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 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 Solo™ Section. New Chromatic RiffTMplays 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------, automatically. I To: Wurlitzer, Dept. TO-280, 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. I 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 Editorilll Address THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY P.O . Box 1314 Salinas , California 93902 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 1 Phone : (408) 663 -3238

Advertising Address ATOS Advertising FEBRUARY / MARCH 1980 2231 North Burling Street Chicago , lllinois60614 Membership Office P.O. Box45 Falls Church , Virginia 22046 features ... Phone : (703) 573 -4138 5 The Organ Grinder's Pipe Organ ATOS Corporate Office ATOS 7 Whatever Became of the WLS Organ? ...... Stu Green 6900 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90038 10 Death Comes to a Lovely Lady ...... Carl F. Guiney Office of the Pn,sident 10 A Tribute to One of the Finest Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum of the Golden Age ...... Bud Taylor 4815 Leonard Parkway Richmond , Virginia 23226 Phone : (804) 353 -8376 11 Wurlitzer Chest Action ...... E.S. "Tote" Pratt

National HBBdquarters 14 Rosa Rio on Public Television ...... June L. Garen ATOS P.O. Box 1 002 15 ATOS Award Presented to J.B. Nethercutt Middleburg , Virginia 22117 Phone : (703) 364 -2423 16 Art or Artlessness? ...... John Muri National Officers Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum, President 31 ATOS Silver Anniversary Convention Lois Segur , Vice President Erwin Young, Treasurer Wyn McDonnell Davis , Secretary

National Board of Directors technical ... Paul (Mac) Abernethy , Jr . 24 Questions and Answers ...... Lance Johnson John Ledwon William Rieger Judd Walton 39 The Acoustical Consultant ...... R.J. Weisenberger W . "Tiny " James Betty Mason Richard Schrum George F. Thompson departments . • • Ray F. Snitil, Pas t President Konsole Kapers 27 For the Records Curator 13 Paul Abernethy 40 Letters to the Editors P.O . Box 2480 18 Vox Pops Burlington , N .C. 27215 25 Dinny's Colyum 42 Chapter Notes EDITORIAL STAFF Editor - George Thompson Nuggets from the Golden Days 64 Classified Ads Associate Editors - Lloyd E. Klos , 26 Peg Nielsen Editor -Emeritus - W . " Stu " Green 27 Closing Chord Photographer - Bill Lamb Publishers - Floyd and Doris Mumm Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Len Clarke Circulation Manager - Lee Prater Cove.- Vhoto THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bimonthly by the American The 4-manual Wurlitzer console from Boston's Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a nonprofit organi­ zation . Thomas 0 . (Tommy) Landrum, Presi­ Music Hall Theatre replaced the 3-manual Orien­ dent. All rights reserved . Entire contents copy­ tal Theatre console at Portland's Organ Grinder righted . American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., 1980. Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329 , in 1975. This pipe organ is now one of the largest Livonia, Michigan 48151. Wurlitzers in America. See story on page 5.

POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan . IF UNDELIVERABLE, send Cover Photo by Claude V. Neuffer form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department, Box 45, Falls Church, Virginia 22046. 1 ,!: w ATOS 3 FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN ARCA•VES / LIBRARY Richard Simonton Members: Feb . 1955 - Oct . 1958 Have "the time of your life." Fly to England Judd Walton Oct . 1958 - July 1961 for the 1980 ATOS Silver Anniversary Convention! Tiny James See page 31 thru 38 for July 1961 - July 1964 more details. Carl Norvell July 1964 - July 1966

Richard Schrum July 1966 - July 1968

Al Mason July 1968 - July 1970 A NOTE CONCERNING Stillman Rice FLYING TO ENGLAND July 1970 - July 1972 Attempts have been made to set up a charter flight to England, but Erwin A. Young many problems have surfaced. We would need a guarantee of over 200 July 1972 - July 1974 passengers to depart from one point. Group fares are a possibility but the replies that we have had to date from members who plan to attend Paul M. Abernethy July 1974 - July 1976 show that they are from many parts of the country and the logistics of getting a group together is greater than we are staffed to handle. Exact Ray F. Snitil fares depend greatly on the ever climbing fuel costs. Airlines have direct July 1976 - July 1978 flights from many major U.S. cities to London and a departure from a city near to your address would be less costly to you in time and money. Preston M . Flee t July 1978 - Nov . 1978 It is suggested you contact your nearest travel agent for more complete information. Two travel agents have written ATOS headquarters with offers to assist members on the booking of flights to London. We are reprinting parts of their letters so that you may contact them directly. t-iO~Ol?Al?.,-, East Coast M~M13~l?§ If anyone needs assistance in their travel arrangements with the Lon­ don trip in July, they may contact SIVA TRAVEL SERVICE, 481 1959 - Jesse Crawford North Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD. 20760, telephone (301) 1960 - Farny Wurlitzer 948-3375, as we are aware of the trip that will be taking place for the 1961 - Mel Doner AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY. Please contact Kim at SIVA TRAVEL for your reservations. 1962 - Leonard MacClain DON'T DELAY - for the earlier you book, the better chance you 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter have of getting a lower fare. KIM BOWLING 1964 - Reginald Foort West Coast 1966 - Dan Barton Since we felt that many American members might be planning to go 1966 - W. " Tiny" James to England, we have reserved a block of seats between New York and 1967 - Erwin A. Young London leaving July 19th and returning August 2nd at the low, low 1968 - Richard C. Simonton SUPER APEX fare. The return date may be changed. 19619- Judd Walton At this time (January 1980), the summer fare from New York to Lon­ 1970 - Bill Lamb don, round-trip, is $568.00 including tax, subject to increase, of course. Once the ticket is purchased, the traveler is guaranteed against any 1971 - George and Vi Thompson further fare increases however. 19n - Stu Green There are small add-on fares for passengers traveling from other 1973 - Al and Betty Mason U.S . cities. We can handle reservations from any point for your 1974 - Lloyd E. Klos members. 1975 - Joe Patten THEODORE BLISHAK Member, Northern California Chapter, ATOS 1976 - Floyd and Doris Mumm ACCENT ON TRAVEL 19n - Les and Edith Rawle 1030 Curtis Street, Menlo Park, California 94025 1978 - Len Clarke Telephone (415) 326-7330 1979 - J .B. Nethercutt ALSO: SEE AD ON PAGE 23 FOR ANOTHER TRAVEL COMPANY.

4 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 I ~ I I THE01\GAN G 111'11.m_ -...., E1\' S 11111 PIPEORGAN I ·- • ,1"·.~t u, ;_~... ~- 1 ·;tiift~'! 11i1 .'! ·~ ~~'·,l'iIf ·1 ~ lll!f·; ~~,--~""::_..··..._.".-i ...... _j/ ~. t1 ;JIll UI Lil • • ,, ...... _ ____

The Organ Grinder, Portland , as it appeared prior to The pipe organ in the Organ ings make the chambers perform opening in 1973. The 32' Diaphones are in the Grinder restaurant is the realization acoustically like horns to project the center of the picture . of a dream of Dennis Hedberg to sound into the dining area with air lines. Some are: ease of assembly, build one of the largest and finest much clarity. low internal friction and high rigid­ examples of a great theatre pipe or­ The generous use of glass in the ity. gan. Mr. Hedberg is a former engi­ chamber design affords maximum The electrical wiring in a highly­ neer with the Rodgers Organ Com­ visual impact. Most of the glass is unified theatre organ is staggering. pany and one of the owners of the ordinary plate glass but the panes Every circuit is repeated for each of Organ Grinder restaurant. along the promenade are of a special the 61 keys on each manual or key­ The tonal design parameters for 3 laminate design engineered for board! Knowing the finished instru­ the organ are based on the two favor­ safety and greater sound isolation. ment would be nearly four times ite instruments of Mr. Hedberg, the Because such a large area of the or­ larger than the Oriental Theatre in­ San Francisco Fox 4/ 36 Wurlitzer gan is exposed through glass win­ strument, it became apparent the and George Wright's 3/ 30 Wurlitzer dows, maintaining a constant temp­ Wurlitzer electro-pneumatic relays prior to its destruction by fire. The erature (necessary for tuning stabil­ could not be made to perform sat­ long process of obtaining the neces­ ity) is quite difficult. Twenty tons of isfactorily. A unique alternative was sary components from which to build refrigeration equipment are em­ therefore decided upon. this organ began about 16 years ago. ployed to keep the chambers and With the generous help and co­ The first items purchased were the blower from overheating. operation from friends at the Rod­ 32' Diaphones from the now demol­ The Organ Grinder blower is a 3- gers Organ Company, a totally solid­ ished Liberty Theatre in Portland. stage blower powered by a 60 hp state electronic relay and power The most important component was motor. The rotors spin at 1,750 supply was built. This system used a the 3/13 Wurlitzer originally in­ r.p.m. and develop over 6,000 cubic complex diode matrix to decide stalled in Portland's Oriental The­ feet of wind per minute at static which pipe is to be played when a atre. This instrument was restored pressures of 35 and 50 inches. given key and a given stop are de­ and maintained by Mr. Hedberg as a The quality of the theatre organ's pressed. The complete electronic labor of love for many years. It is the tremulants is of utmost importance system utilizes about 26,000 diodes. Oriental Theatre instrument that to the final sound. The Organ Grind­ 3,000 discrete transistors. thousands serves as a nucleus for the Organ er pipe organ has 14 tremulants. of other tiny components, and the Grinder's pipe organ. With the ex­ Traditionally, wind would be equivalent of 33,000 discrete transis­ ception of the blower and relay, and carried from the regulators to the tors in 4 integrated circuits. now the console, the entire Oriental pipe chests in metal air ducts. In this Controlling the entire instrument Theatre organ is in service at the Or­ installation, PVC plastic pipe and is the console. Prior to October 1975, gan Grinder. fittings are used. The white air lines the console used was from the Orien- The organ is installed in three running throughout the instrument chambers. The angled walls and ceil- have several advantages over metal Photos by Bill Lamb

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 5 All other parts of the pipe organ comprises the tonal resources of the lead to the successful performance of Organ Grinder's pipe organ. The the premier components ... the Organ Grinder pipe organ is now pipes. Every set of pipes in the Or­ one of the largest Wurlitzers in gan Grinder pipe organ is hand­ America. picked for physical quality and most The Organ Grinder is open every importantly, tone. One voice in the day of the week which requires a organ does not have pipes. The 32' staff of five organists to maintain the Contra Bourdon is electronic and is schedule. Nationally-known Jonas a voice which can be produced with Nordwall and Paul Quarino head the sophisticated electronics so convinc­ roster, being ably assisted by Don ingly that it cannot be distinguished Simmons, Jack Coxon and Russ from pipes. This voice, played in har­ Chilson. mony with the 40 other true pipe Information for this article was taken ranks and the various percussions, from the Organ Grinder brochure. D

Lit up like a Christmas tree. The rows of lights on the ceiling and pillars never seem to come to an end at the Organ Grinder . Note the pleasing effect of the angular cedar planking evident especially in the balcony . Lis­ teners are 1973 ATOS conventioneers .

• ., ''••···· ..•• ·······•• · ··························•• .. Jonas Nordwall was the first to be featured at the Organ Grinder Restaurant . tal Theatre. Since the Organ Grinder pipe organ is about four times larger than the original Oriental instru­ meryt, it was necessary to completely re-layout the console in order to prop­ erly control the added ranks and percussions. Even with almost 100 additional stops and controls this console still presented the organists with severe handicaps. In December of 1973, Organ Grinder Inc. pur­ chased the 4/26 Wurlitzer pipe or­ gan in Boston's Music Hall Theatre. That organ is now in the Organ Grinder's warehouse in Portland. It was decided to replace the Orien­ tal console with the much larger one from Boston. The change took place during the early morning hours of October 10, 1975. Surely some record must have been set by that event because it was unheard of to replace an organ console in 12 hours!

6 Whatever Beea111e of the WLS Orgatt.?

by Stu Green

Back in the early '30s, Frank May, music to dream by. Young Frank of the theatre organ. 1923 was a good of Kokomo, Indiana, often listened couldn't know then that one day he year for them. to the organ broadcasts emanating would own the WLS Barton, and in­ The instrument was also used as a from station WLS ''the Prairie stall it in his home. The organ had demonstration instrument by the Farmer station" in Chicago. It was a quite a history even before Frank agressive sales force of the Barton 3-manual Barton of eleven ranks heard it on the air. Organ Company. Its mellow tonal with a wonderfully appealing tone as It started life in 1923 as Barton qualities, which would eventually played by such console luminaries as No. 197, its identification number make it a fine broadcast studio in­ Ralph Waldo Emerson, wife Elsie when installed in the Barton Organ strument, sold many a Barton for Mae, Howard Peterson or Al School in the Mollers building, cor­ theatre use in those wonderful days . Melgard. The organ was then in con­ ner of Madison and Wabash in In 1928, with the demand by tinuous use, introducing soap Chicago. There it was used by Al theatres much reduced, the 3/11 was operas, accompanying vocalists, fill­ Melgard to crash-train pianists who sold to Sears Roebuck for use in its ing a spare 15 minutes or, best of all, wanted to help fill the large demand Chicago radio station, WLS providing a late night half hour of for organists during the ascendancy ("World's Largest Store"). It was given a complete overhaul, then Palph Waldo Emmerson playing a late night 'slumber session ' at the WLS Barton in the early 30s. moved to the WLS studios on the seventh floor of the Hotel Sherman, where it was again in continuous use from 1928 to 1932. During that year Sears sold the station and all equip­ ment to the Prairie Farmer Magazine, a publication still read by the rural population of the midwest. The organ (now Opus 6524) was moved to the Prairie Farmer Bldg., 1247 West Washington Blvd., Chicago. It was installed in the large studio A in a favorable acoustical en­ vironment. It was here that the organ probably reached its greatest prom­ inence, as played by Howard Pe­ terson and Al Melgard. The loca­ tion was only six blocks from the Chicago Stadium, where both were featured at the famous 6/ 62 Barton. The 3/ 11 was again on the air fre­ quently during the WLS broadcast day, seven days a week, from early morning through noonday, in­ troducing and closing programs. One memorable early evening pro­ gram was the WLS Dinner Bell Show which provided easy listening music

7 quires. All of a sudden they were confronted with six tons of organ parts. Frances recalls, "We had no place to put it all. We couldn't leave it out­ side so we filled the attic and the garage. We put parts under beds, in closets - even lined the walls with organ parts. We needed more room, lots more room." Then came the "unravelling the puzzle'' chore. Frank was faced with the task of trying to determine the reason for and the operation of each item. He had no original plans or blueprints, only a heap of parts. On top of that, he wanted to add some pipework he had acquired, to enlarge the original instrument. Rather than try to follow the original plan which involved mechanical switching, Frank decided to apply electronic computer circuitry he had adapted from systems he learned about dur­ ing his engineering career at Delco. In all, it took Frank and Frances eleven years to get the monster in­ stalled and perking. Here's the cur­ rent stop analysis:

Original Barton ranks guaranteed to aid digestion. Then but what the hell! Here was a fine in­ (Dennison pipework unless there was that inevitable late night strument in need of succor. He could otherwise noted) show which put many midwest learn to play it after the rescue. He residents to sleep with the sound of made the deal with North and by Diapason, 8' and 4' palatable organ music. 1965 he was ready to move. One Viol d'Orchestra, 8' and 4' The longest broadcast residency thing Frank and Frances hadn't fully Viole Celeste, 8' and 4' was enjoyed by Howard Peterson realized was the enormous amount Concert Flute, 16' thru 2' who played WLS organcasts for of space a dismantled organ re- Tibia Clausa, 16' thru 4' some 20 years, until about 1960. By then Peterson was playing a 4/ 11 organ. In 1950, the worn original Barton console was replaced with a Reisner duplicate, with one dif­ ference - a 4th manual had been ad­ ded. By 1959 the broadcasting industry was feeling the inroads of television and WLS had to pull in its horns and depend on recorded music. The organ fell into disuse. Prairie Farmer sold WLS to ABC in 1960. The organ was acquired by Warren North. It was removed from the WLS studio and stored in an abandoned railway station in Brookston, Indiana, where it remained in storage for several years. Enter Frank May. Frank was retiring after a fruitful career as a Delco engineer. He and wife Frances needed a hobby. They heard about their old friend gather­ ing dust in the Brookston railroad station. True, he didn't play much,

8 Clarinet, 8' Oboe Horn, 8' English Horn, 8' Kinura, 8' Vox Humana, 8' (Gottfried) Harmonic Tuba, 16' thru 4' (Hope Jones) Marimba Harp Xylophone Chrysoglott Glockenspiel-Orch. Bells Chimes (Deagan, Class A) Drums and Toy Counter

Added Voices English Diapason, 8' and 4' Tibia Clausa II, 8' and 4' Stopped Flute, 8' and 4' Harmonic Flute, 8' and 4' Salicional, 8' and 4' Gamba, 8' String Celeste, 4' Cymbelstern Vibrachord (44 notes)

Glockenspiel-Celesta II Frances and Frank May pose at t he console of their enlarged Barton , now a 4-decker . Note: Designation "8' "indicates 61 pipes, "8' and 4' " 73 pipes, "16' home, which is west of Kokomo, In­ among many others. thru 2' " 97 pipes, etc. diana. When the organ had been install­ Both Mays consider the 11-year ed, there was considerable curiosity Between 1966 and 1977, Frank project a worthy one. Frank took about it and reporters beat a path to and Frances worked on the organ some lessons a few years ago and can the May door. Thus the Mays without pause. It had suffered the now play a passable pop tune. And became promoters for the hobby. usual ravages of time, neglect and the organ has made the May home a The initial story about the May long storage. There was much to do focal point of the organ hobby in In­ Barton appeared in a 1974 edition of to put it in playing condition. diana. Not only have ATOS the Delco Broadcaster , published by Frances took on the job of washing meetings been conducted there but Frank' s former employer. Then in away the accumulated dust and the organ brings well-known 1977 came a spread in the In­ grime of decades. She washed the organists to their door, talent such as dianapo lis N ews, complete with a pipes, chests, regulators and wind John Landon and Dennis James, photo of Fra nk and Frances among conductors. In the process she discovered that some of the leather Frank tries out his playing skills on ' Fascination' as Frances listens . He insists he's merely an organ technician but his prowess at the manuals has improved greatly since th e Barton moved in. on pneumatics and regulators had deteriorated. She learned how to replace the leather and she also revarnished the wooden parts. Frances' diligence proved to be a source of renewal to Frank. '' I became discouraged many times, but her persistence gave me renewed determination to finish the job." Assembly was Frank's job. Many parts were beyond restoration. He fabricated some, acquired a few, had others made. Within two years he had a few ranks playing. There were the usual thousands of solder joints. And he had to accommodate the ad­ ditional seven ranks and percussions from other organs. This meant addi­ tional stopkeys on the stoprail and more chamber space. The additional space requirement was solved by a spacious 2-room addition to the May

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 some of the Barton's 1400 pipes. The mar izes his philosophy about his Kokomo Tribune frontpaged its organ installation: vtif?T~k 1977 May story. By 1978 the Prairie "Regardless of what restoration Farmer Magazine publishers learned project one may pursue, anyone tak­ @ne o/Ute $med what had become of their famous ing on such a task must consider it a organ and ran an illustrated story. labor of love. He cannot count the All of these were written in non­ hours, not the work, nor the cost - of'Ute

10 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 the "inside" story Wurlitzer Chest Action

by E. S. "Tote" Pratt Director - Organ Restoration Ohio Valley Chapter ATOS

When I suggested to one of our For those uninitiated in the opera­ dedicated organ crew members, tion of a Wurlitzer chest, the follow­ Art Havlovic, retired principal of ing photos and description of this Cincinnati's Western HiIIs High action might be of interest. (Refer to School, that it would be interesting the drawing for interior details.) if we could show our many visitors Photo #2 shows the unit when the to the floor-level chambers in the pipe is silent. Note the secondary OVC-ATOS Emery Theatre 3/23 pneumatic is inflated with chest Wurlitzer 260 Special just how a pressure, always present in the chest pipe "plays," he accepted the chal­ when the blower is running. The lenge and produced the unit seen in pallet spring (top) keeps the pal1et these photos. closed so the pipe does not "speak." Fig. 1. Display unit is located on the brass chest in the solo chamber . L to R: Vox Humana, Brass Photo #1 shows the unit as The magnet (seen behind the light Trumpet, Ouintadena , Brass Sax and Oboe Horn . mounted at the access door to the shield) is not energized so chest wind solo chamber winded by a 1" bung in flows around the armature to the pri­ causes the pipe to speak. the five-rank wind box of the solo mary (small pneumatic - bottom The Wurlitzer action is extremely brass chest. A miniature white key right) through an air channel bored fast in attack and repetition due to is seen at the bottom of the unit in the bottom board and then the primary system employed in which, when depressed, simulates through the L-shaped primary pneu­ every note in the organ which per­ the key action at the console. A 12V matic board, keeping the primary mits a large amount of air in the sec­ light behind the shield in the lower­ inflated. ondary motor pneumatic to inflate left corner is controlled by the toggle A double valve is connected to the and exhaust than if the smaller mag­ switch. The plexiglass front plate is primary (stem can be seen in Photo net port itself bleeds the pneumatic. framed with a red felt seal. #3) which allows chest air to move Many other builders' action do not through another bore through the bottom board and up the side rail Fig. 3. Pipe Playing. (right) to the secondary pneumatic aIIowing spring and chest pressure to keep pallet closed. A flute pipe is racked above a hole in the top board covered by the pallet (seen in Photo #3.) Photo #3 shows the position of the primary, secondary and pallet when the magnet is activated by playing the note. The armature is attracted to the magnet shutting off wind from the chest, allowing the high pressure air in the primary to escape through the magnet cap exhaust hole.

THEATRE ORGAN employ primaries, which is most essential, particularly for bass pipes with larger pallets and secondaries. A similar system is em ployed in Wurlitzer relays, switch stacks, trems and offset chests. The shades, percussion and combination action use the same basic concept except that the valves are mounted on the stern, external to the bottom board. "inflating" the secondary to activate instead of "deflating" as in the chest action. The amount of movement in both the armature and the primary valve is of considerable importance as to speed of action and reliability. The armature position in relation to the magnet core is governed by the brass tube screw in the magnet cap in lead base magnets through which the exhaust air passes when the note is played. By running the screw in. the armature is positioned closer to the core (and should be as close as possible for faster action). In lower pressures (6" -8" wind) it is not so MAGNET CAP critical, but in 15" wind chests, re­ lays, etc. it should be as close as possible, since the higher pressure Wurlitzer Chest Action. air passing from the chest to the pri­ mary offers high resistance to the close. the valve will not shut off pres­ without bottoming or stretching be­ magnetic field, and if the armature surized air and air will flow around fore the valves seat. The optimum is too far away will not be 100% the valve to the exhaust port, thus movement is between 3/ 32" and reliable, on repeat or when a large the secondary will collapse because 118". number of magnets are energized as of pressure differential. and the note Photo #4 is a picture of Art Hav­ in full organ. with a D.C. line voltage will cipher. lovic with another of his "made from drop. A study of the drawing will show scratch" contributions, patterned In our ATOS Emery Theatre the two valves, with a leather nut on after the Wurlitzer crash cymbal Wurlitzer installation, 11.5 to 12V each side of both valves. The nuts are action. This was made to provide for D.C. is available at all points, the rounded on one side, which should a Chinese gong donated by Phil and rectifier being in the relay room. The always be the one facing the valve, so Blanche Underwood (two of our A.C. input is activated by a pneu­ that when moved, the valve can most valuable crew members). The matic and microswitch when the "float" (i.e., align flat with the chest gong was originally used on WL W's blower is turned on. We have two surface to seat properly). The nuts Chandu. the Magician radio show in rectifiers with a switchover system should not be turned too tightly the 1930s when Phil was an engineer in case of failure. against the valves. As in the case of there. 0 Equally important to fast, reliable the armature discussed above. the action is the relative position of the less movement of the valve, the bet­ Arthur Havlovic . double primary valve. The drawing ter, as the speed of action and re­ shows the valve in the "silent" posi­ peatability is vastly improved. tion with the top valve allowing pres­ By adjusting these nuts. the pro­ surized air to flow to the secondary. per distance between valves can be while the bottom valve shuts off the established and maintained. A fur­ exhaust port. When a note is played. ther adjustment is made by turning the valves move up, reversing the the whole valve assembly (valve stem) flow, shutting off pressurized air and with a pin vise. threading the assem­ opening the exhaust port. bly into or out of the primary, to ad­ If these valves are too far apart, just the relative movement in rela­ there will not be sufficient movement tion to the primary, which should be to permit enough air to pass around set about one-half the distance that valves, so the note will be slow to play the primary can open as a norm. It is and / or release, or be silent alto­ important to assure that the primary gether. or cipher. If they are too pneumatic moves freely up and down

12 THEATRE ORGAN Alphabetical Primer of Organ Stops which quotes here from Webster's dictionary, the tibia is defined as "an It is time to place names in nomi­ ancient type of flute, originally made nation for the National ATOS from an animal's tibia" (which is a Board of Directors for the two­ leg bone). The tibia, with lots of year period from July, 1980 tremulant, produces the throbbing, through June, 1982. lush, meltingly sensual tone we've grown to love. It's common to in­ All those who wish to run in this clude a tibia in a theatre organ com­ election are asked to send a photo bination. But, please remember, and short resume. dear readers, that, although the rich lustrous tibia may be unified from Written consent of the nominee is 32' to 1', it isn't the only stop on the organ. mandatory and must be received The reed section includes all the before the nominee's name can red stops. Yes, all of them. In this, be placed on the ballot. the orchestra and organ differ. Where the orchestra adds a fifth family- brass - organ lumps brass Mail to ... Office of the President and reeds into one category. This is Thomas 0. (Tommy) Landrum because the pipes used to produce 4815 Leonard Parkway these tones employ reeds. Trumpet, Richmond, Virginia 23226 French horn, trombone, tuba, En­ glish horn, oboe, clarinet - all these are reeds on the organ. Also included MUST BE POSTMARKED BY APRIL 16, 1980 are vox humana, posthorn and ki­ nura. Unlike stops of other families, each reed has a personality all its and salicional. On a pipe organ with own, ranging from the mellow multiple string ranks, one is tuned French horn to the nasal kinura and on pitch, the other ranks are tuned the biting posthorn. ~Qi1.iJ@£@ either sharp or flat (celeste). When As you've read this, you may have they are played together, they pro­ wondered how to apply this new duce a warm, shimmering effect. knowledge to your organ playing and The diapason family (pronounced how it will make you sound better. In ~,@,~.i; ! . dye-ah-PAY-sun), also called princi­ combining stops from each of the pal, is the foundation of the church four families, remember that you are by Shirley Hannum organ tone. If you've visited a church conducting an orchestra. Listen to a where there is a vertical pipe facade, good easy-listening FM station and these are diapason pipes, and not orchestral records (as well as organ usually playable. The tonality of a records of theatre organ masters) diapason is mellow and round, but and get a feel for the orchestral Families of Tone with character. Some make super tonality. The score registers the or­ solo stops, and usually are good com­ chestra just as you will the organ. Since the organ is usually con­ bining stops for the accompaniment Within the ATOS membership, sidered an orchestra-at-the-finger­ instead of the breathy tibia. The 4' we are blessed with many profession­ tips instrument (Wurlitzer called it diapason is often called the octave. al touring musicians as well as those the "Unit Orchestra"), it follows The flute family consists of just who play as a hobby and those who that, just as there are sections of in­ that - flutes. You may also find don't play but just love to tinker. struments in an orchestra, there are gedeckt, clarabella, bourdon and Among the organists are the hobby­ sections of instruments in a theatre melodia, each one with a different ists who play theatre pipe organs or organ. On the organ, this is called voicing. The orchestral flute and the their own theatre-sounding electron­ "families of tone." There are four - organ flute have a very similar ics. Some take lessons and some play string. diapason, flute and reed. tonality, although the organ flute by ear. It's these folks we're attemp­ The string section is usually noted lends itself more to accompanying. ting to aid. The professional, we by yellow stops (Ed. Note: The color Check out the piccolo stop - that trust, has reached the stage where the of tablets as given here can be con­ may be a tibia or a flute; it's handy ideas in this column are second na­ sidered as a general rule. Color of to know which it is. ture. For the amateur just having stops. particularly strings, differed Included in this family is the tibia, fun, however, the ideas expressed amongst organ builders.) but look the "foundation stop" of theatre or­ here will hopefully be of some help in for them also in the white ones. gan, although some folks put the advancing from one plateau to the These are the stops with such names tibia in a fifth family. However, next. as viol, cello, violina, viola, gamba quoting from Lloyd de] Castillo's Enjoy your Units Orchestrae, a11! □

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 13 Rosa Rio on Public Television

by June L. Garen

Along with the traditional turkey and pumpkin pie, something special was added to the 1979 Thanksgiving menu in Connecticut. On this most nostalgic of holidays, Connecticut public television viewers were treated to a rare bit of nostalgia - theatre organ. At nine o'clock in the evening on the state's public TV channels, the Nancy Savin / The Arts program presented a performance and inter­ view segment with Rosa Rio, that grand lady of the theatre organ, at the console of Connecticut Valley Theatre Organ Society's famous Marr & Colton at the Thomaston Opera House, Thomaston, Connecti­ cut. The continual striving for excel­ lence by the dedicated crew under the guidance of pipe organ expert Allen Miller has made this 3/ 15 in­ strument one of the finest in the The glamorous and talented Rosa Rio poses at the console of one of the three electronics in her Shelton, Con­ country. The organ is basically a necticut , studio . (Rio Collection) 1926 Marr & Colton theatre pipe or­ gan which was originally installed in and dance. She is, herself, an accom­ home in Shelton, Connecticut, where the Palace Theatre in Danbury, Con­ plished musician and possesses a they became instant friends. By the necticut. The original console, which fine operatic singing voice. end of the evening plans for the tele­ had been removed many years be­ Nancy Savin "discovered" CV­ vision program were firm, and ar­ fore, was replaced with one from a TOS's Marr & Colton when she ranging for the use of the Opera Kimball organ, originally installed in was invited to accompany Bob Howe, House and the organ were left in the Philadelphia's Warner Theatre. Co­ chairman of the Opera House Com­ capable hands of Mr. Howe. incidentally, Rosa Rio was the artist mission and a Connecticut Valley The date set for the television tap­ at the console when the refurbished Chapter member, to a George ing was November 3rd at 3:30 p.m. Marr & Colton made its concert Wright concert in March 1979 - A mobile unit was dispatched to debut at the Thomaston Opera and it was love at first sight and Thomaston where the crew of ap­ House in 1971. sound. Anxious to incorporate this proximately 17 technicians began Nancy Savin / The Arts is televised "wonderful sound" into the person­ setting up equipment at 11 :30 a.m. weekly on public television stations ality interview-performance format Connecticut Valley Theatre Organ in the Connecticut area, and guests of her series, she and Bob Howe put Society members were invited to range from nationally-known cele­ their heads together and came up participate as the "live" audience, brities of all phases of the arts to with the idea of organ music and its and more than 150 members and local personalities or groups such as use on old-time radio, and the name Rosa Rio students and fans were on the Yale Slavic Chorus who sing of Rosa Rio was almost synonomous. hand to make their TV audience de­ Eastern European folk songs. Miss Rosa and her husband, Bill Yeoman, buts. Rosa was her usual effervescent Savin, producer and hostess of the are both members of CVTOS. self, colorfully-attired in bright red program, is an equally beautiful and Bob Howe made arrangements for Chinese silk handkerchief top im­ talented expert on classical music the two ladies to meet at Rosa's printed with gold medallions that

14 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 looked spectacular on the color tele­ vision screen. The camera work by the three camerapersons (one, a petite young lady) was outstanding. Both the long­ range shots and the close-ups of the keyboard showed off the Marr & Colton to full advantage. Nancy and Rosa chatted first about the organ with Rosa explaining its mysterious workings and demonstrating some of its capabilities. They reminisced about Rosa's experiences as a the­ atre organist accompanying silent films, and she illustrated just how it was done by accompanying a portion of an old Laurel and Hardy silent comedy, The Finishing Touch. With the advent of talking pic­ tures, Miss Rio continued her musi­ cal career playing the organ for radio programs, and she shared some amusing anecdotes connected with her radio experiences. The television Mike Ohman, '79 Los Angeles chapter chairman, presents the ATOS Honorary Member Award to J. B. Nethercutt . audience was also treated to the (Pegpic/ familiar themes that accompanied such programs as Ted Malone - Be­ tween the Bookends, Mert and ATOS AWARD PRESENTED TO Marge, Lorenzo Jones, Front Page Farrell and My True Story - to J. B. NETHERCUTT name only a few. Miss Savin also dis­ played the trophy recently presented to Rosa Rio by the ''Friends of Old­ Some unfinished ATOS business 6. Donated a composite 29-rank Time Radio" for her contribution to was accomplished during the pre­ Wurlitzer-Moller organ to the First that medium. She logged more hours Thanksgiving Bill Thomson concert Christian Church in Porterville, than any other artist. at the San Sylmar Tower of Beauty Calif. The last five minutes of the pro­ in California, that unique museum The award was to be made during gram were allotted to Rosa to just let of restored vintage autos and musi­ the ATOS Convention Banquet in herself go and give everyone a sample cal instruments. Back in July, Jack B. July, but Mr. Nethercutt was out of of the theatre organ sound at its best. Nethercutt, owner of the museum, the country. The San Sylmar Mu­ The Opera House was filled with the was selected as the 1979-1980 ATOS seum curator and program director, glorious melodies of "Romance," Honorary Member, an annual award Gordon Belt, stood in for Nethercutt. "I Wish I Were in Love Again" and for distinguished service to the the­ The final step was taken during "Stella by Starlight." atre organ. Nethercutt's qualifica­ the late November concert. There in The entire half-hour's taping went tions for the award were formidable: the music room of the museum sur­ without a hitch and required no re­ 1. Underwrote the restoration of rounded by his coIIection of vintage takes. Credit for this was due entirely the organ in the auditorium of his al­ musical instruments (including a to the high degree of professionalism ma mater, Santa Monica High superb 4/ 35 Wurlitzer), and before of these two talented ladies, and the School. an invited audience of friends and rapport so readily apparent between 2. Donated the 4120+ theatre or­ admirers, the award was given to them. The finished product telecast gan to the Oakland, Calif. Para­ Mr. Nethercutt. The presentation on Thanksgiving evening was a joy mount. was made at the close of intermis­ to the eye as well as the ear. 3. Donated the Poort 5/ 27 Molier sion, between halves of a concert per­ It is possible that this program organ to the City of Pasadena, Calif., formed by BiII Thomson. LA Chap­ may be made available to public for instaIIation in the civic auditori­ ter Chairman Mike Ohman made television stations in other areas of um. the presentation, voicing the above­ the country. Anyone interested in ob­ 4. Donated the 4/22 ex-San Fran­ listed donations. Most in the audi­ taining this tape for presentation on cisco Orpheum Robert Morton or­ ence were unaware, until that mo­ a public television station in your gan to Oakland's Piedmont United ment, of the scope of Mr. Nether­ area may address inquiries concern­ School District for a high school cutt's activities in behalf of the King ing distribution to Mrs. June L. instaIIation. of Instruments. Garen, Diaphone Editor, CVTOS, 5. Donated a 2/7 Wurlitzer to the Mr. Nethercutt accepted gracious­ 247 Laurel Road, West Springfield, First Presbyterian Church in Phoe­ ly, then it was back to the concert Massachusetts 01089. □ nix, Arizona. and Bill Thomson's organ stylings. D

FEBRUARY/MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 15 her own. At this moment , I play "Joy to the World" loudly as the filmed band marches in step with the music to the fadeout. The irony is obvious. ART OR ARTLESSNESS? Are scenes like this to be under­ played? I doubt it. The ordinary audience was (and is) affected by by John Muri this kind of musical treatment; we organists knew that it was so because of the audience reactions. Careful Should an organ movie accompa­ of the film, when there is a confron­ scorers made good reputations for niment be conspicuous enough to tation between masses of young themselves among musicians and the call attention to itself, or should it people and a sole "ancient" man, the organ crowd. be performed so as to render the au­ amazed realization by the young of Longer and more developed film dience unaware of its presence? the wonders of aging and of human stories brought out the differences The differing views were discussed in kindness is audibly overpowering as between imaginative and mediocre a 1974 article in this journal, but re­ the music transforms through a organ-playing. In Paramount's The cent press interviews with solo or­ series of three grand chords into a Vanishing American, several Indian ganists keep bringing up the issue. sweeping romantic melody, indicat­ characters are well enough de­ A syndicated piece in the Detroit ing momentous changes in attitude. veloped to call for separate theme News of August 26, 1979 quoted an Suddenly coldness has turned to treatment. "From the Land of the organist as saying: "My theory is warmth, and it's all in the music. Sky-blue Water" does well for the three minutes after the film starts The score is not unobtrusive; it com­ George Stevens love sequences. the audience shouldn't be aware that mands attention. The film would be "Pale Moon" or "By the Waters of music is going on." I wonder what much less without it. Minnetonka" point up the basic film scorers like Jerry Goldsmith, Why do fine scores get recognition sentimentality of Richard Dix's John Williams, David Raksin, Alex and Academy awards? Is it because Indian role. In the film Wings, Clara North et al. would have to say about they are so unimpressive that nobody Bow plays the role of a bright little that. Academy awards for the best pays any attention to them in the girl in love with a young fellow musical scores were not given to self­ theatre? Of course not. They are (Buddy Rogers) who is too busy with effacing music, just as they are not recognized because they are fine in cars to bother with a love-struck girl. given today to the kinds of music we and of themselves in addition to their Clara appears throughout the film in played in 1925. Times and musical contributions to the moods of a film. more or less serious situations. Her styles change. They are good music and they are frustration and steadfastness call for An examination of a couple of good listening. a brisk little tune with a tinge of Hollywood's film scores of recent Silent movies called for just as melancholy; so I used "See You years is revealing. Take the film much careful scoring as sound films. Around," a pop tune of the twenties Murder on the Orient Express. I am not talking about the old "love for her. For Richard Arlen, a more Richard Rodney Bennet's music theme," which was a simple device serious character than Buddy represents the train's movements in of repeatedly playing some sentime~­ Rogers', I used Rachmaninoffs a lovely waltz theme played in several tal new tune and drilling it into the "Seventeenth Variation on a Theme tempos. The kidnapping music (dis­ public mind. It took little brains to by Paganini" to show his serious and sonants played with muted bowed do that kind of work. It took more ultimately tragic nature. When tremolo) appears not only in the kid­ brains to devise themes representing Buddy returns from the war and napping scenes but reappears during relationships and conflicts, the cul­ visits Arlen's parents, the sad re­ the train action to suggest memories mination of which was some kind of union is accompanied by the of an old crime and even give clues structure using major and minor memory-tune of the "Seventeenth to the killing on the train. Study the variations, depending upon the way Variation." I find that passage scene of the Orient Express depar­ the action was moving. moves audiences today just as it did ture from Istanbul: hear the securing Sometimes music is more impor­ in the twenties. Earlier, there is an of the train doors, the turning on of tant than the picture. In the final episode that takes place in Paris the engine lights, the slow movement scene of Louise Brooks' old German during World War I where all our down the terminal track - all done silent movie, Pandora's Box , a Salva­ young characters are serving in the with music. It is excellently done . tion Army band is marching through armed forces. A subtitle flashes on: Now let us turn to Jerry Gold­ a town at Christmastime just after "Paris" for a night club scene. Does smith's score for Logan's Run. It be­ the heroine has succeeded in ruining this call for music from An Ameri­ gins with ugly, buzzing repeated the lives of all her lovers, including can in Paris or does it not? I find it sounds. Throughout an hour and a most appropriate. It is 1924 music half of the action, the score is made for a 1927 film. Gershwin's jazz up of dissonant, almost computer­ Mr. Muri's opinions expressed herein tunes are just the thing to enhance ized music, representing the heart­ are his own and do not necessarily re­ the gallows-humor of dancing in the lessness of life in an underground flect the policies of ATOS or THE­ middle of a great war, and his mel­ city where everyone is executed on ATRE ORGAN Magazine . ancholy passages delineate home­ his thirtieth birthday. Near the end sickness and the dread of tomorrow.

16 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Such work demanded re-composi­ England Bound'l tion. Comedies varied greatly in their possibilities for good scoring. When their action moved briskly to some Now's the time to sort of wild climax, they were fun to get your passport to play. It was when dull spots appear­ be ready to ed that comedy-playing became a jet from here to chore. I suspect that those who did a London and go to good job of film-cutting and editing our Convention to must have had an inner ear for the kind of musical development need­ ed. Editors without a musical ear Mr . & Mrs . John Simpson at the L.A . Convention . have Why the smile? When asked why she doesn't give would put in long, arid stretches of her husband an organ for Christmas , she replied , "the time of your life" film that made pacing erratic. Com­ " Why , he doesn 't play . He would just take it all petent film editors spoke of the apart and see if he could put it back together ." "rhythm" of a film. Amateur edi­ Whatever music is used, it should tors had no idea of it. been taken care of, there will then be always help tell the story. If you In the light of the scoring I have time left for the mickeymouse cue­ don 't care for the Rachmaninoff, been talking about, mere cueing (fire ing of doorbells, sirens, and drum­ you can transcribe the Adagio from gongs, bells, clocks, etc.) is a gestur­ rolls. Music is music and noise is Bruch's "G Minor Violin Concerto." ing at realism. The Photoplayer ap­ noise. In picture playing, the noises It will have the same effect on an paratus could provide that kind of should be made as musical as pos­ audience. Whatever it is, it ought to thing satisfactorily. We didn't need sible. be good music. a large, expensive organ to play only Good silent accompaniment took Films varied in the depths of their trivial tunes and badly organized im­ all the musicianship you could dis­ plotting and characterization. Triv­ provisations. play in technical skill , in registra­ ial or silly plots called for frothy , With the wealth of fine music to tion, and in a repertory in good taste. light scores. Pictures with stock choose from, what need is there to Improvisation was almost always in­ characters having little relation to write new scores for old movies un­ ferior to composition. Faking (even real life offered the organist little to less they add something to the film? when we have to create scores for do other than fill up time with pleas­ What's wrong with playing the fast film companies that insist on our ant noises. A special problem ex­ parts of Liszt's "Second Hungarian using non-copyrighted music) is al­ isted in the original published score Rhapsody" for a Buster Keaton most always an abomination. My to The Phantom of the Opera. It was comedy chase? The Ralph Kinder employers (even in second and third a bad piece of work. The film clearly and Theodore Dubois toccatas do rate theatres) demanded that I play opens with scenes from the ballet in very well as chase music. Selection good music. I was "spoken to" and Gounod's opera, Faust. Isn't it pro­ may be made of musical elements reminded to hold doodling to a mini­ per to play Gounod's ballet music , giving clues to character (frivolity, mum whenever I slipped into bore­ especially when the screen-dancing stupidity, nobility, etc.) and clues to dom or carelessness. I'm sure the fits in perfectly? Later on, the un­ action (guilt, connivance, hatred, audiences appreciated the better masking scene was weakly scored. altruism, etc.) When all of these have stuff, anyway. □

ll°).llltW••• ••• 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.

PARAMOUNT

Organs, Inc. -~Dept. 30 6101 Warehouse Way Sacramento, CA 95826 PUBLIX CHAPEL GRANADA iC

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 17 which saw the show via cable) ~ince he went north to what he calls "Nine­ •ex P8PI veh on the Hudson" (New York, that is) and crashed Juilliard. The 30- minu te color show, taped with Billy playing the Wichita "Dowager Em­ press " Wurli, can only gain friends for our favorite instrument. Then, on the day before Christmas Billy turned on his own TV and hap­ pened upon a 1945 movie entitled The Enchanted Forest. The only thing remarkable about it was that the score was composed and con­ ducted by Albert Hay Malotte, best known for his musical setting for "The Lord's Prayer." Billy didn't Conducted by Stu Green know theatre organist Malotte was active in film scoring after the '30s. Lastly, Billy's Bach-like treatment Readers are encouraged to submit in­ of "All the Things You Are" ("Alles teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ Was Du Bist") will henceforth be by (exclusive of chapter news items) published by Gentry Publications, material they believe will be of general interest about local organ activities Tarzana, Calif. It wasn't sacred and installations and the people who enough for the previous publishers work at the hobby. We know "there's to retain in their catalogue. Horrors! Ashley Miller and 'butterfly . VOX POPS in them there chapters" See, all upbeat items. and it only requires a 10¢ postcard to Memorial to mainline Rex Koury's get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box 3564, fall concert there, and it's reported Granada Hills, California 91344. If the The theatre organ once again took he got on famously with the "Gun­ contributor can afford a 15¢ stamp, smoke" organist ("It's a shame we please include a contrasty black and it on the chin from a church oriented musician recently. In a "Dear Abby" meet the genuine people so late. Rex white photo which need not be re­ is 'real people' in my book, as an art­ turned. column, a St. Augustine, Fla. reader said he quit going to church because ist and man.") the organist played too loudly. A San Then there was that Manhattan Organist Billy Nalle is always good Francisco organist, Louise M. cocktail party. The hostess was a for some upbeat items. For example, Childs, responded thusly: "I've been former Rockette who had married a the Wichita Wizard learned just be­ a church organist since 1934, and the fiddler in the RCMH orchestra. She fore Yule that PBS station WEDU, problem is probably not the organist, introduced Ashley as "a celebrity Tampa, Florida, would run his The but the organ. Over the years, who plays both for the New York Pipes of Christmas TV tape on churches replace worn-out organs Rangers and the Knicks," thus mix­ Christmas day, the first time a Flori­ with re-built theatre organs or parts ing the musical aspects of basketball da broadcaster has so honored the of several organs, and the resulting and hockey. This caused quite a stir local lad (he grew up in Ft. Myers, sounds are disastrous!" A following among the guests. reader advised attending the Church Friends say Ashley now divides his of Christ where "it is heavenly to time writing music, arranging and attend church and not have to hear practicing, but this could not be sub­ all the loud instrumental music." stantiated. He's still single, gals, but So, take your choice! As in the don't bank on anything. Old embers churches, the theatre organ idiom are still smoldering. also has its share of slam-bangers. Outside of those shaky items, we But don't blame the instrument. don't know a thing about recent Miller activities - except that he has acquired one whopping bow tie (see photo). Several readers have asked "What's Ashley Miller up to these days?" We haven't heard much from the former RCMH organist since he The North Texas ATOS Chapter resigned as organist for the New seems to have established a tradition York Society of Ethical Culture after with the third stanza of its Organ 17 years (" ... now I can sleep late Marathon, a show devised to raise Sunday mornings.") True, he funds for the housing and installa­ Billy Nalle. Terminal Optimist . showed up at the Trenton War tion of the Chapter's as yet stored

18 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 4/22 Robert Morton organ. This who enjoyed Don Thompson's per­ year 29 organists participated and all formances at the local Organ but one concert was held at the Or­ Grinder returned a few days later gan World Concert Hall in Garland with a 2' x 2' model of the 3/12 con­ (near Dallas) between Nov. 26 and sole, complete with a doll miniature Dec. 1. Talent was local with one ex­ of Don at the manuals - executed ception; Ed Galley was imported for entirely in flowers. This artist could two opening concerts. The idea was qualify for the annual Pasadena continuous music and there was no Rose Parade. set admission charge, although do­ nations were requested. Playing was done on electronics, but for the bene­ The sale of records played by John fit of pipes. Landon (see Review iti FOR THE RECORDS) is doing much to make restoration and improvement of the Congratulations go to ATOS 2/7 Page organ in the Anderson, member Robert Pereda, organist Ind., Paramount possible. The Para­ and director of music at the Com­ mount Organ Society reports that a munity Church of Vero Beach, Fla. rectifier has replaced the worn low­ Luella. (Dick Harold Photo) Bob received an Honorary Doctor of voltage generator and a missing rank Music from Piedmont College in of pipes is being replaced. A piano will be added, but pipework will be with the aid of a wheelchair ambu­ Demorest, Georgia. Piedmont presi­ lance , Luella would enjoy hearing dent, James E. Walter, made the preserved exactly as Page installed it in 1929. The group is always on the from her ATOS friends. presentation. lookout for genuine Page replace­ ment parts. There has been no tonal tampering and the wind pressure has Offside to Eddie Madden, Chaun­ not been increased. A genuine ar­ In the October 1979 issue of THE­ cey Haines remains the only organist ticle! ATRE ORGAN, appeared the fea­ to be elected to membership in the ture story of the Eastman Theatre's Academy of Motion Picture Arts and ~ Austin organ in Rochester. Accord­ Sciences, so he is entitled to pose Luella (Edwards) Wickham , Syra­ ing to Russ Shaner , the console , after with an "Oscar." cuse's Grand Lady of the Theatre being in several storage areas since Organ , hasn't been active over the its removal in 1972, is now in a Phil­ past couple of years. A veteran of adelphia church. It was overhauled Here's a new angle. From time to many ATOS conventions, Luella and adapted to play fewer organ time we report on the model makers is now a patient at the Loretta Geri­ voices. During renovation of the who liven up our hobby with minia­ atrics Center, 700 E. Brighton Ave., Eastman, the console was removed tures of various makes of console. Syracuse 13205. She was able to and was to have gone into a church But this is the first time we've seen it attend an ESTMIM concert earlier in the Rochester area, but was re­ done in flowers. A Toronto florist in the year at the State Fairgrounds, jected. Several ATOS members had a hand in its being installed in the City of Brotherly Love.

Mention of E. Power Biggs unen­ thusiastic opinion of the huge Austin organ in Rochester 's Eastman The­ atre, brought fond memories to or­ ganist , Bert Buhrman: "During my days in New York , I had to 'stand by' during his Sunday morning pro­ gram. I went on at 8:00 a.m., live, full network, playing the horrible old Lew White Kimball , then went back to the CBS studios at 485 Mad­ ison Avenue for a morning of stand­ bys and fills. Biggs was then broad­ casting on that rather ugly baroque organ from the Germanic Museum at Harvard , starting at 9:30 a.m. One morning, the lines failed and I Don at the 'Flowerlitzer.' He's a doll. had to do a fill on a Hammond yet!

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 19 I was careful of the selection of ma­ guarantee that the relocated instru­ Pickets walked to protest the volun­ terial, but was pleased when a couple ment would be available for a few teer ushers. The heat was shut off of persons called in to the production chapter events. for non-payment of a bill. Lately, office, saying they liked the fill better Such assurances were not forth­ charges and counter-charges have than the regular Biggs' broadcast. coming. When the Kimball mainte­ been flying. Those calls really made my day!" nance crew visited the Kimball for On October 31, the Friends closed a touch up session in December '79, the building, with 14 full-time and ~ they found that the locks to the SO part-time employees laid off. The October 11 final concert chambers and workrooms had been Performances were cancelled and played on the famed Wiltern Kim­ changed. After circa 17 years of people demanded ticket refunds. ball was well covered by the Los maintenance at no labor costs to the "We are unable to meet expenses Angeles press. Both the Times and management, the LA Chapter was and to deal with the ever-increasing the Valley News provided photos thus dismissed from further access deficit, now over $200,000," said and text on the event, which featured to the Kimball, which would be Robert M. Greene, secretary of the Ann Leaf in concert and Gaylord moved by unnamed parties. board of directors. Buffalo's Mayor Carter cueing Buster Keaton's The Griffin said he "wanted the Friends Navigator. The nearly full house out in the next few weeks." The applauded the performances with attendant media publicity has not what might be called "terminal It would seem that our optimistic been conducive to further operation. verve." The event was sponsored by view in this column concerning the Rehabilitation of the 4/28 Wur­ Pacific Theatres, whose lease was future of the 3249-seat Shea's Buf­ litzer, its console now in the hands of expiring. The 4/37 giant would have falo Theatre was somewhat pre­ Dave Junchen, was not mentioned to be moved from the building at the mature, says Lloyd Klos. According during the latest crisis. Plans had corner of Western Avenue and Wil­ to more recent reports there is big called for the organ's rededication shire Blvd., where it has resided trouble. To backtrack a little, in in the spring of 1980. since being moved from the LA 1975 the owner of the historic house Forum Theatre in the early '30s. was bankrupt, Loew's pulled out of There was talk about having the operation, and the city seized the theatre declared a landmark, and building for back taxes. Remember Heidi James, the "88" that effort had warded off the wreck­ To the rescue came The Friends of half of the James family organ-piano ing ball temporarily. Even so, the or­ the Buffalo, who eventually secured duo which agreed to call it quits a gan, claimed by Pacific Theatres, a three-year lease from the city to few years ago? We hear lots about would have to be moved out. First, operate the movie palace. Unbeliev­ Dennis as he is very much in evi­ it looked like storage, then word got able problems have cropped up since dence on the organ concert circuit, around that Pacific Theatres wanted then. The blizzard of 1977 caused a but Heidi sorta vanished from these the Kimball installed in their show­ loss of over $40,000 in revenue and pages as pianists are won't to do. We case house, the Pantages on Holly­ severe damage to the roof and asked Heidi to keep us informed if wood Blvd. Fine, the LA Chapter plumbing. The city changed the anything unusual happened. We would supply skills and labor for the house's name to "Shea's O'Connell were hoping for perhaps a new ro­ move in exchange for a written Center" to honor a former official. mance. Instead we got violence.

20 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 and the TV camera explored one of the chambers. It will be recalled that Gerry Marian played the 4/ 36 Wurli in the now dark St. Louis Fox The­ atre during the final years of its oper­ ation.

Bill Anthony is back with another report about theatre organ broad­ casts in the St. Louis area. This one was a full hour early November pro­ gram from KFUO-FM in nearby Clayton, Missouri, conducted by Bob Ault on his "Ragtime and Jazz" series. Heard were recordings by Don Baker, Jesse Crawford, Ray Bohr, Milton Charles, Fats Waller and Lee Erwin. Between tunes was commentary about organs and or­ ganist . With radio's burgeoning redis­ Distinguished company . Ann Leaf (right) chats with concertgoers Mr. and Mrs. John Strader and Heidi James , covery of big bands, can the theatre still sporting bandaged hands. (L odder Photo) organ be far behind?

On Sept. 17, Heidi was driving troduced the former WENR (Chica­ along a Cincinnati street on her new go) 3/ 13 studio Wurlitzer now in­ moped (having just sold her motor­ stalled in the home of Bob and Susan Rosa Rio recently added another cycle in the name of energy conserva­ Chandler, Webster Grove, Mo. The laurel to many she has acquired tion). Enter a speeding truck, aimed instrument was played by Gerry through the years. On October 20, at Heidi. She managed to dodge the Marian who opened with "The Per­ during the annual Convention of the truck but lost control. Heidi did a fect Song" as played by Dean Fossler Friends of Old-Time Radio, held in belly-whopper, palms down, in when he played the Amos 'n Andy Bridgeport, Conn., she was awarded rough gravel. For awhile there was a radiocast theme on the same instru­ a trophy in special recognition of her question as to whether she would ment in the '30s. musical contributions during Radio's ever play again. Not only were her The Chandlers were interviewed Golden Age. Following her theatre hands badly lacerated but blood poisoning set in. Progress was slow and Heidi needed a friend. Friends materialized in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. John Strader. Mrs. Strader took Heidi home with her and for a month changed dressings and soaked the injured hands twice a day. Heidi wondered whether she could play again. Her doctor told her to go ahead and try it - if she could stand the pain. She could, and did. Heidi had been out of the hospital only two weeks when the photo was made. She's sporting her "new light­ weight" bandages. The event was Ann Leafs fall concert at Cincin­ nati's Emory Theatre. Shown with her are Mr. and Mrs. Strader, the "friends indeed." "I don't know what I would have done without them," says Heidi.

From St. Louis, Bill Anthony re­ ports that local fans were heartened by a 15-minute organ program seen and heard on KSD-TV. The show in- Rosa Rio and husband Bill Yeoman making like a scene frorn the 'soaps' she used to cue .

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 21 organ days, Rosa became a network radio organist, providing themes and background music for more than a score of radio shows.

A report from the east coast re­ veals Jimmy Boyce has sold his 4/ 34 Alexandria, Va., roller rink organ, originally in New York's Center theatre, to Bill Brown of Phoenix , Arizona, who is both a pipe organ fancier and pizza parlor magnate. In the Alexandria rink the pipe­ work was installed across a balcony , with no means of expression other than the Crescendo pedal. It was heard by ATOSers during the 1972 convention held in Washington, played by Boyce and Ray Bohr. Those who heard it recall vividly the ample reverb in the hangar-size structure and the long fabric stream­ ers attached above the lips of bass wooden pipes which fluttered sky­ ward each time the note was sounded. Bill Brown hasn't informed us to date as to his plans for the ex-Radio Old friends part. Jimmy Boyce at the console of his 4/ 34 Center Theatre Wurlitzer . Boyce has embarked on a con­ City complex Wurlitzer - but we cert career. have a fairly good idea. Christmas Day special which is al­ to his Rodgers model 340. ~ ways a treat. He says, "1979 was a Obviously, this man will bear highly productive year for the Organ watching. Word from Don Robinson tells Loft, both in terms of new albums us that his weekly Organ Loft pro­ played which featured some new and gram over the Utica, N.Y. airwaves promising talent , and recordings of The folks up Connecticut Valley is now in its 17th year , which must be the all-time great artists." way are not adverse to publicizing some sort of record for organ­ the theatre pipe organ. Largely oriented broadcasts. The folks in through the energies of Thomaston the Mohawk Valley and other Cen­ Opera House commissioner, Bob tral New York locations can con­ Howe, channel 49, which feeds five sider themselves fortunate that Don "Hey, do you know there's a big other television stations in the Nut­ provides a mixture of classical and organ installation just a few blocks meg State, presented a half-hour theatre organ stylings. An organist from where you live?" That kind of documentary on November 22 from himself, Don hosted the annual phone call is the type that galvanizes the opera house. The program, en­ the true aficionado to immediate titled The Arts, was hosted by Nancy action. In this case the call was from Savin and featured Rosa Rio at the organist Bill Wright to Pasadena 3/ 15 Marr & Colton. This first TV Calif. true aficionado Bill Reeves. In pickup from the building brought an the next scene we find the two enter­ interview with the organist; a Laurel ing a Pasadena shop full of toy trains & Hardy short, which was shown on and several plug-in organs, including a split screen; a selection of numbers; a Rodgers Trio and a model 340. and a "trip through the organ," The owner is piano technician showing off its effects. The opera William C. Harris , whose hobby is house was packed for the occasion. miniature electric trains and organs National syndication of this pro­ - and not only electronics. Harris gram is being considered. showed his visitors a vast litter of pipes he said were from the Los ~ Angeles La Brea theatre , a Wur­ Not much has been heard from the litzer style 240. He has most of the style 216 Wurlitzer in the Monrovia, organ, but no console. But that will Calif. High School auditorium re­ not phase Harris in the least. After cently, and for valid reasons. With Don Robinson . Seventeen years of organcast s and he moves to a new location in June, the retirement of its champion, the still going strong . he plans to add the Wurlitzer ranks late Jut Williams, evil days befell the

22 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 instrument. With no one to replace the beloved teacher, it was used rarely and not maintained. In 1972 vandals broke into the chambers and damaged priceless parts. It looked like a goner. Would anyone with the knowhow step forward to rescue the still valu­ able instrument? "I will!" This came from Peter Crotty, manager of Pasadena's Crown Theatre , whose hobby is re­ storing pipe organs. But due to bud­ get cutbacks, the school had no Jim Maples playing a state fair mini -concert at the Golden Bear Playhouse 2/7 . funds to pay Crotty for labor or (Kanas Photo) supplies. No matter, Crotty pitched Nugent/Marne. It sounds marvelous at a California state fairground. in. In a few weeks he had the Wurli and we are busy organizing concerts During the California State Fair singing again and it was ready for for the public. We will never sell in Sacramento (running from mid­ the school's annual Christmas con­ such a beauty. " August through Labor Day) two cert on Dec. 20. As we have always said, we need "cameo concerts" were played daily School authorities value Peter more French officials in our city in the Playhouse by the club mem­ Crotty's labor and parts donations councils. bers and local pros. Thanks to adver­ at $10,000 . tising , attendance was excellent , with How do Monrovians feel about full houses on several occasions. their organ? One indication might From Sacramento , Gary Konas re­ Total attendance was over 6,000, and be the front page story about the ports that in 1979 Sierra Chapter's as a result several people decided to restoration in a recent issue of the Seaver Memorial organ was used join ATOS. Monrovia News-Post. more and heard by more people than This past December a local group ever before since its installation in staged the musical , Scrooge, at the Sacramento 's Golden Bear Play­ Playhouse . A small group of Sierra From Rahway , N.J., manager Bob house in 1974. The history of this Chapter volunteers, organized by Balfour passes on the word that the 2/7 Wurlitzer has been given pre­ Randy Warwick, took turns playing Landmarks campaign to preserve viously (THEATRE ORGAN Dec. Christmas music on the organ before the Rahwa y Theatre and its 2/7 1974 and April 1975). This past year each of the 18 performances and at "biggest little Wurlitzer " is picking thousands of people outside of intermission. Thanks to these efforts up steam. The Christmas kiddie ATOS heard theatre organ music , another 4,000 people were able to show, featuring a plethora of car­ perhaps for the first time , played on hear a pipe organ in a theatre atmo­ toons and Ed Baykowski at the or­ the only theatre pipe organ located sphere. 0 gan was the successful starter. Then in January the first in a festi­ val series of seldom seen classic films, silent and sound, was sched­ ALPINE PALACES CHARLOTTENBURG uled, with AAF Captain Jack Moehl­ ESCORTED TOUR HEIDELBERG mann set to cue the silents. All this CHILLON to promote a bond issue which will JULY 4-19 - $895 HOHENSALZBURG Plus A ir/ Rail from home town enable the Landmarks group to pur­ SCHONBRUNN chase the theatre when enough bread GERMANY • AUSTRIA • ITALY MATTERHORN has dribbled in. SWITZERLAND• FRANCE MT. PILATUS See Passion Play at Oberammergau VIENNA CHOIR BOYS

SEE LVDWIG'S BAVARIAN CASTLES Write for colo r broc hur e Willem Brouwer of Middleburg, NEUSCHWANSTEIN LINDERHOF Holland, read our item (April/May HOHENSCHWANGAU NVMPHENBURG 1979) about a BBC personality claiming the 4/ 14 Christie organ Bedroom aboard ARLBERG EXPRESS - VIENNA to LONDON Scheduled airlines to Europe - Jumbo Jets - LOW APEX fares from the Paris Gaumont theatre was again for sale, and decided to check MEMBER the tale. Through a number of phone calls he was able to contact a mem­ '/dlraYelbureau. Inc. {~) ber of the city council at Nugen t/ 117 E. Commonwealth Ave.. , ;o~, Fullerton, Calif. 92632 since 1938 Marne near Paris. The official Tom Norman, Manager quickly shot down the "for sale " Call COL LECT for custo m inde penden t travel arra nge men ts Charter Member Aloha sign with: to Lond on co nve ntion (714 ) 871 -0 101 and San Diego Chapters "The organ is safely installed in FLY FREE TO LONDON • SAIL HOME ON QE2 From s1.130 the Pavilion Balthar exhibition hall,

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 23 with clearance from the nail heads so ing on bare metal. This is not the you do not have metal to metal con­ case. I also checked for hardening of tact with the bars; 1/8" should be the hammer head tips but these seem GUESTIONS sufficient. fine. What shall I look for next? AND Q• We are considering adding a A. It sounds to me as though the Posthorn to our Publix No. 1 4/20 lead weights on the tops of the ham­ ANS\NERS Wurlitzer. On which manuals should mer heads (since you say it is in the ON THE it appear and at what pitches? Is bass only) have worked loose. All it the usefulness of the 16' octave worth takes is a quarter of a turn, to loosen TECHNICAL the cost? the screws holding the weights, and the hammers will produce clicks. SIDE A. Here are my recommendations for your Posthorn arrangement. by Lance Johnson Pedal 8', Accompaniment 8' , Great Q. Our ATOS chapter is rebuild­ 16' tc 8', Bombarde 8', Solo 16', ing a Wurlitzer theatre organ. We've 8'. As for the 16' octave with respect found the organ suppliers seem to to usefulness versus cost, it would de­ have confused the price of leather pend on how accomplished the or­ with gold, so we are looking for less ganist is. There is very little music expensive substitutes. What about Doyou have any questions? that would be enhanced with a 16' plastic materials? What types of glue Posthorn, therefore it would seldom are used? How about rubber cloth? Send thern direct to: be used. What material should be used for the console combination action? QUIZMASTER Q• I have now stripped my motor and Organbuilder pneumatics on my orchestra bell A. Yes, I would agree there seems LANCE JOHNSON action (Wurlitzer) not knowing the to be a high price for "leather bul­ Bo><1228 tremendous amount of work re­ lion" today. It would be wise to keep Fargo, ND 58102 quired just removing those strips of leather supplies in a safe. As for your wood on each side! I have ruined Wurlitzer, I believe that most organ about one-quarter of them because enthusiasts, as well as organ builders they break when pried off. Is it all will agree that theatre organs, espec­ Q• I am in the process of realign­ that necessary to have these back on ially Wurlitzers, should be restored ing my Wurlitzer keyboards. Would after I have recovered the pneu­ in a historic manner as much as pos­ you please give me the specifications matics? Also, if I must put them sible. As for plastic substitutes, I for the key travel and contact dis­ back on, what kind of wood is used? have commented on this in previous tance? issues of THEATRE ORGAN. I A. The battens must be put on would not recommend rubber cloth A. (a) Distance to first touch = again if you expect your power pneu­ except for blown pneumatics on per­ 3/8"; (b) Di tance to second touch matics to last. This holds the rubber cussions. Chest primaries and sec­ = 1/2"; (c) Distance to first key con­ cloth from peeling. The battens are ondaries, as well as combination tact ==3 / 32"; (d) Distance to second made of hard maple . actions, should be of medium thick­ key contact = 7/ 16''. ness tan pneumatic leather. I have These dimensions will vary with Q • I have a problem with a click­ used Franklin Titebond glue with different organ installers depending ing sound coming from our Wur­ excellent results and I think it is on what their organists prefer. litzer chrysoglott in the bass end. I faster to work with. Others will swear thought at first the bell bar was rest- by hot glue only. □ Q• Our Chrysoglott and Glock­ enspiel have a dull sound. We be­ lieve it is due to the deterioration of r~~~~~~~~~~~ the rubber grommets that support the bars. Where can new grommets be purchased and how can the I Make Plans . . . I mounting be removed without breaking off the heads? I Oieago WeekendeI fi ~ REGIONAL '80 ~ A. I use player piano tubing which can be obtained from the Schaff fl. Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ Piano Supply in Lake Zurich, Ill. ~ ~ The nails can be removed by using i November 28, 29 and 30, 1980 I vise-grip pliers with tape around the nibs. Lock the pliers and twist out­ i Headquarters: glIS.MARK HOTEi_ § ward. Be patient because it is not an ea y job. Be sure to remount bars ~~~~~~~~

24 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 jest the same I can tell when they is it the water spitted all over me and playin rang notes or cords and dont made a mess of the kitchen too and it remember the way a toon goes, but took me all mornin to mop it up. But whos perfeck? They is probily doin I din do it on purpose. I'll tell the the best they can, but maybe they world I dint. The thing is if you was aint played some every day like I said in the other fellers place could you in Number One. So I made up my do any better. Probily you would mind I would jest lissen and shut up make the same misteaks and then even if I think they aint doin so good somebody would call you a crook. and I would try to do like them if 4. I will try to read the base clef. they is good and if they is bad then I That was all rite to start with a book would try to see why they is bad so I that was on one line with bignotes woulden make the same misteaks. that had the letters in them. But mr. 3. I will quit criticisin. This is costello he showed me that I would kind of like Number Two except that never get a lot better until I was able it takes in more terrytory. They is too to read orgin musick with differint many peepful goin around callin sets of notes for the left hand and for Well here it is Febuary and I aint other peepul crooks. The trubbel the peddels. And he said insted for had a chancet to rite down Noo Yrs. with Watergate is that now every­ sittin down and tryin to play the resolutions on account of this here body thinks like Watergate. I think hole peace rite away I should ought periodickal dont come out in January probity even mr. nixon he thought he to jest read the left hand and peddel which is OK with me on acct. I only was doin the best he could so who am parts without the rite hand part until have to rite these peaces every two I to say he was tryin to do sunthin I got them down good and noo where months like. But jest the same I bad. Well that is the way it is with a the letters was. So I dunno. That's think everybody ought to make up lot of peepul who you decide for goin to be a Noo Yrs. Resolution that Noo Yrs. resolutions even if they yourself is bein bad on purpose. is goin to be tuff to keep but Im dont keep em very good. The reason Everybody makes misteaks. I tried agoin to have a go at it and maybe by for that is that when you make up a to fix the hot water fosset in the kit­ next yr. I will be able to play like mr. Noo Yrs. resolution it is to quit doin chen last week and when I unscrood Jesse Crawford. D sumthin that you been doin or start doin sumthin you aint been doin so pretty soon you kind of slump back like to doin things the way you been use to doin them. Well, since this A NEW RELEASE magazine is for orgin players mostly I thought it would be a good idea to do some resolutions that was good GEORGE WRIGHT for orgin players, espeshally since I (Plays The Chicago Theatre Organ) took them five lessons from mr. cas­ tello I am a orgin player myself. Kind of. So here they are. 1. Get in a little practicin every day. That is one for me all right. I get to doin sumthin else like goin to CHICAGO ball games or workin in the yard or goin to movies and concerts or jest Volume II sittin thinkin or for that matter jest sittin and all of a suddin a hole week has gone by and I aint touched the Side 1 Side 2 orgin so when I do I have to kind of The Flat Foot Floogie The Music Goes start all over again and my fingers I'll Never Smile Again Round and Round they dont go in the rite places and I A-Tisket, A-Tasket You're Mine You play rong notes on the peddels and Paradise Truckin' my hands and feet or anyway my left Cheek To Cheek I'm in the Mood for Love foot they get all mixed up. So I have All the Things You Are All of Me decided I will sit down to the orgin Body & Soul even if it is only a little spinnit and PRICE:9.95 POSTPAID even if I only play for five minnits. Of Check or Money Order, no C.O.D.'s course here it is Febuary and I California Residents Add : 6% Sales Tax havent started yet but what the heck ORDERFROM : I still got ten months to go. J. NELSONMANAGEMENT 2. I will quit pointin the finger like 900 Anderson Drive · San Rafael, CA 94901 at the way other orgin players play. I know they play better than me but

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 25 Philadelphia and Beechwood College in Jenkintown, Pa. Nov. 7, 1931 (MPH)BETTY HAMMOND(RosaRio), at Scranton, Pa. 's Rialto Theatre, presented a delightful and appropriate solo this week entitled "Halloween Ho­ kum.'' The organ console and orchestra pit are beautifully decorated with all the doodads which go with Halloween, and to make the solo more realistic, Miss Hammond hides her beauty behind a witch costume, even to a mask. Throughout the solo, weird effects are played on the or­ gan, and grotesque, green hands etc. are flashed on the screen. The opening song is "Deep Night," played by Miss Valentine's month is here again, so Jason and I salute Hammond as special lyrics to the tune, telling of the stunt, the ladies who toil so wondrously for ATOS. References appear on the screen. The first audience-singing number were Jacobs (J), Local Press (LP), Motion Picture Almanac is "Take It From Me," with all participating. Miss Ham­ (MPA}, and Motion Picture Herald (MPH). mond, in a low, dramatic voice, tells melodiously about the May 1927 (J) EV AH MARTIN learned to play the or­ "green hand," which is to make them scream. The re­ gan because she had to. This was not a case of being mainder of the program consisted of the singing of "Shine forced to play, but of a new organ being installed in the On, Harvest Moon;" "River, Stay Away From My Door," motion picture house where she had been playing piano "Words," and "Never-the-Less." A tongue-twister with since she was 14, in Hannibal, Missouri. She had but a words all starting in "Z," written to the tune, "The Old short time to prepare herself for handling this big and Oaken Bucket" got a lot of laughs, as did all the spooky complex instrument, so securing the help of a local organ­ stuff between songs. As she took her final bow, Miss Ham­ ist and use of a church organ, she diligently practiced for mond removed the mask and flashed her smile which is days, and was ready when the theatre organ was installed. helping to make her so popular there. Since that time, she has been playing organ and enjoying it Jan. 9, 1932 (MPH) DOROTHY SARBER, at Neth's to the utmost. Grand Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, offered for her fourth She now plays in the Irving Theatre in Bloomington, week here a solo entitled "Olde Tyme Songs." In it, she Ill., where she admits to following the unusual custom of used the microphone to rare advantage with a clever com­ picking out some person in the audience and playing to bining of slides and an old silent melodrama. As the film him during the entire show, with the person in question was shown, Miss Sarber synchronized her talk to fit the never aware of the fact. She feels that in so doing, she gives situation and at opportune moments, panicked the audi­ the audience a more sympathetic interpretation of the pic­ ence with local comment. The idea as a whole was out­ ture by watching the effect on this sample individual she standing, and the Grand is a good entertainment bet, both selects to represent the audience. Mrs. Martin has built for ability and attractiveness of Dorothy Sarber. up a mammoth library, one which is so extensive that she Oct. 22, 1932 (MPH) ROSA RIO and BOB HAMIL­ seldom repeats a piece within less than six mon ths. When TON, organists at the Brooklyn Fox, have started things she uses a number, it is put into a stack in her library at off well at the twin consoles with a concert which amply home, instead of in her current file at the theatre, and this proved their versatility. Their program opened with Miss music is not used until the music of the past six months Rio playing her own theme song, "Rosetta," followed by has been played. The library is being constantly enlarged Bob Hamilton's original fanfare. The title of the concert is to keep abreast of the times and the needs of the theatre. Moments Musicale, and as their first number together, April 1928 (LP) MAY M. MILLS, Omaha's Orpheum they offer "Pomp and Circumstance," followed by Hamil­ Theatre organist, recently played "Whisper Sweet and ton's solo of "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life," played first in Low"; an organ-duo-art duet of "The Whip;" Rachmani­ regular tempo and then in a fast, rhythmic time. Miss Rio, noffs "Concerto in G Minor;" "Amour Coquet" and with spot on her for her solo, clicked with that hot num­ "Chloe." ber, "Tiger Rag." Both artists were well received. The next Sept. 1930 (MPA) JULIA DAWN, billed as "The bit on their program was "Something In the Night," with Golden Voiced Organist," is still doing novelties for De­ Hamilton playing the melody and Miss Rio a specially Luxe Theatres. She is now at Paramount's Prince Edward arranged accompaniment. The stirring strains of "The Theatre in Sydney, Australia. William Tell Overture" were played by the team for an Sept. 1930 (MPA) "The Two Best Sellers " of organ effective finale. solos, EDNA and PRESTON, are enjoying a successful career with the Publix-Balaban & Katz organization in GOLD DUST: 9/25 DORIS GUTOW at Chicago's Chicago. Both have been with B & K for over three years. Stratford ... 9/28 MAY M. MILLS, Omaha's Orpheum Sept. 1930 (MPA) DOROTHY SARBER is employed ... 12/28 MILDRED FLEMING, New York's Key­ by the Majestic Theatre in Athens, Ohio as a featured con­ stone; MARGUERITE WERNER, Detroit's United cert and solo organist. She started on the pipe organ at 16, Artists; ELSIE ADDISON MABLY and husband WIL­ played two years at the Jewel Theatre in Troy, Ohio; three LIAM A. MABLY, Proctor's in Schenectady ... 1/30 years at May's Theatre in Piqua, Ohio; and one season at ANITA DE MARS, Chicago's Capitol; IRMA M. the Sigma Theatre in Lima. She has had experience play­ GUTHOERL, Warner's Million Dollar, Pittsburgh; ELO­ ing piano and directing a vaudeville orchestra. ISE ROWAN, WCCO, Minneapolis. Sept. 1930 (MPA) HELEN SHAPLIN is featured or­ The gals were great m the old days, too. See you in ganist at the Ogantz Theatre in Philadelphia. She is a April. graduate of the Broad Street Conservatory of Music in Jason & The Old Prospector D

26 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 C!Clo~tngC!Cborb

Al Sacker, founder of the South hip in a fall in the home. The opera­ East Texas Chapter, died of a stroke tion was a success, but she contacted November 27, 1979, at age 60. Al's pneumonia, followed by a cardiac studies included a period at the Juil­ arrest. She was 85. liard School of Music in New York, Born Kathleen Norah O'Connor studying with Dr. George Liebling, in Durham, Ontario, she began one of five surviving U.S. students of piano lessons at six. To pay for her Franz Lizst. He had been organist music lessons while in high school, and choirmaster at St. Stephen's she played for silent movies in a St. Episcopal Church in Beaumont for Catharines, Ont. theatre. Further 23 years and organist at the Jefferson studies were at St. Joseph Convent Theatre for 30 years. His affection and the College of Music in Toronto. for the 3/ 8 Robert Morton, the only Until 1917, she was a theatre pianist, theatre organ still playing in a Texas but in that year, she played the organ theatre, was well known and is in the College Theatre, the beginning Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ largely responsible for the formation of a long career as one of Toronto's viduals sponsoring or merchandising of the Jefferson Theatre Preservation leading theatre organists. theatre pipe organ records are en­ Society. Theatres in which she played were couraged to send pressings to the the Tivoli, Loew's Downtown (her Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada Kathleen "Kay" Stokes, the Grand favorite), the Pantages (later Imperi­ Hills, California 91344. Be sure to Lady of Canadian Theatre Organ, al), Uptown and Shea's Hippo­ include purchasing information (post­ died on December 14th. In a senior drome. Radio shows on CFRB uti­ paid price, ordering address,) if appli­ citizens home following the death of lized her talents, and in 1937, she be­ cable, and a black and white photo of her longtime friend , Lillian Brookes, gan a 22-year run on CBS's Happy the artist which need not be returned. in September 1978, Kay broke her Gang, a five-day-a-week, 39-week program. It was broadcast coast-to­ coast and to the States. Kay played a CANADIAN CAPERS, Don Thomp­ Hammond on the show; an otherwise son playing the 4/22 RTOS Wur­ all-male production. There were litzer in the Auditorium Theatre, 4,890 broadcasts of the memorable Rochester, N. Y. Phonodisc PHE- program. 6004. $7.00 postpaid from Pipe Or­ After the Happy Gang, Kay con­ gan Presentations, 112 Sumach certized and taught. She suffered a Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada quadruple loss in 1951. Her hus­ MSA-3J9 band, Francis; a son, a grandson, and a brother were all killed in a Don Thompson probably has boating accident. She kept busy as more record releases out than any a musician into the seventies. On other organist, past or present. He is August 28, 1975, she participated in easily one of the most energetic of a reunion of the Happy Gang mem­ the present generation, and he prob­ bers before a capacity audience at ably earns more bread through the CNE, playing an electronic for record royalties than any other or­ the occasion. Her theme song, "The ganist, by his own admission. A mere World Is Waiting for the Sunrise," record reviewer can't argue with brought tears to many, who were such success, so Don has got to be caught in the nostalgia of the day. doing something right. An avid follower of theatre organ The British-trained organist is revival, she frequently appeared at also voluble in explaining his aims, Toronto's Casa Loma and in Ro­ so reviewers will not misinterpret chester, accompanied by Lillian his efforts. He dismisses "elegant, Brookes, to hear the artists of the refined playing with tasteful registra­ day. In 1974, she was inducted into tion, as it was SOyears ago" because the Theatre Organists Hall of Fame. "the public today, and more ATOS­ The writer will never forget this ers than you know about, could not gracious, kindly lady who was in his care less about these qualities." So, company on several occasions. Don produces what he knows will Kathleen Stokes . Lloyd E. Klos □ sell - strict tempo tunes(" ... there

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 27 Don and reviewers have come to blows previously. We can declare this to be Don's best effort within our memory. The quicksteps sound a bit corny in spots to these frazzled tympani, but Don says they sell records, so what the heck! In all seriousness, despite his claims that just about everything has been sacrificed to tempo, Don was able to inject considerable enter­ tainment value in this first "disco" release (unless all those recorded by Reg. Dixon at Blackpool in dance tempos also qualify). Don Thompson . He has a viewpoint. Doreen Chadwick. Her 'Fats' is tops. The Rochester Theater Organ (John D. Sharp Photo) is no time for subtlety of registration Society 4/22 Wurlitzer is one of the was a tendency to "wiggle," accord­ or harmony. One's whole concern best recording organs and it gives a ing to some grumps who somehow is to keep the tempo going.") Don good account of its many facilities confuse the "jiggle" of "Charley's has come out in favor of strict tempo under Don's guidance. He manages Angels" with the bodily motion of music for the public after years of plenty of registration changes some organists while playing. playing concerts in many lands, and through the numbers, and the listen­ The organ has an appealing sound selling records. We cannot discount er is generally unaware that he is in its current home, and Doreen his conclusions without fair deliber­ controlled by a metronome on the knows how to get the most from it, ation based on a hearing of his new console. although we would prefer less of the strict tempo release. Don states, "I produce fun, ex­ "trems on-trems off' practice. But be warned - it is not the­ citing records, generally unsubtle." The tunes as listed on the jacket atre organ music in the strict sense, Agreed! are confusing as some of the 17 se­ although it is played on one. lections are contained in medleys, Each selectionormedley is marked and some are not listed at all. For with the bars-per-minute adhered PETER STREET PARADE, Dor­ example, the first selection is listed to (BPM). For example, Don plays een Chadwick playing the Wurlitzer as "Everything is Beautiful," yet, the British-style "Quicksteps" at organ in the Free Trade Hall, Man­ liberally interspersed are churchly 52 BPM. Fox trots are played at 30- chester, Acorn (stereo) No. CF280. allusions to "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, 31 BPM, Tangos 34 BPM etc. Don Available from Tom E.K. Herd, 8 the Boys are Marching" which must has generally shown great ingenuity Ashworth Court, Frenchwood, Pres­ be an inside joke not explained to in selecting tunes well adapted to ton PRI 4PS, Lancashire, England. auditioners. "Beautiful" segues di­ strict tempo presentation. His quick­ Price not stated. rectly into "Put Your Hand in the steps include: "Exactly Like You," Hand," a tune of very like construc­ "Beyond the Blue Horizon," "The This is another recording pro­ tion but with far different implica­ World is Waiting for the Sunrise," duced by the well-known Lancastri­ tions. In the same manner, "Try a "On the Good Ship Lollipop," an Theatre Organ Trust, a club Little Tenderness" is merged with "Animal Crackers in My Soup," which has saved 14-rank and a 20- "How to Handle a Woman," an "Canadian Capers," "South" - all rank Wurlitzers (one is heard on this association which is readily under­ at 52 BPM. Fox Trots (30BPM) in­ disc) from closed Manchester the­ standable. clude: "Canadian Sunset," "Honey," atres, partly with the income earned "Singing Piano" is an interesting "If I Had You," "New York New by records released in this Acorn ballady novelty tune, even though York," "Nadia's Theme." Series. To date the series has main­ the piano stop sounds more like a There are two "modern waltzes" tained a high standard of quality, xylophone, devoid of effective sus­ - "Sleepy Lagoon," "You Light Up musically and technically. tain. "Tarantella" from The God- My Life" (31 BPM) and two tangos Doreen Chadwick is one of the father is a typical, fast-moving folk - "Jealousie" (sic) and "La Cumpar­ most popular gal organists in Bri­ dance, well executed. Doreen turns sita" (34 BPM) - and two "old tain. She was discovered by Reginald on the schmaltz effectively for "Feel­ time" Viennese Waltz medleys (60 Poort playing in a theatre in her na­ ings" and closes Side 1 with a rous­ BPM). tive Wales, and has done much BBC­ ing rendition of Perez Prado's once What's the critical verdict? For casting as well as concerts for the popular "Mambo Jambo." It's one Don it works out very well. If he can British organ clubs. 1979 ATOS of her best numbers, with lots of sell such "ballady" tunes as "You Conven tioneers had a very brief op­ trems-off brass and a brief piano Light Up My Life" and "Nadia's portunity to sample her stylings lead. Theme" in unbroken tempo, the when she was a somewhat hasty Side 2 opens with an energetic rest of the program is easy sledding. replacement for Ramona Gerhart arrangement of Duke Ellington's Don manages the task easily and who bowed out. She played well on "Caravan," which comes off well with finesse. No more problems with a modest 10-rank college Wurlitzer. despite the inclusion of the tradi­ harmonic structures, an area where The only distraction from her music tional midway cooch dance, the one

28 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 immortalized in an early Mickey Myself a Letter," "My Very Good on the Christie we would venture a Mouse cartoon with the advice, "It's Friend the Milkman" and "When guess that she had insufficient time a bum old dance, keep your money Somebody Thinks You're Wonder­ to get acquainted with the Free in your pants." Amen! ful," all presented in the ingratiating Trade Hall Wurlitzer. That could ex­ "Play Gypsy, Dance Gypsy" is style of that great entertainer who plain the pedal clinkers heard on the perhaps the weakest selection on the didn't have to utter a word to pro­ Acorn disc. disc. It is played slowly and hesitant­ ject his dominant personality. On the Val Drinkall's biographic notes ly as though being sight-read for the strength of these performances, we are okay, but the tunelist is loaded first time. Doreen misses entirely the would like to suggest a "Doreen with inaccuracies. Recording is light and impish Zigeuner spirit Plays Fats" album. His fans are good. Sorry we can't provide an ex­ composer Emmerich Kalman wrote legion and his organ work is ne- act postpaid mail order price. The into it. "Carnival" from Black Or­ glected. _ most recent Trust album reviewed pheus comes off much better, with Doreen closes with a brief rendi­ here listed the price at $8.50 (checks the excitement of the production in­ tion of her broadcast theme. on US banks accepted when made tact. Because of the many reservations out to the Lancastrian Theatre Or­ What comes next is pure delight. noted with regard to the music pre­ gan Trust). One thing Doreen does better than sented we listened to another recent anyone else we know of is recreations Chadwick album to help retain as of Fats Waller's organ stylings. Here much objectivity as possible in an THE ROARING '20s, played by her trems-off inclinations fit (Fats area where subjectivity is often the George Wright on the San Francisco played many of his organ records on rule. We auditioned Doreen Chad­ Fox Theatre 4/36 Wurlit:zer.DO 1418 the church organ in RCA-Victor's wick, Princess of the Theatre Organ stereo. Available by mail from Doric Camden studio). Although the jacket (Doric DO 1415), played on the Ed­ Records, Box 182, Monterey, notes fail to document it, Doreen monton Regal Theatre's 4/ 14 Chris­ California 93940. $5.95 postpaid plays a five-tune medley of selections tie organ. This presents a much more plus $1.00 postage and handling per coming as close to the Waller organ confident Doreen, and the Christie order (not per record) in the USA. style as we've heard on records. Two would seem to be a more effective in­ of them are Waller originals, "Ain't strument for her style of presenta­ This album is a reissue of consider­ Misbehavin' " and "Honeysuckle tion. The trems-off passages seem to able historical and musical value. It Rose," but there are also "I'm mix with trem'd combinations bet­ was recorded about 20 years ago and Gonna Sit Right Down and Write ter. After hearing her performance released on the Hi-Fi label. That was

Dennis J a111es 1979-1980 CONCERTS

August 22 , 1979 Ohio Theatre , Columbus , OHIO August 30 , 1979 Palace Theatre , Marion , OHIO September 13 , 1979 Mi c higan Theatre , Ann Arbor , MICHIGAN September 15 , 1979 1.U . Auditor ium , Bloom ing t on , INDIANA September 30 , 1979 Oh io Theatre , Columbus , OHIO O ct o ber 20 , 1979 Paramount Theatre , Cedar Rap ids , IOWA Oc tober 26 , 1979 Dort Mus ic Center, Flint , MICHIGAN October Tl , 1979 Ohio Theatre , Columbus , OHIO October 28 , 1979 Ball State U ., Mun ci e , IN DIANA October 29 , 1979 State Aud itor ium , Evansville , INDIANA Oc tober 30 , 1979 Taylor University , Upland, IN DIANA October 31 , 1979 1.U. Auditorium , Bloom ington , INDIANA November 10 , 1979 Redford Theatr e , Detro it , MICHIGAN November 11 , 1979 Sta t e Theatre , Kalamazoo , MICHIGAN December 9 , 1979 ATOS Chapter , M iam i, FLORIDA January 10 , 1980 Keyboard Concerts , Laguna Hills , CALIFORNIA January 13 , 1980 Civi c Auditorium , San Gabr iel , CALIFORNIA January 20 , 1980 Captain 's Galley , Redwood City , CALIFORNIA January 27 , 1980 Grant Union , Sa c ramento , CALIFORNIA Februar y' 2 , 1980 1.U. Aud itorium , Bloomington , INDIANA February 10 , 1980 1st Co ngregational Chur c h , Columbus , O_HIO Febru ary 18 , 1980 Casa Loma Castle , Toronto , CANADA March 8 , 1980 Forum Theatre , B inghamton , NEW YORK March 14 , 1980 Dort Musi c Center , Flint , MICHIGAN March 23 , 1980 ATOS Chapter , Atlan t a, GEORGIA April 12 , 1980 Emb assy Thea t re , Fort Wayn e, IN DIANA Apr il 19 , 1980 Aud itor ium Theatre , Ro c hester, NEW Y ORK April 21 , 1980 Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee , WISCONSIN April 23 , 1980 Chicago Theatr e, Ch ic ago , ILLINOIS April 25 , 1980 Ohio Theatre , Columbus , OHIO Apr il 26 , 1980 Gray 's Armory , Cleveland , OHIO

Now Accepting 1980/1981 Engagements Dennis James Productions 29 East State Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 488-9207

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 29 during a period when the resurgence which had been installed in the "Mississippi Mud," "You Do Some­ of interest in the theatre organ was Vaughn California residence, the in­ thing to Me," "Laugh Clown Laugh," burgeoning rapidly. It was all new, strument heard on most of the Hi­ "I Wanna Be Loved by You," "Just a especially the improved recording Fi/Wright recordings. But for this Memory," "Varsity Drag." quality (over the old '78s) of an in­ release, Vaughn moved his 3-channel The reader may wonder whether strument difficult to capture in equipment to San Francisco's Fox he needs the Doric re-issue if he grooves. Emory Cook had pioneered movie palace. The organ there was already has his coveted Hi-Fi on the East Coast with his Reg. Foort familiar to Wright, who had played original. It isn't a difficult decision. series played on the Richmond Mos­ it for special events, previews and Chances are, the 20-year-old press­ que Wurlitzer. Richard Vaughn was spotlight solos during the World ing is a bit scratchy by now. But even not far behind with his Hi-Fi label. War II years. if it is "mint" there's another set of The first George Wright organ Selections: "Charleston," "Song of factors. The state of the transference release by Hi-Fi created a sensation the Wanderer," "That's A-Plenty," "It art (from tape to pressings) has seen among enthusiasts of the mid '50s. It Happened in Monterey," "Toot Toot much progress over the years. The was played on the 5/21 Wurlitzer Tootsie Goodbye," "Then I'll be Hap­ original tapes were made with an ear from Chicago's Paradise theatre, py," "You're the Cream in My Coffee," to the future in 3-track stereo, rather than the more usual 2-track. That made it easier for Doric to remaster and re-equalize the music to take ad­ vantage of today's pressing techni­ ques. A comparison on even a "medium-fi" playback will reveal the greater presence in the music on the Doric re-releases. We can't describe the ar­ rangements and performances as ''vintage George'' because he sounds about the same today, whether on records or in person. He has con­ sistently maintained a high standard of musicianship over the years and this disc provides excellent examples of his playing. One thing we noted in reviewing the disc is the difference in time he devotes to rhythm tunes as opposed to ballads. For the jazz tunes, George says all he wants to usually in two minutes or less. The ballads get more time, three or more minutes. The Fox organ in the hands of this master glitters audibly. Doric gives much attention to packaging. Hi-Fi rarely provided much information in its jacket notes. Doric supplies detailed lore about George, notes about the music, its writers, registration used, history of the theatre and its organ. A uniform design, including a photo of the then Vaughn console, has been adopted for the front cover for the entire series of re-releases. A previous release, Showtime, played by Wright on the same instrument, is also available (DO 1417 stereo). If the reader enjoys the music of George Wright playing one of the great Wurlitzers, enough said. □

The Pipe Piper, originally planned to appear in this issue, wHI be in the April-May issue. Hope you can wait.

30 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Silver Anniversary Convention LONDON, ENGIAND

SUNDAY JULY 20, 1980 thru SUNDAY JULY 27, 1980

LONDON'S PENTA HOTEL Convention Headquarters

for the ''time of your life" register now o o ''London Calling''

f!Jlte~ and fJJoadtof

''die lhne o/~ ¥ JJ

You'll listen to these fine English organists!

Florence Stanley William Len Stephen David Doreen Alan deJong Whittington Davies Rawle Vincent Shepherd Chadwich Cornell

Reginald John Ena George Louis Bryan Douglas Pauline Porter-Brown Mann Baga Blackmore Mordish Rodwell Reeve Dixon TENTATIVE SCHEDULE ATOS Silver Anniversary Convention - 1980

DAY MORNING AFTERNOON EVENING

Tour of London Concert SUNDAY Registration Gaumont State Kilburn JULY Penta Hotel 4/16 Wurlitzer 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 20 Sherry Reception in Foyer 10: 15 p.m. to 11 :30 p.m.

Free Time MONDAY Concert JULY Odeon Leicester Square Guides Available For Sightseeing 21 5/ 17 Compton plus Melotone Optional Tours Available In Evening

TUESDAY Concert Buffet Lunch JULY Aylesbury Civic Centre Leave at 3:00 p.m. for Blenheim Palace or Abingdon 4/12 Hybrid 4 manual Willis - 4/ 10 Compton Plus Melotone 22 Late Evening - Free Time

Lunch at Father Kerr's Two Churches Concerts: Hornchurch and Clayhall Concert WEDNESDAY 3/6 and 3/9 Comptons JULY Granada Walthemstow 23 3/ 10 Christie Membership Meeting Late Evening - Free Time

THURSDAY Concert Concert Concert JULY Granada Kingston Dome Brighton Worthing Town Hall 24 3/ 10 Wurlitzer with Piano 4/ 40 Christie 3/10 Wurlitzer

Enjoy The Lovely Drive En Route To FRIDAY Concert Southampton Guild Hall Royal Albert Hall JULY Dinner (6:00 p.m.) and Concert (7:30 p.m.) 4/ 146 Willis 25 4/ 49 Compton, Dual Consoles

Concert Concert SATURDAY Banquet Granada Harrow Harrrow School JULY Westminister Suite 2/8 Wurlitzer 4 manual Harrison 7:30 p.m. 26 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Lunch at Regal Rooms 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY Concert JULY Regal Edmonton Concert 27 4/ 14 Christie Thursford Museum, Norfolk 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 3/19 Wurlitzer

RECORD SHOP HOURS AND HOME TOURS - TO BE SCHEDULED You'll enjoy hearing and seeing these beautiful English organs!

W Granada althemstow 3/ 10 Christie

Hornchurch R0 man Catholic Church 3 manual Compton and Father Kerr

SoutharnPton Gui\d \-\a\\ 4/49 cornP 100 oua\ Conso\e

Regal Edrnondton 4;14 Southampto Christie Guild Hall 4/ 49 Common Dua/. Con!'>ofe

Jetto arriveL~!f/ Plan t \east by London a that 5 the 19th . ~ the n enJO') you ca t the con · {irst ?a') :ithout the vent,o~ roblerll Royal annoyin9 p Albert ot jet \a9 - Hall 4/ 146 Wit/is The Grand Finale! ENGINES AND ORGANS

Silver ladies, flying horses, dragons, dancing figures and many organs and engines each evoking memories and visions of other MUSEUM worlds where craftsmanship and imagination have lifted the mun­ NORFOLK, ENGIAND dane into the marvellous. Some of you may remember these gems, for others there will be the excitement of discovery. 'Vic­ tory' the giant Showman's engine built by Burrell's of Thetford, 17 tons of potent gold and maroon en­ ergy. The Marenghi 98 key organ, made in 1905 and full of the Paris nightlife of its origin or the terrifying Wurlitzer theatre organ, with two rooms of pipes and a seemingly endless range of sounds, and many more marvels. Here is a collection full of vigour and real enchantment, continuing a tradition of popular entertainment in which engineering and art have somehow touched generations of One of the many engines on display. people. It is no exaggeration to say that the museum is the most remarkable of its kind in the world, maintained and restored with enthusiasm to match the magic of the exhibits.

THE THURSFORD COLLECTION INCLUDES Wurlitzer theatre organ Showman's engines Fairground organs Traction engines Dance organs Ploughing engines Cafe organs Steam wagons Street organs Steam rollers Barrel organs Station ary engines Barrel pianos Model engines Miscellaneous 2 ft. gauge steam train period objects Farm machinery

Live steam rides and demonst rations Thursford Museum 3/19 Wurlitzer

You'll Enjoy England!

Register Now [) to register • • •

for the hotel To: PENTA HOTEL ATOS CONVENTION - 1980 Mr. M. Bowen , Sales Manager 97- 109, Cromwell Road London, SW 7, England Telephone O1-370-5 707

Name ______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip __ _

Arrival Date ______Departure Date ______

Please Reserve: __ Single Room at 22 pounds* per day _ _ Twin Room at 29 pounds* per day __ Triple Room at 38.25 pounds* per day

Prices include all taxes, services and continental breakfast. The above prices are special ATOS rates and are considerably below the regular rates . The management has extended these rates to members who wish to arrive early or stay after the convention. ------·

for the To: Miss Janise Morton Registration ATOS convention . . . 1, Knolles Crescent Welham Green Hatfield , Herts, England

Name ______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip __ _

EVENT PERSONS PRICE TOTAL Prelude (optional) 5 Pounds *

Convention 50 Pounds *

Banquet (optional) 10 Pounds *

Finale (optional) 10 Pounds *

TOTAL

Make Drafts Payable to : 1980 ATOS Convention

pounds? * Send money in English pounds. You do that by going to your bank and getting a Foreign Bank Draft.

NOTE: As of February 1, the exchange rate was one (1) pound equals $2.30. GREAT SIGHTSEEING!

Aerial . "•e141of T 0141erBr,d ,c:'£ 9e and the . Sc:, j C,ty of L ond ENGLAND WITH ATOS on the higher order harmonics, while, the conical flare of a kinura pro­ THE ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANT duces a sound beam which becomes progressively broader at the highest order narmonics of the reed. My next article will look at the Directional Characteristics of Pipes fundamental properties of reeds. (The reason for the inimitable character of pipe-produced sound) FOR FURTHER READING : by R. J. Weisenberger Acoustical Engineering by Harry F. Ol­ son , Ph. D; Copyright 1957, D. Van No­ Other than the sheer range of dy­ case of mitered pipes. (See note) strand; Chapter II - Section 2.4 and 2.19 namics and tonal colors, what other Two equal small sources, separat­ (point sources and horn sources) factors contribute to the unique, ini­ ed by ½ A will produce a toroidal Considerations for Organ Chamber De­ mitable character of pipe produced (roughly donut shaped) field of sign in Homes by Lance Johnson; THE­ sound? The answer to this question sound around the pipe, with the ATRE ORGAN , January 1977 does not lie with any building or greatest output perpendicular to the NOTE: Mitering OPEN flue pipes voicing technique. Builders and voic­ axis of the pipe. (such as strings) will alter their tonal ers have control of only tonal quality 3.) Harmonic pipes: quality. This is because the even har­ and power, but to a very great de­ Harmonic pipes are open pipes monics are radiated 180 degrees out of gree. which are overblown to sound their phase from the mouth to the top of the As I have said in my previous ar­ octave, rather than their fundament­ pipe. In extreme cases, where the top of the ticles, the scales of the pipes them­ al. Besides having a tonal structure pipe would be next to the mouth, the selves largely determines their tonal unlike normally blown pipes, these even harmonics will cancel each other quality, while the cut ups of their pipes also disperse sound different­ out, resulting in a tonal quality similar to mouths determine their power. ly. A harmonic pipe can be consider­ a stopped pipe. Both of these factors are related to ed as two point sources, vibrating in Straight pipes always give superior re­ the operating pressure by the dimen­ phase, separated by roughly 1 A (1 sults. If limited space dictates that any sions of the flue. (The mathematical wavelength). pipes must be mitered, remember to formulas for correlating these fac­ Two equal small sources separated keep the tops of these pipes as far as pos­ tors, and graphs of actual test results by 1 A will produce a lobed field of sible from their mouths. are available on request). sound around the pipe, with the The use of electronic tuning and voic­ ing aids, rather than the ear, cannot But, getting back to the original greatest output on axis with the pipe make a pipe organ sound like an elec­ question, the answer lies in the pipes (above and below it). Smaller, sec­ tronic as commonly supposed. It is the themselves. Pipe produced sound ondary lobes will also be formed per­ manner in which the sounds are pro­ represents a sound made up of mul­ pendicular to the axis. duced, not the degree of precision which tiple sources, each with their own 4.) Reed pipes: gives the pipe organ its unique sound. polar (directional) characteristics. In reed pipes there are three It is difficult to build an electronic or­ Let's look at the polar character­ factors which control sound disper­ gan to sound anything like a pipe organ. istics of several types of pipes in sion. It is impossible to build a pipe organ to general: A.) The mouth diameter (bell of sound like an electronic. 1.) Closed pipes: horn. All organ pipes ever built operate by the same basic scientific laws. whether or Closed pipes radiate all of their B.) The rate of flare (rate at which not their builders were ever aware of energy from their mouth. Since the diameter increases along length of these basics. mouth area is insignificantly small as horn) A contemporary awareness of these compared to the wavelength, the C.) The type of flare (conical, ex­ laws, guided by the products of modern sound is dispersed equally in all ponential, etc.) technology as tools for further research, directions, creating a spherical field The (bell) mouth diameter has an will give new life to a fading art which of sound around the pipe. A closed effect primarily on the dispersion of was thought by many to have already ex­ pipe can be considered as a point the fundamental frequency and hausted its possibilities. source radiator. lower order harmonics. A resonator 2.) Open pipes: with a small mouth is less directional CORRECTIONS Open pipes radiate equally well than one with a larger mouth at the TO PREVIOUS ARTICLES from the top of the pipe as well as fundamental frequency of the reed. IN THIS SERIES the mouth. An open pipe can be con­ The rate of flare has an effect on In the December /January issue I sidered as two point sources vibrat­ the dispersion of the higher order found two ambiguous statements ing in phase. At fundamental fre­ harmonics. A resonator with a high caused by a change in the printed quency these sources will be separat­ rate of flare is less directional than format from my original illustra­ ed by almost ½ A (½ wavelength) for one with a lower rate of flare at the tions. small scale pipes with high mouth higher order harmonics of the reed. The note at the bottom of Figure cut ups, such as flutes. For large The type of flare also has an effect 2 (page 26) was intended for pipe scale pipes with low mouth cut ups, on the dispersion of the higher order 'c' only, and should read: "If ex­ such as the 2' extension of a tibia, harmonics. An exponential flare, tended to 16', pipe 'c' will appear the source separation will be some­ such as that of a brass trumpet, pro­ the same." what less than ½ A. Such is also the jects a gradually narrowing beam at The note at the bottom of Figures

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 39 5 and 6 (page 27) was meant only for There is also a printing error in of the devotion of these members Figure 6 and should read: "Pipe the October/November issue con­ these organs now remain for poster­ ratios are drawn to scale; actual cerning my boat whistle project on ity. length will be greater for the pipe in page 16. I would like to make comment Figure 6 for a given note." In Figure 2 the dimensions given also in closing to the man whose pic­ In my original copy these notes for the back view should be 2.25", ture the October-November edition were written next to the sketch of 2.25", and 2.5" instead of 2.5", bore on the cover, specifically Mr. the pipes involved, and in pririt were 2.25", and 2.25". All pipes except Richard Simonton. He was a won­ moved to the bottom of the draw­ the C pipe share a common wall, and derful friend, personally speaking, ings, resulting in a loss of their ori­ it is this pipe which will require and truly a great friend of the organ ginal meaning or significance. the added width of the extra wall as world and his quiet benefactions I will try to improve the clarity of viewed from the back. Figure 4 were behind the scenes in many posi­ all future illustrations submitted so should show three separate pipe tive steps forward that were taken by that any alteration in format will fronts as can be clearly seen from the entire industry with regards to not result in a change of context. Figure 3· R. J. Weisenberger D saving, restoring theatre organs. I personally shall miss, as shall the industry, the smiling face and the her of pipes and the experience to ready enthusiasm of Richard Simon­ play these instruments is wondrous. ton. While I realize that anyone knowl­ Sincerely, ,he edgeable on the subject of organs Virgil Fox - would have recognized that there Palm Beach, Fla. - ~ letters had been a misinterpretation of my Dear Sir: ;If intent, I nevertheless wish to clarify I am renewing my subscription to • that particular point, and to hastily your magazine. To me it is one of to explain that it is very often difficult '%"" - -, the most exciting ones I have ever ~ to have writers who are not knowl­ read. I always look forward to it. I the edgeable on the subject of organs ~ am also very happy that Radio City t~• z understand the meaning of all the ~:::::J Music Hall was saved and now it is Fzt:a edi,ors intricacies of the organ world. back giving people good music. I The organ at Radio City Music have my organ records from the 8-$ Letters to the Editor con­ Hall is a great instrument, but as we ~ Hall; Dick Liebert and several more cerning all aspectsof the all know, was designed for the play­ f p---s-. theatreorgan hobby are en­ - all beautiful to hear. A friend of ing of ballads and that it does su­ mine here, who is a theatre organist, couraged.Send them to the perbly, whereas the other instru­ ~ editor concerned.Unless it's told me he had heard about a young ments in Leipzig and Canterbury of organist at the Hall. I believe his stated clearlyon the letter which I spoke, are classical organs "not for publication,"the ed­ name is Lance - but I forgot his ~ designed for playing repertoire of ~ itors feel free to reproduce last name. [Ed. Note: The name is k• __~ the organ classic masters and the ~ it, in wholeor part. Lance Luce.} All the critics are giving ~ only thing they have in common is him good write-ups. I hope he will the fact that they are wind instru­ make some records. The young peo­ ~ Address: ments and use pipes, and are played ~ ple are doing a good job of playing GeorgeThompson from keyboards. Beyond that, the the theatre organ and I am proud of § Editor purpose of their voicing and their them - for one who heard his first P.O.Box 1314 intent is quite different. movie organ over forty years ago and Salinas,Calif. 93902 Nevertheless, they are all excep­ I'll always be an organ nut. tional instruments and in the case of I remain yours truly, Dear George Thompson: the Radio City Music Hall organ it • Gordon MacDonald I would like to clarify a misinter­ remains an important part of the Vancouver, B.C. pretation of an article that appeared history of Radio City Music Hall and P.S. As I got the fight started to save in a recent issue of New York Maga­ the major reason many people would our Orpheum Theatre (with organ) zine, and was reprinted in part in attend performances there in the I hope you get the Chicago Theatre. the THEATRE ORGAN, October­ first place, and it certainly deserves I see George Wright is helping. Good November edition. the best of treatment. for him. When I compared the wonderful I would like to offer my congratu­ organ in Radio City Music Hall to lations to the American Theatre Or­ the organs of Leipzig and Canter­ gan Society who have traditionally Dear Vi Thompson, bury cathedrals, what I was explain­ for the last several years taken it Just a big THANK YOU VI ... ing to my writer was that these in­ upon themselves at great expense, for all you have done in the past fif­ struments all share the same type of often from their own pockets, and teen years as Circulation Manager experience from the standpoint of great amounts of time to rebuild in a for ATOS. The hours you have spent the organist seated at the console. most admirable fashion, many of over the files checking new member­ Each one provides an enormous these fine theatre organs that have ships, changes of addresses and even amount of power and the vast num- been forgotten for years and because correcting some mistakes that a

40 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 computer can make, has all been a Perhaps one solution would be to the write-up that I went right out "thankless" job in the eyes of many segregate those persons who are an­ and bought up the very first record­ members who have no idea what it is noyed by tapists from those whose ing I could find. I'll be the first to all about. taping means so very much to them. admit that I was too hasty, but the I know how the loyalty of this type In other words, restrict those with record jacket had a picture of the 5- of job can grow on one. As time goes tape recorders to the balcony or back manual Richard Vaughn Wurlitzer on the demands become greater so third of an auditorium with no bal­ pipe organ console on the front and you find yourself working through­ cony. This does not mean that non naturally I was extremely disap­ out the day and into the night on tapers could not sit in the balcony, pointed when the recording con­ many occasions, as club membership but, they would be required to ex­ tained only music from plug-ins. grows. tend the courtesy of remaining quiet. I recommend that any recording Having been an editor and circu­ There is no law to the effect that any that shows a picture or drawing of a lation manager, myself, for a period event may not be reproduced unless pipe organ on the jacket and con­ uf eight years, I well understand it is for commercial monetary gain. tains electronic music should be re­ what all is entailed and I say we are Yours very truly, ported in your magazine. I am not very thankful to you, Vi Thompson, Lyman Nellis complaining, because I bought a re­ for a job well done ... also very Milwaukee, Wis. cording by the late great Jesse Craw­ grateful. ford which had a Hammond on the Dear George, Sincerely, jacket and it contained pipe organ In his liner notes on his first Chi­ Bud Taylor music, but the front of the jacket cago Theatre album, George Wright Dear Mr. Thompson: plainly stated Jesse Crawford Plays states that Jesse Crawford preferred The ATOS Los Angeles/San Di­ His Pipe Organ Favorites. the Chicago Theatre Wurlitzer to all ego 1979 Convention. I, and several You have a great magazine. others including the New York Para­ of my ATOS member friends, have Very truly yours. mount. George goes on to say he attended ATOS conventions for Bill Anthony agrees for the most part and com­ several years and we have taped all St. Louis, Mo. pares the "haunting lyrical quality" of them. We wish to continue to tape of the Chicago instrument to the San them. We did not attend this years Dear Mr. Thompson, Francisco Fox organ. convention because hand-held cas­ Again I feel compelled to com­ The New York Paramount and the sette tape recorders were not permit­ ment on one of Mr. Weisenberger's San Francisco Fox are both gone. ted. We shall not attend any future articles; this one being titled "Dy­ And now the future of the Chicago conventions until this ban is lifted. namic Capabilities of Familiar Theatre is uncertain. Several years At the very high price of attending Ranks," in the December/January ago, the Atlanta Chapter of the Am­ a national convention, it would seem issue of THEATRE ORGAN. erican Theatre Organ Society was to me that ATOS conventioneers As is typical with Mr. Weisenber­ able to help save the Atlanta Fox. should be given the right to bring ger, paramount importance is placed More recently, the Los Angeles back the treasured sound of the con­ on the number of decibels a given Chapter was not able to save the Wil­ vention organs to be enjoyed for pipe will produce. Certainly an organ tern, but was able to save the organ many years instead of a few fleeting should be adequate enough to fill - hopefully for a new theatre home. hours. the room it's in with well-propor­ If two of our finest organists (and To use the term "maximum enjoy­ tioned sound. However, this judg­ many others) are in agreement that ment by all" is definitely one-sided. ment is not determined by some the Chicago Wurlitzer in the Chica­ The expensive hobby of the true the­ joker with a VU meter. This is deter­ go Theatre is a very special installa­ atre organ buff is to record theatre mined by the judgmental ears of the tion, perhaps the finest one intact, organs. ATOS theatre organ con­ voicers and the tonal finishers. Be­ it seems to me we should make spec­ certs are the only way this can be ac­ sides overall volume of an organ, ial efforts to preserve it. complished. The true organ buff will other concerns include correct vol­ I therefore propose that we make not enjoy the concert if he is restric­ ume and timbre of all pipes within a it an ATOS National priority to save ted from taping his beloved theatre stop, correct relationship between the Chicago Theatre and its Wur­ organ. To enforce the whims of a bass and treble, correct relationships litzer for posterity. I also offer my local chapter on the national mem­ between stops in their divisions and services in any way possible to help bership is an imposition. correct relationships between divi­ meet that goal. There is no logical reason for this sions. Sincerely, ban on taping concerts, unless, the Mr. Weisenberger insists that a Bert Atwood, Member ATOS principal pipe of 15" wind pressure artists themselves feel it is cutting in­ 225 San Marin Drive to their record sales. Let them be re­ with a ½ cut-up is "tonally similar" Novato, California 94947 minded that if it were not for the to a principal of the same scale ATOS membership, there would be blown on 3" wind pressure with a ¼ no organs for them to perform con­ Dear Mr. Thompson: cut-up. I disagree vehemently. The certs on or record. May I add that I I enjoyed the record reviews in the 15" pressure pipe will have consider­ have always purchased recordings of last issue of THEATRE ORGAN ably fewer upper harmonics than the each artist performing at a conven­ Magazine, especially the one about 3" pipe. Also, by placing a principal tion in addition to my personal Bob Ralston - A Theatre Pipe Or­ pipe on 15" all the subtle nuances tapes. gan Concert. I was so impressed with like gentle speech, chi ff, white noise

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 41 (acceptable buzz) and so on, are all blown away. I realize that these things aren't important on a theatre organ diapason, but they are important on a classical organ's principal. Mr. Weisenberger doesn 't discern between the two types of in­ struments. High cut-ups and higher wind pressures are suggested by Mr. Wei­ eHAPTERNOTE~ senberger in order to produce adequate volume for large stadiums and coliseums. Certainly this is not the only route. One should not ex­ pect an unamplified 9-foot grand hear the first program in February or piano to fill the New Orleans Super­ Let us know what's March. dome. With high quality electronic happening in YOUR Chapter/ Still another pipe organ will speak amplification it can retain most of its anew this year with kudos to the tone qualities at a higher volume Send Photos and News to: dedication of John Tanner, James level. A small , low pressure pipe or­ GEORGE THOMPSON Jobson and James Thrower. This is gan could have the same treatment. I P.O . BOX 1314 SALINAS, CALIFORNIA 93902 a 3/26 Moller they have installed in would rather listen to it than an or­ the Brookhaven Methodist Church gan with the same number of ranks Deadlines in Atlanta. The organ is leased to the playing on SO to 100 inches wind Jan . 1st . for Feb./Mar . church with the understanding that pressure. Certainly I am not endors­ Mar . 1st . for Apr ./ May it will be available to the chapter for ing electronic tone production over May 1st . for June / July meetings and special programs. acoustical tone production. It is my July 1st. for Aug ./ Sept . Since many of our members include hope that electronic organs can co­ Sept. 1st . for Oct./Nov . church organists, we can expect exist with pipe organs in the same Nov . 1st . for Dec ./ Jan . some fine programs on this beautiful way that the electric piano co-exists instrument. with the acoustical piano. I am en­ After the chapter business was dorsing electronic amplification of conducted at the December meeting, acoustical instruments in cases ATLANTA it was this writer's time to provide where the unamplified instrument On December 16th, the chapter the musical entertainment. Request will not provide the necessary vol­ met at the Music Grinder (Marietta, ume. This includes pipe organs. Georgia). The slate of newly-elected cards went to all chapter members, and for an hour-and-a-half, the mu­ Mr. Weisenberger condemns the officers for 1980 include: James sic-lovers' potpourri ranged from organ building profession for its lack West , chairman; Jane Torrell, vice of scientific research. ActuaIIy, there chairman; Warren Williams, secre­ Tchaikovsky to well-loved Christmas carols. What a relief it was to get is more scientific research involved tary; and Wanda Carey, treasurer. in pipe organ building now than Th e chapter cheerfully voted to other requests instead of the same "dirty thirty" that are requested there ever was in the past. He hasn't hold six of the 1980 meetings at the done the necessary research to find Music Grinder. The additional use night after night at the restaurant! this out though. He also fails to of "Winifred," the restaurant's 3/24 The afternoon concluded with a realize that pipe organ building is Wurlitzer , will greatly enhance some sumptuous buffet. Open console was an art first and foremost. He insinu­ of our meetings and programs in the enjoyed by all. The warm fellowship ates that pipe organ building is a new year. Many thanks from the stirred interest anew for our chapter dead or dying profession. I find that chap ter to Dick and Audrey Weber and we all look forward to the new it is alive and growing. However, if for allowing us to use this fine Wur­ year, filled with great organs and his suggestions were to be taken seri­ litzer. fine programs. ously by organ builders, I'm sure Speaking of Dick Weber , the JAY MITCHELL that organ building would die a sure, chap ter learned that Dick's 4/ 16 sudden death. Page is soon to be playing in the BEEHIVE I commend THEATRE ORGAN warehouse of chapter member Walt On Sunday November 18, 1979 for many of its fine technical articles Winn. The first "toot " called out on the chapter members were guests of pertaining to the pipe organ. One of December 19th, with much celebra­ Lawrence Bray at the Organ Loft, these would be A11enMiller's article, tion by those in attendance. Walt Salt Lake City, Utah. In the business "The Myster y of Soldering Pipes." and Donna Winn have labored portion of the meeting a letter from However, certain articles seem to slip greatly over the Page's refurbish­ the Salt Lake County Commission through the screening process and I ment, with the help and patience of was read thanking the chapter for find that regrettable. members John Tanner, Ric McGee their efforts in restoring the Capitol Sincerely, and James Thrower. The progress Theatre organ. Harry Weirauch re­ Richard Swanson has been painstaking at times, but ported on the status of the project, Grand Ledge, Mich. □ according to Walt, we may be able to though completion is stiII some

42 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 The telephone company and Western Electric Company and their employees have donated materials and labor and installed new cables to run from the chambers to the stage level. Regulators have been removed, sent to Los Angeles for re-leathering and returned. Seth Anderson of the Provo Pipes and Pizza and his father transported this material to and from LA. The console has been completely stripped ready for refinishing. Lon Durrant, proprietor of Manfred's Finishing Shop, has offered the use of his facilities, equipment and ex­ perience in directing our repainting of the console and bench. We expect to take him up on his offer in the near future. With the help of Mike Ohman, who purchased a new Devtronix console for the Reseda, California, restaurant, along with George Wright, and several others, we were able to purchase new electric action magnetic stop tabs for the console. We might mention that these new switches completely eliminate the need for air at the console, and will

Lawrence Bray in the main chamber of the Organ Loft in Salt Lake City . months away. New officers elected for 1980 were: Wayne Russell, chair­ man; Gene Breinholt, vice chair­ man; and Clare Briggs, secretary­ treasurer. During brunch, complements of the chapter, we were treated to a "live" concert on the 5/ 32 Wurli­ Morton Loft organ by none other than the Poet of the Organ, Jesse Crawford. Through the magic of the Wurlitzer roll player the organ faith­ fully reproduced the numbers played by Jesse Crawford many years ago. After brunch members were treat­ ed to open console. Sufficient funds were received from Sale Lake County to carry our Capitol Theatre organ restoration project through to completion. Ex­ cellent progress has been made. The Organ Loft console .

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 43 deprive the local mice from their free Vibes ad dition. Paul gave the re­ some hollering. It may do some lunch (pneumatic leather) and their porter a full description of his equip­ good! race track where they held a steeple­ ment which resulted in an effective ALMER BROSTROM chase in and around the contact article. Another reporter interviewed wires on the stop rail. this writer regarding the general We have removed the percussion history and operation of pipe organs CENTRAL FLORIDA actions from the east chamber, and and the function of ATOS. This arti­ Our chapter is continuing to work they now are in the work room in cle was in the same issue. on various ranks of the pipe organ the basement of the theatre. We In November our membership for installation into the Tampa The­ didn't anticipate the necessity of business meeting was followed by a atre in 1980. In the meantime, we are reworking these percussions, but musical social with Jack Olander at planning a musical festival in Janu­ fifty plus years has taken its toll the Downers Grove High School ary at the Tampa Theatre presenting and they require releathering as well organ. Jack said he was borrowing Sound of the Silents featuring six as a general clean up. numbers from many famous or­ silent movies of Charlie Chaplin and Come one, come all, we finally ganists. Jack doesn't need to borrow Buster Keaton with Ewell 0. Stan­ have the facility and a project to in­ as he is quite versatile and adept and ford, Jr. and Charles G. Stanford volve all Beehive members, past, gave a beautiful program. accompanying at an electronic or­ present and future. CATOE's holiday show was at the gan. HARRY WEIRAUCH AND Deerpath Theatre, Lake Forest, Ill. A Christmas party and business CLARE BRIGGS This is a unique house of many years meeting was held at the home of standing with a 3/ IO Geneva pipe or­ Winona Sullivan on December 9th. gan. It is kept up fairly well, but ru­ Officers elected for 1980 are: CHICAGO AREA mors predict a dim future. Charles G. Stanford, chairman; The organist team of Preston and Donna Parker was our soloist and Earl N. Wiltse, vice chairman; Wi­ Edna Sellers was active in the heyday gave an excellent program despite a nona A. Sullivan, secretary; and Jean of the movie palace. Edna is still get­ bit of organ misbehavior. Formerly Wiltse, treasurer. ting around to many organ functions from L.A., Donna is now perform­ and CA TOE honored her on her ing at the Paramount Music Palace 80th birthday last August. She was in Indianapolis. She displayed her CENTRAL INDIANA surprised and very grateful for this good musicianship and experience The November meeting, with 149 recognition. George Wright says that and cued a Laurel & Hardy comedy members and guests attending, was Edna is one of his best girl friends. superbly. Carols were part of the truly a special occasion. Not only was In October we were treated to a sing-along. It was an enjoyable after­ the 3/16 Louisville Uniphone pipe magnificent program by Tom Helms noon. organ at Emerich Manual High at Maine Township High School in Holy Name Cathedral is one of the School at its best due to the extra Des Plaines, Ill. Tom is a terrific mu­ better-known centers of the Catholic tender loving care given to it by its sician who follows his musical career Church. The Pope's Chicago visit in­ "keepers," but we were privileged to with sincere devotion. He is active in cluded a Mass at the Cathedral re­ have Rob Calcaterra as our guest organ restoration, radio, TV and or­ sulting in tremendous crowds. artist. Rob, a graduate of the Indiana ganizational work. His program at CATOE's January social was at Ho­ University School of Music, is now Maine had great variety and the ly Name where we heard their excel­ an Indianapolis resident and teach­ school drama group offered inter­ lent organ played by their staff or­ ing choral music at North Central esting lighting and background ef­ ganist. Refreshments and socializing High School, as well as finishing fects to compliment Tom's playing. followed in the church hall. additional academic majors at I.U. During the Chicago Papal Mass in An Early Bird Christmas social and doing private teaching. Rob won Grant Park, organ music was fur­ was held at the Chicago Theatre, the Indiana finals on organ for the nished by a Rodgers Model 990. 7:30 a.m. Sunday, December 9th. 1980 Liberace Entertainer Search. ATOS member Bob Halleman, who Ned Siebert, tonal engineer for Kim­ He will represent Indiana in the re­ manages the Rodgers Studio in Elm­ ball Organ Corp., gave a beautiful gional semifinal competition. hurst, Ill., was instrumental in this holiday program. There was time for Rob's program demonstrated his aspect of the Mass. all wishing to plunk a few chords on exceptional talent and ability. He de­ Worshippers going to and from that famous organ, to do so. They all lighted the audience with his adept the Mass were also treated to prelude loved it! Those stalwart early birds! versatility of selections and organ and postlude sacred music along The Aragon Ballroom tried roller registration. His enjoyable choices Michigan Ave., near the river. Beau­ skating, but that idea rolled right out included "Honey," "Indian Sum­ tiful Sound Music Store personnel the door after a short trial! mer," "Poet and Peasant Overture had speakers outside their premises Our cancelling a concert because I & II" and "The Stars and Stripes giving forth appropriate music from of a filthy theatre resulted in that Forever" with a piccolo solo at the one of their Allen consoles. movie house getting a good cleaning. end. It is no wonder the audience The new bimonthly Chicago Daily SO our March 20th concert will have gave him a standing ovation and why News interviewed CA TOE member Hal Pearl at the Patio Theatre's con­ we in the CIC-ATOS are so appre­ Paul Schreves who has a unique sole - the 4/ 17 Barton heard during ciative of having Rob as a member! Conn 650 organ including a wind­ our '77 Convention. If you have any Plenty of open console time was of­ operated toy counter and a Decatur ''dusty'' theatres in your area, do fered at this fine pipe organ.

44 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 sented Donna Parker and Bill Vlas­ our own Bob Shaw. ak in a most memorable Christmas This meeting also saw a very pro­ concert on Sunday afternoon. Not ductive business session with the only was the "Mighty Wurlitzer" en­ planning of several future meeting joyed, but Bill also played a 7-foot dates and the possibility of some group excursions discussed, The Steinway grand piano. The combina­ chapter was also informed of the do­ tion of selections, with solos at the nation of $500 to the Wurlitzer fund organ, or piano, and duets by Donna from a local electronics firm. and Bill, offered the people of In­ A fire in the Worthington High dianapolis a truly-unique and ex­ School auditorium, in the middle of ceptional musical event. This Christ­ November, left no damage to the mas concert more than reaffirmed chapter's Wurlitzer, though Willard our pride and pleasure in having the Ebner, our crew chief, wasn't secure Paramount Music Palace and these until he could check it out himself - can't really blame him! two highly-talented artists in India­ The highlight of the C.O.T.O.S. napolis. year was the annual Christmas party Donna and Bill graciously gave at the Ohio Theatre. Betsy Richard acknowledgments of the composers presented a delightful program of Rob Calcaterra at the 3/ 16 Louisville Uniphone, Emerich Manual High School, Indianapolis . of each selection as well as special, or popular tunes and traditional Christ­ (Jerry Lamb Photo) interesting information about each mas music at the Morton, followed piece. The mastery at the keyboards by a wealth of talent during open The December meeting was at the of these two fine instruments by these console. The masterful hands of Hedback Theatre early Sunday two superbly-talented musicians pro­ Alberta Lipp and Martha Love pre­ morning, December 16th. The re­ vided those attending with an un­ sented a feast of holiday goodies in sults of the election of officers for believably beautiful concert. The the Batelle Room throughout the evening. With an attendance of 1980 were given. Bob Goldstine of concert was repeated on Monday, Ft. Wayne gave us a brief, but de­ about SO people, there were old ac­ December 17th, because Sunday's quaintances to renew and some new lightful program at the 2/ 10 Page concert was sold out. pipe organ. Some of his selections friends to greet as well. The whole BARBARA J. ATKINSON evening proved to be a standout were some that we don't normally get beginning for the holiday season. to hear such as the theme song from BOB AND PATTI CLARK the RKO radio program and bal­ CENTRAL OHIO lads such as "Here I'll Stay" and Beautiful autumn weather here in "Open Your Heart." His ending central Ohio was punctuated by a CONN. VALLEY song "We Need a Little Christmas" visit by Ron Rhode at the Ohio The­ We held our November meeting at certainly helped spur our holiday atre on November 3rd. Ron pre­ the Morris' residence in Madison, spirits. We thank Bob for his en­ sented a highly-varied program for his first encounter with the 4/20 CT, where, in addition to other in­ joyable performance. Who else but struments, there is an extensively theatre organ devotees would get up Robert Morton and was well-re­ ceived by a large audience. modified Rodgers Model 33-E elec­ early for a meeting? The reason for The November meeting of C.O.T.­ tronic organ. It was enjoyed by a11 the early meeting was due to the O.S. was held on Sunday afternoon, who played and heard it. Modifica­ fact that most of those attending the November 25th, at Pontone's music tions were done by chapter members morning meeting were ticket hold­ center in Grove City. The object of Allen Miller and Don Hyde, experts ers to a very special event that after­ interest was the A.O.B. electronic or­ well-known in organ circles. noon. gan, demonstrated very ably by Tom Our organist of the evening was The Paramount Music Palace pre- Sullivan of Grove City, Ohio, and Mark Renwick, of Sudbury, Mass. We have heard him before so we ex­ pected and received a fine program. The election of officers for 1980 also took place. Elected were: Norm Ray, chairman; Paul Plainer, vice chairman; Lynn Price, secretary; Bert Rankin, treasurer; Joe Grait, program chairman. We are fortu­ nate to have these willing and able members manage our affairs during the coming year. Those of us at home Thanksgiving evening were able to tune in Connec­ ticut Public Television stations and see and hear Rosa Rio in a half-hour program taped earlier at the Thom­

Betsy Richard played the Robert Morton for the Christmas party in the Ohio Theatre, Columbus . aston Opera House. From the con­ (Bob Clark Photo) sole at the Marr & Colton, Rosa

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 45 reminisced about earlier times in New York. The hearty applause unique style and interpretation. It is movie theatres and radio studios, after each number and a long, stand­ easy to hear and to see why he has with some interesting anecdotes. ing ovation prompted Ron to remark been so successful as featured or­ Heard from the pipes were some of about the friendliness of the audi­ ganist at Organ Stop, Mesa, Ari­ the radio program music and theme ence after his Student Prince encore. zona, since its June, 1975, opening, songs with which Rosa had been After his welcome by M.C. Tim at the ATOS National Convention intimately associated. It was an in­ Holloran at Babson College, Ron and in his concert tours. teresting half-hour, especially for started off with a quick-tempoed Garrett and Sarah Shanklin again ATOS members. "Whispering" opener. His easy con­ graciously hosted the Christmas On December 1st we enjoyed our sole personality had an instant ap­ meeting held on December 16th at 1979 Christmas party at Le Cordon peal with the large assembly of lis­ their Groton residence. Bleu Restaurant in Waterbury. teners. All ages and musical tastes Tom Gnaster was introduced Winding up our activities for 1979 once again had identity in his pro­ from the console and his opener was were the December 8th and 9th con - gramming - from opera to operetta, a little-known, yet tuneful "On the certs by Ron Rhode and his brother from the big band era of the endur­ S.S. Bernard Cohn. " This 2/ 12 Wur­ Charles at Thomaston Opera House. ing Guy Lombardo and Wayne King litzer with a Mason & Hamlin grand Ron has a nice touch at the keyboard to the current "Gonna' Fly Now." piano (with Ampico player roll at­ and Charles has a nice way with a Ron Rhode pleasantly surprised tachment), playable from the con­ good voice. The program was most all with his organ accompaniment to sole, were perfectly suited to Tom. enjoyable and was very well-received. a silent comedy, Splash Yourself, re­ Much of his very listenable program The music included popular num­ vealing another facet of his talents. was planned with the winter and bers and seasonal Christmas selec­ His finale was dedicated to his moth­ Christmas season in mind , resulting tions, several of which were included er, played in the Don Baker , N.Y. in a joyful mood. Snow, in the nearby in a sing-along. Paramount-style, a fine "When Yu­ woods, was visable outside the pic­ Work on our organ installation at ba Plays the Tuba," resulting in a ture windows, making "Winter Shelton High School is progressing cheering , standing, extended ap­ Wonderland" most appropriate. well, thanks to a small , but dedi­ plause. Our reward: "The Dark Sounds reminiscent of Jesse Craw­ cated crew led by Norm Turner. Town Strutter 's Ball," with similar ford's old Victor 78 rpm discs were Another ten or twelve months should audience reaction. heard as his "Hi Hat" number evolved. bring music from this effort. Ron may be relatively young in Broadway musicals and operettas Our March 15th-16th concert at years, but he has a traditional ap­ are favorite source material for Tom Thomaston Opera House will feature proach in his playing, with his own with "Toyland" and Richard Rod­ Bill Thomson. Information and gers' "Oklahoma" being chosen tickets are available from Concert with colorful renditions. Tickets, Box 426, Seymour, CT Tom Gnaster has great musician­ 06483. Telephone , (203) 888-9696. ship, style and imagination, coupled WALLACE F. POWERS with an unassuming manner. Garrett then gave a few facts about the organ and grand piano , to EASTERN MASS. which he and his son have devoted Energy shortages? Not with Ron many hours. A brief demonstra­ Rhode , our young and brilliant fall tion of the Ampico player unit fol­ concert artist who exhibited so much lowed, particularly to show the at Wurlitzers in both Stoneham unique expressiveness. Town Hall and Babson College, A pipe organ needs money and November 16th and 17th , respective­ T.L.C. and the latter is furnished by ly! Two locations and two completely the skilled technician and organist, different programs. Allen Miller. who was then intro­ Chairman Royal Schweiger intro­ duced. This refined Wurlitzer so duced our guest at the Stoneham well-regulated and in such good console. Kern's spirited "Who " voice, had _a quick workout with made a great opener and Ron quick­ Allen playing several numbers , all ly established an affinity with his to our delight. audience. His varied, colorful pro­ A parade of members then kept gram had wide appeal with such the pipes "singing" nonstop, a musi­ offerings as a medley from Annie , cal background to the attractive some Gershwin , Berlin, hymns, feast of homemade goodies. marches, waltzes - even "Waltzing The wonderful hospitality of the Matilda" from his just-completed Shanklins, their Mighty Wurlitzer 3-week concert tour of Australia. along with talented artists, good The new generation was certain­ food and good fellowship created a ly not forgotten with Barry Manilow holiday spirit in a most pleasant selections, plus themes from the Ron Rhode played two different programs at two dosage! movies Superman and New York , different organs for Eastern Mass . in November. STANLEY C. GARNISS

46 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Outgoing Chairman Walter Froelich (R) receives plaque from incoming Chairman A little dinner music - with Ginny Vanore at the console. Peter Panos.

Major Jack Moelmann GARDEN STATE at the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer . The months of September, Octo­ Joyce Kunemund listens to Don Plenkers at the Casa ltaliana Wurlitzer . ber and November were very active months for G.S.T.O.S. It started with the installation din­ ner for our new chapter officers at the Casa ltaliana. The theme of the dinner was the Roaring Twenties, with prizes given for the most appro­ priate costumes of the era. Our secre­ tary, Mrs. Marjory Vitakis, showed up in a great flapper costume accom­ panied by her husband, Oliver, re­ splendent in top hat and tails, the logo for Scott Towels, a thirsty fiber. This writer was dressed in black suit, grey vest, spats and derby with a hip flask, machine gun and a bottle of Genuine Bathtub Gin. Dinner music and music for dancing was provided by Ginny Vanore, Maj. Jack Moel­ mann, Mike Cippoletti and Cliff Meyers at the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer. Sev­ eral members and guests tried the Wurlitzer, and had a good time do­ ing so. The installation banquet had " Best Costume" winners (front row, L to R) are: Don Plenkers, first prize; Joe Vanore , second prize; and Pat been scheduled for January, but in Terhune, third prize.

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 47 past years the weather had been so spondent brought two friends who memories and pictures to take home bad that members stayed away, be­ are customer engineers for UNIV AC with them to Mexico. cause of all the snow. On September in Mexico, Jim Alonso and George DONALD M. PLENKERS 21st, instead of snow, we got rain, Rosellon, to the Rahway so they rain, and then a downpour. G.S.­ could take a chamber crawl and find T.O.S. is toying with the idea of hir­ out what pipe organs are all about. GULF COAST ing out as rainmakers - if you have From what they tell me, there are no When we purchased the ranks to a drought, throw a party for us and theatre pipe organs in Mexico. There enlarge our Robert Morton, some you'll get your rain when we arrive. are electronic organs around, but had been severely damaged and all but ruined. (See accompanying pho­ The 30th of September was the an­ nothing like the biggest little Wurlit­ tos.) One pipe from the clarinet rank zer pipe organ. On the 30th, they nual get-together of New York, Del­ looked like a fugitive from "Tony's aware, and Garden State chapters at were taken to the Trenton Auditor­ Spaghetti House." These ranks have Surf City, on Long Beach Island, ium and took a tour through the all been redone and are better than New Jersey. Pete Polito rounded up chambers. They were impressed to new. a busload, and with those who came say the least. We have had many workshop by car, the place was pretty well Our friends have some wonderful sessions. The last one in the closed filled. It rained! On October 14th, some G.S.T.O.S. members headed up to Connecticut Valley's Thomaston Opera House, and thoroughly enjoyed the hospi­ tality extended to us by Connecticut Valley Chapter. After the open con­ sole session we went to Stillman Rice's home and had a grand time at his Allen organ. It isn't pipes, but it sounded good. Thanks again to Mr. and Mrs. Rice for their warm and generous hospitality. On the 21st of October, U.S. Air Force Maj. Jack Moelmann pre­ sented a silent comedy with live or­ gan background music, sing-along and mini-concert at the Olde Rah­ way Theatre. For once we had a good weather day, and an excellent turn­ out enjoyed the show immensely. Single pipe, badly damaged. November 4th, Rex Koury provid­ ed an excellent show at the Trenton War Memorial Auditorium. Con­ gratulations to Rex on a beautiful program, as usual. On November 10th, Pete Polito once again commandeered a busload to the United Palace in New York City to hear Jerry Nagano in concert. An excellent performance on an ex­ cellent organ. All those in attendance enjoyed the music owe a big thanks to Mel Robinson of the New York Chapter who keeps the organ in top condition, and of course to Jerry Na­ gano for a fine performance. The 11th of November was open console at the Casa ltaliana in the afternoon, with an Italian movie shown afterwards. The 18th of November was open console at the Rahway. This corre- Single pipe repaired .

48 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Saenger Theatre here in Pensacola, in ATOS-land. Officers for the coming year are Fla. The empty theatre is not strange Our future organ will be equipped as follows: Tom Helms, chairman; to us; we have worked there alone with the latest electronic relay sys­ B. D. Rhea, M.D., vice chairman many times. The rest of the time we tem; thus eliminating any releath­ and treasurer; Dorothy Standley, work at the home of member B.D. ering of the old type. secretary; with Walter Smith and Rhea, M.D., who graciously allows Dr. Rhea has come up with a new Bob Sidebottom as members of the us the use of his home and workshop soldering technique, unavailable board of directors. A good group! for many of our chapter activities. until now, that makes the additional We are very fortunate in our chap­ The fact is, he does more than the pipes look like new. The Strings, ter to have the mechanical exper­ lion's share of the work. Vox and Quintadena are ready and tise that we do. Curt Goldhill is an Chapter member Miles Frisinger are anxiously looking forward to engineer by trade, but is outstanding is in the process of reworking our hearing them play! The pipes will be as a consultant on organ needs. He percussions. He started with the tonally finished to fit in with the is installing a Robert Morton in his Chrysoglott and the others will fol­ superb acoustics of the Saenger The­ home that was originally in a theatre low. Miles has not one, but two Rob­ atre. Many thanks to Jim Scoggins in Selma, Ala. Curt, with help of the ert Mortons in his home in Dothan, and Jim Peterson for their help, other mechanical wizards. always Ala. Eat your heart out, you people assistance and encouragement. come up, some way, with the solu­ tion we need when we are stumped. DOROTHY ST AND LEY

JOLIET AREA The Joliet Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts held their annual Christmas party on Friday the 14th of December in the Chandelier Room of the Rialto Square Com­ plex. After a pleasant social hour of meeting old and new acquaintances, a delightful dinner was enjoyed by everyone. Twenty-six members and guests were present. Then it was up to the auditorium for a brief business meeting followed by the console of the 4/21 Golden-Voiced Grande Barton rising on the lift to off er open keyboard time to all. Although not as large in member­ ship as some chapters, JATOE is in­ Rank of damaged pipes. deed fortunate in having this pipe organ in its original placement, the ornate and impressive Rialto, known as the Jewel of Joliet. Over fifty years ago the instrument and the theatre were designed to complement each other in a perfectly harmonious center of entertainment. WILLARD E. BRIER

LOS ANGELES Good music and real nostalgia blended beautifully when veteran theatre organist Chauncey Haines played his "delayed" program for the chapter. As in his earlier scheduling when Chauncey had broken his ankle just prior to the concert and Bill Wright ably substituted, this program, too, had its mishap! Chauncey had planned to play the accompaniment for the great German silent movie Rank of pipes restored . Metropolis - but the film didn't

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 49 Fred Page poses with Lou Behm after Lou's Fourth Sunday program at the Royal Oak Santa Claus ( Fred Page) joins tenor Don McCall, harpist Nadia Marks and Lyn Larsen Barton in December. (at the piano) at Motor City's Christmas Show at the Redford Theatre. arrive in time for the performance! pleting the Christmas picture. Our Century, Habeas Corpus and Big Like the seasoned pro he is, Chaun­ thanks to all who helped make this Business. Costumed-members added cey went on with the show and played the most memorable Christmas to the evening's festivities, especially a complete program of typical music party ever! Bob Nagy and Bob Duerr, dressed as played in the theatres during the Elected unanimously at the an­ Laurel and Hardy, who waited in line "golden age" of theatre organs. nual meeting were Ralph Beaudry, to buy tickets. Between his numbers, Chauncey chairman; Gene Davis, vice chair­ reminisced and told numerous anec­ man; Avis Schmill, secretary; Steve Our Christmas bazaar in Novem­ dotes about all the great musicians Ross, treasurer; Neal Kissel, pro­ ber netted the chapter over $1,500 he has worked with over the years. gram director; Bill Exner , technical from the three-day affair. Three A rare evening with one of the the­ director; and Mike Ohman, liaison happy winners of the bazaar raffle atre organ greats! director. went home with a complete set of West Culver Baptist Church, with One bit of unfinished ATOS busi­ china, a hand-painted tea set and a its beautiful 3/ 12 theatre Wurlitzer , ness was completed during the inter­ holiday food basket. was the scene of the annual LATOS mission of a fall Bill Thomson con­ Lyn Larsen, for the second year, election of officers and Christmas cert at the "Tower of Beauty" in headed the list of talent for our party. Marguerite Hendricksen and Sylmar, Calif. During the '79 ATOS Christmas Show at the Redford on Bernice Neal headed the committee Convention, J. B. Nethercutt was who set-up the festive potluck dinner selected as the year's Honorary December 8th. He was ably assisted following the meeting. Over 12 hard­ Member. Mr. Nethercutt couldn't in the evening's entertainment by working volunteers did all the work accept the award in person because harpist Nadia Marks and tenor Don setting up the tables, serving the food, he was golfing on his favorite course McCall. Special stage lighting effects and then cleaning up the kitchen - which is in Scotland. The award and decorations enhanced the well­ afterwards. The hostesses were beau­ was presented three months later by received program. tifully gowned in either all red or Chapter Chairman Mike Ohman, Our Christmas party was held at all green with Jo Williams' fancy and is covered elsewhere in this issue. the Redford on December 16th. handmade aprons and caps com- RALPH BEAUDRY & STU GREEN Member Tony O'Brien presented a program at the Barton, followed by MOTOR CITY refreshments and open console. The annual membership meeting Our fall workshop series offered was held November 4th at the Red­ instructional pipe organ programs at ford Theatre and included a potluck the Redford by members John supper in the lobby of the theatre. Lauter, Lionel LaMay, Fr. Jim Before-dinner entertainment was Miller, Tony O'Brien and Ed Walsh. provided by Bob Nagy and Ron The Second Sunday program in Morocco at the 3/ 10 Barton. Lou November at the Michigan Theatre Behm played dinner-music at the in Ann Arbor featured Herb Head at grand piano. Open console followed the 3/ 13 Barton. Henry Aldridge the short business meeting, during and Bud Bates, as well as A.G.O. which the incumbents were reelected members, performed in December, to the board. a joint meeting of the two groups. Dennis James appeared at the Fourth Sunday artists at the Royal Redford Theatre on November 10th Oak Theatre 3/ 16 Barton were Don with a "Laurel and Hardy Festival." Jenks in November and Lou Behm in December. Chauncey Haines at the San Gabriel Wurlitzer . No Featured silent films were The Sec­ movie , so he 'winged ' a concert . (Stufoto) ond Hundred Years, Battle of the DON LOCKWOOD

50 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Gene Powell at his 4-manual console at Organ World during the Organ Marathon . Dr. Flynt at the Organ Marathon, ready to accompany the silent movies, starting at (R.A. Nichols Photo) the "88." (R.A. Nichols Photo/ NORTH TEXAS moment of silent prayer in memory get the composite theatre organ at of Josef Adelmeir, a good , loyal Organ World in top shape, including Work has been progressing member of the chapter, who died in several additions to the instrument. slowly but surely - on the chapter's September. Josef was a friend to The crew worked on into the "wee refurbishing project, that of getting all, and will be truly missed. Regular small hours" before the opening con­ ex-Loew's Jersey Wonder Morton business included a summary of the cert to be sure that everything was in into "brand new" condition. We progress on the Wonder Morton and readiness. still have two work sites active, one a brief review of "coming even ts." In Denece Powell was program chair­ at Gene Powell's Organ World shop accordance with club procedure, person for the affair, and put to­ in Garland, and one at Jim Peter­ Chairman Nichols then called for gether an excellent week-long pro­ son's shop in south Fort Worth. nominations from the floor for mem­ gram of pipe organ music, with a lot The regulars have been showing up bers of the nominating committee. of good talent. The third annual for the Tuesday , Thursday and Sat­ Elected to the committee were Dr. Organ Marathon was one of the fin­ urday sessions as much as possible, Robert Lloyd, Fred Garrett, Grace est such programs ever heard in the and about 10% of the 4000 to 6000 Johnson and Joe Koski. Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. person-hours has been put in. As is After the business session ad­ It started off Monday evening with common with such projects, there is journed, Dale Flanery played a fine the presentation of Ed Galley, an a reliable nucleus of workers who concert, thrilling the crowd with his international artist, in his first ap­ show up at the work sites, but it's fine renditions. Outstanding to this pearance before a Texas audience. really a small portion of the actual writer was Dale's patriotic medley, Ed played a great program of music chapter membership. Other mem­ and his entire program was a great fully appropriate for the theatre or­ bers show up at varying intervals. delight to the audience. An open gan, and enthusiastically-received by The tax deduction evaluation of console session rounded out the the audience. Tuesday night Ed Gal­ the organ to the donors, $126,000, afternoon's activities. ley further demonstrated his musical gives a very good picture of the size The annual Organ Marathon of ability and expertise by playing a of the project. the chapter , held at Organ World in classical program at the Orchard Garland , Texas, was a big success. Hills Baptist Church organ. It was a Working on the Wonder Morton Of course Organ World was only a complete departure from his pro­ is not the only chapter activity. On part of the activity, as organs at oth­ gram of the evening before, showing October 21st, the group met at the er locations were also called upon to Ed's mastery of the classical organ Landmark Pizza in Dallas, to hear supplement the week-long program. as well as the theatre organ. His our first vice chairman, Dale Flan­ Activity started well before the audience enjoyed the classical pre­ ery. scheduled November 19th opening sentation just as much as the less The business session was opened day. Gene Powell and a good, hard­ formal program of the previous by Chairman Richard Nichols with a working crew toiled day and night to evening.

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

Send your change of address to ... LeePrater ATOSMembership Office P. 0. Box 6985 P.O.Box 45 Marietta , Georgia 30065 FallsChurch, Virginia 22046

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 51 Dr. Lloyd, Chairman Dick Nichols and Dr. McGillivray after presentation of the Dr. Bob McGillivray plays for the Christmas meeting at his Rodgers 652. "plaques" at the Christmas session. (R.A. Nichols Photo)

Thursday evening the marathon Dr. Lloyd and Dr. McGillivray, of the capabilities of that Rodgers took on its full continuous function, were the hosts for our chapter Christ­ 652. Gene Powell followed him at the continuing through Friday evening mas session at their home, complete console, followed by a perfect after­ and all day Saturday. Many of the with a 3-manual, Rodgers installed noon of open console. "regulars" attended every program, in their music room. Dale Flannery, The "location committee" is still and visitors came from surrounding Gene Powell and several other chap­ reviewing possible installation sites, states as well as distant parts of Tex­ ter organists and visitors put the with Texas Hall at U of Texas at as. The many hours that fellows Rodgers through its paces. Also Arlington still leading the field, for like Dick Cooper and Howard Petti­ celebrated at the same time were the "Wonder" Morton installation. grew put in completing the installa­ the birthdays of both Dr. Lloyd and Our 1980 activities include further tion of the theatre organ at Organ Dr. McGillivray, who were presented work on the Wonder Morton, and World really paid off when Gene with suitably-engraved wooden or­ plenty of concerts, meetings and oth­ Powell fired it up and thrilled the gan pipes as "plaques," honoring er sessions to further the cause of audience with some fine playing of them for their service to the chapter. theatre organry. Best wishes to all for real theatre organ music. The silent Unfo rtunately for the chapter, it was a fine, prosperous and active theatre movie sessions, with Dr. Flynt ac­ prob ably the last chance to hear this organ year, from the North Texas companying at the organ were well­ Rodgers 652 in this location. Dr. Chapter. received. McG illivray has already moved to JOE KOSKI The goodies were not limited to or­ New Orleans, where he is now head gan music. "Dishing up" good music of the Business Administration and NOR-CAL and good food were members Grace Finance Department at Loyola Uni­ Activities for the chapter have Larner, Jan Nichols, Grace Johnson, versity. Dr. Lloyd is moving his prac­ been quite varied the last half of Sylvia Swift, Jeanette Frazer, Patty tice to New Orleans. 1979. The Johnson Winery in Healds­ Shuford and Lorena McKee. Ted After a brief business meeting burg, equipped with a Marr & Col­ Thompson was "chief hat passer" during which marathon results and ton, was the scene of an open con­ and the donations received will help work progress on the Wonder Mor­ sole and picnic lunch for the June greatly toward obtaining the ma­ ton were discussed, Dr. McGilliv­ meeting. terials needed to complete the Won­ ray opened the music session with Ken and Doris Ensele have an out­ der Morton refurbishing project. some fine music demonstrating some door Wurlitzer, "Big Alice," set

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 ebuil dinl', sp ec ialists in Pn eum atics . R ese rv oirs, Wanaque, New Jersey 07465 S we ll Sh ade A ctions, Tr emul ant s, Conso les. and (201) 835-3903 R elay .. N o.fo b too small and only th e fin es t materials are used. Call or Jl'rit e f or .fob quotati ons.

52 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 among the redwoods on their prop­ Dunbar, chairman; Dan Lovett, vice erty outside Napa. The barbecue chairman; Etta Nevins, treasurer; pits were fired up for us for our Au­ and Art Woodworth, secretary. gust meeting so our picnic was great. For those who are interested , the The Ford Retractable Club (1956- four Wurlitzer-equipped Cap'ns 1959 convertible steel-roof vintage Galley Pizza & Pipes restaurants cars) shared the festivities with us. have been sold by Bill Breuer to Bob This meeting was open console style Patterson. Mr. Patterson has indi­ and the bench was occupied by many cated previous policies will continue members including the great the­ with some upgrading of facilities and atre organist Larry Vannucci. Dave organ related activities at certain lo­ Moreno did a fine job in tuning "Big cations. It is gratifying that good or­ Alice" for us and also played sever­ gan installations will be retained so al times to demonstrate his wide our members and all the people of talents. This meeting was probably the San Francisco Bay area can con­ our last group opportunity to hear tinue to enjoy the King of the Instru­ this instrument as the Ensele's are ments. planning a new homesite in Oregon. JIM DUNBAR Dave Hooper at the Redwood City Pizza & Pipes We will miss this most unusual or­ console . (Jim Mc Guire Photo} gan installation and the hospitality OHIO VALLEY of Ken and Doris. California's loss annual election of the Board of Di­ will be Oregon's gain. rectors was conducted. About half News from the Ohio Valley Chap­ The November meeting was held the 1979 board members were re­ ter doesn't appear often in this mag­ at the Redwood City Pizza & Pipes elected and augmented with five new azine but that doesn't indicate in­ with Dave Hooper at the four-decker members to implement our 1980 activity. Everyone is so involved in Wurlitzer. Dave is a staff organist at objectives. our program that we seem to lack the both the Pizza & Pipes chain and the Isaleen Nadalet, our seven-year time to let you know all that is hap­ Thundermug. This young man has faithful secretary, took a leave from pening. had much formal training and ex­ office to be sure her newly-retired Our major program is the oper­ perience to make his natural talent husband can travel without being ation of the Emery Theatre, cur­ shine. His program was well-planned delayed due to ATOS business. The rently seating 1364, as a classic mo­ to give us all forms of music. The ex­ chapter will miss !sateen's guidance vie theatre every weekend. We have ecution was most professional with she so generously provided over the been running since July, 1978, with the result we all enjoyed a most years. Officers for 1980 are: Jim two shows on Friday and Saturday pleasant afternoon. This was Dave's evenings and four shows on Sundays. first appearance for us, and we look We found that double features draw forward to a return engagement. the best attendance. We even have Another visit was arranged at the extra midnight shows on Friday and Bella Roma II, in Concord, for our Saturdays. Even though the ma­ December meeting. The Sunday jority of these films are sound movies morning date started off with a deli­ we feature the organ before, after cious champagne brunch served by and between each feature which the Bella Roma II staff. For dessert adds up to a lot of organ music each we were dazzled by the talents of day. Dave Reese at the Wurlitzer con­ We have a staff of organists from sole. Again Dave treated us to show the chapter who perform regularly. tunes, standards and current melo­ Since last spring we have added Jack dies that fill his vast repertoire. His Doll and Gene Ostenkamp to our list musical abilities seem to be endless. Chairman Jim Dunbar (L) and Dave Reese at the of performers. This public experi­ During the December meeting, the Bella Roma II in Concord. (Jim Mc Guire Photo} ence has developed each of them to

Maria Kumagai Theatre and Classic Concerts

David W. Wright President 240 NORTH PROSPECT STREET HAGERSTOWN , MARYLAND 21740 P.O. Box559 • Camarillo , California 93010 301 -733 -2650

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 53 a high degree. They have even de­ on Sunday morning and to partici­ 1112 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio veloped fans among our regular pate in an open console session. 45210. customers. In November we had The Kings The organ crew, under Tote Pratt, This program takes a minimum of of Comedy (formerly The Silent needs to keep active every Saturday 30 volunteers per week to operate the Clowns) with Lee Erwin at the con­ to keep the organ in top shape. With theatre under the direction of our sole. These silent films ran eleven such intensive use of the organ we house manager, Fred Baum. Expos­ consecutive days with a different can't afford any down time. We use ure of the organ and old movies has program each day without repeats our ingenuity to keep it playing while brought us many new members and of a single comedy. Featured were we add and improve the organ. This supporters. Haro ld Lloyd, Buster Keaton, Harry pressure has transformed our crew We charge $2.50 admission and Langdon, Marie Dressler, the Key­ into a group of organ experts. Rich the proceeds are used for the refurb­ stone Cops and others of that era. Kersting keeps up the tonal quality ishing of the Emery and the organ The staff organists of the chapter of the instrument with weekly tune­ which we brought here from the provided Lee with relief at intermis­ ups. now-razed R.K.O. Albee Theatre sions on the four days when we had Our Wurlitzer was originally a here in Cincinnati. The costs of oper­ three shows per day. This many Style 260 with 3 manuals and 19 ating a large theatre like ours are shows in a compact time gave every­ ranks. It has been completely rebuilt high and the refurbishing costs are one in the chapter an opportunity to and increased to 23 ranks. The work even higher. Our members can paint help in promotion and in staffing necessary for the addition of three and so far we've redecorated the the theatre. more ranks (to a total of 26) and a marquee, lobby and foyer. We are To date we've had concerts by piano is underway. These increases gradually bringing the house and Gaylord Carter, Dennis James, Lee beyond the original 19 ranks require stage lighting into prime condition, Erwin and Ann Leaf. On April 12, many changes in the console, in­ thanks to the efforts of Lyman Brene­ 1980 we are having Dick Hyman, cluding an added setter board. man and his crew. They have also jazz pianist, perform at the piano I'm happy to report that Shady renewed some of the rigging back­ and the organ. Dick Hyman has Nook, the theatre restaurant op­ stage. been studying theatre organ with erated by the late Stan and Ginny We have used the improved stage Lee Erwin and we are looking for­ Todd, continues to operate. One of facilities recently to put on an hour­ ward to hearing him in a style rem­ the new owners is our fellow member, and-a-quarter of magic by our fel­ iniscent of Fats Waller. Dennis Werkmeister. He is putting low member, Bill Brewe, a profes­ We've had other organists drop in the organ back into prime condition sional magician who repeated many to play our organ when they are in with the help of Herb Merritt, an­ of the big illusions of Houdini, Thurs­ town. These include Hector Olivera, other Ohio Valley member. Now ton, Blackstone, etc. Herb Wottle Jonas Nordwall and Searle Wright. when you visit Cincinnati there are backed up the show by playing the They have praised the quality of the two fine organs to enjoy. Shady Nook appropriate mysterious oriental mu­ organ restoration, it's rapid response is at 879 Millville-Oxford Hwy. in sic at the Wurlitzer. This live stage and the superb acoustics of the Hamilton and the Emery is at 1112 show, with pretty girls, coupled with house. Walnut Street in downtown Cin­ a horror movie, made a good Hal­ Two albums have been recorded cinnati. loween weekend. It brought back on our Wurlitzer, one by Lee Erwin BILL AHLERT memories of the days when our or­ entit led Moon River Revisited and gan played for vaudeville and movies the latest by Marilyn (Bubbles) Lib­ OKLAHOMA CITY in its original home. ben, one of our staff organists called Closing-out the decade, we had an In October we featured Ann Leaf l!ere 's Bubbles. The Lee Erwin encore of the fabulous gourmet-mu­ in a concert, part of which included album is $7. 95 plus $1.00 handling sical extravaganza which is an an­ a Laurel and Hardy film. Fifty-five (add 36 cents for state tax if pur­ nual event with members Bill Blevin members of the Central Indiana chased in Ohio). The Bubbles Lib­ and Ed Thrower, who put their tal­ Chapter came to hear this concert ben album is $8.50, tax and han­ ents together, along with Bill's Aunt and stayed over to hear and see Tote dling included. Mail orders should Dorothy, as hosts at their musical Pratt demonstrate our instrument be sent to Ohio Valley Chapter ATOS. studio-home. IT'S OUT! Dennis James OUR COMPLETE 68 + PAGE CATALOG RESIDE~T ORGA~IST ILLUSTRATED WITH CURRENT PRICE DATA! FOR TIIE OIIIO THEATRE

SEND $4.25 TODAY

Denni,. Jame,. .. roduetlon,. ~ 29 East State Street ARNDT ORGAN SUPPLY COMPANY Columbus . Ohio 43215 ~ 1614) 488-9207 1018 LORENZ DRIVE - BOX 129 ANKENY, IOWA 50021

54 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Gerry Gregorius at the Sherwood Oriental Marr & Colton during the Christmas Milt Kiefer (L), Joe Gray and Milt's 2/7 Wurlitzer console. program . (Claude V. Neuffer Photo) (Claude V. Neuffer Photo) With Dorothy Hamilton at the final hearing of the 2/7 Wurlitzer the Portland Organ Grinder for his Yamaha grand, Ed Thrower at the in their home. This instrument was time spent servicing the organ for Allen theatre organ, Betty Yetter at scheduled to be moved to Uncle this meeting. the Rodgers theatre organ, and con­ Milt's pizza restaurant in Vancouver, Our annual Christmas potluck temporary jam sessions with Jack Washington, just over the Columbia dinner was held at the Odd Fellows Macdonald, Curt Chambers, Jim River from Portland. Now, we are Hall in Sherwood, near Portland. Harris and other members, it was a happy to report that this organ is still A fine turnout enjoyed delicious glorious way to start the Christmas in the Kieffer home, Milt having in­ food, and the opportunity to visit season off with a bang. stalled a separate 3/18 Wurlitzer in with friends we seldom get to see. New officers for 1980 are: Mickey his new restaurant. Accordingly, we We wish to thank Marie Briody, and Reynolds, one of OK C's better-known met again at the Kieffer home near her staff, for the fine meal and dec­ radio, theatre, TV and modern band Vancouver to hear one of our own orations. Following dinner we walked directors, chairman; Curt Cham­ members, Joe Gray. around the corner to the Sherwood bers, a teacher, performer and elec­ This talented young man has an Oriental Theatre to hear Gerry tronic salesman vice chairman; and extensive background in classical Gregorius in concert at Bill Blunk's Wendell Boaz, a long-time business­ organ, which is apparent in the pre­ 5/24 Marr & Colton. man, and recording firm executive, cise technique used in his fine the­ Gerry is organist at the Congre­ reelected treasurer. Other offices will atre organ styling. Joe is currently gation Neveh Shalom and organist­ be filled by appointment as we have representing Rodgers for the Stone choirmaster Grace Memorial Epis­ some very talented members in ad­ Piano and Organ Co. in Salem, and copal Church. He plays frequent the­ vertising, design and programming. performs frequently throughout the atre organ concerts as well as ac­ Excellent plans and concerts are state. companying silent pictures. He also in the offing for 1980. At present Joe's concert was followed by open maintains a teaching studio, pro­ eight members have indicated in­ console and fine refreshments. On ducing many fine students. His pro­ tentions of going to London for the the way back to Portland many of gram made full and artistic use of 1980 convention. us stopped by to hear Milt's other all five manuals, exploiting the vast PAUL N. HAGGARD organ at his pizza restaurant, mak­ resources of this giant instrument. ing this a complete and most enjoy­ We are indebted to Bob Roth­ able afternoon. child and Gene Stolle.r for the use OREGON We very much appreciate Mr. and of this beautiful little theatre and to Back in July, 1978, we were guests Mrs. Kieffer's hospitality, and also Bill Blunk for the organ. of Mr. and Mrs. Milt Kieffer for a wish to thank Dennis Hedberg of BUD ABEL

4921 Seminary Road Alexandria . Virginia 22311 Telephone . (703) 379-7541

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 55 University of Maryland 3/ 11 Kimball. Doug Bailey at his Wurlitzer -Moller hybrid . (Harold R. Richman Photo)

POTOMAC VALLEY a 3/ 11 plus Kimball at the University console. The organ is in an office in of Maryland Adult Education Cen­ a large shopping center in Rockville, In September Eddie Weaver was ter, College Park, Maryland. Maryland. our guest artist at the 2-manual This project has been under way Our Christmas party was held at Wurlitzer at the Weinberg Center in the University of Maryland, Adult Frederick, Maryland. There was a for several years and will come to fruitation in 1980. The large cham­ Education Center, where the re­ good-sized crowd present and they stored Kimball console was display­ were kept well-entertained for the bers are live and much of the organ ed. Many people took advantage of afternoon. Eddie's sing-alongs are is already in place. The swell shades the opportunity to inspect the cham­ fun. This was a paid concert to help and motors were recently completed. bers and see the progress that has our chapter with its installation of The regulators and tremulants are located in their own special closed been made toward getting this in­ off areas, so that they can make all strument playing again. Today, this the noise they want, without inter­ organ is known as the Warner Kim­ fering with the organ sound. The ball, having come from a downtown console has been completely restored Washington, D.C. thea tre by that by the Baltimore contingent of our name. In the heyday of theatre or­ chapter, and they have done a superb gan, this theatre was one of three job. The console is white and is stage show movie palaces, the Palace, mounted on a foldable, wheeled plat­ the Capitol and the Earle. Our or­ form covered in green carpeting. gan is from the Earle Theatre, and In early November our meeting to me, this organ will always be the was for members only at Doug Bailey's "Earle." The Capitol organ has been advert ising office. The instrument is enlarged and restored and is owned a hybrid which Doug calls a Wurli­ by our chapter member Dick Kline, Moller. Doug plays both piano and in his home at Thurmont , Maryland. orga n by ear. He played a two-seg­ (The Palace organ went down with ment program which we all enjoyed. the building.) After his program there was open Before a nice Christmas dinner, console. The organ is quite compact, the audience was treated to a Buster and has only one chamber, which Keaton silent film , accompanied by Eddie Weaver at the Weinberg Center Wurlitzer . one must walk through to get to the old pro Earl Sharitz at the Ham-

DAVIlD HAMTilTON ENGLISH T H EAT RE A ND RECORDIN G OR GA N! T KARL WARNER MANAGEMENT 6842 E. VIRGINIA AVENUE 1560 N. Sandbur g Terrac e. Apt . 3 108 SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85257 Chic ago. Illin ois 606 10 (602) 946-6892 Te leph one : (312) 944- 3833 Featured at Organ Stop Pizza - 2250 W. Southern, Mesa, Arizona

56 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Sherrie Maels at the Tacoma Pizza and Pipes Wurlitzer. Margaret and Dick Daubert receive plaque from Chairman Ken Gallwey .

mond B2, given for our use by the the Tacoma Cheney Stadium. She Christmas party at the Haller Lake University. A short business meet­ has studied with Andy Crow, as well Community Club, home of our chap­ ing was held to reelect , without op­ as Jonas Nordwall. ter organ. Two lavish punch bowls position, the existing officers of the The Pizza and Pipes organ , is a were followed by a bountiful pot­ chapter for another year. 3/ 17 Wurlitzer, Opus 2128, and luck supper. Canadian members DICK HAIGHT came from the Fort Wayne Para­ Bert and Doris Miller brought a mount Theatre. The restaurant was huge kettle of homemade clam chow­ custom-designed for the instrument. der, and a large salmon for our raf­ PUGET SOUND We invite you to stop by and enjoy fle. Doris also favored us with some Chapter members enjoyed a No­ this beautiful organ when in Ta­ silent film themes, having been one vember Sunday meeting at the Ta­ coma. Andy Crow is at the console of the top organists in Vancouver coma Pizza and Pipes with guest on Monday and Tuesday evenings during the theatre organ era. artist Sherrie Maels, who played to and Jane Mc Kee Johnson holds forth Our new officers for 1980 are: a full house of organ enthusiasts and on Sundays. Thelma Barclay , chairman; Mel guests. An attractive young lady. she Following the concert a plaque Retalaff, vice chairman; Genny pleased us all with a varied program. was presented to owners Margaret Whitting , secretary; and Bill Brown­ Using slides of nearby Mt. Rainier and Dick Daubert in appreciation ing. treasurer. New board members as a background, "Climb Every for their continued support of the Russ Evans and Merv Vaught join Mountain " and "Eidelweiss" were Puget Sound Chapter. The plaque , current board members Dick Dick­ thrilling. For the younger set, she presente~ by Chairman Ken Gall­ erson and Austin Nelson. Dick played "It's a Small, Small World," wey, was inscribed on the back: Schrum , a member of the National again with appropriate slides. Sher­ "This wood is sugar pine from the Board , will be our 1981 National rie's finale made us realize that the shipping base platform of Wurlitzer Convention Chairman. time had gone by very quickly. She Opus 362 pipe organ. Style 210, de­ Duets enlivened the Christmas is heard at the restaurant Wednes­ livered to the Seattle Blue Mouse mood, with Bernice Campbell. at day through Saturday. Theatre , October , 1920." The plaque the piano and Merv Vaught. at the Sherrie is a graduate of Pacific was made and signed by Jack Becvar, chapter organ. Dick Dickerson and Lutheran University, and is teaching one of our most loyal and hardest­ Dick Schrum, then took turns at the basic skills at an elementary school working members. Open console fol­ 3/ 17 Wurlitzer , and. with a drum­ in Tacoma. For three years she play­ lowed the meeting. mer, they provided the very dance­ ed an electronic organ for games in Open console also started off our able music. We must give credit , too, 111IDUillill RESTAURANT and COCKTAIL LOUNGE

3/17 WURLITZER Theatre Pipe Organ

Belvedere Ave. Bill Perrotta - Personal Representative Wanaque, New Jersey 07465 FRANK CIMMINO 160 West 73rd Street • New York, N.Y. 10023 • (212) 877-6700 (201) 835-3903 Organist

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 57 Forty-five members and guests braved the snow and ice for the De­ cember 2nd concert hosted by Bill and Priscilla Arthur at their home in southeast Denver; it was co-hosted by Margaret Ann Foy. The Arthurs have a 2/5 Marr & Colton and the console occupies an elevated setting in the south sun room. Our talented member, Ed Benoit, presented a most enjoyable concert with a finale of Christmas songs. We especially appreciate Ed driving down from Central City to share his talent and ability with us. We hope to have the pleasure of hearing him more often. The Aladdin Theatre with its 3/17 Wicks has been purchased by a group of insurance investors to be Dick Schrum (L) and Dick Dickerson at the Puget Sound Christmas party. saved as historical property. They plan to continue on their present to Jack Becvar, Ken Gallwey, Kip tape. There were also newspaper re­ 1981 contract with the Mann The­ Lawton and Bob Otie, for the fine views, including the following com­ atres, and beyond that date if possi­ condition of the organ. ments by Kay Cann in her arts col­ ble. They are aware of the work that THELMA R. SMITH umn in the Midweek Eagle, "I wish ATOS has done on the Wicks and everyone in Fargo would appreciate they would like the group to con­ RED RIVER what a great asset we have in the tinue playing the organ for events Busily making plans for our next Fargo Theatre and its marvelous or­ at the theatre. show at the Fargo Theatre April 17th gan, and in the organists who have Colorado State University at Fort and working on additions to the restored the organ and play it fre­ Collins is interested in acquiring a Wurlitzer there, have kept us going theatre organ for the Student Center quently for the pleasure of the pub­ Theatre. The students have agreed through the holidays. In January. a lic. Their FREE noon hour concerts to give $10,000 if matching funds second Chrysoglott will be added, during the past two weeks have been can be obtained from the Alumni modified to play as a Vibraphone. A one of the joys of the Christmas Sea­ Association. player piano is being restored, to be son." This is the kind of attention we MARGARET ANN FOY located in the orchestra pit, and may like getting in print. All chapters ST. LOUIS be finished in time to be used in the should have such praise! We'd like spring program. Also, a new hy­ to present these free concerts next Jack Jenkins hosted the Septem­ draulic lift has been ordered. Christmas and for many years fol­ ber meeting at the Second Baptist Beginning December 12th, the lowing. Church of Granite City. Illinois, Downtown Business Association. SONIA CARLSON where he is minister of music. He the Fargo Theatre, and the Red entertained the group with a lively River Chapter sponsored free noon ROCKY MOUNTAIN program of light romantic music hour Christmas concerts for shop­ plus one religious number and re­ pers. downtown employees and the Officers for 1980 were elected at freshments were served by the church the November 20th meeting which choir. Open console at the 2/4 Wicks general public. They were encour­ was held in the East Colfax rooms aged to bring their lunches into the where the parts for our Wurlitzer followed, as did a tour of the Jenkins' theatre. and to relax and enjoy their organ are stored. Work is progres­ restored home nearby. Guests show­ favorite Christmas music provided sing on the restoration of the first or­ ed much interest in the restoration by Pat Kelly. Lloyd Collins and gan that RMA TOS has owned and a work and antiques in the house and Lance Johnson at the Wurlitzer. Two detailed report on this will be forth­ enjoyed more open console at Jack's TV stations sent crews down to video coming. 3-manual Rodgers theatre organ.

LANCE LUCE Dan Sein.er RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL "the elite breed of organist that has brought the theatre organ to a position where it stands as a full blown concert instrument." DETROIT THEATER ORGAN CLUB NEWS CONCERT DATES AVAILABLE 31744 SANKUER C. W. Productions WARREN, MICHIGAN 48093 Personal Manager: Barbara Foster PHONE: (313) 264-6838 P.O. Box 736 • Claremont, CA 91711 (714) 624-5490

58 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 ATOS members may remember sole, along with other miscellaneous Jack's innovative playing at the San equipment included in the gift, will Diego pizzeria, where he was fea­ be used to enlarge our present in­ tured after his graduation from stallation at the California Theatre. Southern Illinois University. Memories of a very eventful 1979 The November meeting was held were recalled by this writer (and at the Kingsland Theatre, where chapter chairman) during the last work is progressing on the 2/9 Wur­ meeting of the year. These included litzer installation. Although very pipe organ concerts by Ramona Ger­ little could be heard live from the or­ hard Sutton, Bob Vaughn and Harry gan, everyone was encouraged when Jenkins; the National Convention's they heard the beautiful tones from memorable San Diego Day with con­ an old tape made by Art Edinger certs by Dennis James, Ashley Miller on this organ. Art was the last per­ and Hector Olivera; the annual pot­ son to play this organ when it was in luck meeting at Sandy Fleet's home the now-extinct Majestic Theatre. (to the accompaniment of his mighty He was also an assistant to the fa­ Wurlitzer D); and a Halloween cos­ mous Stan Kann at the St. Louis Fox Paul Coates (L) reads from the Christmas program tume party at member Jim Hansen's Theatre back in the good old days. as Chuck Wiltsch looks on. Southland Music Center, where Gail and Marlin Mackley hosted other treat was Mario Salvadore, Rodgers organs (both theatre and our annual election meeting and the organist at the 4/99 Kilgen at the classic, with pipes) are installed. following people took office: Marlin St. Louis Catholic Cathedral, who New officers for 1980 were then pre­ Mackley, chairman; Frank Suess, brilliantly played a Christmas carol sented with their "pipes of office" vice chairman; Betty Tyler. secretary; and a toccata. by the outgoing _chairman at the Chuck Wiltsch, treasurer, Bill Boal well-attended Christmas party, when and Gorman Selbert are members BILL ANTHONY 70 members traveled to the Rancho of the board along with two retained Santa Fe home of Jan White. Home­ members, Paul Coates and Jim made goodies plus a Conn 642 and Grebe. SAN DIEGO two Steinway grand pianos were The musical portion of the meet­ The California Theatre, which thoroughly enjoyed by all. Chapter ing was the playback of a video tape houses our chapter's 2/13 Wurlitzer, members look forward to an "organ of Gerry Marian at the console of has become the temporary home of crawl" promised by our new chair­ the Chandler 3/13 Wurlitzer for a San Diego's "Old Globe Theatre" man, Coulter Cunningham, among half-hour show which had been tele­ group during reconstruction of their the plans for 1980. vised earlier. theatre in Balboa Park, which was TIM KREIFELS Our Christmas party was again destroyed by arson. We have signed hosted by Billie and Paul Coates in a mutual agreement with them, their home. Paul provided several whereby we may present pipe organ SIERRA numbers on some of his newly-ac­ concerts at the theatre in-between Our November meeting at Arden quired musical oddities and Jack legitimate theatre production dates. Pipes and Pizza was the premier con­ Jenkins played a wide variety of clas­ January's plans include Charlie cert appearance of Gary Konas, a sical and popular music for every­ Chaplin's The Goldrush, along with Sierra Chapter member and a stu­ one's pleasure. Open console at a pipe organ concert featuring the dent of Bill Thomson. Commenting Paul's 4/13 hybrid was greatly-en­ ever-popular Del Castillo at the con­ that this was indeed his "lucky day," joyed by all, especially since Paul sole. Gary used that number for a very had his newest toy connected to the Our organ crew is hard at work on jazzy opener, followed by three les­ organ. It is a three-foot-high carved the restoration project of a 3-manual ser-known Rodgers and Hart tunes. wooden statue of Arthur Fiedler. Wurlitzer console which was donated Gary has a college degree in en­ whose raised arm holds a baton and to the chapter by Douglas Maxwell ology (wine chemistry). If his wine is moves to the beat of the pedals. An- of San Mateo, California. This con- as good as his "Days of Wine and W4LTER5TRONY " ... a show stealer" THEA TR£ ORGAN

SPRING AND SUMMER CONCERT DATES AVAILABLE

RECORDING 11 Walter Strony Plays the Chicago Theatre Wurlitzer" CLARK WILSON AT THE ORGAN Available at $6.75 Associate Organists: Don Lorusso and Gary Hanson Mail Address: 51.38 E. Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85008 620 W . Oklahoma Ave. • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 59 Roses," it must be delicious. the Seaver Memorial Wurlitzer. Five was a party in the true Christmas Gary had given everyone a print­ of our members, Stu Boyer, Jim spirit. KEYZANPEDALS ed program, which contained a list Brown, Gary Konas, Jim Maples and of nine blank spaces entitled "Come­ Randy Warwick played Christmas dians Medley." As he played each carols and music suitable to the oc­ SOONER STATE number the audience was asked to casion. An enormous setting of an November found members of our name the piece and the comedian old English street scene covered the chapter gathered at the home of Phil whose theme music it was. How many entire stage and extended out over and Laura Judkins. The business would you have known: Groucho the orchestra pit. Our console sat in session included more discussion of Marx - "Hooray for Captain Spauld­ the spotlight to the right of the big a home for our Robert Morton. Pro­ ing;" Danny Thomas - "Danny set. A large, talented cast and beauti­ gress is being made, but there's still Boy;" Jimmy Durante - "Inka ful costumes and lighting all com­ nothing definite as yet. Dinka Doo;" Bob Hope - "Thanks bined to make the show a terrific As chairman, your correspondent For the Memories;" Jackie Gleason success with sixteen sold out per­ then announced that by unanimous - "Melancholy Serenade;" Jack formances. vote of the board of directors, we had Benny - "Love in Bloom;" Milton December ninth was a beautiful, approved the selection of an Hon­ Berle - "Near You;" Red Skelton warm sunny day and members ar­ orary Member for 1980: our former - "Holiday for Strings;" and Burns riving at the Golden Bear Theatre chairman, and present program chair­ and Allen - "Love Nest." found the lobby festooned with man, Phil Judkins. Phil is one of our A medley from They 're Playing Christmas decorations and tables hardest-working members and a Our Song, a current musical, was loaded with holiday goodies and long-time theatre pipe organ en­ well-played, but, like much of to­ beverages, provided by board mem­ thusiast. We presented him with a day's music, it is easily forgettable. bers and their wives. The "Christmas plaque to honor his selection. Gary obviously researches each of Carol" set formed an appropriate Entertainment was an informal his numbers and comes up with very background for our annual Christ­ open console at the 3/ 8 Wicks, by interesting comments about them. mas party. Chairman Jim Hodges several of our playing members. "Voices of Spring" brought the com­ introduced the newly-elected Board Our December Christmas party ment that it was a failure when first members for 1980: Carroll Harris, was held in the home of John and composed. A brief history of "I've Gary Konas and Harvey Whitney. Pauline Price, an hour's drive from Got Rhythm," and its star Ethel Jim then presented two "gringos" Tulsa, in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Merman, preceeded a hot and jazzy who seated themselves at the Wur­ John has installed the 2/ 10 Hill­ presentation of that number. litzer and a large Hammond on green-Lane hybrid he bought from The closing number was "I've Got stage . Art Phelan and Chuck Shu­ Bruce Wilson (who lives an hour's You Under My Skin," which Gary mate gave out with some very nice drive away in the other direction said was a George Wright arrange­ toe-tapping duets. from Tulsa, in Claremore) in a room ment. He played it beautifully. A couple of "Swingers" were next he built by enclosing the carport of Gary received a fine ovation and on the program as June Anderson his Lakeland home. returned for a rousing "Stars and and Jim Hodges gave us a nose-flute This instrument is one of the or­ Stripes Forever." You'll be hearing duet with Randy Warwick at the or­ gans chapter members helped re­ from Gary Konas! He's got the tal­ gan. A carol sing-along, with Joe move (from Claremore) and relocate ent. the personality and the know­ Gustin at the organ and Carroll (in Cleveland) earlier this year. When how necessary to become a fine con­ Harris projecting slides, closed the we unloaded the truck that night. cert organist. formal part of the program, which we piled organ parts anywhere we During the six weeks prior to was followed by open console. could in the bare room; we had Christmas, a local theatrical com­ Harry and Bernice Kline and John stacked the chests in the empty pany took over the Golden Bear the­ and Cindy Carleton, did the planning chamber at one end of the room. atre for a musical presentation of as well as the heavy work for our Now the room is tastefully arranged A Christmas Carol. Our chapter was Christmas party. Art Phelan pro­ with couches and chairs, has a rug. asked to present a half-hour over­ vided the Hammond, and Carroll even a wood stove - and the con­ ture, and intermission music, using Harris the projection equipment. It sole is the center of attraction at one

Bill ~Jl'~~~ : :~ \'~ ~------:::::::I / /.'\ W!ili;J ffl!li;J ~~~ 1/1/ - \ fflfilltl!ii'l!>l!ffll!ltl"J Floy d ~~... ~ , ~ \ \ 364 AVENUE F PITTSBURGH , PA 15221 concerts ~~~ , --~f/4 (formerly) - ) ,-'-.....:----:_ (412) 823 -3163 ~ Ji Paramount Theatres at Times · ~ ~ _,,,j}; Square, New York; Staten Island; Paris; ,.J) -~) Middletown; Minneapolis; Brooklyn, NY. )) "\ _ ✓• PO Box 29905, Richmond VA 23229, (804)266~953 J) -,

60 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 end. Moreover, John has done an tures of the organ, such as the ac­ excellent installation job - would cordion, to great advantage , delight­ you believe an accessible pipe cham­ ing his audience from his opening ber , and clean besides? selection all the way through two en­ Entertainment was a delicious cores. Lyn, too , visited another in­ potluck dinner , followed by open stallation in the area, making a late console at not only the pipe organ, night stop at Gusman Cultural Cen­ but a Hammond organ in their living ter, formerly the Olympia Theatre , room. in downtown Miami. This 1926 at­ DOROTHY SMITH mospheric palace houses a lush­ sounding 3/ 15 Wurlitzer. The hall was completely restored in 1972 at SOUTHEAST TEXAS the behest of philanthropist Maurice Al Sacker , founder of the South­ Gusman - hence the name change. east Texas Chapter , died on Novem­ Gusman later donated the hall to ber 26th (see Closing Chord). As its the city. best memorial to him, the chapter The October show, on Halloween has resolved to continue the work he night, featured the talented and pop­ so enthusiastically led - the recon­ ular Walter Strony at the Gusman ditioning of his beloved Robert Mor­ Rob Calcaterra at Andre Hall, Miam·i. Center Wurlitzer. The Halloween ton organ in the Jefferson Theatre (John R. Cahill Photo) show is cosponsored by the chapter and the promotion of theatre organ and The Miami Herald, which pro­ music. Before leaving Miami , Rob made an Chapter officers elected for 1980 unscheduled appearance at Vizcaya , vides production assistance as well included Floyd Broussard, chair­ John Deering's beautiful estate on as free advertising in the form of man; Bill Tetley, vice chairman; the bay. The mansion contains a giant ads appearing daily for over Ruth Lindholm, secretary; Dick 3/23 "Welte Philharmonic Pipe Or ­ a month. Walter made his Florida Jones, treasurer ; Arthur Howell, gan ," complete with roll player. debut that night , playing a varie ty membership chairman; Ira William­ Following closely on Rob 's heels , of concert selections and accompa­ son , Vox editor; Elizabeth Howell, Lyn Lunde, of Richmond, Virginia, nying a silent-era comed y-thriller. historian; Thelma Debes, house His program was well-received and chairman ; and directors-at-large performed a mid-September con­ cert, once again at Andre Hall. Lyn brought out man y first-time theatre George Hockmeyer and Ralph Lind­ organ program attendees. holm. used some of the more unusual fea- The chapter closed out a very suc­ cessful year with Dennis James play­ SOUTH FLORIDA ing the mostly-Wurlitzer in the beau­ tiful Coral Gables Estates home of After a long, hot summer without member Cal Juriet. This annual theatre organ entertainment, our Christmas season part y is a special chapter got rolling into fall with treat for members only . three dynamite programs. M. KINURA In August, a large turnout of members and friends gathered at Andre Hall , in southwest Miami, to TOLEDO AREA hear Rob Calcaterra. Rob. who Our Marr & Colton console has works as a language teacher in In­ taken on a new look, thanks to the dianapolis, Indiana , revealed him­ hard work and long hours of three self to be also a very accomplished TATOS members. Charle s Parker, organist. His well-received program Karl Koella and George Merickel included a sing-along and a comedy stripped the finish . made repairs Lyn Lunde at the And re Hall console. short on Andre Hall's silver screen. (John R. Cahill Pho to) where needed and spra y-painted the

Flicker Fingers Presentatio ns The Organ and th e Silent Screen St ill Going Str ong Cap'nsGalleys -Pizza & Pipes WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN

3581 H o m estead R oad 8 21 W ins low Street at (La w rence Exp ress w ay) (D o w nto w n - Off Br oadway) S anta Cla ra, Ca lif ., Phone 248 -5 6 80 Redwood City , Calif .. Phone 365 -6543

1690 S . B ascom at H amilton 1 00 N o rth 85th (H ami lton Piaza S hopping C enter) (near Greenwooci) Campbe ll, C a lif ., Phone 371 -5 0 00 Seattle. Wash . Phone 782 -0360

146 Serramonte Center 55 0 112th N E Daly City , Calif ., Phone 994 -2525 Bel levue , Wash ., Phone 453 1444 1371 Paseo del Mar • San Pedro , California 90731 (213) 831-6360 "featuring America's finest Theatre organists'

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 61 console. We had money donated for VALLEY OF THE SUN new keys and another member paid Our chapter held its annual busi­ for an all-new pedalboard. The ness meeting and elections at the bench was repaired and it looks like Phoenix Organ Stop restaurant on new. Sunday, November 11th. Officers We had two more concerts to fin­ elected for 1980 include: Charles ish a successful and rewarding year. Creighton. chairman; Delores Sheak, November 3rd brought Bill Pedrick vice chairman; Kay Jones, secretary; to our city, sponsored by Great Lakes Jerry Howard, treasurer; Julie Baker, Organs and Pianos. Bill's unique statu tory agent; and Bill Carr, pro­ styling at the Baldwin organ ap­ gram chairman. Bob Wright and pealed to all. On December 8th, Warren Bechhoefer were chosen Howards Pianos and Organs brought members-at-large to the board. us the ever-popular Don Baker. This Bob Read, well-known in Phoenix was a wonderful experience to hear for many years for his keyboard per­ a pipe organ master at work. Excel­ Bob Read plays for the Valley of the Sun Chapter formances at the Beefeaters and Top at the restored 2/ 9 Wurlitzer at Phoenix College . lent! Hat restaurants, was heard in con­ Enthusiasm is running high, with cert at the restored Wurlitzer at a beautiful console and a new ad­ Phoenix College on November 17th. ministration. Our new leader is Muc h of his program was of a nos­ Arthur Howard, an organ technician talgic nature, although he did play with a degree in music. Larry Biggs several contemporary numbers. is our new V .P., and is well-known The chapter Christmas party was in the area for his work with model at Jed Nolan's Music Hall in Scotts­ trains. Thomas Steiner remains as dale on Sunday, December 2nd. treasurer and your correspondent VOTS member David Lindsay is remains as secretary. Dave Ring re­ organist and musical director there. mains as restoration chairman. Whi le dining, we were entertained January was "Complete the Res­ by Dave and his troupe of singing toration Month." Our restoration waiters. waitresses and busboys. people have put in two weeks of 10- Whenever possible, Dave involved hour days. We are most anxious to chapter members in the Music Hall complete our restoration by Easter. merriment. Even fellow organist Ron hoping 1980 will be our year. Rhode couldn't escape being crooned Walt Strony played the Christmas concert at the ANN MOXLEY to by a ve,:y persistent waitress! It Phoenix Organ Stop .

Concert Tours Karil Colle 5100 DuPont Blvd ., 6K Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 (305) 491-4282

NOW APPEARING Captain's Cove Restaurant• 700 S. Federal Hwy ., Pompano _Beach , FL Phone: (305) 943-4100 - Friday & Saturday thru Summer t1I 1 AM CONCERTS RECORDING Magical Moments in Music " ... novelty of arrangements from the 30's to the classics, Chad Weirick performed with registration wizardry and superb footwork ... Paul plays straight from the heart . .. " - Land O'Lakes ATOS - CONCERTS • Theatre • Classical • Silent Film • Contemporary • Sing Alongs

420 Sunrise Lane • Rockford, Illinois 61107 CONTACT: MUSICONCERTS, LTD. Phone(815)398-1788 229 S. Main St. • Stillwater, MN 55082 • (612) 439-8970 Member : Land Of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society

62 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 Wolverine officers for 1980: (L to R) Lawrie Mallett, treasurer; D~m Jenks , vice Burt Castle at the 3/28 Moller in the Scottish Rite Consistory in Bay City , Michigan . chairman ; Tom Remington , secretary ; and Ed Corey, chairman . (Max Brown Photo) (Ed Corey Photo)

was a really delightful evening. WOLVERINE 80 Wolverines and guests gathered The following Sunday, several On Sunday, November 4th, we at Glenn Rank and David Voydan­ chapter members attended Walt spent a very entertaining afternoon offs "Wurlitzer House" for our Strony's Christmas concert at Or­ as member Burt Castle hosted our ninth annual potluck dinner and gan Stop. It wasn't a chapter-spon­ meeting at the Scottish Rite Con­ business meeting. sored activity , but Bill Brown always sistory in Bay City with its excellent The owners of Wurlitzer House recognizes our group and tells others 3/28 Moller concert organ. each have their own Wurlitzer. David about the purpose and projects of Burt's varied program included has the 3/6 Wurlitzer from the Lan­ ATOS. Walt gave an excellent per­ the song "Dream Of The Past" writ­ caster Theatre in River Rouge, formance. The Laurel and Hardy ten by a long-time Wolverine mem­ Michigan, and the instrument is silent film Big Business was fun , and ber, Fred Bayne. The program in­ installed and playil)g . Glenn has the Strony's rendition of music from cluded songs from comics such as, 3/ 10 Wurlitzer from the Cinderella Porgy and Bess was outstanding. "When The Movies Started To Theatre in Detroit which is in the Now that we have the Phoenix Col­ Talk" to the classics such as, "Ro­ process of restoration. lege Wurlitzer playing , we look for­ manza," by Purvis. Burt closed his Following a fantastic feast, a brief ward to a fuller concert schedule in program with, "I'd Love To Spend business meeting was held and the 1980. Funds raised by these con­ One Hour With You" which is his officers for 1980 were elected. They certs will help us to continue res­ theme for the weekly radio broad­ are Edward Corey , chairman; Don toration of the college organ and get cast from the Temple Theatre in Jenks, vice chairman; Lawrie Mal­ us started on our Marr & Colton Saginaw. lett, treasurer and Tom Remington , project. MADELINE LIVOLSI On Sunday, December 9th, about secretary. ED COREY 0 WE'VEMOVED! REX KOURY PRODUCTIONS lndianapolii~ moil Unique ~ew l?eitaur-ant NOW AT 5370 Happy Pines Drive Forest Hill, California 95631 MU§IC VALAC~ Telephone: (916) 367-3345 FAMILYPIZZA RESTAURANT ~ & ICE CREAM PARLOUR ~ ************** featuring the Mighty Wur/iTzer Theatre Pipe Organ RECORD ALBUMS NOW AVAILABLE Presenting Golden Melodies, 1928-1978 uo~~A J)Al:21\~12 • 131LL VLA§AI\ Rex Koury At San Sylmar at the console Rex at Center City (Wichita) Rex Koury at Scotty's Castle *** $6.95 plus $1.00 handling, each. 7560 OLD TRAILS RD. • INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46219

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 63 CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR SALE FOR SALE Rates: 20¢ per word Deadlines: Rodgers 33E Theatre Organ (Walnut), per­ 4 rank Wurlitzer chest with pipes, blower, Jan. 10 for Feb./Mar. fect. Custom deluxe speakers, home enter­ regulator and solid state switching. Playable. Mar. 10 for Apr.I May tainment center, computer capture. Like Church will help remove. $3,500. W.H. Miller, May 10 for June/July new, $15,000. Don Huelke (313) 663-6788. 220 Worth Court, Palm Bay, Florida 32905. July 10 for Aug./Sept . (305) 723-7395. Sept . 1 0 for Oct./Nov . Pipes and chests from Aeolian Pipe Organ Nov. 10 for Dec./Jan . (Opus 1396). Diapason, Aeoline Strings, 3/8 Kimball Theatre Organ including Harp, Send Copy To: Oboe, Mixture (String), Vax Humana, Harp. Glock, Chimes, Xylophone, Toy Counter, ATOS Advertising Inquiries to: 1st Presbyterian Church, c/o Sleigh Bells, 5 hp Spencer blower - playing 2231 North Burling St. Director of Music, 224 E. Grand River, Brigh­ in my home. Asking $12,000, buyer to remove Chicago, Illinois, 60614 ton, Ml 48116. carefully. (215) 688-8173. NOTE: The first ten words of each ad are Conn 651 transistorized theatre, 3-manual - 3/10 Barton theatre organ, originally from AGO TED with deluxe finish. External Leslie FREE to members! Milwaukee National Theatre, now in Chicago cabinet, 2 sets of silver wall pipes. Phone area, professionally renovated, crated, ready TakeAdvantage ofthis Privilege! (815) 398-1788. to install. Refinished deluxe console. Dia­ phonic Diapason 16, Tibia 16, Tuba 16, Flute Rodgers Model 33E, like new. Fourth manual 16, Clarinet, Vax, Kinura, Horn Diapason, FOR SALE Roland SH2000 synthesizer. 7 cabinet speak­ VDO and Celeste. Xylophone, Glockenspiel, ers, 7 Conn pipes. Two rhythm machines. Ro­ Marimba, Chrysoglott, Chimes, percussions 2/7 Wurlitzer with added Wurlitzer clari­ land and Thomas Bank Boxes. One Ham­ and sound effects. Seen by appointment. net - complete. Mint condition. Playing in mond cassette recording machine. All above Sacrificed for $14,000 US firm. Phone: (613) residence. Ridley C. Ward, 5309 Hidden Har­ connected to Rodgers. $25,000.00. Fernand 544-1991, evenings. bor Road, Sarasota, Florida 33581. Phone: Martel, 439 9th St., Long Beach, CA 90813, (813) 349-2459 or (813) 922-3063. (213) 436-5155. Conn 651 Electronic Organ, 3 manual, con­ cave pedalboard, padded bench, walnut, 4 4 poster console lift built in 1978, $1,000.00. Hammond 8-3, external Leslie, cabinet, years old, excellent condition. Perfect for Johnson Organ Co., (701) 237-0477 or (218) 35-foot cable, excellent condition. (815) home, church or hall. (312) 798-5439, nego­ 287-2671. 398-1788. tiable. 1926 Moller, 34 rank, 3 manual, available Piltcher church pipe organ, 12 rank. Very spring 1980. Buyer to remove. Best offer. For good condition. Must sell - offer. R. Witten­ Rodgers Olympic 333 theatre organ (walnut). details, telephone Music Chairman, (617) meier, 6432 - 127th Street, Kenosha, Wis­ Glockenspiel, built in rhythm unit, 2 custom consin 53142, (414) 694-9191. 969-9083, or write Clerk, First Church of speakers, like new, 3 years old. $18,950. Joe Christ, Scientist, 391 Walnut St., Newton ­ Tripoli Jr., Burbank, California, (213) 848- ville, Mass. 02160. 9936. Conn Theatre Organ. Model 651. 3/61 note manuals, 32 pedals, percussion, rhythm sec­ tion, with bench. Very good condition. $6,500.00. V. Schaefer, 805 E. Angela Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617, (219) 233-5496.

Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. 3 manual, 22 ranks, playing in good condition. Knabe Grand Piano. Vibraharp, 4 foot Chinese Gong STEREOLP and many extras. Send $1.00 for specs and ATOS-OVC presents the dreamy picture. G. T. Merriken, 2141 Briggs Chaney and relaxing sounds of LEE Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. ERWIN at the Emery Theatre's mighty WurliTzer Pipe Organ. Some pipes, tremulants, switches, etc. from (This is a collector's special.) Moller church organ. For information : R. C. TO ORDER: Send check or Gebhardt, Bishop's Rock Rd., Hopatcong, money order for $7.95 plus NJ 07843. $1.00 handling & shipping. Peterson Digital Pipe Organ Player System, (Ohio residents add 36~ sales complete with player cassette deck. 240-bit tax per album.) capacity, tested, ready to install with com­ SEND ORDER TO: plete instructions. $2,950. R. L. Baker, 1271 ATOS-OVC Emery Theatre-T North Terre Drive, Libertyville, Illinois 60048. 1112 Walnut Street (312) 367-7996. Cincinnati, Ohio 45210

Conn - 3 manual Theatre Organ Model 650, This album was inspired by WLW'S excellent condition. Levittown, PA (215) 946-7386. $5,000.00. "MOON RIVER" radio program

64 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 FOR SALE FOR SALE RECORDS

Restored ten rank Wicks theatre instrument . 2/ 5 Wurlitzer. Complete minus few traps. Noel Briggs In Concert on BBC 3/ 13 Wur ­ Performs like new. Includes following new Factory mitered for 8-foot ceiling. Completely litzer and Paramount Studio, Bolton 4/ 19 items: Solid State Relays, Silver Key Con­ releathered . $8,500.00. S.A.S.E. for details . Compton, each with piano. Deroy Vol. # 56 tacts , Silver Pedalboard Contacts, Pedal­ D. Storgard, 7001 Westview , Brecksville , rythmic style Let's Make it a Party, Lone ­ board Rebuilt , Kinura , Post Horn , Tibia, Ohio 44141. some and Sorry, Love Story, Raindrops , booster blower , static reservoir, cables Black and White Rag, etc. , live audience throughout . All percussions and reservoirs present. $6.75 postpaid from exclusive US Rodgers Trio Organ, Model # 321; Two Les­ releathered. Is set up and can be seen and Distributor , Stanley C. Garniss, 35 Union lie speakers; excellent condition. $9,000. heard. No Swell fronts with present instru ­ Street , North Easton, Mass., 02356. Today's replacement $13,500. Write, Robert ment but can be made available either new or Schmitt, 228 Monroe Ave., Paramus, N.J. used. Present combination machinery has Dessa Byrd stereo records. Collector's items. 07652, (201) 261-8785, eves. not been restored . Circular, two manual con ­ Piano Melodies and Organ and Piano Mel ­ sole, white finish with gold trim . Offering for odies Old and New - $6.00 each postpaid . MISCELLANEOUS $17,900. Price does not include freight or in­ Make checks payable to "CIC -ATOS." Send stallation . Contact Wicks Organ Company, to : Ed Morris, 10315 E. 42nd Street, Indianap ­ "Wurlitzer" belt buckles . Original logo , brass 1100 Fifth Street , Highland , Illinois 62249, olis, Indiana 46236. plated, beautiful collectible and gift item . (618) 654-2191. $5.95 postpaid. Robert A. Atkins, 19 Cliff Rave reviews internationally. Your album Way, Port Washington, N.Y. 11050. 85 note Marr & Colton Tibia with 16' exten­ personally autographed. There is only One sion. Included - two offset chests. Main unit Billy Na/le. $7.00 postpaid. Billy Nalle Music , chest is extra . Good condition, painted on Personalized study of theatre organ , (theory, Suite 2205, 400 West Central Avenue, Wichi ­ three sides - $400.00. harmony, registration) by cassette tape with ta, Kansas 67203. active concert artist . Write or call Rosa Rio, 61 note Marr & Colton Diapason 4' - $100. 130 Mill Street , Huntington, Connecticut Rebuilt by Durst, excellent condition. WANTED 06484, (203) 929-1652. Everythings Coming Two Kinectic blowers - 4" & 5" static - up Rosa, stereo LP 4/ 26 organ, $6.50 post ­ Wurlitzer trumpet pipes and chest, 10" wind , best offer. paid. Beehive Chapter ATOS, Clarence E. Briggs, Other misc. parts also available . Owner re­ Sec., 1608 East Stratford Ave., Salt Lake serves the right to refuse any offer. Inquiries For Sale - Theatre Organ Bombarde 1968- City, UT 84106. Phone: (801) 467-5700. mailed to: Organ Parts, Box 2480, Burling ­ 69, THEATRE ORGAN 1970 thru 1979, all ton , N.C. 27215. copies complete, mint condition. $70 picked Blower needed for Kingston Theatre Organ up, or $90 ppd. C.W . Seager, Rt. 3, Brevard, Society 's 21-rank Kimball , at least 15 hp and Theatre organ 2 or 3 manual 10/ 15 ranks NC28712, (704) 883-3923. 18" static WP. Please phone (613) 544-1991 Wurlitzer , Moller, Morton, Kimball , Barton . soon . For donation or modest price for Baptist RECORDS church. Contact : Rev. Mickey Proctor . (305) Wanted - console name-plate from Kilgen Ayars from the Armory , featuring Lowell 431-2458 or Write to: 9250 Sterling Road, organ. Bill Floyd Sr ., 7601 Fernwood Ct., Ayars at the 3/14 Wurlitzer in Grays Armory , W . Hollywood, Florida. 4423, Richmond, VA 23228. Cleveland, Ohio. Reviewed in TO, Aug ./ 2/6 Marr & Colton theatre pipe organ, com ­ Sept . 79. $8.50 postpaid . Western Reserve pletely restored , and playing . Trumpet, Theatre Organ Society , 3911 Oakes Rd., CASTLE SERVICES PRESENTS String , Flute, Vox, Tibia, Diapason , Glock, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. The only LP on the re-built Xylophone, Harp, full toy counter , horseshoe Wiltern organ. console refinished, couplers . Asking : $5000. Collectors - Hi-Fi series George Wright En­ .. ON THE MARCH" Easy removal from home installation. Don cores at the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ . CR 0175 Reed, (413) 567-8823 or (413) 786-4938, 22 Send $8.00 each postpaid to Art Lopez, 6656 This demonstration by Del Castillo of Wheelmeadow Lane, Longmeadow, Massa­ Cleomoore Avenue , Canoga Park, California the variety of march rhythms, on the chusetts 01106. 91307. celebrated Wiltern 4/ 37 Kimball whose use has been unfortunately discon ­ tinued , is now destined to become a collector's item . The eleven selections range from two of the Elgar Pomp and Circumstance marches to Sousa's Semper Fide/is and Anderson's Phan­ TheatrePIPE ORGAN Builders tom Regiment . $7.50 postpaid from • WURLITZER REPLICA Castle Services. 2008 Preuss Rd .. Los Angeles, CA 90034. CONSOLES,WINDCHESTS, REGULA TORS, Other Del Castillo LP/available : TREMULANTS... HALF AND HALF recorded previously with the • SOLID STATE SYSTEMS original Wiltern Kimball organ on RELAVS, TR EMS ... one side and the Elks 4/ 61 Robert Morton on the other . Gorsuch PHONE: (714) 560 -4606 SALUTE TO AMERICA Enterprises,8268 CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD., a collection of stirring #302, SAN DIEGO , CA 92111 patriotic melodies, on the Inc. Koons 3/ 26 Special . (Wurlitzer) SEND FOR FREE CATALOG ( PIPE DREAMS is no t available at this time . J

FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 THEATRE ORGAN 65 May 24, 1980

NINTH ORGANFESTIVAL AND SEMINAR AT SEA

Join the fun for two fabulous weeks Fly to Fort Lauderdale and boa rd the beautiful Sitmar Flagship T.S.S. Fairwind for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to these exciting Caribbean ports and a partial transit of the Panama Canal: St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, La Guaira (Caracas) Venezuela, Aruba, Panama Canal (to Gatun Lake), San Blas Islands, and return to Port Everglades.

Organ Concerts and Seminars Conducted by: O'LYN CALLAHAN • TONY LOVISCEK • GENE ROBERSON Plus special guest JANE MALONE AND OTHERS TO BE ANNOUNCED

Combine an exciting, unforgettable ocean voyage with fabulous organ concerts and CRUISE INCLUDES seminars. Cruise with some of the country's FREE AIRFARE FROM ALL leading organists and teachers and thrill to their combined talents. MAJOR U.S. CITIES Space is limited. Reserve now!

Anne Olson/Sea Safaris

1136Loma Ave., Suite 204, Coronado, California 92118, 714 - 435-6754

66 THEATRE ORGAN FEBRUARY /MARCH 1980 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,~m~~Ti~ raharps in this century! INSTRUMENTS I NCOl,OIATE0

Call (217) 422-3247 or write Decatur Instruments, 1014 E. Olive Street, Decatur, Illinois 62526 • ue. For those that figured the price tag made buying a pipe organ out of the question, Rodgers proudly presents the answer. Two answers, in fact. The Rodgers 200. And the Rodgers 205. Both owe a good deal to early 17thand 18thcentury organ designs, with their emphasis on unity, balance and optimum performance. Both offer such features as lighted drawknobs and wooden keyboards with optional Tracker Touch. Yet since both combine pipes with electronic voices, neither costs anywhere near what all-pipe organs with the same capabilities would. And their sound is breathtaking. To prove you 're not dreaming, wouldn't you like to learn more about the Rodgers 200 and 205? For a free color brochure, write the Rodgers Organ Company, 1836N .W.Couch St., Portland, Oregon 97209, or phone 800-54 7-4903 toll free.

I A RodgersOrgan. Everything you hearis true.