BEEHIVE On Sunday, March 19, Beehive Chapter members were treated to a very special performance at the Arcade Theatre, in Salt Lake City. It was a Charlie Chaplin movie entitled The Rink, accompanied by Mike Ohman. After the movie members were invited to play the organ. eHAPTERNOTE~ This was fun for the members, but one member, the host, was the most delighted of all, Calvin Christensen owner and installer of the organ. Tha{ ALOHA On March 26th, over 50 chapter day was his birthday and also his members and their guests met socially public musical debut. He hastened to Aloha from Hawaii! The now add that he had been taking lessons for second-newest chapter (congratulations once again in the Penthouse party room of Aloha chapter members John and only two weeks. to West Penn Chapter!) has been keep Cal bought the theatre in July of ing busy the last couple months. Grace Jenkins' apartment building. (They're chapter treasurer and sec 1971 from his father, Mr. James On Sunday morning, March 19th retary). The event was a farewell pot Christensen, now retired who had we presented our second concert of luck dinner and party for organist owned and operated the theatre for the year at the Hawaii Theatre fea forty years. Cal and Mrs. Christensen turing guest organist Elbert La Chelle Elbert La Chelle and Aloha chap George Krecji. Guests were treated to had recarpeted, painted and redec at the 4/16 Robert Morton. a beautiful view of the city of Honolulu orated the theatre. Elbert has played theatre organ at sunset and live organ serenades July was a big month for the accompaniment for vaudeville as well Christensens. Through Bob Castle of as elaborate stage productions and silent ( electronic, unfortunately!). On April 16th the chapter held Denver they bought a 2/7 Wurlitzer films. In addition, he's played at the a long business meeting, followed by style E that had been in storage since atres along the Pacific coast and was chapter member Dan Engelhard, giving it had been removed from one of staff organist for CBS and several a very informative talk on the com the Famous Players Theaters in Pueblo radio stations in the West. The Aloha position and construction of pipes, Colorado. ' Chapter was fortunate indeed to have chests and offset chests. Those who The percussions and Bass pipes are him as guest organist. were able to stay found it very in behind the screen on the left side the Following the concert, the chapter teresting, and Dan has been asked to pipes behind the screen on the right. hosted members, guests and friends at continue "class" in the future. The console is in front of the screen a reception in our Chapter Room, On Tuesday, May 30th the Aloha making it easy to play for the organ: backstage at the theatre. It's always Chapter and Consolidated Amusement ists because of good balance and con a pleasant time to meet new friends Co., owners of the Waikiki and Hawaii trast. and explain the chapter's activities. Theatres, will present "flicker fingers", The organ had it's grand debut in We often have one or two organ-buffs Gaylord Carter, in concert at the Salt Lake on Friday, February 25, visiting from the mainland. Hawaii Theatre, accompanying "The 1971, when Gaylord Carter accom Winning of Barbara Worth", with Gary panied the silent movie great The Mark Cooper. of Zorro . His sing-alongs and his great This event also coincides with Con personality plus his musical talent de solidated Amusement's debut of an lighted the audience. "Encore" Theatre exclusively featuring Mrs. Christensen said that many motion pictures from the silent days old-timers while buying tickets for and the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood. The Mark of Zorro said that it would The chapter is certainly behind be good to hear an organ in the Arcade this effort and any publicity gained again. for the theatre organ in the midst of Thanks again to Cal and Mrs. Chris this "nostalgia" can only be beneficial tensen for bringing back to life another to the chapter and the ATOS. pipe organ and sharing it with ATOS And remember, when you're in members and many grateful Salt Lakers. Honolulu be sure to say hello. If you MAXINE V. RUSSELL can let us know in advance when you '11 be here, we'll arrange to "organ" -ize your visit. Our chapter host, John DeMello, may be reached at 1264 CENTRAL INDIANA Kalaniiki, St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96821, On March 12th over eighty members telephone (808) 3 73-3076, or through attended our monthly get-together at Aloha Chapter guest organist Elbert La the Consolidated Amusement Co. Chelle at the console of the Hawaii Theatre's the home of Mrs. Ada Fisher in Indi 4/16 Robert Morton. Aloha! LOWELL ANGELL anapolis. At the business meeting plans
38 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN were discussed for the special con Festival" and besides that the theatre replete with show tunes and old fa cert to be presented on May 12th had an organ regularly used for in vorites, climaxed with a sing-along, featuring Johnny Kemm on the Lowery termission music and sing-alongs. And with which he coaxed the audience electronic organ in a benefit per so it was decided that these films would into top singing form. His comments formance to raise funds for the in be presented by CATOE as "silent" from the console put the organ buffs stallation of a theatre pipe organ in the films in private showings with organ into a rollicking mood so they belted auditorium of Manual High School in background. With the organist follow out the songs like professionals. It has Indianapolis. Prior to the concert, Mr. ing the original scores with some hope been said that CATOE has the best Kemm and local ATOS officials will fully effective deviations, the audiences sing-alongs and Tony sure proved it. be interviewed on a popular local TV literally "flipped." With a few more comments from talk show to explain the purposes of I must humbly admit to having Doug, the "City Lights" were turned our organization and to discuss spe been the organist for these shows. I on for all of us, marking a new year cifically the Manual High School pro have always wanted to do film work. of CATOE history. ject. Following the business meeting My real debut was Laurel & Hardy's Many organists today rely on tech guests were entertained by Tim Needler Liberty in a Downers Grove Concert. nical values, speed , velocity and shock and Jimmy Boyer playing Mrs. Fisher's Later came a Chaplin reel for the ing harmonies. Paul Swiderski relys 3-manual Conn electronic complete Niagara Frontier. Preparation for the only on music that he enjoys playing. with external pipe speakers and a CATOE presentations of Modern Times In turn his audiences enjoy listening newly-installed theatre Glockenspiel. and City Lights was an in-depth ed and a true musical experience is con Open console time followed with many ucation in film accompaniment. Since sumated. Paul made his CATOE debut members trying the instrument into the Charlie Chaplin had composed his own at the Lyons Township High School wee hours of the evening. scores for both films it was in many Social where he coaxed the resident The April meeting was hosted by cases a choice between his ideas and 3/21 Moller into an effective per Chairman Tom Hawkins in his home ours. The more you listened to his formance on March 25. Paul is cur in Greenfield, Indiana. Our special concepts, the less you thought of your rently the assistant organist at the guest for this meeting, Gay Crandall, own bright ideas. Elm Rink and plays every Thursday entertained the membership on Tom's TONY TAHLMAN night. Conn 642 with her own delightful A busload of members were aug organ artistry so much enjoyed on a mented by several carloads venturing regular basis by patrons of the San It was a bright Saturday morning forth in a spring trip to the wilds of Francisco supper club in Anderson, March 11, when our genial Secretary Indianapolis on April 22. Lee Erwin Indiana. Doug Christensen, stepped up to the at the console of the Rivoli Uniphone, Future events scheduled include microphone to present his introduction a midnight theatre party and a visit our annual May visit to the Kokomo, of our second Chaplin program at the to Frank May's restoration of the Indiana, home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carnegie Theatre, starring Tony Tahl Chicago "WLS" pipe organ at Breezy May in which is installed a 4-manual man. From the first moment, a mood Lane in Kokomo, Ind. made the trip Wicks-Barton theatre pipe organ of of warmth and friendliness was set very interesting. 18 ranks and still growing! For the for the entire program. On Saturday April 29 members summer months we are hopeful of This presentation was a rare op congregated to hear "Yngve" a tracker returning to the Embassy Theatre in portunity for CATOE: first, to be able pipe organ that Jack Olander and the Ft. Wayne to hear the artistry of Mr. to present the show in a relatively Keyboard Ensemble class of Maine Buddy Nolan on the 4/ 15 Page ac new theatre with one of Chaplin's Township High School had modified companied by the piano stylings of most famous silents - City Lights in and rebuilt. As an added treat Samuel Mr. Dyan Pfeffenberger on the Em excellent quality 35mm print and Nygren of Sweden gave a lecture bassy's concert grand. This duo pos second to have the complete coop demonstration of the tracker organ itively sparkled during our October eration of the theatre and its new and had with him his personal ex visit last year as they presented show Conn Theatre Organ and most of all hibition of Swedish organ art. tunes and Strauss waltzes in their to hear one of CATOE's most dynamic Once upon a time, not so very special concert for our membership. and talented organists, Mr. Tony Tahl long ago, the teen men of CATOE RUTH HAWKINS man. He spent weeks of concentrated banded together into a group and effort perfecting the musical score for called themselves the "Motley Crew'.' CHICAGOAREA the film as well as selecting the tunes Members of the crew hail from all Long before anyone ever had any most appropriate to his concert and over Chicagoland and have since in inkling of the possibility of the tre sing-along. And al though the organ had volved themselves with theatre organ mendous tribute that ultimately would a plurality of sound effects. Tony in tuning, construction, cleaning, and be accorded to Charlie Chaplin, Chair stalled his own chimes, bells, whistles, most of all, playing. man Bill Rieger brought up the idea auto horn, siren, etc., which he dis One of their special ties is out-of of having CATOE present shows fea pensed with the accuracy of a well town organ crawls. Numerous week turing Chaplin's Modern Times and timed computer. While City Lights is ends have been spent working at the City Lights with organ accompaniment. basically sweet, tender, and emotional Coronado Theatre in Rockford, Ill. CATOE member Andy Antoncyck story, it has its comedy sequences, Two weekend tours to Milwaukee manages the Carnegie Theatre in down and Tony's musical score matched were arranged by Fred Hermes, Chair town Chicago and they just happened every situation. man of the Dairyland Chapter of to be in the midst of a "Chaplin The first half of the program was ATOS. They also traveled to Stevens
THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 39 Point, Wisconsin to hear Jim Benz Paul Whiteman's NBC Show. miller at St. Stanislaus Church. A visit Bill is one of the original theatre to the Joliet area was very interesting organists who hasn't forgotten how and a late spring trip to Detroit, the melody goes, and what chord goes Michigan is being planned. with it. In spite of his long association We hear constantly about the gen with drawbars, he tackles registration eration gap. This group of dedicated orchestrally as well as any composer young teen-men working together, would orchestrate a score. In utter learning T /0 techniques, inst rumen ts, defiance of his age, he gets around and the thousand and one other de the console nimbly and easily. tails involved, have eliminated this Bill selected a program which could gap as far as"Motley Crew" Chief Jack have spelled disaster for some artists, Smith is concerned, by keeping busy. as it contained no less than six classic Jack extends many thanks to the orchestral compositions. This is where parents for their trust. Bill had us spellbound. His registration BILL RIEGER constantly evoked illusions of an orch estra located in the chambers with some startling instrumental passages CONNECTICUTVALLEY "Fantasy on the Opera 'Carmen'," Our eleventh birthday was cel "Overture to Orpheus in Hades," and ebrated on February 12, 1972 with a Tchaikovsky's "Slavanic March" which meeting at the Waterbury Hammond brought the audience to its feet in Organ Studio. Program Chairman, unison at the last chord. Charles Putney surprised us with a Perhaps the most interesting ar pre-meeting concert demonstration of rangement was "Broadway After Dark" Everett Bassett in concert, State Theatre, the Arp Synthesizer by a represen Waterbury. which contained several familiar broad tative of the Tonus Company. way themes in a musically pictorial It appears that the electronic organ Ev has a musical and very listenable tour of the big city. Bill's most realistic manufacturers have jumped to the style, and delights in producing tunes musical effect of bustling traffic with synthesizer as a new toy, with the that all of us but he has forgotten. How startlingly convincing taxi horns was Wurlitzer in orbit, and others using many readers recall "The Song is in self-contained add-on synthesizers. For My Heart," "The Lady's In Love With those who wonder what a synthesizer, You," "Guilty," "Home," and "I'm is, it is an electronic organ capable of Through With Love"? playing only one note at a time, with It suddenly struck me, while controls for producing different tone listening to the Wurlitzer, that here qualities, attacks and other elements is Grandfather Synthesizer, capable of sound waves, rather than stops as of playing many notes all at once, such. The Arp was interesting, pro with myriad effects and tonal variety, ducing many instrumental effects from orchestral effects and gadgets 1ike a unit not much larger than its key "second touch?" It struck me how board. One of the outstanding in some of the sounds seemed so real, ventions in this instrument is "second especially the Clarinet, Flute, Glock touch." Now there is a really new enspiel, Chimes, Drums and traps, and idea! Press the key harder, and you golly-gee, a Tuba. get a different effect. What will they The chapter presented its second think of next? official concert at the Thomaston We then departed to the State Opera House with an excellent pro Theatre to hear Everett Bassett at the gram by Bill Dal ton. The name was 2/10 style 205 Wurlitzer, opus 2016. familiar, but few of us had ever heard This instrument was donated to the Bill play. chapter a couple years ago in the Now living in Connecticut and RKO "giveaway", but the owners of teaching in the Hartford area, Bill the building contested ownership, Dalton studied at Ohio State, and RKO's lease ran out, and the organ under such teachers as Bert E. Williams, remains in its home, where it should Henry Foan of Westminster Abbey, be. London, and Pietro Yon of the Vatican, Everett has kept the organ in re Rome. Starting as a pianist at age pair since 1945, and knows it well. twelve, he was engaged to play organ The console has been moved from solos at Loew's Ohio Theatre in stage right to the center of the orch Columbus, Loew's Richmond, the Byrd estra pit, and a section of "pit fence" Theatre, Richmond; the Birmingham in the center was made removeable Paramount , and Radio City Music '\ for use of the organ. Hall. His radio and TV work includes Bill Dalton .. : Thomaston Opera- House.
40 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN undoubtedly the surprise of the Kissel, project coordinator, his assis of two Harold Lloyd short comedies, evening. tant, Bruce Skovmand, Frank Sher a group of Cole Porter tunes, a com Here is a real musician who simply wood (who was largely responsible munity sing, and then the feature plays a delightful concert without for installation of the organ lift), film, Buster Keaton in The Navigator. flashy gimmicks. Bill Dalton. Harold Donze, John Hoffman, Chester And to top off the evening, Gaylord It came as a complete surprise when Myers, Robert Brower, and Frank presented the last film that Buster a letter from our hard-working mem Sele. The principal item of ATOS Keaton made, a film featuring a trip ber, John Starr was read, offering his business transacted at the meeting across Canada from the Atlantic to Crystal Palace theatre organ and silent was the approval by the membership the Pacific on the Canadian National movie museum to the Connecticut of an addition to the chapter by-laws Railroad. Buster rode a railroad Valley Theatre Organ Society, Inc. concerning the disposition of chapter "speeder" all the way, with very en The Crystal Palace in Goshen, Conn. assets in the event of dissolution of the tertaining results, especially when he has been John's "baby" for many chapter. This provision in the by-laws turned the speeder into a duck blind months. The arched-ceilinged auditor was required by the Internal Revenue to help him get a better shot at some ium which houses the Allyn Theatre Service as a part of the recent granting geese. Gaylord provided the organ chandeliers, an ever growing Wurlitzer, of tax-free status to ATOS. During the accompaniment for the trip. It was a and other memorabilia is slated for Jam Session which followed, several delightful evening of Theatre Pipe opening late this year. members tried out the big Robert Organ entertainment. Lawyers for both parties are setting Morton Theatre Organ including Bob SAM DICKERSON up details under which John Starr will Meeker, Deke Warner, Fernand Martel, retain life use of the facility, while and Adele Thiele. Rose Diamond was MOTOR CITY the Connecticut Chapter will acquire eyeing the console when your reporter the museum as its home. left so I suspect she may have played The Redford Theatre was once We believe this is another first for a bit too. again filled to capacity on Tuesday, the chapter, and one which holds On Sunday morning April 16th March 21, when the Motor City Chap much promise for the future. We are the place to be was at the Wiltern ter presented Dennis James at the grateful that John Starr has been so Theatre where Scott Gillespie presented newly rejuvenated 3/ 10 Barton. The generous, and will announce further another fine concert. Scott is well audience reaction on hearing this details as they develop. known as one of the organists at youthful performer for the first time, AL MILLER Larry Bray's "Organ Loft" in Salt Lake was overwhelming. City. The outstanding selections on his After a delightful mini-concert, a program were the Mormon hymn good old-fashioned sing-along, com LOS ANGELES "Come, Come, Ye Saints" and the plete with vintage hand-painted song Southern California organ activities rarely heard but always enjoyed music slides, the faces of Laurel and Hardy continued at a brisk pace after the from the "Mikado" by Sir Arthur appeared on the screen. busy month of February with its Great Sullivan. To round out a day of The Dennis explained before the start Western Regional Convention. On atre Organ there was a jam session at of the feature film, the 1927 mystery, March 19th Helen Dell presented the Elks Building in the afternoon. The Cat and the Canary, that his a very fine concert in the continuing accompaniment would be almost spon Sunday morning series sponsored by Two events of interest to Theatre taneous, for due to the nature of the the Los Angeles Chapter at the Wiltern Organ buffs in the area were the plot, regular reoccurring themes were Theatre. She played a varied program Open House on April 6th and the not well suited to this film. The result with something for everyone including Flicker Fingers show on April 15th, was a fine film score, which seemed "The Song of Herod", "I Love to both featuring the ATOS installed to draw us into the action, with Hear You Singing", "It's Impossible", Wurlitzer at the San Gabriel Civic brilliantly executed musical climaxes, "Dambusters March", and "Pastoral" Auditorium. The Open House was coming one after another. Dennis was (Richard Purvis). And the outstand sponsored by the City of San Gabriel very much at home at the Redford ing music of the entire concert was to show off the features of the audi Barton and we look forward to having Helen's playing of the wonderful tunes torium to the citizens of San Gabriel him back again. from Oklahoma - all of them. The and to the general public. Tours of the The following evening, Dennis con Kimball organ has never sounded building were conducted and stage ducted a Theatre Organ Master Class at better, with the rain damage repaired equipment and the extensive stage DTOC, sponsored jointly by the by Leonard Worne and his crew of lighting facilities were demonstrated. Detroit Theater Organ Club and the miracle workers. Neal Kissel and his crew provided the Motor City Theatre Organ Society. On April 11th the chapter held it's atre pipe organ displays in the lobby In the style of an organists workshop, Spring business meeting at the Elks which attracted much attention from each participant performed two se Building in Los Angeles. Councilman the more than I 500 persons attending lections which Dennis critiqued. The Walter McCarthy of the City of San during the day, Jonas Nordwall played Blower, the chapter newsletter, pub Gabriel presented Certificates of Merit concerts on the Mighty Wurlitzer at lished a suggested list of theatre organ on behalf of the City Council to eight 3, 6, and 9 PM. The Flicker Fingers theory courses in publication, in ad members of the ATOS crew who presentation with Gaylord Carter at dition to recommended collections of worked for over 3 years to install the the console was a huge success with theatre organ arrangements and solos. 3/16 Wurlitzer in the Civic Auditorium. only a few empty seats in the 1500- We highly recommend to any chap Those receiving the awards were Neal seat auditorium. The program consisted ter considering booking Dennis James
THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 41 for a public program that they also Marr and Colton shares space in his quick registration, which was done to ask him about scheduling a Theatre large roomy basement with an as perfection on probably the smallest organ Master Class for the benefit of sortment of coin operated amusement instrument he has yet performed on chapter organists. machines. The action of the upright publicly, the 2/7 Biggest Little Wur An American Legion Hall in Royal piano, playable from the console, is litzer at the Rahway Theatre. Oak was alive with activity as nearly visible through the glass paneled front. BOB BALFOUR 100 chapter members, not discouraged Work on the 3/13 Barton in the by the dreary rainy weather outside, Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor is NIAGARA FRONTIER turned out for our fourth annual progressing so well that a sneak pre On March 14 youthful Dennis James banquet on April 16. Many tried their view for chapter members is planned displayed his ever-increasing talents hand at the three-manual Conn theatre for June 11th. and mastery at the console of the organ, loaned for the day by member DON LOCKWOOD Riviera's 3/ 12 Wurlitzer. Frances Morehead. He presented a well-chosen program NEW YORK A highly successful Round-Robin that included some favorite standards organ crawl to hear and play theatre While readers of this magazine have and many popular tunes of the Twen pipe organ installations in the homes been following the exploits of some ties, Thirties, and Forties. At this of three chapter members was held on of the better known "senior" organ concert, Dennis initiated our newly Sunday, in April. Gathering at the ists who have been traveling the nation added pit drums. Royal Oak Theatre at 10:30 a.m., with silent film and organ shows, it A special feature of this crowd over 100 members listened to or played is refreshing to see the emergence of a pleasing show was Dennis ' rendition of the 3/ IO Barton and toured the cham new talent, especially one of the "now" "String of Pearls" , during which time bers before splitting into three groups. generation. the stage drapes parted to reveal Alex Floyd Bunt had just finished putting Young Dennis Jam es has been Rene and his Big Band Sound - a 15- the finishing touches on the rein touring the country for just a few piece band that plays the sounds of the stallation of the 3/8 Page in his new years with these silent film and organ Forties. As the drapes opened, they home. After being in storage for several shows, and on Wednesday, April 5, picked up where the organ faded, and years, it was a treat to hear this nicely he added another milestone to his the group performed some of the more balanced instrument, with its glittering rapidly ascending star as he held an famous dance band selections. silver and gold key desk, sounding audience spellbound at Rahway, N.J., The audience was well pleased with once again. accompanying The General, starring this exciting evening of organ and The gold and white French style Buster Keaton. The amazing thing dance band music. (Musical entertain console of Mert Harris' 3/11 Wur was, Dennis had only seen the film ment such as this is almost a thing of litzer is situated at one end of his once before, and had never accom the past.) spacious living room, enough distant panied it. Those who were in at Don Thompson made his second from his two pipe chambers, housed tendance are still marveling at the Riviera appearance to a warm and in the former garage, to permit a fantastic job he did, rivaling, if not receptive audience on April 19. There pleasing sound that is not over-power surpassing similar endeavors by others was a standing-room-only crowd that ing to the listener. Two separate sets of longer standing fame in this de evening; in fact, some patrons had to of swell shades help to regulate the · partment. A further credit to his be turned away. volume. artistry was his ability to keep the Don's instant rapport with his at Roger Mumbrue's 3 / 19 "mostly" audience enthralled with his lightning tentive listeners drew him closer to their hearts. His excellent program held a host of wonderful compositions ' . . d done in the rhythmic Thompson style. Y ou re 1nv1te .... The second half of Don's concert "behind the opened with "The Riviera," a selection from The Boyfriend. Also comprising the second half of the show were GREENDOOR" some of 1920's and l 930's most pop WITH ular hits: Busby Berkeley production numbers, a rag, and a novelty tune or two. He lowered the console with the Tonv~ Tahlman "immortal" Mickey Mouse march. AT THE 4-24 SHIRLEY COLE ELMSKATING CLUB THEATREPIPE ORGAN SEL ECTIOHS INCLUDE: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GreenDoor, Haney, Honey, INCLUDED WITH RECORDIS Quiet Village, Hungry, A real treat was hearing for the first A COMPLETE STOPLIST Telstar, HonkyTonk time on pipe organ Father David Shaw. A CUSTOMFIDELITY STEREO RECORDING Lost In The Stars, and more We had heard the Father on electronics on several occasions and knew he had $5.50 POST PAI O order from ELM Roosevelt & Butterfield,Elmhurst, II.60126 a style which would come over big CONCERTMANAGEMENT: A. HURCIK, 1280 S. LLOYD, LOMBARD, ILL. 60148 (312) 627-5541 on the real thing. Shaw opened with a nice number and then told the chap-
42 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN ter members that "to dispel any pre tivated from the console tabs. (Now, conceived notions due to my clerical there fellows, is the way to settle grab" he proceeded to put "The Strip those arguments!) Thanks, Dave, for a per" through its usual bumps and very enjoyable afternoon! grinds in a rousing interpretation. That Our appreciation, as always, to the did it! Most of the rest of his program managements of the establishments were familiar pop tunes done in a where we hold our meetings and to swinging up-tempo style. The Avenue the technicians who keep the instru Theatre's 3/14 Wurlitzer was in good ments going. We in Northern California hands. Thank you Father Shaw! are very, very lucky to have so many fine theatre organs in excellent playing condition. WARREN LUBICH and DEWEY CAGLE Larry Vannucci at the Cinema-21 Robert Morton. - ( Lubich Photo) NORTH TEXAS Morton. Recently moving to the Bay Area from Salt Lake City, Reese has Our Christmas meeting in late 71 had a lot of pipe experience at the was a great one, held at the E.M. Bray Organ Loft. The Wurlitzer console Johnson home in North Dallas. The came from the Sacramento (Calif.) whole family are organ buffs, with Majestic Theatre, the balance of this Dad doing the planning detail, Mom Wurlitzer became the heart of handling administrative detail and sub the famed Granada, Tooting, London sistence, Son serving as Chief Tech installation in England. David's pro nician and Daughter as Chief Organ gram included both "oldies, but good ist. Their installation of a 3/ 11 Wur Father Shaw at the Avenue Wurlitzer. (Lubich Photo) ies" and contemporary selections , all litzer, acquired from a church (yes , it's of which were well arranged to show a theatre organ) in Corpus Christi, is Our next meeting took us back to off the organ and its special effects. really something. There were over 40 two old friends - the 2/6 divided The organ boasts a wide variety of members and guests in attendance , Robert Morton in the Cinema-21 - percussions, a real steam locomotive yet plenty of conversation and listening and our regular chapter artist, Larry whistle (run on air) , thunder and space, without one interfering with Yannucci. Larry had not prepared a lightning effects, and a special feature the other. Even with Christmas dec program as such, but just played them of a three speed tibia tremulant ac- orations in the room, it was very neat as he was inspired. After a few in and spacious. troductory remarks, Larry spoke not a Various members took turns at the word for the next two hours. But his console with everything from Christmas music spoke for him - and it was one carols to "Alley Cat". One outstanding of Larry's best concerts yet! He knows performer was Lew Williams , an 18 this instrument inside and out "like year old Organ Major from Texas the back of his hand." He has given Christian University. Lew is at home it loving care for about 25 years , with with any phrase of organ playing, a hardly a week going by without at great talent, from whom we'll all be least one session on the little gem. hearing more. He's good on theatre When Yannucci is good, he is very, organ "oldies", pops, or Bach. very good. And - this was one of The March meeting of the chapter those times. was at the Dallas home of Gordon L. Next it was a meeting at a new Wright , where he has installed a 2/7 location - the Bella Roma Pizza in Wurlitzer acquired from the Orpheum
Martinez with David "Fats " Reese David Reese at the Bella Roma Wurlimorton Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Needless playing the 3/ 14 Wurlitzer / Ro be rt (Lubich Photo) to say, this was another interesting ;, I ~- • REMEMBER - . -:~-~- \,_(, • :· ...... • \II! IIIJII ,,,,,, ----. . .·. - ' ,, _/j COPY DEADLINE .....;:---- ~ -,,,,., .. •o . FOR THEATRE ORGAN MAGAZINE _: -· , ~ -~------All material to be published must be received at .. ,.':·· • l~ ' ..... P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Mich. 48154 . .. . . By the FIRST of the month PRECEDING publication -~LEEERWIN · Management. Ted Creech. 306 East 15th St. New York.NY 10003 . Copy for August Issue must be in by July 1st. ~ . .. .
THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 43 session for the chapter, and Gordon's of Mr. Walter Froelich, we obtained a baby-grand player piano and the 3/13 Wurlitzer for the residents of Rodgers plug-in in the music room Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Much of also attracted their share of attention. the instrument was installed under the Several of our more proficient chap supervision of Dr. Dwight Leighton ter members serenaded us throughout of Yarmouth. Having been previously the afternoon, and all were highly committed to the monumental one complimentary of the job Gordon has man task of rebuilding the fifty-four done with his installation. All speak rank organ at the Cathedral of the ing is done by the original pipes. No Imaculate Conception, Dr. Leighton syn the sized electronics. 0 nly the had to temporarily drop the O 1d Earl Sharits and Ronnie Pedley share a switching is electronic. A beautiful Orchard job for approximately two mutual love of the theatre organ. Eleven job, technically and aesthetically, years. For most of the members, work year-old Ronnie, our gifted youngest mem ing on pipe organs of any kind was a ber, will make a brief appearance at the Gordon. Chapter Chairman John Beck's convention. slide tour of the L.A. regional was also new experience; therefore, we felt a meeting highlight. rather inadequate to handle the job on POTOMACVALLEY There is one more chapter meeting our own. Now, because I work a Sunday, March 28 found an un this Spring, then a summer activity rotating shift, Dr. Leighton and I work usually well-attended chapter meeting, slump, as there is in almost everything as many Wednesdays as possible and a special occasion, to dedicate former quite frequently Saturdays as well. Dr. during the 100 degree days, and then Chapter Chairman George Johnson's we'll be back with all stops out for a Herbert Hopkins of Old Orchard has 2/5 Wurlitzer installed in the basement very promising 72-73 winter season. spent many hours in refinishing the of his home in Alexandria, Virginia. Meanwhile everybody will be working console and he's doing a beautiful job. Guest artist was long-time member on their pet organ projects and rarin' We will see to it that "Theatre and former Colorado theatre organist, to go come the Fall. Organ" readers get the full story and Earl Sharits (stage name Earle Sherdelle) JORMAN (JOE) KOSKI the plans for the organ in a future who gave two informal and entertain issue. ing mini-concerts. Earl's offering of PINETREE RON DRUMMOND old and new tunes and the congeniality This letter is to announce to all his personality bred, prompted the that the Pinetree Chapter is still alive response of over a dozen volunteers something to CROW abou~ .. and well. Although we haven't had during the open console period, the much to report until now, here is an THE ATOS ••~ latter being representative of our mem installment on the Wurlitzer obtained NATIONAL CONVENTION bership ranging from our top profes in New Rochelle, N.Y. JULY 10 thru 14, 1972 sional to gifted young students and Three years ago, through the efforts reticent but able amateurs. Members
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44 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Barry and Dorothy Washington mean will be among the important features time served refreshments upstairs to at the July 10-14 Convention - "IN those waiting their turn to see and TUNE FOR YOU IN '72". hear Earl play. LUCIEN B. PHINNEY George and Olean Johnson's in strument was removed from a church in Arlington, Virginia its original loca ROCKYMOUNTAIN tion being the Richmond Playhouse Sunday April 16, 1972 had been theatre in Alexandria. The Wurlitzer planned as "D" day for the last con shares basement honors with George's cert on the 3 / 15 Wurlitzer at the narrow gauge (ON3) model railroad. Denver Theatre as on the morrow The organ installation was a Father "demolition" was to begin. The in Son-Grandson effort, his father P.K. terior remodeling of the auditorium Johnson also being a member and was to start. Several artists from the pipe organ owner, and son David being Denver area had been contacted and an able organ student. a program was set up for six organists The April meeting of the Potomac to perform. As the time drew near Valley Chapter featured former Chap the management of the theatre found ter Chairman Ray Brubacher giving a RAY BRUBACHER it necessary because of construction program on the Lem Keller Special at difficulties, to cancel the use of the the Keller residence near Frederick, organ teacher, Associate Editor of theatre. Bob Castle who plays and Maryland. Lem began building his THEATRE ORGAN magazine, WXLN maintains the 4/20 Paramount The instrument in 1956. It is now a 4/17 radio personality, movie and still pho atre Wurlitzer directly across the street with five sets of tuned percussions. tographer deluxe, organ and player from the Denver Theatre, very gra The pipework is Moller, Wurlitzer, piano restorer, recording artist, and, ciously invited the chapter to meet and Reuter; the harp is Link, and the believe it or not, calliope player. The in that theatre. console entirely electrically operated latter has something to do with Ray's The concert by the six artists was with Reisner components. The vibrato love of steam powered machines. He cancelled also but quite a number of units, most of the chests, part of the has been tempted to go AWOL from chapter members tried their hand at relay, and the unique capture system an organ concert engagement when the console. Among them were: Bob which can be set at the keyboard were he has heard the siren call of a steam Castle, of course, Bill Johnston, chapter built by Lem Keller. About eighty locomotive whistle. chairman, Bob Young, chapter pub members turned out to hear Ray The Johnson and Keller home in licity and several members from Col Bru bacher, who is well known for stallations and the Masonic Temple orado Springs, Colorado. his many talents: church organist and organ, as well as organist Ray Brubacher The group from Colorado Springs
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THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 45 are at the present finishing the res to silent movie audiences many times. toration of the organ in the Chief It was Jim who broke the news of Theatre. Those from the Chief res Mr. Seaver's death to the listeners to toration crew who demonstrated their KHIQ'sFriday night theatre pipe organ keyboard ability were: Rick Mathews music program by way of explanation (King Pin) and his assistants Rod for the sudden disappearance of the Gates, David Church and Mrs. Wynn Seaver and Grant Union organ back Wood. This group is about to form a grounded silent movie announcements. branch of the Rocky Mountain Chapter BOB LONGFIELD as they are in the chapters chartered area although about 75 miles away. SOONER STATE Our chapter is awaiting the opening Great excitement was in the air as of Dick and Ruth Lewis' recently At the Carl Greer Inn : Jim Hodges, M.C. -Tiny James - Clyde Derby - Emil Martin. chapter members prepared to visit the completed home organ installation of ( Photo by CI int Savage) Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma a 3/7 Marr & Colton. The organ is to on the weekend of April 22 and 23. be played by Bob Arndt of Des Moines, George Seaver had no funeral, no The Coleman celebrated the anniversary Iowa in the near future. memorial service. He wanted it that of it's opening over 40 years ago this BETTY ROWE way. He had expressed the wish that month, with a gala film and organ his friends gather around a pipe organ intermission presentation ,just as in the SIERRA and play theatre music. George Seaver's days when the theatre opened. Sierra Chapter of the ATOS had wish was granted; just the way he and Featured at the console of the planned to present another silent pic his family wanted it. The location was Coleman 3/7 Style 160 Special Wur ture in Sacramento's Grant Union the dining room of the Carl Greer Inn, litzer was Mrs. Charles Puckette, it's High School auditorium on Sunday, thanks to Inn Manager Wayne Thorson; mentor, curator and protector, and also April 16 at 2:00 P.M. George A. the organ was the former Seattle Music an avid member of ATOS. Thanks Seaver was going to preside at the Hall 4/ 16 Robert Morton; the artist to her determination and the help of Kilgen console as he had many times were friends Clyde Derby , Carl Greer loyal ATOS friends, Oklahoma's only before. The picture was to be John Staff Organist; "Tiny" James, Norcal remaining "In House" theatre pipe Barrymore in the Robert Louis Steven chapter member; and Emil Martin, organ continues to play. son story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Program Director of McClatchy Broad Coming up soon is an organ crawl The event was not to be, nor was a casting Company and sometimes Greer to nearby Muskogee, Oklahoma by program for the students of Grant Inn organist. The artists were intro chapter members. The chapter will Union High School set for April 14th , duced by Jim Hodges, Manager of FM have a Jam Session on the 3/7 Robert as you have noted, or will note, by Radio Station KHIQ and the man Morton installed in the now com The Closing Chord. who had introduced George Seaver pleted, Muskogee Civic Center, at the
Jimmy
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DEL CASTILLO PIZZA & PIPES WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN FOR CONCERTS 3581 Homestead Road 821 Winslow Street at ( Lawren c e Expressway) (Downtown - Off Broadway) SANTA CLARA , CALIFORNIA REDWOOD CITY , CALIFORNIA LP Albums at $4.50 (Pipe Dreams, and/or PHONE 248 -5680 PHONE 365-6543 Half and Half), and autographed Primer of Organ Stops at $2.00. Staff Organists ... 1690 S . Bas c om at Hamilton TOM HAZLETON ( Hamilton Plaza Shopping Center) JACK GUSTAFSON CASTLE SERVICES CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA PHONE 371-5000 RALPH TROUT Ill 223 N. KENTER AVE., LOS ANGELES 90049 DON THOMPSON
46 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN invitation of Civic Center Manager, capers" by Skinner. Oddly enough he Vernon Laster. kept his promise that this organ could Finishing out the chapter's planned be made to sound theatrical (?). After activities is an upcoming silent movie, an open console session, a tour was slide show, mini-concert program by made behind the swell shades for those Wichita Theatre Organist, Bob Foley, in attendance to discover the source This program is tentatively scheduled of this great sound. A great departure to be presented on the 2/4 Robert from our usual flair, this meeting Morton, located in the Tulsa Masonic proved to be unusually successful. Temple, as a joint ATOS Masonic Our sincerest thanks to Dave Thurman Temple project. for his efforts on our behalf this day. South Florida Chapter is pleased
to announce that the chapter has been Vice-chairman Ray Wulff, Reginald Foort, SOUTH FLORIDA offered the complete cooperation in Jane Harvey and Chairman Steve Fitzgerald revamping of the former Olympia The at the Wulff residence. February 27th found us making atre Wurlitzer in downtown Miami in responsibility the green light was given the short trip up the Gold Coast to conjunction with the Miami Philhar South Florida Chapter for refurbishing the residence of Ray Wulff in Boca monic Society. Prior to being ap the "sick" organ. The auditorium is Raton. Our own Reggie Foort had proached by our chapter the Philhar now being completely refinished to allowed time from his busy schedule monic Society had not made any its original Eberson Atmospheric con attempt to include the organ in its dition under a million dollar grant, refurbishing project, currently under with the Philharmonic anticipating a way. After recognizing that the ATOS mid-October opening. was a nationally organized group of G. W. GERHART CLASSIFIED ADS Classifiedads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No chargefor first ten words for members.
FOR SALE - 3 rank Wurlitzer black cap FOR SALE - 3/ 10 Kimball Theatre organ string chest 61 notes each $300.00 Skinner entirely restored and playing in home for Reginald Foort at Ray Wulff's homemade 61 note metal bar Harp; Musette 61 notes over 10 years. Asking $5,200.00. 6 Rank console in Boca Raton. Dennison $400.00; Kimball Spitz Flute Kimball Theatre organ ; no console, 16' Celeste 2 ranks; Spencer Orgoblo 1½ hp - 4' Kimball Tuba with chests including to come and do a program during the 6½" static, 3 phase $50.00 Joseph P. Tibia Chest, 2 Va x Humanas, Unda Maris, afternoon on Ray's 3/9 Skinner res Sammut, 432 Chestnut Avenue, San Bruno, Dulciana, Aeoline, Gamba, Viola, Tuba, idence installation, the console of which California 94066. Lieb. Gedeckt, 5 rk Dulce Cornet mi xture. 2 Xylophones, Tuba and a Kimball 4 manual has been built from scratch by Ray FOR SALE - 1 Kilgen Tracker Organ - keyboard and pedal board. Write or call for himself. Needless to say, this was a 2 manual 9 ranks. 1 Orgoblo blower - 1 complete I ist and prices. Allan Day, 15 W. superb match, the organ and Reggie Horse power. 1 Set Audsley's Art of organ Harrison, Oak Park, Ill. 60304 (312)848-8537 Foort, with Reggie remarking this was building, 1st Edition. Misc. Organ pipe or (312) 968-2255. one of the finest home installations relay boards. 1 M.P. Moller 4 manual horseshoe console Opus 4802 Modernized FOR SALE - Four manual theatre pipe he'd ever played. Those in attendance case. Some player piano actions. L. L. Craver, organ. 29 ranks, Three Tibias. Playing in were indeed enthralled by the master R5 Box 268, Lockport, 111.60441. large residence. Complete with Traps etc. musician. Reggie did quite a bit of Phone : Wilmington, Delaware. 302-994- story telling relating to the giant Moller FOR SALE - Custom made "Allen Theatre 0543. traveling organ he'd had back in Eng Deluxe" organ; two manual, walnut console, 3 external decorative walnut speaker cab FOR SALE - 16' Wurlitzer Metal Diaphones, land during the "golden days". With inets; 32 note pedal board , two independent $200.00. Kimball Marimba Harp, $200.00. photographs to bolster the many events expression pedals for Flute, Reeds and H. Morch, 127 Belmill Road, Bellmore, in Reggie's life we were really able to Strings. Like new - owner moving out of N.Y. 11710. share at length his fabulous career. state. Cost new $9,700. - will sell for $7,700. A.R. Johnson, 147 Walrath Road, HELP WANTED - Organist for sales train Bouquets to Reggie for his magnificent Syracuse, N. Y. 13205. Phone : (31 5) 469- ing. Victor Pianos & Organs, 300 N.W. 54th presentation in the very intimate setting 1 273 or (31 5) 834-9370. St., Miami, Florida 33127. Phone : (305) of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ray 751-7502. Wulff, to whom we are most indebted FOR SALE - 3 manual Marr & Colton for their gracious hospitality. single rail, horseshoe console; $750.00 or WANTED -4-manual 22 to 32 rank console; best offer. 8' Aeoline - perfect condition either Wurlit zer, Kimbal I, Marr & Colton or March 19th our chapter was guest $750.00 or offer. For details contact G.E. Robert Morton, State mak_e, size, condition of chapter member David Thurman Rickert, 4121 Blanchan Ave., Brookfield, and price . Need one badly. Address : Bo x at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Ill. 60513. 317, APO San Francisco, Calif. 96334. Miami where the 4/52 Aeolian/Skinner FOR SALE - Allen Positiv, used only in Will buy or trade Organ tapes - opera. was brought forth in the grand manner. concert $5990. Victor Pianos and Organs, Have 5000 hrs. misc. Especially need Craw Mr. Thurman was featured during the 300 N.W. 54 Street, Miami, Florida 33127. ford-Dunstedter - and old timers. Rouse, afternoon in what he called "organ Phone: (305) 751-7502. 1126 N. St. Clair St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206.
THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 47