both Warren Clark and Bill Reeves call our attention to the ex­

He'd been there before . John Ledwon entertaining Mitsukoshi department store shoppers in 1965. Japan 's cellent article by Charles P. Fox. only theatre organ is still perking in 1979. authority on circuses, entitled

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 33 Geste," starring Ronald Colman, Ralph Forbes and Noah Berry Sr. on September 29th at the Wurlitzer­ equipped California Theatre. Harry was especially desirous of screening "Beau Geste," not only because he cued it during its initial release in the '20s but also because he still had the sheet music he played for the first showing in a New England theatre, and he considers it a good film and score. There had been some discus­ sion relative to showing a film with an unhappy ending, so Harry wanted to prove his point. The project nearly got wiped when the rented film failed to arrive from the one source in New York and Harry was frantic trying to line up a substitute. But UPS made a last minute delivery and saved the day. "Circus Musical Instruments" in the A representative crowd of ATOS­ International Musician for October, ers showed up for the screening and Harry Jenkins . A good movie makes for a good '79. they were soon engrossed in the show . One item of special interest con­ dram a. Harry observed; cerned the old-time circus parade "I noticed a quietness in the thus gtvmg hope to other cancer calliope of SO-some whistles blown audience. Several times I glanced victims. The fight against death by live steam and heard as far as 5 over my shoulder at the people: in changed Harry's life; he was not miles. The article mentions that the the semi-darkness I could see close satisfied merely to best the disease, calliopist had to have the strength attent ion on the faces. Were it not he went on the offensive. He cut in his fingers of the circus strong for the organ tones, one could hear several sides on the piano and man, but neglects to note that the a pin drop - the same as during the merchandised them so that the pro­ calliopist was often showered with 1927 showing I accompanied. A very fits went to cancer research. More hot ashes and flaming embers from dramatic film with a sad ending, but recently he has turned to the theatre the roaring fire under the boiler as a great one." organ, and we have chronicled his he played. This live steam often doings. Cathy is always there with shook the whistles loose, and at the ~ just the right words. His latest was a end of the parade the calliopist Ah, that every artist had a promo­ "biggie," a concert played on the usually had to apply the monkey tion department as strong as Harry Detroit Senate Theatre's excellent wrench he always carried to do the Koenig's. All he had to do was to 4/ 34 Wurlitzer for the DTOC. That needed re-tuning job. marry Cathy and she became his he pleased his audience was ap­ Another item described Ringling's untiring press agent. And Harry is parent in Betty Heffer's review in 1903 organ parade wagon, 25 feet good material for exploitation. He the DTOC News and in the "thank long and 10 feet high, containing a first came to our attention a few you" letter from Program Chairman Kilgen pipe organ powered by a years after a bout with cancer - and Mac McLaughlin. That Cathy never Stanley Steamer auto engine pro­ he beat the man in the black coat, misses a chance to plug the most viding enough air to make it about as deafening as the calliope, but which. similarly, had to be re-tuned at the end of every parade because the rough roads would pop most of the pipes out of their chest holes in transit. We ran a detailed story about this Kilgen several years ago. It had 9 manual ranks and three pedal ranks. Development of the calliope obsoleted it.

~ Col. Harry Jenkins proved that dramatic silent movies can be as engrossing as comedies during a San Diego chapter showing of the 1926 version of rarely screened "Beau Harry at the DTOC 4/ 34 Wurlitzer. (Cathypic)

34 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 important guy in her life - which is Elbert Dawson reports that lots better than becoming a volun­ George Wright returned to his own tary "Wurlitzer Widow." Grant High School in Sacramento, Calif. for a concert on October 7. His program on the School's pipes The late Dessa Byrd's music lives was mostly tunes he played while a on in the piano and electronic organ student there. He reminisced about records taped from her radio broad­ the many theatres in Sacramento casts of the '60s. Tim Needler in­ with organs, which he played in his forms us that the Central Indiana high school days. All of these organs chapter of ATOS, with the assistance and most of the theatres are gone of Dessa's sister, Virginia, is mer­ now. A number of George's local chandising the records to build a relatives were in attendance includ­ fund to assist talented but needy ing his 89 year-old aunt Blanche, music students. The two records are who ably walked to the 4-deck con­ "Piano Melodies by Dessa Byrd" sole to talk and receive a kiss. Many and "Dessa Byrd Plays Organ and others were recognized, including a Piano Melodies Old and New." We group from George's birthplace of have heard both records and the Orland, California. The youngest in playing is first rate. Dessa was well attendance was the two-month-old known in Indiana as a theatre organ­ Musselman baby. When he gave a ist through the silent era, and was slight whimper George lulled him elected to the ATOS Hall of Fame a with "Rock-a-bye Baby" on the few months before her death. The home, the El Solano Room of the Chrysoglott. Midway through the Chapter saw a way to both perpetu­ Panama City Hotel Continental. program George was surprised by a ate her name and to advance musical Last we heard from Andy's promo television news cameraman with education with the establishment of dept. he had arrived to find a lot of equipment and lights. The clip was The Dessa Byrd Memorial Scholar­ installation and finishing work used on the air that evening and it ship Fund. ahead of him earlier this year. Now showed George's surprised look very The one side devoted to organ is we received a newspaper clipping graphically. The television people played on a 1960's Allen. It's from Rodney J. Spiros who works called it an "unusual concert" and amazing how much like a theatre near the scene of activity. It's a the organ a "nice piece of machin­ organ Dessa's registration sounds. quarter-page box ad extolling the ery." It's a worthwhile project and the attraction now in operation. Origin­ music is good. Purchasing informa­ ally a 3/27 in the Atlantic City tion will be found in an advertise­ Warner's Theatre. it has been After the usual three-month ment elsewhere in this issue. pumped up to a 3/ 32 in the El summer hiatus, RTOS opened its Solano locale. 16th concert season on September 20. The 1350 attendees at Roches­ Bill Taber of Western Reserve ter's Auditorium Theatre were not Chapter has found a way to preserve images of both theatre organ sound and its practitioners. He simply videotapes events such as seminars and lectures relative to the hobby. His first was a color taping of Lowell Ayars' '76 ATOS Convention semi­ nar, wherein Ayars plays a few tunes, expounds about his career and what he believes the future holds for THEATRE ORGAN plus an in­ depth interview. Total running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes. It's a novel way to preserve a microcosm of organ information or a portrait of an or­ ganist for future reference. Those interested may write to Bill Taber, 3911 Oakes Rd .. Brecksville, Ohio, 44141.

~ Apparently Andy Kasparian got the former Panama City Hilton Hotel Wurlitzer perking in its new Lowell Ayars . There 's more than one way to get on the boob tube .

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 35 banks. John's quick eye caught a name "Steak and Pipes" in front of a restaurant. Inside was a 3/8 Robert Morton in a state of augmentation, although it is used every day. One of the employees said that the organ had come from a local theatre, and because the console showed the wear of SOyears or so, it will be replaced by a Wurlitzer key desk which was being readied in the basement. Numerous ranks of pipes now in the cellar will be added. Railroad equip­ ment? "It was interesting, too," says John. who saw rolling stock on Bill Langford.' A topnotch entertainer.' the Alaska RR and Whitehorse and Ron Curtis . They liked him in Rochester but the Yukon lines. weather was awful. disappointed, because Ye Olde Pizza Joynt artist, Bill Langford, provided fall-foliage excursion on October an evening of light entertainment, 13. Organized again by Tom Lock­ interspersed with timely jokes. wood, the 121 members (largest Westerner Bill specializes in the type group yet), were transported by three of music which makes folks happy Greyhound cruisers to Letchworth and he had them in his corner Park, the Corning Glass Center, throughout the evening, especially Watkins Glen Park and finally to when playing medleys of old-time Syracuse. There they swelled the tunes which showed his fast digital crowd to almost standing room capa­ dexterity. Toward the end of the city to hear the British artist, Ron program, he had fun with his mech­ Curtis. anical monkey, Kokomo. Though it When Ron appeared in Rochester worked during the afternoon rehear­ in 1977, he drew a sparse audience sal, the beast refused to function. due to abominable weather, and this Bill finally had to give up on the ape. Eddie Baker. was one way the group could show Shortly after laying it down its Ron they like him. Ron was in great electric motor started to function, It is a rare occasion when a two­ form and much of his fastpaced the artist retrieved it and, placing it hour program on radio or television program showed the bouncy style so on the music rack, proceeded to play is devoted exclusively to the theatre typical of the British theatre organ­ to the accompaniment of the organ. However, on August 31, ists such as Reginald Dixon and Sid­ monkey's banging cymbals. The Lloyd Klos appeared on the pro­ ney Torch. The Fairgrounds (ex­ crowd thundered its approval and gram Speak Easy, aired on Roches­ RKO Keith's) 3/ 11 Wurlitzer speaks Bill was honored with a standing ter's WPXN. The show, hosted by out very well in the Mills Building, ovation at the end. Just the right Toby Gold, has the largest audience and had there been no chairs in the program to kick off RTOS' nine­ of any talk show in the area, and The auditorium, there would surely have concert season. Old Prospector covered the entire been dancing. Ron had been on a spectrum of the theatre organ. Inter­ several-week holiday in the Colonies. spersed were lively selections from subbing for Don Thompson at the Organ Grinder Pizza in Toronto When Pittsford, N.Y.'s John Rob­ records by Eddie Baker, Del Castillo, while the latter vacationed m lin takes a trip, he has two things Reginald Dixon, Tiny James, Gay­ Hawaii. uppermost in mind: railroad equip­ lord Carter, Lowell Ayars, Helen Dell, Dennis James, Ashley Miller, ment and theatre organs. In early ~ ) September, John and wife, Fanny, Bill Floyd and Don Baker. The last were off to Alaska. Stopping at third of the show was devoted to Bob Longfield of Carmichael, Cal. Vancouver, B.C., the couple visited questions phoned in by the audience. is a theatre buff, and recently while the Organ Grinder and saw the "The object of my appearance," researching Sacramento houses on Wurlitzer - Hinners there. They says Lloyd, "was to coincide with microfilmed newspapers , he came stopped at the Orpheum Theatre RTOS' fall membership campaign. across an item which told of a fire but could not gain admittance to Response was very good.'' destroying the 1800-seat National see the 3/ 13 Wurlitzer. The couple Theatre in Marysville, Cal. in June heard the 2/ 8 Kimball in Juneau's 1922: "Organist Harry J. Probat. State Office Building and were im­ Organ-oriented bus trips have be­ despite crackling flames, stayed at pressed by the installation, com­ come quite popular with organ clubs the organ console until every patron pletely enclosed in glass. behind the in several areas of the country. No had safely left the theatre." Bob console. more so than in Rochester, where would love to know about Probat But the big surprise was in Fair- RTOS ran its fifth such venture, a and what happened to him. D

36 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 Dear Mr. Thompson: feet. There are 4,000 electromagnets I am enclosing a newspaper arti­ and 8,000 pneumatics. It is one of cle dated September 21, 1979 from the two largest organs in the world La Republic, Panama City, Rep of ever built by Wurlitzer with a 3- the Pan. regarding the installation of manual keyboard. the 3/28 Wurlitzer in El Sotana Mr. Riande, whose enthusiasm is letters Club (Basement) of El Continental projected in each idea until the end, Hotel. was determined to rescue this unfor­ to Andy Kasparian who assisted in gettable marvelous instrument and, the installation of this project and is by 1977, this jewel was acquired for the the resident organist asked me to Hotel Continental. The process of send this to you so that his many rebuilding the Wurlitzer was begun editors friends in the U.S. will be informed and it is like a new installation in of what he has been doing the last El Sotano (which in Spanish means Letters to the Editor con­ few months. Andy will be remem­ the basement) where, without a cerning all aspects of the bered as having played the Lans­ doubt, one can now enjoy the major theatre organ hobbyare en­ downe Theatre Organ for the 1976 tourist attraction offered in Panama. couraged.Send them to the National Convention and several Andy Kasparian, the famous or­ editor concerned.Unless it's Pizza Parlor Organs on the West ganist who was brought direct from stated clearlyon the letter Coast in Seattle and the Bay Area Broadway, has been contracted by "not for publication,"the ed­ as well as in St. Louis, and on his Mr. Riande to play this organ. His itors feel free to reproduce own Hammond X66 in the Delaware music will delight those in atten­ it, in wholeor part. Valley and New Jersey resort areas. dance in El Sotano. According to the Panamanians, Congratulations once again to Mr. Address: Panama is more than just a Canal. Riande for this beautiful project that GeorgeThompson The organ, they say, is Panama's has contributed so much to high­ Editor number one attraction - after the light this tourist attraction of our P.O.Box 1314 Canal. great city. Salinas,Calif. 93902 A free-style translation of the news article is also enclosed for those who cannot read Spanish. Not having had Dear Editor: Spanish in high school. I've had to Your recent issue carries the news Dear Mr. Thompson. get help from several sources, none that "Its England for our 25th The London Chapter was filled of whom could agree on a uniform Annual ATOS Convention." with great sadness when we heard interpretation. However, I am sure Don't you mean "Britain" or the news of the passing of Richard it gives everyone a good idea about "The United Kingdom?" There are Simonton. Words cannot just ex­ the article. three other very proud countries in press the loss to family. friends, and Andy says Bienvenidos El Sotana. Britain: Scotland. Wales. and the organ world. Yours truly, Northern Ireland. They are not He was. we know. hurt by the ex­ Leo A. Bolbecker England. pressions of the few, who tried to Britons would rather you did not destroy all the enthusiasm and good stress this sore point. May I point out fellowship that existed in the ATOS also. there are organs in all four over the years. The Latest From Panama countries. The large t theatre organ Anyone who came in contact with being in the Playhouse Theatre. in him immediately felt that here was a translated Edinburgh. a 3/ 39 Hilsdon. man who would go to great lengths by Leo A. Bolbecker Sincerely. to further the cause of the organ James C. Donald - "Briton" scene. and loved meeting people. The Hotel Continental, the prin­ Colonia. New Jerse y whatever their station in life. cipal, and most important of the Surely. now is the time to continue Riande hotel chain of Panamanian (Your facts are indeed correct. How­ with an extra effort. to preserve all hotels, celebrated, in September. an ever. our 1980 convention activities that Richard tried to do. for the outstanding event that has had a will take place in and around Lon­ future generations. So we say to all social and commercial impact on the don. and not in any qf the other ATOS chapters. we have all lost a elite in Panama City as a major cou11tries you me11tion. The conve11- good friend so lets remember him by international tourist attraction. The tion will be held in Eni!and. - carrying on his dreams for a great giant Wurlitzer from the Stanley -Editor) future for the theatre organ. Warner Theatre was dazzling by its We shall never forget the smile he size. but. above all. for its incredible gave us when he heard. "London for beauty of rich tones. In effect this Dear George: 1980". We shall miss you Dick. superb instrument has 275 stops. Regarding the article on page 37 From all the Members from a whisper to a thunderous full of the recent THEATRE ORGAN. of the London and organ. It has 2,200 pipes of various I have an "Autograph-Marsh" South of England Chapter. sizes ranging from five inches to 16 record #4010 played by Milton

DEC. 1979/J AN. I 980 THEATRE ORGAN 37 Charles at the Tivoli Theatre, Chi­ "whiz kids." Some of these musi­ cago. No date. cians may play as fast and cleanly as Hope to see you in "Most Of All I Want Your Love" George Wright. But aside from his "Our Yesterdays" LONDON talent for innovation, what sets him I also have two Milton Charles July 20-27, 1980 apart from all the rest is beyond records, "Paramount" label bearing ATOS National Convention measuring on a scale or verbal des­ the date May 25, 1923. Name of or­ cription. Whatever that something gan not given. They sound, to me, as is, it wasn't learned. It's inherent. He though they may be electric record­ skilled copyists. They have origin­ was simply born to play the theatre ing, but I'm no authority. #4006 - ated nothing. And they are some­ organ. "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", times crowned with that often-mis­ George Wright is an intelligent "Mighty Like A Rose", #4005 - used term "genius." True genius lies man. I'm sure he could have made a "I Never Knew", and "Carry Me in the ability to create something good high school teacher, had he Back to Old Virginy". new ... something that happens to applied himself to that end. He prob­ Does anyone have any informa­ be extremely good. And that ability ably could have been a successful tion about the "Paramount" is something George Wright no salesman. But if he had chosen to records. Wonder if Milton Charles doubt possessed before even he knew pursue anything other than music, it would remember? it. More than once, I have heard him would have been an enormous waste Sincerely, state to an audience that, in effect, of talent. Bob Longfield his playing ability is little more than As an unwavering George Wright Carmichael. California the result of dedicated practice. But fan since the age of ten, I am thrilled just for a moment, consider all of to see him get this kind of recogni­ those who started just as young and tion. Dear George: practiced just as long and hard, but Sincerely, When George Wright was award­ wound up being "good," rather than Ron Musselman ed the title of "Theatre Organist of "great" musicians. Fresno. California □ the Year" at the ATOS convention Another area in which Mr. Wright in Los Angeles last July, it was much excels is that of taste; not only in like seeing a decade-old bill being knowing what pieces to select, but stamped "PAID." There most cer­ how to treat them. I remember see­ tainly will never be another George ing "Boogie" on the tune list of his C!tlo~ingC!tborb Wright, the man who has, in a sense, first HI-FI release before the seal written the updated book on "How had been broken and wondering how to Play the Theatre Organ." And anyone could play something like Thomas S. Hobson, beloved mem­ that "book" has been widely read, as that on a pipe organ without it ber of the Central Ohio Theatre evidenced by the scores of organists sounding "clumsy." But boy, did it Organ Society, died September 12, who have borrowed from him so lib­ cook! And he has done wonders with 1979. Born December 29, 1911, erally. In fact, with the exception of some of the better contemporary Tom's musical instruction consisted Jesse Crawford, George Wright is material. In October of 1978, he of only a few violin lessons. His the only theatre organist who has played a "Homecoming" concert at natural aptitude for music, however, been imitated to any significant ex­ the Wurlitzer at the Sacramento led to a proficiency in not only tent. I couldn't begin to count the high school he attended. One of the violin, but voice and piano as well. number of times I've heard the echo songs he played that day was David After his first exposure to a theatre of that cheery reed combination Gates' "If," a pretty song to begin organ, in Marion, Ohio's Palace from "The Lady is a Tramp" (from with. But the Wright treatment was Theatre, his affinity for the organ Showtime) performed on a pizza or­ incredibly beautiful. He played one was established. He acquired a Bald­ gan, or on an up-and-comer's debut verse using only the Chrysoglott. win electronic organ, which he album. With the rest of the organ silent, the learned to play with professional To say that any number of organ­ use of this soft voice was most effec­ proficiency. ists can re-create many of Wright's tive in drawing attention to the gor­ His unique playbg skill high­ more memorable (and complex) ar­ geous melody. Many in the audience lighted many C.O.T.O.S. meetings. rangements is completely beside the were visibly moved. It is this more He was equally at home at the "big point. I recall a conversation from sensitive, sublte side that he seems to organ" in the Ohio Theatre (Col­ some time back during which a be showing more of these days, and umbus) as he was on electronic or­ woman began to bubble over about it has generated some magic gans. an organist in his early 20s who "can moments. But the sly humor of the His working contribution and play George Wright's stuff perfectly past hasn't died, and it still surfaces dedication to Central Ohio's three­ ... right down to the last note." now and then, drawing irrepressible manual Wurlitzer in Worthington, Well, he more than likely can. And grins. snickers and occasional guf­ Ohio, will be missed. he's not alone, which brings us to faws from listeners. And, as always, At the encouragement of his wife, the meat of an important matter: he knows the appropriate place to Erma, he had developed a resurg­ Whether it's a work of art or a mus­ use it. and precisely when to stop. ence of interest in the violin, and in ical performance, the people who There are many first-rate organ­ duet with her, played at church and duplicate the original are really just ists today, several of them dubbed at social gatherings. D

38 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 The last stop on our CIC-ATOS organ "safari" was a visit to Mr. & Mrs. Fred Rieger in Waynesville, Ohio. We were privileged to see and hear a most unusual, and unique or­ gan installation. Mr. Rieger told of the intriguing history of the organ. The organ is com prised of parts from 16 organs.These parts include a eHAPTERNOTE~ Moller chest, pipes from an old Moller tracker organ , with some pipes being made by a German in 1896, pipes from a Skinner organ from a Chicago church, a console from an Estey player residence or­ Let us know what's Emery Theatre), Tote Pratt - who gan, plus some 400 player rolls from happening in YOUR Chapter/ has overseen the installation and his family in addition to another 180 maintenance of the Wurlitzer Style rolls that came with the console. Send Photos and News to: 260 three-manual (now 23-rank) or­ The installation in this very special GEORGE THOMPSON gan - gave a thorough and most building is a theatre-pipe-organ­ P.O . BOX 1314 SALINAS , CALIFORNIA 93902 interesting explanation of the organ. lover's dream come true. In addition Hubert Shearin shared the spotlight to the organ , there is a Baldwin Deadlines with Mr. Pratt, enlightening the grand piano, a movie screen, sound Jan . 1st . for Feb ./ Mar. visitors on details of both the organ and taping equipment, plus a TV Mar . 1st . for Apr ./ May and the theatre. A tour of the screen in the console for viewing May 1st . for June / July theatre , the organ chambers and the while playing for movies. Open con­ July 1st . for Aug ./ Sept . projection booth was provided the sole provided entertainment with Sept . 1st . for Oct ./ Nov . visitors. Open console followed. duets at the piano and organ. Nov . 1st . for Dec ./ Jan . Lunch was at the Shady Nook Res­ On October 14th , members and taurant, near Oxford, Ohio, where guests enjoyed meeting at the home Dennis Werkmeister, who recently of Bob and Patsy Davidson , who CENTRAL INDIANA purchased the restaurant and organ, have a beautiful 4520 Wurlitzer On September 9th , 52 guests and greeted the travelers and described theatre styled electronic organ. Open members met at Vincennes Univer­ the three-manual Wurlitzer organ. console was enjoyed by many after sity in Vincennes, Indiana. Richard This is the WLW (Cincinnati) our host gave us a short, but most Ertel, who is with the Music Depart­ "Moon River" organ. It has 30 enjoyable program. ment at the University, gave us a ranks, and the console was one that BARBARA J. ATKINSON brilliant program and demonstra­ Helen Crawford played at the Chica­ tion of the 3113 Wurlitzer pipe organ go Theatre. Kurt Von Schakel pro­ at the universit y. The organ sounded vided the group with an enjoyable CENTRAL OHIO excellent in their auditorium. Many program. COTOS met at the Worthington enjoyed the open console. While The group then went to the Werk­ High School auditorium on August Vincennes is somewhat off the meister's home in New Lebanon , 31st to see first hand the progress of beaten path for those of us in central Ohio, to see and hear their two­ the 3/ 16 Wurlitzer installation. We Indiana , it was most certainly worth manual 20-rank Wurlitzer organ. were elated to find that the major the time and effort to attend this The console is a two-manual, a very chore of windline installation was be­ meeting. early Hope-Jones. Dennis intends to hind us and we could now concen­ On October 6th and 7th a busload add a three-manual Moller console trate on circuit testing and wiring of of 46 CIC-ATOS members enjoyed this winter. Open console provided the chests in the right chamber and a very special weekend trip to the a chance to further appreciate the repair of some pneumatics. The ten Cincinnat i/ Da yton area. On Satur­ organ. horsepower blower proves capable of da y evening we attended a concert Our next stop was at the home of delivering more than enough pres­ by Ann Leaf at the Wurlitzer pipe the John Gogles in Dayton, Ohio. sure to operate our most remote organ in the Emery Theatre in Cin­ Here, we enjoyed the home installa­ ranks; the regulator adjustment we'll cinnati. This program, which in­ tion of a Kimball (1926 vintage) leave in the capable hands of Willard cluded a Laurel and Hard y film, was three-manual 11-rank pipe organ. Ebner. enjo yed by everyone. The dedication The organ originally was installed in The Chapter was treated to a re­ and hard work done by the members the Capitol Theatre in Hazelton, Pa. markable slide-talk presentation by of the Ohio Valle y Chapter in the The Gogles purchased it from a Lowell Rielly, a lecturer-author, restoration of this theatre certainly private owner in Philadelphia. A whose various travels throughout the is most exemplary of the meaning delightful program was presented by cathedrals and churches of the world of ATOS, and the y are to be highl y Elton Wellmeir, Jr., of the Ohio are beautifully portrayed in his pic­ commended! Valley Chapter. Open console was tures. From the bamboo pipes of an On Sunda y morning (back at the enjoyed here, also. organ in the Philippines, we moved

DEC. 1979/J AN. I 980 THEATRE ORGAN 39 to Spain and the Cathedral Salamo­ The October meeting was held on Harold is a professional musician. nica - thence to Granada, Germany Sunday, October 21st, at the country He plays the organ at restaurants, and France. In each country, the re­ home of Ralph and Leona Charles in clubs, and special occasions. He took corded music from selected churches Somerset, Ohio. A large gathering the opportunity this evening, at our accompanied angle shots of the pipes of members and guests enjoyed a meeting, to play some selections not and console from which it origi­ concert by Kenny Winland at the usually requested or played at res­ nated. From Rotterdam in the 4/20 Robert Morton rebuilt by taurants and clubs. He began with a Netherlands where we saw horizon tat Ralph in the large family room of the fine group of Gershwin selections reeds, we returned to the spectacular Charles' home. This fine instrument which included "Some Day He'll Wanamaker 6/ 451 organ in Phila­ came from a long extinct theatre in Come Along," "Of Thee I Sing," delphia. Our deep appreciation to Columbus. Kenny's program was along with others. Space here does Lowell for the privilege of seeing his followed by open console, providing not allow detailing the full program, latest church organ cavalcade. a large variety of talent. An im­ but these should be mentioned: We were saddened by the loss of promptu trio of piano, organ and "Kashmiri Song," "The Way We our beloved Tom Hobson, Septem­ calliope was especially entertaining. Were," "In a Monastery Garden," ber 12th. His active participation in Jack Allen, a guest from Western and "Londonderry Aire." the Wurlitzer project, his organ key­ Reserve, participated in open con­ Our thanks go to the Rices and to board talent and violin renditions sole and entertained the gathering Harold de La Chappelle for a grand will be sorely missed. at the Robert Morton. Several people time. JOHN R. POLSLEY later ventured to the barn loft where In September, on the 8th to be Ralph is cunently rebuilding a 3/ 10 exact, a good number of chapter September was marked by the be­ hybrid theatre organ. This instru­ members, as well as some from the ginning of the new season for the ment is slated for completion next Southeast New England and New Ohio Theatre's Theatre Organ Con­ summer. York chapters, enjoyed the excep­ cert Series. Sunday, September 30th, BOB AND PATTI CLARK tional hospitality of Bill Hastings saw Dennis James giving a matinee and Joe Colliano at No. Truro on performance at the 4/20 Robert Cape Cod where the fine Wurlitzer Morton. This was Dennis' premier CONNECTICUT VALLEY from the State Theatre in Water­ performance in full concert at his This year, again, our August meet­ bury, CT., now resides. It was a great home theatre and the audience ing was at the home of Stillman and get-together with much fine music showed appreciation for his skills Claire Rice in North Haven, CT. by some able players as well as with a standing ovation. Weather was very warm and humid, socializing, dining, etc. We are most The September meeting of the but at the Rice residence, with its grateful to Bill and Joe. chapter was primarily concerned expansive grounds. such weather Also in September we heard Rex with the election of new board mem­ does not make one uncomfortable. Koury at the Thomaston Opera bers. The newly-elected members We had a fine afternoon playing the House organ. Rex has played for us are David Love, Ed Laugher and great Allen digital electronic organ before and he returned because we Karen Boerger. (A later board meet­ and getting ready for outdoor cook­ liked his performance very much, ing chose Dr. John Polsley as chair­ ing of the evening meal, for which indeed. His latest appearance re­ man, Ed Laugher as vice chairman, Stillman had provided several inforced our enthusiasm for his Bob Shaw as secretary and David "cookeries" complete with charcoal. playing. Love as treasurer.) The meeting was What a way to meet! Our October meeting was held at well-attended by 31 members and Promptly after dinner, President the Thomaston Opera House where friends on September 28th and was Norm Ray guided us expeditiously open console is always a special hosted by David Love. The presence through the business portion of our feature. At Thomaston the business of three electronic organs and a 105- meeting so that our guest artist for portion of the meeting was the first year-old piano provided entertain­ the evening, Harold de La Chap­ item on the agenda after which open ment from the talented hands of pelle, could have ample time for his console was the order of the day until Ruth Shaw and other members. program. five o'clock. At that hour our

Send your change of address to ... LeePrater ATOSMembership Office P.O.Box 45 FallsChurch, Virginia 22046 South East Texas Chapter

40 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 featured artist was none other than The most outstanding part of his parking lot. Everett Bassett, venerable member, concert was the "Gunsmoke Suite," Only a block away, the Towne worker, tuner and organist. Ev is that Rex had composed for the or­ Theatre and Hotel is soon slated for always willing to play for us, al­ gan. The music was new and per­ demolition. The hotel was declared though he likes to be recalcitrant formed with perfection. unsafe recently when a piece of the until invitations have been extended Stating that there was a shortage building fell eight floors to the side­ to others. Given decent notice, Ev of silent movies these days, Rex ac­ walk. always puts some thought on what companied a silent picture of his own The Riverside is still doing busi­ would constitute an interesting pro­ making. It was a satire on what a ness and is guaranteed until 1981, gram and this time was no exception. typical day in the life of Rex Koury when its lease runs out. After then, Ev played a nice variety of old, is like at his ranch in Reno. its future is uncertain. recent, musical comedy, etc. in his All things considered, the concert The Racine Guild project received own arrangements for a good hour was well worth the price of admis­ a shot in the arm recently when Rick and that concluded the scheduled sion. The only fault anyone could Johnson was hired by the board to agenda. find with the concert was that the install a new switching system in the Also in October we heard Jim theatre management seems very un­ 2/7 Wurlitzer. The system, which Benzmiller in concert at Thomaston willing to provide any white house is costing a great deal, was described on the 20th and 21st. This was Jim's lights before or after the concerts, as needed in order to improve the first appearance at Thomaston and or during intermission. People have concert capabilities of the instru­ his reception assured his return in been complaining that they can't ment. the future. Our concert committee read our programs and rightly so. The Kimball Organ Club of Mil­ does very well by us! Without a flashlight, candle, or waukee, composed of past and As the year draws to its close we other light providing device, reading current members of D.T.O.S., is will conclude it very well, indeed, our souvenir programs is impossible. busy trying to install the 3/ 32 Center with a concert at Thomaston by Ron It seems ridiculous to pass out pro­ Kimball in the Oriental Theatre. Rhode on December 8th and 9th grams people can't read in the Already a city landmark, the Orient­ and, finally, our annual Christmas theatre. al would be a great place for pipe or­ party. Information about, and tick­ A new Pipe Organ Pizza has gan concerts in Milwaukee. ets for the Ron Rhode concert are opened in Milwaukee. It is located WILLIAM CAMPBELL available from Concert Tickets, Box on Capitol Drive and is a branch of 426, Seymour, CT 06483. DeLuca's P.0.P. on Oklahoma Ave. EASTERN WALLACE F. POWERS Dairyland member Perry Petta is MASSACHUSETTS the staff organist. This young man is Another opening on September DAIRYLAND very talented and Milwaukee is lucky 29th, another show at Stoneham Our fall concert was held on Tues­ to have such a musician playing in Town Hall as our first fall meeting day, October 9th, at the Avalon. It his own home town. convened. After reports were read, was a repeat performance by Rex Our September social was held at President Royal Schweiger an­ Koury, who drew well his first time the home of Jim Peterson. Jim has a nounced that the board of directors here in an afternoon and evening fine 3-manual Moller in his home, had voted Donald Phipps and Stu concert set. A good crowd turned out and it is still growing. Entertainment Hinchliffe as lifetime members of to hear the "Gunsmoke Man" air was provided by Perry Petta. EMCATOS. Our club's home at his talents at the Mighty Wurlitzer. Plans to install a small Wurlitzer Babson has been extended another His concert started out with two in the Strand Theatre never materi­ 10 years after successful negotia­ medleys; one featuring golden-oldies alized. Over the summer months, tions with college authorities. and the other, popular show music. the theatre building was hit by a rash Dick Linder, nominating commit­ Rex also accompanied several slides of almost weekly fires. In September, tee chairman, read the names of our of paintings he had done. Both the it was demolished. Hopefully, down­ 1980 officers and board members. music and the art were very well town redevelopment will at least re­ The incumbent president and trea­ done. place it with something other than a surer are unchanged, but Timothy

~ea son's C ,eeli nQs from Yuletide SouthernArizona Chapter Salutations

Floyd{i !Joris 1\lumm

DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 41 Holloran is new vice president and LONDON will be Fun in '80: GULF COAST secretary is Gerald Parsons. Direc­ First, you take all the chapter tors are David Marden, Tim Bjareby ber 20th gathering at Babson. He members you can round up, plus and Dick Johnson with alternates (1 announced that the board had given friends and all hanger-arounders year) George Brunsell and Richard a $500.00 organ scholarship to the handy; then take two or three gallons Smith. Elbert Drazy is to serve on Boston Conservatory of Music in of paint, then two or three more, the organ committee. keeping with one of the purposes of then two or three more. Repeat this Paul Chavanne spoke of a German the club. This is to be designated as two or three more times and you organ enthusiast group visiting our the EMCATOS Scholarship Fund, have the amount of paint necessary area this summer desiring to hear a administered by the college, and was to paint one organ chamber! theatre organ. With neither our or­ awarded to Douglas Forbes. When the Saenger Theatre here in gan nor the Stoneham Wurlitzer be­ "Phantom of the Opera" was Pensacola was built in 1925, econo­ ing available, Rosalie and Pat Fucci screened at Babson on Halloween mics dictated that the organ be con­ kindly opened their home for them. with Bob Legon at the console and tained - or confined - to one Bob Legon presided at the 4/ 20 the membership invited. chamber. Fortunately the second Robert Morton, even to playing a Program Chairman Holloran, chamber was left in the plans, albeit Laurel and Hardy silent accompani­ after giving more concert details, empty. It contained one 1925 vintage ment. presented Bob as our evening's guest light bulb all these years! In 1979 The Stoneham console platform artist . If there is one word to describe when the architects completed their has been completed by Pat with the this gentleman it would have to be plans for the restoration we found we addition of screws for elevating. This indefatigable in his promotion of needed to start from scratch with moveable platform is a most worthy the Theatre Organ cause. Some time the 1925 construction plans. new feature for concert presenta­ ago he played the Old Orchard Our number one honorary mem­ tions. Beach (Maine) Wurlitzer in a pro­ ber, David Dietrich, an architect by Program chairman Tim Holloran gram titled "A Tribute to the Casino profession, drew the plans necessary requested volunteers for the numer­ Ballroom" (of that town). He again for us to start work in the "new" ous duties needed for the success of presented the same arrangements chamber. His plans include the the two fall concerts by Ron Rhode, for our enjoyment starting with the placing of the chests, regulators, etc. Nov. 16th and 17th. He then intro­ organ used as a carrousel replete Getting the chamber ready with duced our other Tim, Bjareby by with bells. drums, cymbals. then as the above-mentioned painting was name. as artist of the evening. a jazz orchestra. a la Tower Ball­ almost the first step. The very first Tim can always be counted upon room, Blackpool. England. The big step was scaling the heights neces­ for a well prepared, out-of-the-rut, band era, pre and post World War sary to reach the access door to the listenable presentation and this mini­ II, was well represented with such left (second) chamber. The next concert was no exception. From his numbers as 'Tm Beginning to See step was vacuuming the umpteen opening "Sound of Music," "Cara­ the Light," "Moonlight Serenade," inches of dirt accumulated in 55 van" with much double pedaling, etc. - all reminiscent of the Casino years from the empty chamber. " Beyond the Sea" with the beautiful Ballroom. Bob's well-received pro­ The work crew. headed by Tom Celeste rank prominent to his clever gram closed with an encore of "Par­ Helms with much assistance from "Old MacDonald had a Farm" en­ ade of the Wooden Soldiers." Walter Smith, Curt Goldhill, Bob core (with Purcell's "Trumpet Tune" The console bench was its usual Sidebottom, B. D. Rhea, M.D., who woven in!), it was a joy. The pro­ focal point as many kept the pipes rigged the block and tackle system, longed applause was a stamp of well­ whistling, even with Babson security and our chief honorary member done approval. guard, Charles Bouin, vocalizing as David Dietrich, hauled parts up to There followed a goodly number Tim Bjareby nicely accompanied the readied chamber. of regulars and guests for over two him with some of the good oldies. In the restoration we will have a hours of open console, fellowship Time to take the homeward trek lift installed for our Robert Morton. and refreshments before lights out. came all too soon! This we sorely need since the console Royal again conducted our Octo- STANLEY C. GARNISS does sit rather low in the orchestra

Season's Greetings To All Al~acker - THEATRE ORGAN CONCERTS Currently 29th Year at the Jefferson Theatr e

Contact : Al S ac ke r , J e ff e rso n Th ea tr e 345 Fann in Str ee t , P .O . B ox 3925 B ea um on t , T exas 77704

42 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 .)- ---· \.

'nlffllflllllflHllllllfflfflNIII I lfflllll

Lonnie Roach at the 2/ 9 Kilgen at Red Wing. (Edwin Hirschoff Photo) Tony Tahlman plays "Goldie ," Claude Newman's 3/ 18 Wurlitzer . (Edwin Hirschoff Photo ) pit now. bustle acquiring and installing our work and hopefully to generate more Our chapter has been asked many "new" parts and getting their "new" funds for the organ enlargement. times to provide organ music for home ready. The dreams of our 2/ 6 turning into a civic organizations and as back­ The chapter has work crews 4/ 21 are slowly coming to fruition. ground music for many theatrical scheduled for restoration work and We were delighted to have Mr. performances, prior to closing the the social crews have plans for and Mrs. Leon Barry from Chicago theatre. socializing. as guests recently. They were revisit­ Here we shine, for we did love to The architects were a little late in ing childhood places and our show off our organ. Now that the or­ closing the theatre for restoration so Saenger Theatre and Robert Morton gan is silent during restoration, the we took advantage of the reprieve were on their list. chapter is busy working on the en­ and held a freebee concert one Sun­ DOROTHY STANDLEY largement in various shops and/or day afternoon. Tom Helms gave an kitchens. Our Saenger will be a per­ audience-pleasing concert. He LAND O' LAKES forming arts center. quipped with the crowd that al­ It was one of the most active We have been extremely fortunate though they got in free, it would cost summers in the memories of most that a local business women's soror­ them to get out! We passed the hat LOL members. While appropriately ity, Beta Sigma Phi, has undertaken and did quite well. Plus 17 people theatre organ activity was the chap­ the partial support of our organ asked for membership blanks. ter's preoccupation, other activities restoration as one of their enterprises If you haven't seen or heard the kept members and the board busy for the coming year. How lucky can Alabama Chapter slide presentation while one event brought a measure we get? Many thanks go to them for of their theatre and organ history of excitement. A two-page feature this help. you are missing one of the most article in the June 17th issue of the Dr. Rhea, our chief mentor, con­ significant ideas to hit ATOS-land. St. Paul Pioneer Press covering the tinues to help the chapter in so many Splendidly written and superbly activities of ATOS and the LOL ways; not only to offer his home for narrated, it is spine-tingling in its Chapter was a fine publicity wind­ meetings but to let us use his nostalgia. See it! Our chapter fall. It was an in-depth piece, featur­ superbly-equipped workshop. showed it at our last concert and we ing large photos of Chairma'm At our last board meeting we were thrilled to the ''marrow of our Marge Sheapard and Paul Bowen, voted to purchase the planned new bones." We plan a similar show to and Claude Newman with Goldie, ranks for "Lola," our Robert present to local civic organizations his 3/ 18 Wurlitzer at Cedarhurst. Morton. Hence all the hustle and to acquaint more people with our Gareth Reibert, who wrote the

from WESTERN RESERVE Cleveland,Ohio

from Connecticut Valley Chapter

DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 43 Paul Lagergren at the Matson 's concert barn in Spring Valley , M innesota . The Rob Calcatera during his concert at Carlson's 5/21 Wurlitzer . organ is a 2/ 8 Wurlitzer . (Edwin Hirschoff Photo) (Edwin Hirschoff Photo)

article, showed fine appreciation for Since the last report to THEATRE - 23 years ago. More recently Tony the ATOS purposes and goals, as ORGAN Magazine, the chapter has has been holding forth at Cicero's illustrated by the following excerpt enjoyed several fine concerts. (Pizza) in the St. Paul and Min­ from the article: "The altars of their May 6th. Paul Lagergren played neapolis suburbs. as organ master. worship are huge. gilt ornamented the 2/ 8 Wurlitzer at the Matson 's EDWIN C. HIRSCHOFF and trimmed theatre pipe organs. concert barn in Spring Valley, Minn. with multiple ranks, pouring forth June 24th, Byron and Lillian sounds of shimmering strings, Carlson again hosted the chapter. LONDON AND SOUTH trumpeting brass. glockenspiel­ with Rob Calcaterra playing their OF ENGLAND chimes. train whistles and fire gongs 5/21 Wurlitzer. As we complete a busy and ab­ for good measure. On August 19th, veteran artist sorbing 1979 programme, excite­ "The litany of the cult is the Tony Tahlman was featured at ment and anticipation at the pro­ sweeping orchestra of music funnel­ Claude Newman's 3/ 18 Wurlitzer at spect of staging the 25th Convention ing out through the pipes. They have Cedarhurst, with Ron McAllister in London in July. 1980 are already heroes out of the era of the grand playing solo and second parts on the motivating the chapter towards palace showhouses - Lou Breeze, French Horn. the beginning of what promises to be Eddie Dunstedter, Leonard Leigh, On September 23rd, Lonnie a highlight year in Anglo-American Norm Gray, Bob Page and the still Roach played a concert at the stun­ theatre organ relationships. vivacious Ramona Gerhard Sutton. ning little 2/ 9 Kilgen in Red Wing. Having stemmed directly from the "They gather in their shrines each Hosts for this concert were Bill highly-successful 200-strong 'Safari' month ... " Sweasy and Bob Benolkin. of 1976, and now well used to meet­ For 23 members and associates. It is interesting and encouraging ing the interests and the needs of the '79 ATOS Convention was their to note that of the four artists who Stateside visitors. we can also draw highlight of the year. and they came played for the chapter this summer, on an expanding reservoir of con­ back singing the praises of the three are of the new generation of ventioneering in the US itself. LATOS Chapter for producing a theatre organists now emerging and The more than 40 delegates who beautifully-planned. expertly-run who will be counted on to sustain the proudly represented our chapter in affair. The purposes of ATOS and theatre organ tradition. Tony Tahl­ Los Angeles are still regaling us with its vitality have probably never be­ man. on the other hand, is a season­ their indelible memories and souven­ fore been better illustrated than at ed veteran. having played at the Elm irs. They also felt especially honour­ this convention. Roller Rink in Elmhurst, Ill .. in 1956 ed to have several top US console

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM Seasons Greetings

PUGETSOUND CHAPTER

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN 1980

REGIONAL 1980 - NOVEMBER 28, 29, 30. See You All In Seattle In 1981/

44 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 stars enroll with us during their most welcome concertising in England. Ashley Miller, Dennis James, Maria Kumagai and Gaylord Carter have been our principal 'in-theatre' stars during the year at the Gaumont State, Kilburn in Northwest London. Meanwhile, our exceptionally successful series of 'At Home' Club Nights (last Friday in each month) have continued at our favourite 3/ 19 Wurlitzer in the ever-open home of widely-respected members Edith and Les Rawle. An unexpected treat has been a most memorable evening at Wur­ litzer Lodge with the phenomenal Hector Olivera (now a much-ad­ mired member) relaxing prior to his arduous electronic organ trade tour in the UK. Invariably including overseas Maria Kumagai with some of the "London Chapter" stewards. visitors in town, these gatherings have usuall y been opened by our dedicated protege and rising young star Pauline Dixon. now completing her busy reign as our first 'Young Theatre Organist of the Year.' Win­ ning several concert dates at well­ known theatre and home organ venues. Pauline is to appear at the five-manual seventeen-rank illu­ minated 'Compton' in the presti­ gious Odeon Leicester Square in the heart of London's 'West End' early in the New Year. With our second competition imminent at the time of writing. we certainly look forward to discover­ ing another such promising young­ ster from the large number of in­ tensely keen entrants. A line-up of artists who presented a concert tribute to "Robin Richmond ." (L to R) George Blackmore , Charles Once again the venue is to be the Sutton , Molly Forbes , Louis Mordosh , Bobby Pagan , John Madin and on top of the console , Bill Davies . Gaumont State where organ restor­ ation work continues to maintain than 40 years of continuous opera­ Roman Catholic Church at Horn­ this fine instrument in characteristic tion. church in Southwest Essex. presided voice. This notably includes repaint­ Occasional meetings have also over by well-known chapter mem­ ing the distinctive console and fully been held at our second home base bers Father Gerard Kerr and our cleaning the chambers after more at the vintage Compton in St. Marys chairman, George Harrison.

HOLIDAY S

andthe Rialto Theatre J!Je:R.,oc bester 11,eaterOrgan ~oc Let~ Joliet,Ill. Dedicated to preserving the sound of the " King of Instruments ··

DEC. l 979/J AN. l 980 THEATRE ORGAN 45 All-in-all, therefore, the year 1979 beautiful theatre organs. ity of those present voted to remove has been every bit as enjoyable as its Following intermission, Gaylord the six board members who were in two predecessors and we are excep­ brought up the console with "The favor of separating the Redford com­ tionally proud to have been chosen Perfect Song" and launched into a plex from the chapter. Six new board to host the significant 1980 conven­ medley of nautical tunes as an over­ members were appointed to com­ tion so soon after our inauguration. ture to Buster Keaton's great silent plete the nine-member board, and We certainly look forward to making comedy, The Navigator. The David Lau was elected as chairman. it one big family reunion of our ever­ laughter frequently drowned out the On Saturday. October 6th, mem­ widening circle of transatlantic organ! A fantastic evening once bers journeyed, via chartered bus. to theatre organ fraternity. We will do again demonstrating that in the the Roaring Twenties restaurant in our best to make it a memorable hands of two master musicians. Grand Rapids, for another chance event. theatre pipe organs can entertain to hear the four-manual Wurlitzer and delight an audience in the 70s there. Enroute, the group stopped by as well as they did in the 20s. LOS ANGELES the Michigan Theatre in Lansing , Work on removal of the organ has Mich .. for the regular First Saturday October 11th was a sad day in Los not been started at the time this is program sponsored by the Wolverine Angeles for, after many months of written as there are still groups Chapter. The trip was planned and rumors about the possible demise of active in trying to save the Wiltern well-executed by Fred Page. the Wiltern Theatre, the chapter (and the Franklin Life Build­ presented its "Grande Finale" pro­ ing) and the permit for demolition Lowell Ayars appeared at the Red­ ford Theatre for a matinee on Octo­ gram on the magnificent Kimball has been delayed until Spring. 1980. pipe organ. Featured at the console RALPH BEAUDRY ber 12th and a repeat performance were Ann Leaf and Gaylord Carter. the following evening. Also on the Miss Leaf. with the late Richard same bill with Lowell was a local Simonton and Don Wallace, our first entertainer, comedian and ventrilo­ chapter chairman. had been respon­ MOTOR CITY quist, Eddie Jaye. As usual. Lowell sible for initiating the restoration of The Redford Theatre was alive turned in a superb performance , the instrument in 1962 when it was with "The Sounds of the 20s" on with his beau tiful baritone voice de­ presented by her and Gaylord (and September 14th as an enthusiastic lighting the audience. many of whom a number of notable organists) at the audie nce enjoyed Fr. Jim Miller (a are not accustomed to hearing or­ 8th National ATOS convention. Ukrainian Orthodox priest, and ganists who can sing as well as they A crowd of 1.700 gathered for the chapt er member) from Fenton who can play. finale and roundly applauded chap­ was joined by the New McKinney's At their last meeting. the Ann ter chairman Mike Ohman's open­ Cotton Pickers, a local group famed Arbor city council voted to purchase ing announcement that LATOS for their interpretation of Dixieland the Michigan Theatre as a perform­ had been requested by Pacific and traditional jazz music. Vocalist ing arts auditorium for the commu­ Theatres. owner of the Kimball. to Dave Wilborn. a member of the orig­ nity. The drive to save this 1928 remove the organ to storage for sub­ inal Cotton Pickers ensemble. made movie palace was started primarily sequent reinstallation at the Pan­ the evening especially memorable. by the Motor City Chapter due to tages Theatre on Hollywood Boule­ There has been a growing differ­ our interest in saving the 3/ 13 vard. ence of philosophy within the chap­ Barton pipe organ in its original Miss Leafs first half of the pro­ ter concerning the degree to which setting. The purchase by the city in­ gram was a concert presentation of we should become a major business sures the fulfillment of an arrange­ a wide range of music from sym­ entity as opposed to a hobby club. ment with Butterfield Theatres phonic and opera transcriptions to Up to this point. the purchase and (former owners) that includes pur­ the hauntingly beautiful "Ever­ operation of the Redford Theatre chase of the interior fixtures in re­ green" and the rhythmic "Take has necessitated the chapter becom­ turn for the donation of the pipe or­ Five." She demonstrated once again ing more business oriented. A special gan to the newly-formed group. the her musicianship and complete con­ membership meeting was held in Michigan Community Theatre Cor­ trol of one of the largest and most September at which time the major- poration. ~easoq's Grceetiqgs

TO ALL OUR ATOS FRIENDS

Jason and the Old Prospector LANDOF LINCOLNCHAPTER

46 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 work. He uses the entire pedalboard, with both feet much of the time. This footwork could be a concert alone. Also outstanding is his exten­ sive and artistic use of the piano. Tom's program included patriotic numbers, Gershwin and Victor Herbert medlies, and the classic Widor Toccata. We congratulate Tom Cotner for his outstanding program and thank Bob and Laura Burke for their gracious hospitality. BUD ABEL

PIEDMONT The chapter met September 9th at the home of Dr. and Ms. Paul Aberneth y tn Burlington, N.C. Twenty-four members and guests were present for a delightful after­ Tom Cot ner plays for the Oregon Chapte r at the home of Bob and Laura Burke in Portland . noon. (Claude V. Neuff er Photo} A silent film was accompanied by Dr. D. E. MacDonald, of Charlotte, Artist s at the Second Sunda y pro­ his home in Portland, adding four at the 2/ 8 Rober t Morton. Dr. Aber­ grams at the Michigan Theatre ranks including a Post Horn, plus a nethy then pla yed several numbers Bar ton in September and October piano. The chamber is located in the and demonstrated the piano which is were Scott Smith and Fred Fahrner. basement and sounds clearl y pla yable from the console. After The Fourth Sunda y pro grams are through a big floor grate into the refreshments were served, it was also continuin g at the Royal Oak larg e and beautiful living room. It open console. Th eatre with Lion el LaMa y and is a most succe ssful installation in an Dr. Aberneth y's special guest was Steve Stephani appearin g in Septem­ existing home. Allyn Baum, who is preparin g a ber and October. Tom Cotner began classical stud y feature stor y on doctors and theatre The biweekl y movie series con­ of the organ at an earl y age and later organs for Medical Economics mag­ tinues at the Redford with SRO became interested in theatre pipes. azine. audiences whenever a particularl y Although much too young to have The 3/ 12 Wurlitzer in the Elon popular film classic is scheduled. accompanied silents, he has given College gymnasium is progressing DON LOCKWOOD concerts in man y of the largest nicel y and a Brass Trumpet has been theatres in the Midwest. He has been added. A full time staff organist is featured at ATOS conventions in bein g sought for the man y activities OREGON Chicago and Atlanta. Tom is cur­ in the gymnasium. On September 30th we had a fine rentl y on the staff at Pizza and Pipes The Carolina Theatre , in down­ turnout to hear the popular North­ in Bellevue and Seattle. and is a town Winston-Salem, N.C. , has been west organist Tom Cotner at Bob specialist in classic organ design with acquired by the North Carolina Burke' s 3/ 12 Wurlitzer. This gem of Associated Or gan Builders in School of the Arts. Plans for renova­ an orga n originated as a 3/ 8 in the Auburn, Washin gton. tion include the installation of a Craterian Theatre in Medford, Tom's classical background is at theatre pipe organ. Or egon. From there Bob moved it to once apparent in his theatre organ JIM THACKSTON vi{4LTER5TRONY Cap'nsGalleys -Pizza & Pipes WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN " .. . a show stealer" THEATRE ORGAN 3 581 H o m es tead Roa d 8 2 1 Win s lo w Str ee t at (Lawr e n ce Ex pr ess w ay) (D o wnt o w n Off Br oc1c1way l SPRING AND SUMMER S an ta Cl ara, C alif. , Ph o n e 248 5680 Re dw ood Cit y , Ca lif , Ph on e 3 65 654 3 CONCERT DATES AVAILABLE 1690 S . B asco m a t H amilt on 100N n rth85th RECORDING (H amilt o n Piaza Sh o pping Ce nt e r) (n nr G reenwooc1I "Walter Strony Plays the Chicago Theatre Wurlitzer" Ca m p b e ll, Ca lif. , Ph o n e 3 71 5000 Semt le , W nst, , Phone 782 0360 Av ai labl e at $6 .75 146 S rr a m o nt e C e nt .r 550 11 2 th NE D aly C it y , Ca lif , Pho n e 994 252 5 B e llev1Je, W ,1sh ., Ph one 4 53 1444 Mail Addr ess: 5138 E. Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85008 1featuring America 1s finest Theatre organists 1

DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 47 POTOMAC VALLEY been in a flood which floated it up on The September meeting of the the stage on its back. Only the pedal­ chapter was again at the Weinberg board was lost. Another was sup­ Center for the Performing Arts in plied by chapter member Dick Frederick, Maryland. The little red Kline, and through the efforts of Wurlitzer (2/ 8) was in excellent Ray Brubacher, George Johnson, condition for Eddie Weaver's fun Bruce Ricker, Ken Lacapria and performance. Eddie, who is the others the console was saved. The master of the big Wurlitzer at the whole organ is in beautiful condi­ Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Virgin­ tion, and has once again become the ia, kept the 450 people in the audi­ responsibility of the Potomac Valley ence thoroughly entertained for the Chapter to maintain. afternoon. His band parade, in­ Following the lead of our national cluding a Philadelphia mummers organization, a copy of the financial string band, was very realistic, and statement of PVC is printed in The showed the artistry of Mr. Weaver. Static Regulator and voting in future He also played a three-tune medley elections will be held by secret enve­ (all at the same time) which further lope ballot rather than post cards, Lee Erwin at an elect ronic at th e 45th St . Guild Th eatre wh ere he played for The Silent Clown s demonstrated his mastery of the key­ and the result tabulated b an inde­ boards. The afternoon was capped pendent organization. by a very funny Laurel and Hardy RICHARD R. NAIGHT to hear Lee Erwin during his three­ silent film which Eddie accompanied week engagement at the 45th St. expertly. Guild Theatre. While it was not a This instrument is the same one PUGET SOUND pipe organ, his playing was to be that Hector Olivera played when he applauded. This production was was introduced at ATOS at the 1972 Chapter members had a busy fall called "The Silent Clowns" and con­ convention. The console has since beginning with the September meet­ tains some of the best-known silent ing at Haller Lake Club House where movies of Chaplin, Keaton, Langdon the chapter organ is located. An and Lloyd. Lee played to a full house auction netted the chapter some each performance. One evening after "ducats'' for the reconditioning and he had completed his program, Lee cleaning of the organ, and for re­ was invited, by Dick Schrum, to building the regulators. Up for bid Bellevue Pizza and Pipes, where he were plants, records, music and a played an impromptu concert. potpourri of other articles. Some Our October meeting. at Green­ members bravely approached the wood Pizza and Pipes, was a concert console for the first time, a sure sign given by Dave Hooper. staff organ­ that they are absorbing the efforts ist at the Cap 'ns Galley in Campbell, and talents of others. California, where he performs at the At our September meeting appre­ Buddy Cole organ. Dave studied ciation plaques were presented to under Richard Purvis in San Fran­ Betty and Jack Laffaw, and Betty's cisco, and in May, 1979, received his brother, Bill Breuer, for so gracious­ bachelor of music degree from San ly and generously having made their Jose State, where he majored in Pizza and Pipe establishments at organ. The concert that followed his Greenwood and Bellevue available opening number, Cole Porter's to us. Without their interest and help "Another Opening. Another Show," we would be hard put to continue put us in the proper mood. To how Eddie W eaver at the W einberg Cent er' s 218 Wur litzer, in Frede rick , Maryland. our activities. versatility, the next composer he (Harold Richman Photo/ Many of our members were able brought forth was Bach and his

Concert Tours Karil Colle 5100 DuPont Blvd. , 6K Fort Lauderdale , Florida 33308 (305) 491-4282 CLARK WILSON AT THE ORGAN Associate Organists : Don Lorusso and Gary Hanson NOW APPEARING 6 20 W . O k lah o m a A ve . • Milw aukee , Wi scons in 532 15 Captain's Cove Restaurant• 700 S. Federal Hw y., Pom pano Beach , FL Phone : (305) 943-4100 - Friday & Satu rday thru Summ er til 1 AM

48 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/JAN . 1980 vided by Lance Johnson at the mighty Wurlitzer. Preceding the pro­ gram, Lloyd Collins entertained the patrons at our lobby grand piano. After this event, plans were made for our 15th anniversary, which is in March. Occasional organ mainte­ nance and our work on restoring the stage will continue through the winter with hopes of using the stage in some way for our spring show. SONIA CARLSON

ROCKY MOUNTAIN Through the combined efforts of Dennis Hedberg, of the Denver Or­ gan Grinder Restaurant, Jonas Nordwall and the writer, Jonas was presented in a spectacular concert at the Organ Grinder on Saturday morning, August 25th. We sold Dave Hoope r\at the Greenwood Pizza and Pipes . tickets by mail and at the door and the place was packed. After a few "Little Fugue in G Minor." Dave end of the music business, dealing opening words from the manage­ then played some dance music, "The with both pianos and organs. What ment and our program director, Guy Continental" and "The Buddy Cole is our sad loss, is the gain for those in Powell, Jonas Nordwall made his ap­ Waltz," composed by Richard the Bay Area. pearance amid thunderous applause. Purvis in England during World The Puget Sound Chapter, wishes Jonas' program was all theatre or­ War II, and one of Buddy Cole's you the joys of the Christmas holi­ gan music from the past done in favorites. We hope that Dave will days. With music in your hearts, may artistic splendor and moods that sent return soon. you have a most wo,nderful new year. your imagination soaring back to Halloween was an ideal time at THELMA R. SMITH when you were a kid at the movies. Greenwood Pizza and Pipes, in The Aladdin Theatre in Denver is Seattle, for Dick Schrum to ac­ up for sale. The chapter board of company Lon Chaney silent film The RED RIVER directors have been contacting the Phantom of the Opera and Harold On November 1st, we. highlighted real estate people, and the present Lloyd's delightful Haunted Spooks. our program with another special owners, to try to release it to some­ Dick did a superb job. performance by Hildegarde Kraus one who will keep it in the theatre Tom Cotner also helped the - our area's best-known and best­ mode. Everyone so far has been very public enjoy Halloween to its fullest loved organist. We also had a "trip interested in the old Wicks theatre with appropriate themes for Nosfer­ through the organ," due to numer­ pipe organ still playable in the Alad­ atu, a 90-minute masterpiece and a ous requests to do this again. It's din. Our crew has been working on it forerunner of scary movies, it was been a few years since we've done every Saturday morning before mati­ filmed in Europe in 1922 and starred this feature and we prepared a new nee time and it is coming along very Max Schreck. series of slides for the presentation. well. The swell side is completed ex­ We are sorry to report that Tom Following the always-popular cept for tuning. The solo side will be Cotner, who was on the staff of our sing-along, The General, with the more of a job as we have to remove two pizza emporiums, is heading for hilarious Buster Keaton, was all of the percussions for releather­ San Francisco to go into the service featured. The original score was pro- ing.

LANCE LUCE RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - Otgan Slop Pin.a

5330 North Seventh Street, Phoenix, Ariz. 85014 Featured Artist, WALTER STRONY CONCERT DATES AVAILABLE Associate, LEW WILLIAMS 31744 SANKUER WARREN, MICHIGAN 48093 2250 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, Ariz. 85202 PHONE: (313) 264-6838 Featured Artist, RON RHODE Associate, LEW WILLIAMS

DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 49 in San Luis Rey Downs. Among this large group were guests from the Los Angeles Chapter, including John Led won, chairman of the recent national convention. Chairman Tim Kreifels made a special presentation to member Lois Segur for her long and dedicated work as San Diego Day Chairman of the convention. The award was an actual working Wurlitzer-replica train whistle with the dedication engraved on an attached plate. Lois couldn't muster up enough wind-power to do a very good job of blowing it. but she did try! A resolution by the board of directors was then read to Lois, naming her an "Honorary Life Member of the San Diego Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. " She joins two other Honor­ Jonas Nordwall at the Denver Organ Grinder in August . The Wurlitzer is the Portland Paramount Publix No . 1. ary Life Members, Gaylord Carter (Rudolph Frey Photo) and Sandy Fleet. After a gourmet feast prepared by all members, Fred Riser's 2/ 6 Wurlitzer is even an organ within ear shot the amateur as well as professional moving along slowly. We have the whole evening. We had a great time. organists eagerly awaited their turn main side playing. The percussions Merrv Christmas to all and to all to play the mighty Wurlitzer which are all playing on both sides. The a good night. Sandy has installed in his home. It solo side still needs some debugging. FRANK R. GANDY was a memorable day for all. Right now we are in the process of TIM KREIFELS installing trems under the chambers; three on the solo side for Tibia. Vox SAN DIEGO and Tuba. and one large trem for The renewed popularity of the SIERRA the main side will cover Diapason. silent screen was again proven at our Fifteen members of the chapter Flute. String and Celeste. chapter's recent showing of the 1926 "took wing" for Los Angeles and Work has started on the chapter's classic Beau Geste starring Ronald had a fabulous time at the July 2/ 6 Wurlitzer in Aurora. Colo. where Coleman, which was ably accom­ ATOS whing-ding. Wow - what a we have nice storage space and work panied on our 2/ 13 Wurlitzer in the theatre organ party that was! rooms. Bill Arthur heads the work California Theatre by Col. Harry The long, hot Sacramento summer crew and has quite a large one due Jenkins. He also treated the audience brought the usual hiatus to Sierra to all the releathering. valve work. to a crazy comedy starring Laurel activities. except for our always en­ cleaning. etc. & Hardy. Col. Jenkins' experience in joyable picnic at the Jim Welch Our November social gathering accompanying silent films dates home where it's cool in the foothills was held at Denver's Lowrey Air back to 1916. before his career in the among the pine trees, and there is Force Base Officer's Club. A delight­ U.S. Air Force as bandmaster. always an abundance of good music ful dinner was enjoyed along with a Over 100 loyal ATOSers drove to and delicious food. The Welchs have real live dance band and good old North San Diego County at the end been our picnic hosts for many years 1940 style "close dancing" - can ya of the summer for our chapter's and the annual trip is eagerly looked "dig" that stuff. you crazy disco Annual Potluck at the lovely new forward to. dancers? We sure did. There wasn't home of Sandy Fleet, high on a hill Our fall activities began early 1111 DAVIlD 1111111111 HIAMTilTON RESTAURANT and COCKTAIL LOUNGE ENGLISH THEATRE AND RECORDING ORGANIST 3/17 WURLITZER Theatre Pipe Organ 1560 N. Sandburg Terrace. Apt. 3108 Chicago. Illinois 60610 Telephone: (312) 944-3833 Belvedere Ave. Wanaque, New Jersey 07465 FRANK CIMMINO (201) 835-3903 Organist

50 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 with the opening of the three-week times. He's just plain fantastic! est space! A full-length feature story run of Cal-Expo in late August. This Open console, and a short busi­ about the installation, complete with year, due to a cutback in funds, the ness meeting to nominate new board picture, written by Juanita Cherry, fair did not hire a professional or­ members, was held October 21st at had appeared in the Pryor Dai(v ganist. so the daily sessions were the Golden Bear Theatre. Times just the day before our meet­ played by several of our "profession­ We were all saddened by the pass­ ing. al" members. As usual. the response ing of Richard Simonton whom Needless to say, our meeting was a from the thousands of fairgoers who many of us knew as a friend and all tremendous success. Bruce Johnson attended our concerts was very en­ of us knew as a great theatre organ presented a delightful program of thusiastic. enthusiast. selections designed to show off the In early September, we held our KEYZANPEDALS various tonal possibilities of the first garage sale, at the home of John instrument. Afterwards we enjoyed and Cindy Carleton. The public SOONER STATE music from many of our playing came, spent money, and we added Pryor , Oklahoma, where we held members; we hadn't heard Lyle substantially to our organ fund. We our September meeting, is about an Thurman for a long time. We even are planning another for May. hour's drive northeast from Tulsa. had a selection from Hervey's young A scheduled "crawl" to the homes We weren't sure whether to expect daughter Stephanie - by the time of three of our members was held on a good turnout, or not! However, we she's big enough for her feet to reach September 16th, but unfortunately now know to never underestimate the pedals she'll be an "old pro"! it was a very hot day and the turnout the Sooner State Chapter; Hervey Among the several guests present we was quite disappointing to all of us and Janice Barbour's somewhat­ acquired another new member, Tom and especially to the Mendenhalls, small home was filled to overflowing! Seaton and his wife, Mary. Savages and Whitneys who had Hervey has installed his 2/ 11 Kim­ October found us, courtesy of spent long hours getting their pets in ball in part of his garage, with the Shields' Music Company, in their good voice. pipes speaking through openings in showroom to hear the new Baldwin Our second George Wright con­ the wall into the living room. The Pro 222. Long-time organist, cert was held at the Grant Union console sits between the living room teacher, and salesman Les Owens High School 4/21 Wurlitzer, in Oc­ and dining room. We think he's told us about the instrument, and tober. George was again in high good set a couple of records: one for the then played a program to demon­ humor and a member of the audi­ shortest time between removal and strate many of its unique features - ence was heard to comment, "He reinstallation in playing condition all the way from a brass choir could be as good a comedian as he is (the organ came out of the auditor­ through "phantom fingers" to a an organist." There's nothing one ium of Oklahoma City University wow-wow jazz trombone. Afterwards can say about George Wright that only last February); and another for we adjourned to Joe Crutchfield 's hasn't already been said a hundred squeezing eleven ranks in the small- for a business session and refresh-

Magical Moments in Music Dan Sein.er Chad Weirick "the elite breed of organist that has brought the theatre organ to a position where it stands as a full blown concert CONCERTS instrument." • Theatre • Classical • Silent Film DETROIT THEATER ORGAN • Contemporary • Sing Alongs CLUB NEWS C. W. Productions 420 Sunrise Lane • Rockford, Illinois 61107 Personal Manager: Barbara Foster Phone(815)398-1788 P.O. Box 736 • Claremont, CA 91711 (714) 624-5490 Member : Land Of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society

Flicke r Fing ers Presentat ions The Organ and th e Silent Screen Still Going Strong Ga)lloPd KARL WARNER MANAGEMENT 6842 E. VIRGINIA AVENUE SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85257 (602) 946-6892 CarteP Featured at Organ Stop Pizza· 2250 W. South ern, Mesa, Arizona 1371 Paseo del Mar • San Pedro, Californi a 90731 (213) 831-6360

DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 51 ments. Bob and Betty Weddle as­ sisted Joe with host duties. With much scraping off of old leather and glue, and careful re­ placement of pouches with new leather, the Weddle's four-rank Robert Morton is steadil y being restored. When it appeared that man y of the pouch springs were damaged and not repairable, Bill Roberts told us not to worr y, the y were listed in a catalog he had down at his piano store .. . " Of course," he added. "it's dated 1939!" How­ ever, Bob Busb y put together a jig, and Bill and Bob hav e wound enough springs "b y hand " to do the job ... and the restoration is pro­ ceeding. DOROTHY SMITH

SOUTH EAST TEXAS To initiate a series of "Sunda y in the Park" events sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department of Orange, Texas, the South East Texas Chapter presented a concert of organ music in the gazebo at the Commu­ nity Center there. Former theatre organists Al Sacker and Rub y Holle­ man Monroe, as well as Betsy Hines and Thelma Debes , performed be ­ Betsy Bur leson Hines (top left) , Ruby Holleman M onroe (top right) and Chai rman A l Sacker (bottom) , longtime organist at the Jefferson Theatre. Beaumont, play a Hammond 8 -3 organ at a " Sunday in the Park" concert fore an audience enjo ying th e out­ presented by the chapter in the gazebo of Martin T homen Commun ity Center under the sponsorship of the door surroundings. Parks and Recreation Department of Orange , Texas . (/.M. W1J/iamson Photo)

. . . he 's a showman . .. his warm personality got through to his enchanted listeners . - Theatre Organ Magazine

CURTIS L. BACHTELL Vice President P. 0 . Box 6985 240 N O RTH PROSP ECT STREET Marietta , Georgia 30065 HA GE RS T OWN , MAR YL AN D 217 4 0 301 -733 -2650

ALEXANDRIA ARENA 4/ 34 WURLITZER dimmgHogon

Recording Artist A vai/able for Theatre Organ Concerts

4921 Seminary Road Alexandria , Virgin ia 22311 Telephone (703) 931 -4840

52 TH EATR E ORGAN DEC. 1979/J AN. 1980 Work continues on reconditioning the 3/ 8 Robert Morton in the Jeffer­ LONDON will be Fun ht '80: son Theatre in Beaumont. The chapter has designated artists' associations here in Tucson Wanda Bagley as representative to and is an organist who performs on a the Music Education department at regular basis on a "nursing home Lamar University, in Beaumont. circuit." This latter effort is in great The Eyes of Texas TV program on demand. There are very few organ­ channels 2 and 12 presented a seg­ ists doing this here in Tucson and all ment featuring Ruby Holleman performances are really appreciated. Monroe, formerly organist at the Our program for the day was given Liberty and Jefferson theatres in by our own David Wickerham. one Beaumont and elsewhere, remi­ of our younger members. During the niscing in her home and playing her program David played several num­ Allen organ. bers at Lois' grand piano in memory IRA M. WILLIAMSON of two of our members who passed away this summer, Larry Seamands and Al Begany. David's talent seems SOUTHERN ARIZONA to improve each and every time we Our September meeting was held get to hear him. This past summer at the home of Lois Seamands. several of our members attended the Meetings are held on the first Sun­ convention in Los Angeles and San day of February, April. September. Diego. but David didn't get to go as and November with our Christmas he was filling in as the staff organist party during the month of Decem­ at Bill Brown's Organ Stop Pizza in ber. Phoenix because Walter Strony wa After the short business meeting, playing in Los Angele at the con­ we all had a chance to see and ad­ vention. After the program there wa mire the painting done by our sec­ socializing and open console at the retary Louise Townsend. The paint­ Conn 650. ing is being given. by Louise. at a BOB HIGH drawing to be held at the Christmas TOLEDO AREA Console of the 3/8 Robert M orto n in the J eff erson party with the proceeds going into Theatre , Beaum ont , Texas, is open to check wir ing We are extremely proud of the Exte rior has been refinished in the origin al ma­ our pipe organ fund. This talented hoga ny . (/.M. Willi am son Ph oto) lady is a member of one of the local progress made in '79. thu far. in

IT'S OUT! "Master of the Silent Film" Dennis James OUR COMPLETE 68+ PAGE CATALOG ILLUSTRATED WITH CURRENT PRICE DATA! Resid ent Organist for th e Ohi o Th eatre SEND $4.25 TODAY

DENNIS JAMES ARNDT ORGAN SUPPLY COMPANY PRODUCTIONS 29 East Stat e Street 1018 LORENZ DRIVE - BOX 129 Columbus , Ohio 43215 ANKENY, IOWA 50021 (614) 488 -9207

B1·II ~>.::::-~-~------~' '.,)~\/,, :::----:_..-.::':.:::.'\ IJJ~~I ill!ll\t \/~ -- : ' \ iiJ~ltl~tldiiJiiU•J FI oy d ~~r~ \ \ 364 AVENUE F Pl TTSBU RGH, PA 15221 concerts ,: ~~- ) J -"~1 (formerly) ' (4 12) 823 3 163 Paramount Theatres at T,tnes · • t J/!J} Square, New York; Staten Island; Paris; ,..J) , ;c<-__ Middletown ; Minneapolis, · Brooklyn , NY . )) PO Box 29905, Richmond VA 23229, (804)266-8953 J) ,,,,-,·

DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 53 both the restoration of our Marr and We close '79 with the dream that fresh breath to my long silent pipes. Colton and in the raising of the in the very near future we can invite My tibias trem with a romantic, money needed for this restoration. you all to the dedication of our Marr melancholy sound that has not been The cost is staggering because of and Colton. heard for a long while. From my damage done during the storage of ANN MOXLEY smallest to largest pipe, from my re­ this magnificent instrument for lay to my chests to my console - all many years. With membership team­ of me feels new and once again work, we are gradually creeping to­ VALLEY OF THE SUN alive!" ward our goal. "After having been silent for Once again the Phoenix College, The first weekend in June found many, many months, I can not keep 2/ 9 Wurlitzer, Style 210 was heard the membership happily taking part quiet any longer. My chambers by the public. Sponsored by the in the Old West End Festival. This are waiting to be opened and let out college music department and the annual affair is held in one of To­ my new voices. My wires, thousands Valley of the Sun Chapter. the organ ledo's magnificent historical neigh­ in number, are carrying a new surge dedication concert was held Friday. borhoods where three members own of energy. My new windlines carry a September 28th. The featured art­ two of these homes. We had open ist for the evening was Ron Rhode, house at both homes. One has the who in the past has done much to old Eastwood Theatre pipe organ in­ help the efforts of the chapter. Ron stalled in it, the other had an elec­ reflected the feelings of many VOTS tronic organ furnished by one of the members with his opening number, music stores. Twelve members of "On A Wonderful Day Like To­ TATOS played at both homes dur­ day." For the many people who put ing this two-day event. We also had uncountable hours into the restora­ a yard sale, TV raffle. and sold re­ tion of the organ, it was indeed a day freshments. We closed with a mem­ to remember. Rhode played a varied bership potluck. This was most re­ program, finishing with Romberg's warding. "Will You Remember?". The song In September, we kicked off the was a challenge - to the audience, fall fund raising with a concert on because there's no program without September 15th. This was sponsored the audience - and to the chapter, by Mr. Music Stores and featured because the organ is playing, but the Johnny Kemm at the Lowrey. His work is not finished. concert lasted well over 2½ hours Our October 26th chapter meeting with his variety in selections pleasing was also held at Phoenix College. A everyone present. Truly a superb Crew chief Bill Carr and organist Ron Rhode con ­ rather informal gathering. we were concert!!! gratu late each oth er on a job well done. brought up to date on the outcome of

Hear him at the Suburbian Restaurant Frank Cimmino THEATRE ORGAN CONCERTS United States Pipe Organ Company 80 Lions Head Dr. W . 121 N. 18th Street, Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Phila .. Pa 19103, 215-563-2227 (201) 696-3421

Belvedere Ave. R ebuildin R sp ec iali sts in Pn eum atics, R e. eri)oirs, Wanaque, New Jersey 07465 S we ll Sh ade A ctions, Tr emul ant s, Conso le, , and (201) 835-3903 R elays. N o_job too small and only th e f ines t materials are use d. Call or ),/)rit e /o r _iob quotati ons.

Maria Kumagai Th eatre and Classic Con ce rts

Bill Perrotta - Personal Representative 160 West 73rd Street • New York, N.Y. 10023 • (212) 877-6700 P.O . Box 559 • Camarillo . California 93010

54 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. I 979/J AN. 1980 Sixteen -year -old Tony O'Brien at the console of the 3/16 Wurlitzer in the Calvary Mary Inghram at the console of the 3/20 theatre organ in the Organ Grinder's Pizza Baptist Church in Detroit , Michigan . (Ed Corey Photo) and Pipes in Pontiac , Michigan . (Ed Corey Photo)

our recent concerts and tempted stored and installed by Bill Hays of on the outskirts of Pontiac to hear with programs yet to come. The Rochester, Michigan. Tony's pro­ veteran Detroit theatre organist nominating committee presented a gram included everything from the Mary Inghram play the 3/20 pipe list of nominees to be considered Beatles to Bach. The varied selec­ organ installed there. Mary's pro­ for the November elections, then the tions included a nice sampling of gram featured songs from several evening concluded with open con­ show tunes such as "Tomorrow" periods and styles and included a sole at the Wurlitzer. from Annie and "Send In The fine French medley. The nucleus MADELINE LI VOLSI Clowns" from A Little Night Music. of the instrument is a 3/ 10 Barton One interesting "high -point" was a which was originally installed in the set of improvisations on J.S. Bach's Birmingham Theatre. Wolverines WOLVERINE "Prelude In 'C' Major." It was Gary Montgomery, H.C. Scott and It was a beautiful bright sunshiny obvious by their reaction that the Roger Mumbrue purchased the Sunda y afternoon as the Wolverines audience was having a good time, as building which was originally a joined over 100 members of the was Tony. who lavished many praises Ponderosa Steak House, and have Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit on on this fine Wurlitzer installation. converted it into a "Pasta Palace" September 16th to hear young Tony On Sunday. October 21st, Wolver­ which has been well accepted, as O'Brien play their 3/ 16 Wurlitzer ine members and friends gathered at their many customers can attest to. which has been very skillfully re- the Organ Grinder's Pizza and Pipes ED COREY 0

lndian«UJ( >lis!J Ul( )§t Uni,1ue ~ew C?estaunu1t MUIIC VALAC~ CONCERTS FAMILYPIZZA RESTAURANT RECORDING ~ & ICE CREAM PARLOUR~ featuring the Mighty Wur/iTzer Theatre Pipe Organ " ... novelty 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 - UONNA VAl:21\1=12 • EILL VLASAI\ at the console

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

DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 55 CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE FOR SALE

Rates: 20¢ per word Baldwin CT2R theatre organ - call: (515) Conn organ - Model 651 walnut . Three 682-1194; R. Barnes, Ottumwa , Iowa 52501. manual. Excellent condition . Southern Cali­ Deadlines: fornia , $6,500, (213) 438-5139. Jan . 10 for Feb ./ Mar . Mar . 10 for Apr ./ May Magnificent 1927 Moller pipe organ , Opus May 1 0 for June / July 4800, located at Chambersburg Theatre , Piltcher church pipe organ , 12 rank . Very July 10 for Aug ./ Sept . Pennsylvania. The theatre building , 3 apart ­ good condition. Must sell - offer. R. Witten ­ Sept . 1 0 for Oct ./ Nov . ments, 2 store fronts and the organ are all meier , 6432 - 127th Street, Kenosha, Wis ­ Nov. 10 for Dec ./ Jan. for sale at $115,000. The Real Estate alone consin 53142, (414) 694-9191. was appraised in August 1978 for $161,800 Send Copy To: ATOS Advertising and replacement value of the organ is $115,000. Barton theatre organ ; 2-manual, 9 rank, toy 2231 North Burling St . Property is corporately owned by Virginia counter , Xylo , Glock chimes , piano, Tuba 16', Chicago , Illinois, 60614 townhouse developer and we wish to divest Bourdon 16', Flute , Clarinet, Celeste, Kinura , ourselves of this real estate . Write to James NOTE: The first ten words couplers, 2nd touch. Easy removal for home Hobbs c/ o Ritter Buildings, Inc ., 113 East installation . Estate, asking $15,000.00, located of each ad are Marn Street, Berryville , Virginia 22611. in Los Angeles , California . Call: Mr . Wayne FREE to members! Chaney , (414) 233-0636. TakeAdvantage of thisPrivilege! Allen digital computer organ, Model 435 with Gyro tone cabinet and 100 computer cards . Theatre pipe organ , 2/ 6 Wurlitzer console , Immaculate condi -tion - $7,000. Allen N. Morton Tibia . Custom built residence type. Guirl , 4333 E. Broadway, Tucson, Arizona $4900. 4113 Ashwood Court , Ventura , Calif . 85711, (602) 327-6313. (805) 644-4342. FOR SALE

2 manual Kimball and 3 manual Barton the ­ Rodgers Olympic 333 theatre organ (walnut). Allen Digital Organ. Traditional theatre con ­ atre horseshoe consoles . Miscellaneous parts Glockenspiel , built in rhythm unit, 2 custom sole. Model 461. Console and bench Ameri ­ and pipework . Large SASE for list. Greg speakers , like new , 3 years old. $18,950. Joe can walnut . Two speakers . Virginia Rasmus­ Simanski , 3658 W . Wrightwood Ave ., Chica­ Tripoli Jr ., Burbank, California, (213) 848- sen, 287 Sanchez Street Apt . 3, San Fran­ go , Ill. 60647. 9936. cisco , California 94114.

2/7 Wurlitzer with added Wurlitzer clari­ net - complete . Mint condition . Playing in residence . Ridley C. Ward , 5309 Hidden Har­ bor Road, Sarasota , Florida 33581. Phone : Restoration By Reisner (813) 349-2459 or (813) 922-3063.

Hammond X-77, Serial No. 1335 "The Enter­ tainer" with Leslie tone cabinet. Exclusive tone wheel generator, harmonically enriched tone bars. Contemporary styling . Like new . Contact : Helen Manker after Nov. 17th, 2904 West Blvd ., Apt . 8, Belleville , Ill. 62221.

Ten ranks, newly wired and rebuilt chest ­ work , of Kimball design . Good condition now playing in residence. Asking $5000.00. Ad ­ dress: 435 S. "E" Street, Exeter, California 93221. Phone : (209) 592-4049.

2/7 Barton theatre pipe organ . Excellent con ­ dition . Complete as professionally removed from Wis consin theatre and installed in my home , where Andy Crow termed it "One of This 1930 Vintage Pilcher console is an exquisite example of many restored the best small home installations ." Will move consoles which have passed through our doors over the years . Our console and help install if desired . $12,000 or offers. craftsmen are thoroughly experienced in all pipe organ systems. They will Call: (216) 871-5768 for stoplist and photos . meet AGO specifications , use original equipment manufacturers components , or custom fit Reisner components in most cabinet shells regardless of the 4 poster console lift built in 1978, $1,000.00. original actions . Johnson Organ Co., (701) 237-0477 or (218) Quotations for restorations are made in the same manner as those for new 287-2671. consoles. Working directly with our customer they include every detail of rebuilding from wiring to the finishing . Quotations can usually be made Beautiful solid oak roll top Reuter 1921 con­ without our seeing the box. sole (only ) A-1 condition . $875.00. Writ e: Reisner restorations maintain historical ethics as well as economic G. MacEachern , 2119 Peppermill , Houston , practicality . Reisner Inc. 240 North Prospect Street , Hagerstown , Maryland Texas 77080 or call: (713) 464-3561. 21740 . 301 -733-2650

56 THEATRE ORGAN DEC. 1979/ JAN. 1980 FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS WANTED

1927 Welte 3/ 12 theatre organ. 7 ½ hp, Music -T-Shirts - 38 instruments including Theatre organ 2 or 3 manual 10/15 ranks 10" / 15" Spencer . D. Diapason, Tibia, Clara­ organ pipes, keyboard, piano. Three styles, Wurlitzer, Moller, Morton, Kimball, Barton. bella, 2 Voxes, Viol, V.C., Flute, Trumpet, assorted colors. SASE for details . Melody For donation or modest price for Baptist Clarinet, Oboe, Kinura. Toys - Xylo ., Glock., Lines, Box 273T, Villanova, Pennsylvania church . Contact : Rev. Mickey Proctor . (305) Wurlitzer Chrys/ Chimes. Kinura / Clarinet 19085. 431-2458 or Write to: 9250 Sterling Road, damaged plus missing pipes. Lowell Wendell, W . Hollywood, Florida . 1632 Orchard Way, Pleasanton, California RECORDS 94566, (415)846-3496. The Entertainers Ron Poll, Brian Tingle at Conn deluxe theatre console , Model 643, the Mighty 3/13 Wurlitzer / Hinners. Ron side walnut . Excellent condition . 2 manual, 25 one, Brian side two. Contrasting styles from pedal. Sacrifice $3950.00. Brostrom, 2454 two of Vancouvers leading organists. $7.99 Hutchinson, Chicago, Ill. 60618, (312) 539- postpaid from Ron Poll No. 1408, 1265 Burn ­ 3815 or 275-1912. aby Street, Vancouver , B.C. Canada V6E 1P8. Rodgers Olympic 333 theatre organ (oak), two custom deluxe made column speakers, Gerald Shaw, Deroy Vol. 72, Odeon, Lei­ Glockenspiel, rhythm unit, like new. Two cester Square , London 5/ 17 Compton . Ver­ years old, value over $30,000, make offer. satile artist, varied program including "In Wayne Shepard, (213) 574-7820, Arcadia, the Mood ," "The Young Ones," "Ritual Fire California 91006. Dance," "The Continental ," "I Only Have Eyes for You ," "Return Amore." $6.75 post ­ Its going to be England in 1980! paid, Exclusive U.S . Distributor, Stanley C. Garniss, 35 Union Street, North Easton, 2/7 Wurlitzer , Style E, complete with full Massachusetts 02356. toy counter, percussions and Aeolian piano . Rebuilt. Contact : Larry Gleason, 15005 Faust, Dessa Byrd stereo records . Collector's items . Detroit , Michigan 48223, (313) 272-0069. Piano Melodies and Organ and Piano Mel­ odies Old and New - $6.00 each postpaid. Keep your MISCELLANEOUS Make checks payable to "CIC-ATOS." Send to : Ed Morris , 10315 E. 42nd Street , Indianap ­ THEATRE Personalized study of theatre organ, (theory , olis, Indiana 46236. harmony, registration) by cassette tape with ORGANS active concert artist. Write or call Rosa Rio, Rave reviews internationally. Your album 130 Mill Street , Huntington , Connecticut personally autographed. Billy Na/le at Para­ 06484, (203) 929-1652. Everythings Coming mount Wurlitzer in Wichita. $7.00 postpaid . in good shape! up Rosa, stereo LP 4/ 26 organ, $6.50 post ­ Billy Nalle Music, Suite 2205, 400 West paid . Central Avenue , Wichita , Kansas 67203. This durable casebound cover will bind one full year's issues of THEATRE ORGAN . Imprinted in gold on black, the binder be ­ comes a permanent reference volume that protects issues from damage and keeps them in perfect order. Magazines are held securely in place and can be Are You Going to London? inserted in only a few seconds . A special pocket will enable you to easily label and identify The London and South of England Chapter, hosts the year of any volume . for the 1980 ATOS Convention, July 20-27, 1980, need to know approximately how many people to ORDER YOUR expect in order to prepare their budget and reserve BINDER TODAY hotel rooms. $5.50 each (including postage) Six or more only $5.00 each . If you are planning on attending the Convention in Allow $1.00 extra for overseas orders . London, please drop a post card immediately to: ATOS National Headquarters Make check or money order P.O. Box 1002 payable to : ATOS Binder . Middleburg, VA. 22117 Mail to ... ATOS Binder P.O . Box 1002 We must let our English cousins know how many Middleburg . Virginia 22117 of us will be with them for this 1980 ATOS Con­ or ... ATOS Binder P.O. Box 1314 vention. Salinas, California 93902 .

DEC. 1979/JAN. 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 57 VARiETy CONTRAST CHANCES Music played without changes is dull and lifeless. So, come to life! Allen's Double Memory Capture Action lets you set your own registrations for rapid-fire tonal changes. The first "memory" captures combinations on 10 generals plus 6 independent pistons in each division. Home organists will enjoy professional results of quick, precise tonal changes. A second independent memory doubles your registration resources so friends can set their own combinations, or you can use both memories yourself. A two manual model would have 56 independent combinations - enough to keep your audience guessing what's next! On an Allen with Double Memory Capture Action your music comes to life.

ALLEN ORGAN COMPANY Dept. T129 Macungie, PA 18062 Please send more information . Name ______Address ______Thattheatre organ sound is nolonger a pipedream!

Thanks to electronic genius, Decatur Expressive. Electric Percussions lets you play all these MARIMBA instruments right from your organ keyboard: ORCHESTRA BELLS • marimba • xylophone • vibes • orchestra bells • celeste • and piano! You get all the pipe organ options without the pipes!

Makes pneumatic or elec­ tronic organs sound just like the theatre kind, only better! XYLOPHONE

All instruments are in the open - no swells, no chambers, no muffled sounds, no pipes, no air. Just real instrument sounds right from your organ! Converts other hand-played CELESTE 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!

Decatur Instruments is now featuring the all-new TILT TELESCOPIC VIBRA­ ,~1 HARP! The first improvement on vib­ du,~ffi~~I~ raharps in this century! INSTRUMENTS I NCOt,OIATf0

Call (217) 422-3247 or write Decatur Instruments, 1014 E. Olive Street, Decatur, Illinois 62526