ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:21 PM Page 1
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:21 PM Page 2
Everyone’s asking… ”How do you control 208 stops, couplers,
tremulants, and memory bank controls (see spec below) on a panel only 8” x 22” and still be able to easily read and use them? “The short answer . . . 3/24 Duet’s panel simply eliminates repetition.” %XW¿UVW«WKHTXLFNHVWDQGHDVLHVWZD\WRSOD\'XHWLVZLWKLWVDOUHDG\SURJUDPPHGW\SLFDO72UHJLVWUDWLRQVRQ PHPRU\EDQN:DQWWHQPRUH"3UHVVEDQN:RXOG\RXOLNHVWUDLJKWFODVVLFDOUHJLVWUDWLRQVIRUXVHLQFKXUFK DQGK\PQVLQJLQJSUHVVEDQN0HPRU\EDQNV± QRW\HWSURJUDPPHG JLYH\RXPRUHSRVVLELOLWLHV ,QWHUHVWHGLQSURJUDPPLQJ\RXURZQVHWWLQJV"6LPSOHµWHOO¶'XHWZKLFKGLYLVLRQ\RXZLVKWRUHJLVWHUE\SXVKLQJWKH FRUUHFWEOXHEXWWRQDWWKHOHIW)RUH[DPSOHWRXFKWKHEOXH³6KRZ*UHDW´EXWWRQDQGWKHZKROHSDQHO ZKLFKKDVRQH VWRSRIHYHU\WKLQJRQLW EHFRPHVWKH*UHDW'LYLVLRQZKLFK\RXFDQVHHSOD\FKDQJHDQGVDYH It’s that easy!
3124 Theatre p;pe '-''!el~'· - . ---iilll illl\\ IIUU I ·11:11 IIII II • 11111 I ... . . • I IIIIIIIII 111 •00 "' _ _ (, iiic1·111 111·, 11 : ~~111111111 . ; ;-;; •••• I ..,-...... ' ' ' . . ~-····c:::D 7· :)I 'l ·;1· ;1 ·J ") · 1;; i •,r'"' , , ... !,, . -- , 8• I · ... JIIIII . I :I - : I · ,., ,,,,,,■ iii . . ""~- Each stop toggles lightly when touched, and has an Music books may be placed over Duet’s control panel There’s always room for a 3/24 Duet on your organ. LED indicator that glows, showing the stop is “on”. and registrational changes made with the pistons. It can be placed right over your existing music desk. (Also, see our web site for alternative side mounting ideas.) Made in USA, 3/24 Duet is a new theatre organ unit that adds 24 ranks of ensemble to MIDIed instruments! Following the response to reduced introductory pricing, we’re extending our $TIMULU$ of $500 off the price, making it $3480 for orders placed by Dec. 31st. Price for the first 3 months of 2010 is $3,980. Then, who knows?
nd Great 4’ Octave Great 2 Touch 8’ Echo Chorale II 8’ Kinura Snare Drum 8’ Harmonic Tuba * Modifiers 16’ Post Horn 4’ Tibia Clausa (On organs with 2nd T.) 8’ Oboe Horn 8’ Orchestral Oboe Tambourine 8’ Open Diapason Piano to Rinkie Tink 16’ Harmonic Tuba 4’ Tibia Minor** 16’ Post Horn 8’ Quintadena 8’ Saxophone Castanets 8’ Tibia Clausa Chrys to Vibraharp 16’ Tibia Clausa 4’ Viol Celeste IV 16’ Harmonic Tuba 8’ Vox Humana** 8’ Oboe Horn Tom Tom 8’ Clarinet Damp Vibraharp 16’ Clarinet 4’ Mezzo Chorale II 8’ Tibia Clausa 4’ Octave 8’ Vox Humana** Sand Block 8’ Saxophone 16’ Saxophone 4’ Flute 8’ Clarinet 4’ Tibia Clausa 8’ Salicional Chinese Block 8’ Salicional Tremulants 16’ Salicional 3 1/5’ Tibia Clausa Solo to Great 8’ 4’ Tibia Minor* 8’ Viol Celeste IV 8’ Viol Celeste IV Main, Solo, nd 16’ Bourdon 2 2/3’ Tibia Clausa 2’ Tibia Clausa 8’ Mezzo Chorale II Acc. 2 Touch 8’ Concert Flute Tibia Clausa & 16’ Vox Humana** 2 2/3’ Twelfth Solo Cathedral Chimes 8’ Echo Chorale II (On organs with 2nd T.) 16’ Piano Tuba-Diapason 8’ Post Horn 2’ Tibia Clausa 16’ Post Horn Xylophone 8’ Quintadena 8’ Post Horn Accomp to Pedal 8’ 8’ Brass Trumpet 2’ Fifteenth IV 16’ Brass Trumpet Glockenspiel 8’ Concert Flute 8’ Harmonic Tuba Great to Pedal 8’ ** Bonus Ranks trem’d 8’ Harmonic Tuba 2’ Piccolo 16’ Harmonic Tuba Orchestra Bells 4’ Octave 8’ Tibia Clausa Solo to Pedal 8’ Tibia Minor (Bart/ Wurl) 8’ Open Diapason 1 3/5’ Tierce 16’ Open Diapason Great to Solo 16’ 4’ Tibia Clausa 8’ Clarinet Bass Drum Vox Hum. (Bart/ Wurl 8’ Horn Diapason 1’ Fife 16’ Tibia Clausa Great to Solo 8’ 4’ Tibia Minor** Marimba (rpt) Kick Drum 8’ Tibia Clausa 16’ Piano* 16’ Clarinet Great to Solo 5 1/3’ 4’ Viol Celeste IV Cathedral Chimes Snare Drum Combinations 8’ Tibia Minor** 8’ Piano* 16’ Saxophone Great to Solo 4’ 4’ Mezzo Chorale II Xylophone (rpt) Cymbal 1 10 general pistons 8’ Clarinet 4’ Piano* 16’ Salicional Great to Solo 3 1/5’ 4’ Vox Humana* Glockenspiel Cymbal 2 10 memory banks 8’ Kinura Harp 8’ Post Horn 4' Flute Sleigh Bells Pedal traps 2nd touch 8’ Orchestral Oboe Marimba 8’ Brass Trumpet Accompaniment 2 2/3’ Twelfth Triangle (On organs with 2nd T.) Toys (right pistons) 8’ Saxophone Cathedral Chimes 8’ Harmonic Tuba 16’ Viol Celeste IV 2’ Piccolo Solo to Accomp 8’ Aooga, Bell, Whistle, 8’ Vox Humana** Xylophone 8’ Open Diapason 16’ Bourdon 8’ Piano* Horse, Bird, Phone 8’ Salicional Chrysoglott* 8’ Horn Diapason 16’ Vox Humana* 4’ Piano* Pedal Siren & Gong 8’ Viol Celeste IV Glockenspiel 8’ Tibia Clausa 8’ Post Horn Harp 32’ Diaphone 8’ Mezzo Chorale II Orchestra Bells 8’ Tibia Minor** 8’ Harmonic Tuba Marimba 16’ Open Diapason 8’ Echo Chorale II Sleigh Bells 8’ Clarinet 8’ Open Diapason Chrysoglott* 16’ Salicional 8’ Quintadena Sub 16’ 8’ Kinura 8’ Horn Diapason Sleigh Bells 16’ Harmonic Tuba 8’ Concert Flute Unison Off 8’ Orchestral Oboe 8’ Tibia Clausa Octave 4’ Coupler 16’ Tibia Clausa 5 1/3’ Tibia Clausa Octave 4’ 8’ Saxophone 8’ Tibia Minor** Solo to Accomp 8’ 16’ Bourdon 4’ Clarion 8’ Salicional 8’ Clarinet Solo Pizzicato 8’ Post Horn See inside cover of Sept/Oct “Theatre Organ” for more info or check www.MIDIConcepts.com for continuing updates.
Interested in more info and hearing ‘Duet?” MIDI Concepts 6HQG UHIXQGDEOHZSXUFKDVH IRUJUHDW&'V www.MIDIConcepts.com E\$UWLVW'DOH=LHJHU GHPRE\&XUW:ROIDQJHUWR MIDI Concepts – 6N534 Glendale Road – Medinah, IL 60157 (630) 893-5383 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 1
THEATRE ORGAN NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 Volume 51 | Number 6
FEATURES A Desert Wind in the 20 Pipes of the Mighty Wurlitzer Treasures of the 29 Western Reserve The Dorm Room 40 Organ The Isle of Man Project: 42 Part II
DEPARTMENTS
4 Vox Humana 5 Headquarters 7 Letters 8 News & Notes 26 Professional Perspectives 45 Ex Libris 46 For the Records 50 Chapter News 60 Meeting Minutes Exterior of the Cleveland Grays Armory (Photo by Richard Neidich) 64 Around the Circuit 67 Obituaries On the Cover: The 2009 annual convention in Cleveland featured a number of notable instruments, including the fine Kimball installed in the Palace Theatre (Photo by Richard Neidich). For Robert Ridgeway’s complete review of the convention events, please turn to page 29.
THEATRE ORGAN (ISSN 0040-5531) is published bimonthly by the American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., 7800 Laguna Vega Drive, Elk Grove, California 95758. Periodicals Postage Paid at Elk Grove, California and at additional mailing offices. Annual subscription of $33.00 paid from members’ dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THEATRE ORGAN, c/o ATOS Membership Office, P.O. Box 5327, Fullerton, California 92838, [email protected].
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 1 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 2
Fr. Andrew ~'~!ll / ·-':; tk~ -, ---~ JACKJACKJACK MOELMANNMOELMANNMOELMANN Rogers .'' ·- ~I - ___ -_ -_ / .. d,.__ A ,, ~ P.O. Box 25165 ~/ ~ - .__...... -~,. Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-0165 Concerts ✓~ Phone: 618-632-8455 Silent Films . __ Fax: 618-632-8456 1 - f, Cell: 618-558-8455 E-mail: [email protected] (810) 875-0061 'I -.;••• www.JackMoelmann.com rogersconce-:[email protected] : •••-
The Diapason celebrates its 100th anniversary with a special commemorative issue, December, 2009. The issue features tributes on the occasion and reflections on the last 100 years of the organ. Also included is a reproduction of Volume 1, Number 1 of The Diapason from December, 1909. www.atos.org New Release Featuring Scott Foppiano Copies of this special issue of 2007 ATOS Organist of the Year The Diapason are available for six Beyond the Blue Horizon dollars ($6.00). Contact editor Articles and Features Jerome Butera, The Diapason, 3030 Added Regularly For a complete list of exciting CIC-ATOS West Salt Creek Lane, Suite 201, Calendar of Events recordings including the artistry of Ken Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005; and Submissions Double, Simon Gledhill, and Jelani Eddington 847-391-1045; [email protected]; visit www.cicatos.org or contact CIC-ATOS www.TheDiapason.com Theatre Organ Locator Recordings c/o Mike Rolfe, 1431 N. Audubon Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46219.
AMICA Have you INTERNATIONAL (AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION) remembered the Dedicated to preserving, restoring & enjoying Mechanical Musical Instruments like Player & Reproducing Pianos, Organs, etc. ATOS A gathering place for those who enjoy music, friendship & fun! ANNUAL CONVENTION ! LOCAL CHAPTERS Endowment For a free issue of the AMICA Bulletin & Information Contact: Bill Chapman • #760-564-2951 [email protected] – (AMICA in subject) Fund To find out more visit us at WWW.AMICA.ORG JOIN US AND HELP THE HOBBY GROW! in your will or trust?
ESTABLISHED 1963 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
2 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 3
Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society Library of Congress Catalog Number ML 1T 334 (ISSN 0040-5531) Printed in U.S.A. NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 Volume 51 | Number 6
THEATRE ORGAN EDITORIAL OFFICE PUBLICATIONS REVIEW ELECTRONIC ORGANS (ETONES) WEBSITE (www.atos.org) 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905 Donna Parker (see above at Publisher) Bucky Reddish Tom Blackwell Chicago, Illinois 60616 Jeff Weiler (see above at Journal 5370 Vinings Lake View Drive 9717 Dayton Avenue North Voice/Fax 312-842-7475 Advertising) Mableton, Georgia 30126 Seattle, Washington 98103 [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITORS [email protected] 206-784-9203 206-778-2724 mobile CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AROUND THE CIRCUIT Dave Luttinen ENDOWMENT FUND [email protected] Colonel Mike Hartley (Ret.) MUSIC Steven Ball John DeMajo 17 Whippoorwill Drive REVIEWS Andy Antonczyk, 6001 Statute Street Palm Coast, Florida 32164 Stanley D. Hightower Chesterfield, Virginia 23822 386-445-7562 PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES 504-858-7689 [email protected] Edward M. Stout III [email protected] WURLITZER RARITIES Ron Mitchell ATOS MISSION STATEMENT—The Ameri- VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD INNER-CITY YOUTH/SCHOOLS PROGRAM can Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) is Craig Peterson CORPORATE OFFICE Jack Moelmann (see above at Awards the leading international organization 7800 Laguna Vega Drive American Theatre Organ Society, Inc. & Recognition) Elk Grove, California 95758 7800 Laguna Vega Drive pursuing a positive difference in con- 916-682-9699 Elk Grove, California 95758 MENTOR PROGRAM serving and promoting the theatre pipe [email protected] Donna Parker (see above at Publisher) organ and its music, preserving original DESIGN & TYPESETTING instruments where possible. We provide SECRETARY NOMINATIONS—BOARD ELECTION Sleeping Giant Creative support and guidance to all ATOS Bob Evans Indianapolis, Indiana Bill Carr 798 Old Warren Road 11815 North 77th Drive chapters and others, with promotional Swansea, Massachusetts 02777 PRINTING & MAILING Peoria, Arizona 85345 and educational opportunities to both Voice/Fax 508-674-0276 Johnson Press of America 623-694-1746 those within the Society, and to the [email protected] Pontiac, Illinois [email protected] public worldwide through the Internet, publications, conventions, and per- TREASURER ATOS COMMITTEES & CHAIRS ORGANIST SCHOLARSHIPS Paul Van Der Molen sonal contact. We are passionately ACQUISITIONS & EXPANSIONS Susan Cole-Shaw (see above at devoted to providing professional 0 N 468 Willow Road Amateur Theatre Organist Competition) Wheaton, Illinois 60187 Ken Double (see above at President leadership and resources so the theatre 630-653-4986 & CEO) PIPE PIPER pipe organ will thrive in the 21st century. Fax 630-653-4987 AMATEUR THEATRE ORGANIST Jonathan Ortloff [email protected] COMPETITION 141 Church Street #1 Keene, New Hampshire 03431 DIRECTORS (current term) Susan Cole-Shaw THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. P.O. Box 653 518-572-8397 David Barnett (2010) Patent Office) is the official publication Mount Dora, Florida 32756 [email protected] Jelani Eddington (2010) of the American Theatre Organ 352-383-6875 PUBLIC RELATIONS Allen Miller (2010) Society, Inc. (ATOS), a non-profit John Apple (2011) [email protected] Donna Parker (see above at Publisher) Colonel Mike Hartley (see above at organization. © 2009 American Theatre John DeMajo (2011) RESTORATION & PRESERVATION Chairman of the Board) Organ Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Bucky Reddish (2011) Allen Miller Jack Moelmann (2012) Annual membership in the American ARCHIVE & LIBRARY 167 Carriage Drive Theatre Organ Society is $40.00 per Donna Parker (2012) Jim Patak Glastonbury, Connecticut 06033 Doug Powers (2012) year ($55.00 outside of the U.S.A.), Rialto Square 860-633-5710 which includes six issues of THEATRE YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE 5 East Van Buren Street, Suite 210 Fax 860-633-7230 ORGAN. Make check or money order TO THE BOARD Joliet, Illinois 60432 [email protected] Tyler Morkin 708-562-8538 payable to ATOS and mail to the SIMONTON LITERARY PRIZE 1240 East Broomfield Street, Apt 00-8 [email protected] ATOS Membership Office, P.O. Box Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 Jelani Eddington (see above at Bylaws) 5327, Fullerton, California 92838, 906-367-1454 ARCHIVAL LIAISON Donna Parker (see above at Publisher) [email protected]. MasterCard Jeff Weiler (see above at Journal [email protected] STRATEGIC PLANNING and VISA are accepted. Advertising) PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Powers Single copies of current and back issues Ken Double AROUND THE CIRCUIT 3323 Belvoir Boulevard are available for $6.00 each (please 5705 80th Street North Dave Luttinen Beachwood, Ohio 44122 add $3.00 per issue sent outside of the St. Petersburg, Florida 33709 4710 225th Place SW 216-401-9671 U.S.A.). Make check or money order 281-798-6205 Mountlake Terrace, Washington 98043 [email protected] payable to ATOS and mail with your [email protected] 425-678-8813 TECHNICAL order to ATOS Marketplace, Dennis [email protected] JOURNAL ADVERTISING Allen Miller (see above at Restoration Unks, 4002 Westbury Ridge Drive, Erie, Jeff Weiler AWARDS & RECOGNITION & Preservation) Pennsylvania 16506. 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905 Jack Moelmann TECHNICAL CONSULTATION PROGRAM Chicago, Illinois 60616 P.O. Box 25165 Allen Miller (see above at Restoration Voice/Fax 312-842-7475 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225 & Preservation) [email protected] 618-632-8455 Opinions expressed in articles and Fax 618-632-8456 DAVID L. JUNCHEN TECHNICAL ATOS MARKETPLACE [email protected] SCHOLARSHIP advertisements appearing in THEATRE Dennis Unks Allen Miller (see above at Restoration ORGAN are not necessarily those 4002 Westbury Ridge Drive BYLAWS & Preservation) of the American Theatre Organ Society Erie, Pennsylvania 16506 Jelani Eddington or the Editor. ATOS is not responsible 814-838-8794 1706 West Palomino Drive YOUNG THEATRE ORGANIST COMPETITION for omissions or errors that result Fax 440-338-5651 Racine, Wisconsin 53402 Jelani Eddington (see above at Bylaws) from misrepresentation of information [email protected] 262-639-8788 Donna Parker (see above at Publisher) provided. Advertisers and their agents MEMBERSHIP/EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Fax 262-639-8242 YOUTH INITIATIVES: assume all liability for advertising con- Jim Merry CHAPTER RELATIONS GEORGE WRIGHT MEMORIAL tent. Advertisements in THEATRE ORGAN P.O. Box 5327 Craig Peterson (see above at Vice FELLOWSHIP do not constitute an endorsement by Fullerton, California 92838 Chairman of the Board) THEATRE ORGAN INSTRUCTOR ATOS or the Editor of goods or services Voice/Fax 714-773-4354 & STUDENT LISTS offered. The Editorial Office reserves the CONVENTION PLANNING [email protected] Jelani Eddington (see above at Bylaws) right to accept, reject, or edit any and Mike Kinerk all submitted articles and advertising. JOURNAL STAFF 2655 Pine Tree Drive THEATRE ORGAN STUDENT OF THE YEAR Article submissions: We are pleased to EDITOR Jeff Weiler (see above at Miami Beach, Florida 33140 Tyler Morkin (see above at Youth Journal Advertising) 305-532-9000 Representative) accept manuscripts for review. Contact CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Fax 305-376-3679 the Editor, Jeff Weiler ([email protected], Vern Bickel, Jonathan Ortloff, THEATRE ORGAN WORKSHOPS [email protected] 312-842-7475) to discuss length and Scott Smith Jonas Nordwall content. PUBLISHER Donna Parker EDUCATION 7221 SW 13th Reproduction: No part of THEATRE P.O. Box 6103 Jelani Eddington (see above at Bylaws) Portland, Oregon 97219 ORGAN may be reproduced in any Aloha, Oregon 97007 Donna Parker (see above at Publisher) 503-246-7262 form by any means without prior written 503-642-7009 [email protected] consent from ATOS. For additional Fax 503-530-8610 reprint information, please contact [email protected] Jeff Weiler, THEATRE ORGAN Editorial Office, 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905, Chicago, Illinois 60616, [email protected].
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 3 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 4
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It seems that even as the Dow begins were well rewarded. In this issue, Robert to show some signs of revitalization, other Ridgeway recounts his days at the annual economic indicators continue to give us ATOS convention, leading us through a pause almost on a daily basis. It comes as very successful string of programs with his no surprise that the entire organ com- usual insight and thoroughness. And don’t As the holidays munity has been affected; churches, miss the stunning photographs captured universities, and concert halls—the tra- by Richard Neidich! draw close, we ditional “safe spaces” for pipe organs— It seems that the eyes of the organ have much for struggle under enormous financial world were set upon Ohio this year as it obligations. These circumstances have played host to the Organ Historical which to be been felt in theatre organ circles, too, as Society and the American Institute of the costs of mounting public presentations Organbuilders, as well as ATOS. All three thankful. and organ restoration rise. And given the were rip-roaring successes. And for that changes in cultural tastes and social we truly can be thankful. patterns, it’s easy to feel that we’ve been Greetings of the season, hit by a double whammy. —Jeff Weiler, Editor Yet there’s exciting news to report. Some interesting projects—large and small—proceed unhindered, others are planned, research continues, recordings are released, programs presented, and conventions continue to draw well and generate good profits. Producing a convention takes a staggering amount of work. Although there may have been a bit of trepidation regarding attendance as our recent gathering in Cleveland drew near, the efforts of the Western Reserve chapter
Season’s greetings! From: Jeff Editor Editorial Office Joanne Administrative Assistant Dannielle Designer Farny Wurlitzer sent this Christmas card depicting the rose garden of his Kenmore, New York home in the early 1960s.
4 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 5
Forming the Partnerships That Make Fundraising Work
Greetings from St. Petersburg, Florida, shall be earmarked for ATOS, and this legacy gift could underwrite scholarships, and where, oh where, did this year go? donor has indicated these funds shall be fund complete installations, provide the Before I get into the meat and potatoes unrestricted, available for ATOS to use as dollars for marketing and promotion that of my message, let me offer a reminder it would best suit the organization’s needs could help spread the word about ATOS, about an opportunity to hear one of the at the time the monies become available. and so much more. These first two dona- most wonderful and fun sounds in all of On behalf of the membership of ATOS, tions have helped to set the stage for the theatre organ—Big Bertha, the Mighty Chairman Mike Hartley, and the entire future, and I hope they will encourage Wurlitzer at the Alabama Theatre. Our board and staff, we humbly say thank you more of our membership to think about friends at the Alabama chapter are to these two individuals. We hope they are ATOS in their estate plan. preparing a wonderful regional convention smiling as they read this, knowing the This effort is ongoing and demands right after Thanksgiving, and I hope you impact they will have on ATOS. careful planning, a respectful approach, are planning to attend. There is regis- Secondly, the significance of these two months and years of development, and a tration information in this issue, as well as gifts cannot be stated strongly enough. great deal of trust. Donors have a right to full details at the new and improved ATOS Combined, estimating normal market con- ask questions about future programs and website. Southern hospitality, Alabama ditions, these gifts represent potentially how their gifts will be used by ATOS. And style. It will be a great event, and it’s right hundreds of thousands of dollars. The our organization must be prepared to around the corner. Leftover turkey? Bring announcements come just a bit more than follow though completely and correctly so it with you to Birmingham! one year into the ATOS board of directors’ the trust earned is well rewarded. I am pleased to make not one, but two, initiatives to move more strongly into a My duties as President and CEO allow very special announcements. Some of you program of fundraising with the creation me to wear many hats for ATOS. The may have seen this mentioned on the of the CEO position and the fundraising fundraising hat is challenging, but so website, but for those of you (and there are committee. rewarding. My sincere hope is that, like many) not of the computer age, our These two anonymous donors highlight the conversations over many, many months fundraising efforts have received some what I have believed for many years— with these first two individuals, I can meet tremendous support from two new sources. ATOS has a passionate membership that with more and more of you to discuss how In early September, an anonymous donor has an interest in the long-range devel- your legacy gifts can guarantee the future informed ATOS of his desire to set aside opment of the music of the theatre organ, for ATOS and the music we so dearly love. 15% of his estate for ATOS. This will be a and a heartfelt interest in expanding our Thank you to two special individuals. sizeable amount of money—possibly well art form. Furthermore, I truly believe there For those interested, do not hesitate to into six figures, depending upon future are many individuals who might be in a contact me. For those who I know should market conditions. The final determination position to offer similar gifts. These gifts be interested, don’t be surprised when you of the specific allocation—be it the ATOS do not have to be 15% of an estate. As one hear from me (written with a wink and a general fund, the Endowment Fund, Youth might wish to remember family, church, smile). Initiatives, scholarships, etc.—will be university, and charitable organizations in Have wonderful holidays. Our next made soon. an estate, carving out 5% of these entities meeting in this forum will welcome the Meanwhile, just a few short weeks after to make room for a gift for ATOS would not New Year and all it has to offer. Hope to receiving that good news, ATOS received a diminish those other gifts seriously, and see you in Birmingham, and wishing you second announcement from another would be most helpful to ATOS. At the all the best! anonymous donor. And again, this indi- same time, I know there are those whose —Ken Double vidual has specified 15% of his estate life is dedicated to the theatre organ. A
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 5 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 6
ATOS Memberships Make Great Gifts! Jim Merry, Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 5327, Fullerton, California 92838, [email protected], www.atos.org
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LIMITED EDITION DVD/CD •io'@ Includes Shipping to Continental US! WWW. TEX.ASTALKIES.COM------....-~ ...... The Red, White and Blue Ragtime Revue is a collaboration of two incredible musicians. It all started during an informal jam session in Wichita, KS. Organist Dave Wickerham was the featured artist at the concert. Ragtime pianist, Dick Kroeckel was in the audience. By pure coincidence, Dick was seated at the grand piano and Dave sat down at the Little River Studio Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. Within a very few moments they had melded their talents. This resulted in the booking of the concert in McKinney, Texas. Inside the DVD case, you'll find a booklet with biographies on the pair, information about the MPAC Mighty Wurlitzer as well as other trivia about the performance. TRACKS INCLUDE: Repasz Band March, The Entertainer, Memphis Blues, Kiss of Fire (Tango), Tempation Rag, 12th Street Rag, Medley: Easy Rider/ Yellow Dog Blues, Original Rags, Maple Leaf Rag, Frankie & Johnny, Scandal Walk, "Chicago" Medley: Overture/ All That Jazz/ Mama, Pineapple Rag, Medley: Dallas © 2008Texas Talkies Media Blues/ Houston Blues, Tiger Rag, Missouri Waltz, The Sheik of Araby, The Chrysanthemum Rag, ProductionCompany, LLC. "Red, White & Blue" Medley: Yankee Doodle/ Grand Ole Flag/ Yankee Doodle Dandy/ Stars & P. 0. BOX 2 l 4 1l Stripes Forever, Medley: Charleston/ Doin' The Raccoon Waco, Texas 76702
6 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:29 PM Page 7
Radio City Music Hall Minnesota Public Radio, 75th Anniversary Mystery! Fitzgerald Theatre, Musicians to Through the courtesy of a long standing ATOS friend Collaborate in Wurlitzer Series in Mesa, I was able to obtain a copy of the double DVD Minnesota Public Radio announces The Indie Artist Residency: A distributed by Time Life Magazine entitled Radio City Study of The Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, A Yearlong Program, Christmas Spectacular. The DVD visual and audio pro- with multiple performances and outreach collaboration with duction values are without question, but I was amazed classical MPR, The Current, and the Fitzgerald Theatre. to see in the list of credits the name of the organ tuner, The Fitzgerald Theatre is home to a three-manual, 21-rank together with organists George Wesner and Fred Davies. Mighty Wurlitzer donated by Pat McGuire. The Fitzgerald has been Did any ATOS member get tickets for the 75th the steward of the instrument since its renovation in 1986 and is anniversary Christmas show, and did the organ and very proud to present it as part of its cultural offerings. The talent organists actually feature in the production? If so, their of performing at a theatre organ is considered by some a dying contributions were edited out! art form. My singular disappointment in acquiring the DVD Twin Cities theatre organist Mike Grandchamp is working with doesn’t end there. The bonus DVD is titled Diamond Minnesota Public Radio to help young musicians to see the “old” on the Rock and is very informative, but it tends to instrument in a new light. This unusual pairing between classical concentrate a lot on the Rockettes. The organ? Prepare Minnesota Public Radio and The Current will serve as an incubator to see three fleeting split-second glimpses of the organ of creativity and talent that could create a new genre of theatre organ manuals in close up, and a brief mention by an aging music. Mr. Grandchamp will work with two local musicians, deVon Rockette of the “wonderful organ.” Gray and Alicia Wiley, who want to learn more about the great art Incidentally, if you want a copy of the DVD it of performing at the king of instruments. The resident artists will appears that Time Life will not sell to anyone who is not learn the mechanics and history of the instrument and take part a US citizen…hence enlisting the help of my friend. in accompaniment of film and other stage activities throughout [Ed. Note: It appears the DVD of the 75th anniver- the year. sary Christmas show is available to be sent to non-U.S. Mike Grandchamp is a veteran musical performer and recording addresses from the Radio City Music Hall website: artist. His credits include performances at the pipe organ of the http://radiocity.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?pc= Fitzgerald Theatre, engagements in Twin City area supper clubs, 6RCD02] and several years as the featured entertainer at the theatre pipe —Alan Ashton organ at Cicero’s, a restaurant in Edina. Saint Paul native deVon Gray is a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a conductor, and a hip-hop producer. Gray is a member of the hip-hop band Heiruspecs, which gets frequent air play on radio stations like The Current. Gray is also active in the classical music scene. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music and continues to pursue classical music opportunities in the Twin Cities. Alicia Wiley’s command of the piano, her voice, and the art of songwriting have earned her a respected place in the Twin Cities zo !!10~!1music scene. Trained in both classical and jazz styles, Wiley draws inspiration from a broad spectrum of musical eras, and her music ~ -c"c~~I Services can be heard on The Current. She has been honored with three ·~ t • t Minnesota Music Awards: Best Self-Released Recording and Best •Installation • Restoration Female Vocalist (2004) and Best Keyboardist/Pianist (2006). Wiley •Service & Tonal Finishing—at its best is a graduate of McNally Smith College and is currently working on •Expert Installation of Relay Systems her fourth studio album. The Fitzgerald Theatre is committed to programming that reflects Century II Exhibition Hall, 4/38 Wurlitzer, Wichita, KS Little River Studio—Coup Residence, 4/19 Wurlitzer, Wichita, KS the audience and mission of Minnesota Public Radio. This 1,000- Wurlitzer Manor, 4/48 Wurlitzer, Gig Harbor, WA seat theatre acts as MPR’s largest broadcast studio, with airwaves Washington Center for Performing Arts, 3/22 Wurlitzer, Olympia, WA Aveni Residence, 4/60 Wurlitzer, Gates Mills, OH reaching millions of people tuned in to A Prairie Home Companion. Peery's Egyptian Theatre, 3/23 Wurlitzer, Ogden, UT Our staged productions commission authors, artists, and radio hosts Holdgreve Residence, 3/21 Wurlitzer, Colorado Springs, CO to create intellectually stimulating programs that delight and Burnett Residence, 3/18 Kimball, Halstead, KS Markworth Residence, 3/24 Kimball/Wurlitzer, Omaha, NE enlighten our vast public radio community. Our programs serve Ed Zollman • 3310 Forest Ridge, Wichita, KS 67205 extended communities through the reach of MPR events that are 316-729-6860 • [email protected] on-stage, on-line, and on-air. The Fitzgerald is Saint Paul’s oldest www.zollmanpipeorgans.com theatre and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2010.
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ATOS ANNOUNCES THE ATOS ANNOUNCES THE 2010 GEORGE WRIGHT POSITION OF YOUTH MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP REPRESENTATIVE TO THE A program to bring a young person to the ATOS annual convention to be held in Seattle, Washington BOARD and surrounding areas June 29–July 3, 2010. A program to encourage dialogue and exchange of ideas The George Wright Memorial Fellowship has been between our young members and the ATOS board. established to pay for an interested young person between The position of ATOS Youth Representative to the board has been the ages of 15 and 24 to attend his or her first ATOS annual established to encourage a two-way avenue for dialogue and the expression convention. ATOS will pay the convention registration fee, of ideas from a youth perspective. The Youth Representative will serve on jam session fee(s), hotel, economy round-trip airfare, and the ATOS board of directors for the two-year period from 2010–2012 and the cost of the banquet for the winner. should be involved in as many ATOS events as possible. The position is All young people interested in applying for this fel- available to young persons between the ages of 15 and 24. lowship should request an application today by contacting ATOS will cover the approved costs associated with attending events Jelani Eddington, ATOS Youth Initiatives chair, 1706 West such as the annual convention and any mid-year board meetings the Youth Palamino Drive, Racine, Wisconsin, 53402, or by Representative is required to attend. downloading the forms online from the ATOS website, All young people interested in applying for this position should request www.atos.org. If you know of a young person who might be an application today by contacting Jelani Eddington, ATOS Youth interested, please have him or her fill out an application Initiatives chair, 1706 West Palamino Drive, Racine, Wisconsin 53402. today. The application forms may also be downloaded from the ATOS website, All applications must be completed and postmarked www.atos.org. If you know of a young person who might be interested in no later than March 1, 2010. Applications must be serving ATOS in this capacity, please have him or her send for an submitted by Certified Mail, Return Receipt. application today. Be sure to include your mailing address. For more information, please contact Jelani Eddington All applications must be completed and postmarked no later than at the address listed above or by e-mail at March 1, 2010. Applications must be submitted by Certified Mail, [email protected]. Return Receipt. For more information or for general inquiries, please contact Jelani Eddington at the address listed above, by e-mail at [email protected], or at 262-639-8788.
WELCOME NEW Craig Keller, Lilyfield, Australia Kevin Rose, Omaha, Nebraska Nelson Koeppel, Cheekowaga, New York Carolyn Schroeder, DeWitt, Nebraska MEMBERS Kenneth B. Koswener, Mahopac, New Tim Stephens, Atlanta, Georgia York John Strate, Murray City, Utah July 18 to September 19, 2009 Bob Kroepel, New Durham, Nevada James Swinehart, Akron, Ohio Mark and Mary Aulman, Woodland, Carol Lautenschleger, Strasburg, Ohio Jon Thorwaldson, Glendale, Arkansas California Norman Lundin, Flagstaff, Arizona Butch Tigner, Greenville, Georgia Brian and Shirley Bild, St. Louis, Missouri John Malone, Turlock, California Keith Addison Tyler, Long Beach, Joseph Calverley, Brantford, Canada Peter F. McDonnell, Key West, Florida California Charlie Clayton, Matthews, North Brian D. Miller, Louisburg, North June and Ken Vail, Easton, Pennsylvania Carolina Carolina Lon Vanderveer, Phoenix, Arkansas James Coats, Birmington, Alabama Thomas Mustachio, Wayne, New Jersey Harold L. Wade, Houston, Texas Chuck Crawley, Hollywood, Florida David Nelms, Monroe, North Carolina Bernadette Wagner, Champaign, Illinois Carroll Eddleman, Hoschton, Georgia Paul Parker, Chesapeake, Virginia Darron Walsh, Las Vegas, New Hampshire Alan Edgar, Carnmoney, United Kingdom Richard and Linda Parton, Fullerton, Douglas H. Weakley, Glendora, California Don Erhardt, Chesterfield, Missouri California Barbie Weisserman, Farmington Hills, Michael Fisher, Redford Township, Robert A. Raymond, Jr., Salisbury, North Michigan Michigan Carolina Phillip E. Woodwell, Land O Lakes, John Goettee, Jr., New Windsor, Maryland Lawrence R. Requa, St. Petersberg, Florida William R. Hartig, Yardville, New Jersey Florida Heath Wooster, Burwood, Australia M. D. Holmberg II, Marion, Texas Roy C. Rhinehart, Jr., Kissimmee, Florida Steve Jarvis, Portland, Oregon David Ritch, Gastonia, North Carolina Charles Karayan, Burbank, California
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OPENING OF NOMINATIONS FOR AMATEUR THEATRE THE 2010 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ORGANIST COMPETITION It is time to nominate candidates to fill theatre organ experience, a short platform three (3) positions for ATOS directors for statement, an evening/weekend telephone RESULTS the three-year term of 2010 to 2013. All number, and a photo. Statements exceed- The ATOS Amateur Theatre Organist ATOS members who have maintained ing the 150-word limit will disqualify the Competition committee (Susan Cole and continuous membership in good standing candidate. The nominee’s name, city/state Mike Hartley, co-chairs) is very pleased for at least the last two years are eligible of residence, contact telephone number, to announce the winners of this year’s for nomination and may nominate them- fax number, or e-mail address are not to be competition. They are as follows: John selves or be nominated by another member included in the word count. Steen (Texas), Peter Ruston (England), and in good standing, in which case written 2. Candidate résumés and photo are David Burud (Illinois). Congratulations to consent of the nominee is mandatory and to be sent to the Nominating Committee all! They will receive award certificates, an must be received before the nominee’s chair. It is strongly recommended that hour private lesson from Chris Elliot (one name can be placed on the ballot. nominations be sent via “return receipt” of our convention artists), and an oppor- A nominee need have no special talent or similar mail class if international. tunity to perform a 15-minute mini-concert or experience in pipe organ technology Nominations may also be sent digitally; in the Allen Organ room. We want to thank or musicianship; however, nominees however, the sender MUST verify receipt Chris Elliot for volunteering his time and should have a demonstrated interest in of the nomination by the chair. The his instructional expertise. Many thanks ATOS and have the time to work toward postmark deadline is January 15, 2010. also to Joel Hurley and Allen Organ the goals and growth of the society. While 3. We will use a separate mailing of Company for their continued support of this there are benefits enjoyed by directors, one ballots and résumés of the candidates. ATOS event. of which is the reimbursement of certain While this method is costly, we hope that it All entrants in the competition received meeting-related expenses, there are also will encourage members to vote for the detailed comments and critiques from our responsibilities. Along with a willingness candidates of their choice, thus demon- three judges (Jim Riggs, Rob Richards, and to participate in the administrative affairs strating their interest in and support of Ron Rhode), which are most valuable. This of the society, it is most important that ATOS and its objectives. is probably the most important factor and directors faithfully attend both board and 4. If you have questions, please contact reason for entering the competition. The committee meetings. the Nominating Committee chair: committee wishes to extend our utmost The ATOS board usually meets twice a Bill Carr gratitude and appreciative thanks to our year, the first being just prior to the annual 11815 North 77th Drive judges this year for their valuable time and convention, usually in the summer, and Peoria, Arizona 85345 excellent comments! again in mid-year, usually sometime in late 623-694-1746 Last, but by far not least, thanks go to January. Attendance of all directors is [email protected] Doug Powers for arranging and scheduling necessary if the decisions and actions of 5. Counting words: the competition on the convention agenda. the board are to be truly responsive to the a) Name, city, and state in the Our heartfelt thanks go to Wayne Tilschner, membership. In addition, directors chair heading do not count. who really did the bulk of the committee’s and/or serve on one or more committees b) Hyphenated words count as one work, and Lydia Hartley for her computer providing valuable input to the board. The (1) word (e.g. vice-president, two-term…). expertise and time in assisting us. chairs of the committees are responsible c) Articles and prepositions count The committee was very pleased with for submitting a written report of their [the organ caretaker = three (3) words, an the response to the competition this year, activities and recommendations prior to avid lover of theatre organ = six (6) words]. and we wish to encourage amateur theatre the meetings of the board. d) ATOS = one (1) word, MCTOS = organists over age 25 to enter the The board is currently taking action on one (1) word. American Theatre Organ competition in 2010. Quoting one of this several exciting programs that should Society = four (4) words. year’s entrants, “It was a lot of fun.” increase public awareness of ATOS and set e) Abbreviations count as one (1) —Susan Cole and Mike Hartley, co-chairs a course for the future. This is a great time word (Asst., Mrs.). Amateur Theatre Organist Competition Committee to become involved in the work of ATOS. f) Numbers count as a word [26 = Procedure to be observed in the nom- one (1) word, 5 = one (1) word]. ination process is as follows: 1. Each nominee shall furnish a state- ment, not to exceed 150 (one hundred fifty) words, including the name and city/state of residence, personal data, work and
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YOUTH CORNER Are you involved in any technical aspects of How did you like your overall experience at the theatre organ? I’m mostly involved with the camp? I loved it. I really enjoyed the BY TYLER MORKIN ATOS has reached a pivotal moment in playing. I would like to be more involved in first one; however, the most recent one its history, as it embarks on a path to other aspects, however. seemed even more polished and well put together. I’m really happy about the way maintain the prominence and future of an Have you attended any Summer Youth things have turned out. I’m also looking American art form. Now, more than ever, Camps offered by ATOS? Yes. I attended the forward to the upcoming technical camp. youth initiatives are at the forefront of one in Phoenix this year and the one in ushering in a new generation of enthusiasts Chicago last year. As a final question, what do you think ATOS to further the art form that we hold so dear. can do to help promote the theatre organ to How did you like your overall experience at A large part of this effort has been the the younger audience? I think the main the camp? The one in Phoenix was very ATOS Summer Youth Camp. The 2009 thing is that ATOS needs to start doing is inspiring. We talked about arranging and camp marks the third year of one of the most more integration of the organ with other registration, as well as using theatre organ successful youth-oriented programs our things, such as theatre organ and orchestra, with other instruments. The youth camp organization has sponsored. By now, most of dancing, and theatrics. I’m doing a concert instructors are all forward-looking. the students are nearing the end of another in November, collaborating with a local academic semester. The summer camp As a final question, what do you think ATOS dance team here in Portland. I think that faculty and coordinators are also busy can do to help promote the theatre organ theatre organ enthusiasts are an isolated concertizing and planning next year’s camp. to the younger audience? ATOS should crowd. The primary consideration is to Now that three successful ATOS summer continue promoting theatre organ with other expand the instrument to more people in camps have been completed, it is clear from instruments. Expanding the music reper- ways we haven’t used the instrument before. the students that our labors have borne fruit. toire to include modern music is also Rather than attempt to summarize the important. I do like the music of the ’20s DAN ROMERO students’ reactions, I thought it best to have and ’30s, but expanding the repertoire is Age 28, from Barnstable, Massachusetts the students relate their experiences very important to attract young people. More directly, in their own words. I talked with media publicity would also be helpful. How long have you been interested in theatre three individuals who attended the most organs? I have been interested since I was recent Summer Youth Camp. Here is what NATHAN AVAKIAN a teenager. I’ve gotten more seriously they have to say about the camp and their Age 18, from Portland, Oregon interested in recent years. theatre organ studies in general. How long have you been interested in theatre How did you first become interested in these JESSICA TOMLINSON organs? I became interested in theatre instruments? I was studying classical organ organs when I was four years old. I started at age 12. I had heard about theatre organs Age 24, from St. Petersburg, Florida lessons six years ago. and located some books on them at the How long have you been interested in theatre library. Then, when I was 13 or 14, I heard How did you first become interested in these organs? I’ve been interested for about four a program on the Wurlitzer at the Denver instruments? I went to the Portland Organ years. Paramount. Grinder restaurant and became fascinated How did you first become interested in these with the mechanics of the organ. I enjoyed Do you play? If so, do you have a teacher? instruments? My piano teacher had an Allen watching all of the unenclosed parts of the Yes. I play a little bit of theatre organ. organ at his house. He originally used it instrument. What was the first theatre pipe organ you as a teaching tool. My interest went from Do you play? If so, do you have a teacher? remember playing? I’m not exactly sure. I there. Then, my mom saw an article in the Yes. I work with Donna Parker. believe it was the theatre organ at the Mount newspaper about a concert hosted by the St. Francis Auditorium. Central Florida chapter of ATOS. I made What was the first theatre pipe organ you some friends in the chapter who helped to remember playing? I think it was the pipe Are you involved in any technical aspects of introduce me to more theatre organ. organ that used to be in the Hollywood the theatre organ? I haven’t been too Theatre in Portland. involved with theatre organ. I did work with Do you play? If so, do you have a teacher? an organbuilder in Denver for one year. The Yes. I take classical organ lessons from a Are you involved in any technical aspects of organbuilder worked entirely on classical professor at St. Petersburg College. the theatre organ? As of right now, I’m not. instruments, although he did have some I would like to be, as I think it is really What was the first theatre pipe organ you theatre organ experience. important. remember playing? The first pipe organ that Have you attended any Summer Youth I played is at Pinellas Park Auditorium. It’s Have you attended any Summer Youth Camps offered by ATOS? I attended the one a 2/9 Wurlitzer. Camps offered by ATOS? Yes. I attended the this past year in Phoenix. camp the first year in Chicago and again in Phoenix this past year.
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How did you like your overall experience at the camp? The camp was wonderful. We had a ATOS ANNOUNCES THE 2010 YOUNG great time. It was actually better than I THEATRE ORGANIST COMPETITION expected, not that I necessarily had many expectations one way or another; it was great. ATOS is pleased to announce the they will perform live during the conven- One of the very best aspects of the camp was Young Theatre Organist Competition for tion. An overall winner will be selected meeting other young people who are also 2010. In an effort to make participation from among the finalists based on that interested in theatre organ. Some comments in one of our flagship programs a more performance. were made throughout the week, such as enjoyable experience for everyone, the Competition Open to ATOS “Gee, I’m not the only one interested in this.” competition committee has made a Members and Non-Members—The As a final question, what do you think ATOS number of important rule changes over competition will be open to ATOS can do to help promote the theatre organ to the past several years for this event. For members and non-members alike. the younger audience? I think keeping up complete details, please consult the Entrants who are members of ATOS programs like the Summer Camp is very Young Theatre Organist Competition chapters may be sponsored by their important. It is reaching a lot of kids who don’t rules and guidelines; they may be found home chapter. Entrants who are ATOS otherwise get a chance to play. Another idea on the ATOS website, www.atos.org, by members but not affiliated with a that may be good would be that ATOS could clicking on the “Downloadable Forms” chapter, or who are not members of pair up with other organizations such as the link. ATOS, may compete as entrants “at AGO and OHS. Prize Money—ATOS is pleased to large.” offer up to USD $1,500 in prize money A copy of the competition rules and The three students interviewed for this for this year’s competition winners. Each guidelines, as well as the application article represent only a fraction of those finalist will receive an award of $500. form, can be obtained from Competition students positively affected by their expe- The overall winner will receive an chair, Jelani Eddington, at rj.eddington rience at the ATOS Summer Youth Camp. additional award of $1,000. The 2010 @atos.org, or by downloading the Through their words, it is clear to see that our overall winner will be invited to perform materials from the ATOS website at efforts in Youth Initiatives are succeeding. a live concert as part of the 2011 annual www.atos.org. All competition materials Through these projects, ATOS is able to reach convention. must be received by the chair no later out to a new generation of enthusiasts in ways Age Eligibility—This year’s competi- than April 1, 2010. once thought to be impossible. tion will be open to competitors between The Competition Committee hopes These young people also provide a the ages of 13 and 24 as of July 1, 2010. that this will be a rewarding and different perspective on the direction of Three Finalists Brought to the enjoyable event for all who participate. youth initiatives within ATOS. Through our Convention—The competition judges Think about joining in on the fun for hard work and their involvement, we will will select up to three finalists from all 2010! undoubtedly preserve the future of the of the entrants. Those finalists will be instruments we know and love. The young brought to the annual convention in people here are proof that immeasurable the Seattle, Washington area, where positive returns have been made with our investment. As we embark on the years ahead in ATOS, we must continue to realize that securing the future of our organization is paramount. Only through this investment can we ensure a place INNER-CITY YOUTH PROGRAM ATOS provides partial funding to chapters sponsoring inner-city youth programs for theatre organ in generations to come. that provide exposure to the theatre organ. Up to $250 per program per year will be offered to a chapter to help pay expenses for such an effort. Only a few chapters have taken advantage of this program in past years; perhaps your chapter would like to participate. For additional information or how to apply, contact the chair of the Inner-City Youth Program, Jack Moelmann, for complete details. Past experience has shown that such events provide great satisfaction for both the participants and the chapter. There is no deadline; requests may be sent at any time. —Jack Moelmann P.O. Box 25165, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225 [email protected], [email protected] Voice: 618-632-8455, Fax: 618-632-8455
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THE 2009 MEMBERSHIP SATISFACTION CONVENTION SURVEY During the Cleveland convention, the Classical Concerts—received the most credit card process that can be used from ATOS board invited each attendee to comments, with 98% being unfavorable. one convention to the next. Organ-related complete a satisfaction survey. The survey There were no negative remarks about the vendors should be allowed to set up in the was designed to canvas satisfaction with the artists. However, most felt the concert was record shop and display their products. convention agenda, general membership too long, especially without an intermission. Hours of operation should be consistent. meeting, the banquet, and the awards There were several comments about offer- 5.8% felt the hotel parking rates were too presentation. The board had two main ing an option—giving attendees a choice high. objectives; the first is to send a clear between a classical concert and a different SURVEY RESULTS message to the membership that satisfaction venue. Rating: 1–2–3–4–5 (worst to best) with the convention, along with comments Meals—23.8% felt there was not 1. How satisfied were you with the and suggestions, is important. Second, the adequate time scheduled for meals. 11% felt convention schedule? (75 or 68% rated 4 survey, along with comments and sug- there should have been better commu- and 5; 27 or 25% rated 3; and 8 or 7% rated gestions, will be useful in planning the 2010 nication from the host staff regarding 1–2) convention in Seattle. Based upon the affordable local eateries and not just fast 2. How satisfied were you with actual responses, 97% indicated they were satisfied food. Suggestions were made to have the number of convention days? (100 or 89% overall with the 2009 convention. There convention hotel offer affordable group rated 4–5; 11 or 10% rated 3; and 1 or 1% were 122 completed surveys received out of meals or a buffet which would have the rated 1–2) 460 attendees, or about 27% participation. added benefit of bringing attendees together 3. How satisfied were you with the Comments and suggestions number 293. for “acquaintance time.” general meeting (content/time allotted)? (57 There were 11 questions where eight Concerts—We must consider the age of or 70% rated 4–5; 16 or 20% rated 3; 8 or selections were numerical and three were our group; intermissions are a must. There 10% rated 1–2) either yes or no. The numerical questions were many suggestions regarding ATOS 4. How satisfied were you with the offered a selection of 1–2–3–4–5 (from worst youth, such as adding more youth concerts number of concerts? (109 or 84% rated 4– to best) rating. There was adequate space and providing young attendees with free 5; 13 or 11% rated 3; 0 rated 4–5) provided for comments and suggestions. tickets to extra concerts. Some felt the youth 5. How satisfied were you with the Results from the survey were interest- competition should entail all contestants awards banquet? (37 or 70% rated 4–5; 9 or ing, with a great number of positive and playing at least one required score. Limit the 27% rated 3; 7 or 13% rated 1–2) constructive comments and suggestions. silent movies to a 30-minute comedy. There 6. At the banquet, there is a roll call of Overall, 87% were very satisfied with the were many positive comments stating how chapters. Should it be done, for example, a entire convention, with about 10% feeling it great the artists were. There also were few chapters at a time and spread throughout was adequate. Only 3% (4 respondents) were several positive comments about the MC the schedule of convention concerts? (21 or not satisfied. Similar numbers were used to (Ken Double). 26% Yes; 61 or 74% No) rate the convention scheduling. Surprisingly Venues—Most were concerned about 7. Would you prefer an awards luncheon with today’s economy, 89% felt the number the theatre doors at some concerts not being over the evening awards banquet? (36 or of convention days was acceptable. The open when they arrived. For the most part, 41% rated 4–5; 13 or 15% rated 3; 38 or same percentage felt the number of concerts all were satisfied with the venues. Sug- 44% rated 1–2) was adequate. Regarding the banquet, gestions were made to allot time for Sunday 8. Or, would you prefer awards be given 74% felt there should be no change in the church services. during the intermission of concerts? (49 or roll call of chapters. When asked about Transportation—There were 14% who 46% rated 4–5: 7 or 7% rated 3; 50 or 57% having the awards presented during a commented on the early arrival at some rated 1–2) luncheon, the vote was close: 41% would venues which resulted in attendees having 9. Would you prefer additional workshops/ prefer a luncheon; 13% voted in the middle to stand outside the theatre until the doors lectures and eliminate a concert(s)? (32 or of the scale. However, 44% wanted it left at were opened. There were 5% who felt more 30% Yes; 73 or 70% No) the banquet. Adding additional workshops forceful bus captains were needed. Many 10. Would you favor a 50/50 cash raffle and/or lectures by eliminating a concert or comments were submitted regarding the with proceeds distributed to pipe organ two found 70% voting no and 30% yes. congestion in boarding buses, creating a preservation, youth and adult programs, Another close vote was on the option of a herd mentality. Thought should be given to etc.? (52 or 47% Yes; 53 or 53% No) 50/50 cash raffle, with proceeds going to assigning attendees to buses or using a large 11. How satisfied were you with the pipe organ preservation, youth initiatives, room in the convention hotel to gather convention (overall)? (104 or 87% rated 4– and other programs. There were 52% voting attendees into groups and lead them to the 5; 12 or 10% 3; 4 or 3% 1–2). yes and 58% no. buses. Notes: (1) Not all questions were Many took the time to offer comments and Hotel/Record Shop—There were answered. (2) Additional detail regarding the suggestions using both sides of the form. The several comments regarding the record shop. survey will be posted on the ATOS website. highlights were: It was recommended ATOS set up a central
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The board felt the membership survey was a successful venture and will provide CALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS Now is the time to consider nominating someone you feel is deserving of consideration suggested improvements for future con- for one of the ATOS honors. As a people organization, we need to recognize members who ventions. There were administrative lessons have done an outstanding job in promoting, preserving, presenting, and otherwise learned on our part, and adjustments are furthering the art form we all hold so dear. There are many unsung heroes working quietly being made. The following actions are and diligently who may be unknown outside of their local chapter. Please take the time to underway: nominate these individuals so they may receive the recognition they deserve. • Changing all quantitative questions to All ATOS awards require a written nomination not to exceed one printed page. Any yes or no. member of ATOS may nominate another for any ATOS award. The major categories include • Changes to the survey distribution and Hall of Fame; Honorary Member; Organist of the Year; Ron Musselman Member of the collection process. Year. • Updating the convention planning Nominations should be submitted to Jack Moelmann, chair of the Awards and binder in preparation for future conventions. Recognition Committee. Contact information is provided below. • Incorporating suggestions. For additional information, contact Jack, and he will be glad to help you. Nominations Thanks go out to those who took the time for any of the above should be submitted no later than February 1, 2010. Let’s continue to participate in the convention survey. our tradition of recognizing outstanding members. Please don’t wait until the last minute; Additionally, I would like to send my nominations are being accepted now. appreciation to ATOS members Jan —Jack Moelmann, Chair Bresnick, Don Bresnick, and Wayne Awards and Recognition Committee Tilschner for their assistance in the [email protected], [email protected] tabulation and narrative analysis of the 2009 P.O. Box 25165, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225 convention survey. Voice: 618-632-8455, Fax: 618-632-8455 —Colonel Mike Hartley
STAN KANN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND When Stan Kann died in September, Smithsonian organ project. The biggest 2008, at age 83, the theatre organ world lost collection was in Indianapolis in 2001 a great organist, comedian, and TV which generated the initial funding for the personality. You name it, he did it. He had George Wright Memorial Fellowship. been the house organist at the Fabulous Jack did it again at this year’s Fox Theatre in St. Louis for many long convention in Cleveland. Money collected years, and he appeared on numerous TV will go toward the Stan Kann Scholarship shows as a guest, not for playing the organ, Fund and the Summer Youth Camp. but for his collection of stuff—namely The end result was $1,225 collected for vacuum cleaners and other gadgets which the scholarship fund, as well as $2,845 for usually fell apart when he tried to use them. the Summer Youth Camp. On August 3, Mary Strauss, owner of the Fox Theatre, Jack Moelmann, in his capacity as an held a wonderful public memorial service ATOS board member and staff organist at Mary Strauss and Jack Moelmann at the Fox and announced the formation of the Fabulous Fox, presented a check for a memorial scholarship fund in Stan’s $1,225 to Mary Strauss at her home. memory to help aspiring young theatre We hope that this contribution and others organists follow in his footsteps. Donations will further the education and careers were accepted, and the sale of his CDs and of aspiring young theatre organists. A DVDs also go to the fund. ATOS wants to permanent display depicting the life and do its part. craziness of Stan has been set up at the Fox The tradition of “passing the Salad which can be viewed by everyone who Bowl” was started by Jack Moelmann in attends programs there. 1999 at the Wichita regional convention. Actually one of the first attempts at this was in 1986 at the Richmond annual convention when Jack used a trophy cup to serve the same purpose. In Richmond, the cause was the Young Theatre Organist Stan Kann exhibit at the Fox Theatre Competition; in Wichita it was the (Photo by Jack Moelmann)
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INTRODUCING THE 2009 GEORGE WRIGHT am very much looking forward to welcoming you all to my city next summer: Seattle— MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS Where It All Began! The George Wright Memorial Fellowship century. Given my interests, I was thrilled at is a program ATOS established in 2001 to the opportunity to attend this convention. enable young theatre organ enthusiasts to The music, of course, was a high point. I attend their very first convention. The had not seen most of the artists in concert Fellowship has been one in a series of very before, and it was a real treat to hear them successful programs ATOS has put into play. The variety of music that can be played place to help encourage and support younger on the theatre organ is amazing, and we theatre organists and theatre organ enthu- certainly got to hear the full range and scope. siasts. Previous George Wright Fellows It was inspiring to hear all of these concerts include Zach Frame from Lake Geneva, one right after another. I got some great ideas Wisconsin (2002), Jonathan Fox from for my own playing (and, hopefully, I’ll soon Shreveport, Louisiana (2003), Jesse Kohl be good enough to actually use them). JONATHAN GRADIN from Forest Grove, Oregon (2004), Sam Watching the Young Artist’s competition was The 54th annual ATOS convention was Moffat from Toronto, Ontario, Canada an entertaining-but-nail-biting experience. I titled Treasures of the Western Reserve, and (2005), Daniel McCollum from Sumterville, plan to enter someday, and it was good to get with good reason. I had the privilege—and Florida (2006), Nathaniel Baker from a sense of what that will be like. great surprise—of being selected as one of Columbus, Ohio (2007), and Glenn Tallar In addition to the music, the beautiful two George Wright Memorial Fellowship from Homer Glen, Illinois (2008). theatres in which the concerts took place winners, a program that assists young people ATOS was pleased to name not one but were of particular interest to me. I’m glad my in attending their first convention. Therefore, two deserving recipients of the award this first convention was largely “in-theatre”! I I offer a heartfelt “thank you” to Jelani year, Kat Brightwell and Jonathan Gradin. saw a number of movie palaces that were Eddington, the George Wright Memorial Kat Brightwell is 16 years old and hails from designed in a different manner than the ones Fellowship committee, the ATOS board, Seattle, Washington, where she is an active we have in the Pacific Northwest—this was Doug Powers and the Western Reserve member of the Puget Sound Theatre Organ the first time I had seen an Eberson chapter, and everyone who kindly made me, Society. Jonathan Gradin is 19 years old, atmospheric firsthand, as well as an early a young enthusiast, feel welcome. lives in Rathdrum, Idaho, and is a member of Rapp & Rapp. I was very grateful for the tour The convention began with two very ATOS’ newest chapter, the Spokane First of Playhouse Square on the overture day; I informative seminars: the chapter leadership Nazarene chapter. learned a lot and saw four lovely, unique seminar, covering fundraising, promotion Those who attended the Cleveland early 1920s theatres. and similar topics, and a Heritage Series convention had the pleasure of meeting these The icing on the cake of this convention lecture on Ashley Miller and Pearl White, bright, enthusiastic young individuals. The was the people. I saw friends I hadn’t seen two organists I wished I had learned more following essays relate their experiences at since last year’s Summer Youth Camp, and about sooner. their first-ever ATOS convention. We all look people I knew from the internet but hadn’t That evening we all headed south to forward to seeing them both again very soon! met in person. Also, I had the good fortune to Akron, where Chris Elliot accompanied a —Jelani Eddington make a lot of new friends. It’s great fun to wonderful silent film, The Mark of Zorro, hang out for a whole week with people who in the equally wonderful Civic Theatre, a KAT BRIGHTWELL share your interests! I knew the people at the rare Eberson atmospheric. When he hit the convention would be nice, but I didn’t know My name is Kat Brightwell. As a recip- opening notes, it was such a live sound, they would be as amazingly nice as they ient of one of this year’s George Wright enveloping and blanketing me, that all were. Everyone was so sweet and encour- Memorial Fellowships, I’d like to take this I could think was, “Wow! This is what aging—it was one of the most uplifting opportunity to introduce myself and share everyone was talking about!” experiences I have ever had. The Western with you impressions of my first ATOS Thursday afternoon’s members’ forum Reserve chapter did a wonderful job of convention. and “First, Do No Harm” seminars were very putting on this convention. Between all the I am 16 years old and, while I have been informative, particularly the latter as I would concerts, beautiful theatres, and friends old studying theatre organ for only a year and a like to learn how to work on theatre organs. and new, the week couldn’t get any better. half, I have played various non-keyboard Donnie Rankin’s evening concert on the Thank you so much, ATOS, for providing instruments (flutes, saxophones, baritone 3/10 original-installation Wurlitzer in the me with this experience. The convention horn) over the past 10 years. I also have a Lorain Palace Theatre came off very well. On reminded me of why I love the theatre organ longstanding interest in the movies, music, Friday, John Lauter presented a well-chosen and how glad I am that I chose to be involved fashion, and architecture of the early 20th mix of old standards and newer songs, such with it. I was sad to leave Cleveland, but I as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The Grays
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Armory installation, much different than a YOUNG ORGANIST THANKS theatre, presented a fresh, very live acousti- cal sound, with its two-second-plus reverb. Dear ATOS staff and members, community. But perhaps the most valuable After lunch Jonathan Ortloff, last year’s It was a privilege to have been selected thing that ATOS provides is a welcoming, Young Artist Competition winner, played a as winner of the 2009 Young Theatre supportive atmosphere for young artists. fine program on the Playhouse Square Organist Competition, and I would like to Thank you to Jelani Eddington for Palace Theatre’s 3/17 Kimball as a prelude express my gratitude to all those involved organizing the young organist competition to the wonderful Young Artist Competition. with not only the competition but with all and for being so accommodating and Danny McCollum, Nathan Avakian, and efforts to support young organists like accessible throughout the process. Thank Mary Ann Wootton, the three finalists, myself. Although my generation includes a you also to the judges who provided each played very well. I was pleased with the level promising number of interested and entrant with helpful critiques. Most of talent shown in these young people. For talented organists, keeping the instrument importantly I’d like to thank my organ me, this laid to rest the debate over the alive and relevant will be an immense teacher and respected mentor, Donna survival of the theatre organ. challenge. I feel not only an aspiration but Parker, as well as Jonas Nordwall, who has Richard Hills’ concert on the magnificent also a responsibility to make sure the also provided me with invaluable 4/60 theatre organ in the former Aveni theatre organ is properly preserved and instruction. mansion just blew me away. I especially promoted for future generations to enjoy. On behalf of all young theatre organ- enjoyed his opener, the “MGM Overture,” ATOS has generously provided me with ists, thank you to ATOS and its members which included “Singing in the Rain” and scholarships, for which I am extremely for all of your support and financial “Over the Rainbow.” After the very grateful, that have enabled me to take assistance. This support gives young informative annual meeting, we spent the weekly lessons and attend various organ organists the confidence and resources to rest of Saturday in Columbus, hearing a bit of workshops and conventions. ATOS be successful with their theatre organ classical at First Congregational by John sponsors activities like the young organist endeavors, and for that I will always be Schwandt and David Peckham. competition and the youth summer organ grateful. —Nathan Avakian After a delicious buffet dinner at the camp that help interested kids become Columbus Athenaeum, Clark Wilson active and engaged in the theatre organ presented a magnificent concert on the Ohio Theatre’s 4/34 Robert-Morton, an original installation to which 14 ranks have been added. I especially enjoyed the sweet and FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY reminiscent “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” the Some Helpful Hints: fast, jazzy “Georgy Girl,” and the masterful Don’t miss an issue of THEATRE ORGAN; renew on time and submit address changes medley of Irving Berlin songs. to the membership office address shown below. Your confirmation of renewal or new Sunday featured Jonas Nordwall’s concert membership is your bank or credit card statement. New members may not receive their at the Playhouse Square State Theatre, the first issue of THEATRE ORGAN for up to two months. Please contact me with questions Keyboard Pops concert with Jelani or concerns about your membership. Eddington and Chris Elliott, and the Please Take Note: banquet/awards ceremony, at which Chris In order to save up to $3,000 per year in printing, processing, and postage cost, it was was named organist of the year. I even got a decided that membership cards will no longer be issued. The card is not required to small plaque and a certificate! Following the register for ATOS conventions or other programs. When requested, I will verify your awards ceremony, Peter Richard Conte, current membership status to your chapter. You will find your ATOS renewal date and your Grand Court organist at Macy’s, played a ID number in the top line of address information on the envelope in which you receive concert of Romantic literature on the 4/54 THEATRE ORGAN. If you feel that a membership card is an important part of belonging Austin (1919) in the Masonic Auditorium. to ATOS, please let me know, either by e-mail or a letter to the post office box. If a Overall, the convention was a blast. I substantial number of you share this opinion, I will ask the board of directors to reconsider enjoyed meeting people with similar this decision in the future. passions and interests. Next year I will focus —Jim Merry, Executive Secretary on attending the Summer Youth Camp and, P.O. Box 5327, Fullerton, California 92833 hopefully, the convention. I look forward to Voice or Fax: 714-773-4354, [email protected] seeing you all again someday. Thank you all once more for the wonderful time!
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LOOKING INTO THE EYES OF THE FUTURE:
THE 2009 ATOS SUMMER CAMP BY JONAS NORDWALL INTRODUCTION of our youth-related programs, including the Ten, 15, or 20 students at any given Young Organist Competition and George summer camp may not seem like a huge Over the last three years, a remarkable Wright Memorial Fellowship (ATOS even number to some, but those students are revolution has stirred within ATOS. That named two winners this year!). That result our future. Where would we be if the top 10, revolution has come from the wide-eyed is not surprising. Our young enthusiastic 15, or 20 organists today had not been enthusiasm of our next generation of young organists who meet at the summer camp encouraged and supported, and instead had organists, technicians, listeners, and sup- constantly network with each other on their interest in our beloved instrument porters. For as long as the organization has Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, and use snuffed out by naysayers at an early age? existed, we have trumpeted the battle other wonders of the digital age to spread the Where would our industry be if those top cry of encouraging younger theatre organ word about our art form. In fact, one of our organists today simply stopped playing, enthusiasts. Yet, as the years and decades most promising young students this year recording, or teaching? Without a doubt, passed, too often these promises of heard about the theatre organ not from a even if we are encouraging a single encouragement rang hollow, and the pizza parlor or from listening to a recording student—and our efforts are directed at far commitment to supporting our youth became made 50 years ago, but by stumbling upon a larger numbers—the long-term impact on “lip service.” theatre organ video on YouTube. our art form and organization from the In 2006, Mike Cierski, an ATOS director The new generation of theatre organists Summer Youth Camp cannot be overstated. who had previously served as Youth is a diverse group. Some love the music of This year’s activities included a kick-off Representative, presented the youth camp George Wright, yet others have more of a session at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre in idea to the board. Unfortunately the camp passion for the music of Jennifer Lopez, Billy Phoenix, where all the students had an was cancelled that year due to a lack of Joel, or Michael Jackson. Others look to opportunity to introduce themselves to one participants. With the addition of staff exhilarating orchestral movie music from another and play the Wurlitzer. Camp members Donna Parker, Jelani Eddington, John Williams and Danny Elfman, or other activities included group master class and me for the 2007 camp—together with an classical and orchestral greats. Whatever sessions, break-out sessions for one-on-one aggressive advertising campaign in print and their diverse tastes in music may be, they all instruction, visits to area theatre pipe organ by word of mouth—ATOS sponsored the first share the common vision of taking the installations—both large and small, and Summer Youth Camp. Upon completion, I theatre organ into the 21st century and performance opportunities at all venues. was honored to be approached by the ATOS beyond. In addition to the faculty, organists Lyn board to be the director of the summer camp Many of our members who attended the Larsen, Charlie Balogh, and Lew Williams program and to serve as the lead instructor recent ATOS convention in Cleveland contributed to an enriched learning for the following year. I once again solicited commented on how heartening it was to see experience. Adrian Phillips III presented the assistance from my colleagues Jelani so many young people in attendance. One technical aspects of the theatre pipe organ, Eddington and Donna Parker as associate person in particular told me that it had been showing the internal mechanisms of a instructors. This year, I passed my baton as years, if not decades, since he had seen so Wurlitzer windchest and other parts, as well lead instructor to Martin Ellis, while I many young people at an ATOS convention. as hosting an extensive tour of the chambers. continued as the director of the program. Many of those youth were from the summer A session on film accompaniment offered In the last three years, we have seen a camp. the opportunity for the students to try their dramatic increase in participation in many hand at playing for the silents. A private afternoon visit to Organ Stop Pizza, as well as two evening visits during business hours, gave them a first-hand look at another application of public performance on the theatre pipe organ. In contrast, they had the opportunity to experience moderate and more intimate acoustic environments at Phoenix College, the Fizzell residence, and the First Christian Church. OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE Over three years ago when I was approached by ATOS to head up the first Lyn Larsen welcomes the students Class sessions were held in the Phillips' music room Summer Youth Camp, I gave a lot of thought (Photo by Donna Parker) (Photo by Donna Parker)
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to the individuals who could assist me with educational road map of scope and sequence continuity of operations, to maintain high the challenges at hand. There are many for our students. standards for the program, and to guarantee excellent theatre organists in our industry, Importantly, this core teaching staff that the camp is as efficient and cost- but far fewer instructors. From that small works together seamlessly, demonstrating effective as possible. This prevents the need field of theatre organ teachers, I made the the utmost respect for one another, yet is to reinvent the wheel every year with an decision to ask Donna Parker and Jelani able to bring different—and sometimes entirely different group. Second, in order to Eddington to join me in the first years of the differing—perspectives to the students. provide a diversity of viewpoints, various camp. Besides sharing my vision for what the Instructors consistently support and visiting guest instructors are invited to summer camp program should be, they also complement each other during the camp present topics. This is the structure that is have the experience of teaching in a class sessions. used for extremely successful camps such as format, as well as extensive experience One point often overlooked is that the the Butler Community Arts School in working with youth. core instructors are certainly more than Indiana, Interlochen Center for the Arts’ In selecting the instructors for this “just” teachers. They must be available Summer Arts Camp in Michigan, Young program, it was important for me that the literally 24 hours a day to address a variety Musicians and Artists Summer Camp at summer camp not be a week-long exercise of crises and issues that predictably (and Oregon’s Willamette University, and many in nostalgia. Rather, I wanted it to be a sometimes unpredictably) arise throughout others throughout the country. vibrant, forward-looking event that encour- the week. In addition to teaching, there is a This is the model that I intend to pursue ages our young organists to take this certain amount of parenting and caring that for the ATOS Summer Youth Camp. I will instrument in exciting, new directions. We is involved for those students needing more rely on Martin Ellis, Jelani Eddington, and need instructors who embrace new uses for nurturing and assistance. Donna Parker to comprise this core group the theatre organ and who will provide The ATOS Summer Youth Camp has of co-administrators because they have meaningful guidance to young organists who proven to be an unqualified triumph. We a proven track record of successfully want to learn to play today’s music as well as must ensure the continuity of the program to administering the program. Their duties will traditional theatre organ “standards.” guarantee future growth and success. At the include overseeing the curriculum, assisting This is the formalized continuation of the same time, we intend to increase the number in establishing policies, teaching, admin- theatre organ’s ongoing musical develop- of qualified instructors who participate in the istration duties, budget management, and ment. George Wright, Buddy Cole, Ashley program. overseeing on-site camp operations. We Miller, Billy Nalle and others set the stage We will restructure the ATOS Summer will also be reaching out to established, for bringing the theatre organ up to date Youth Camp with the goal of maintaining the successful, veteran theatre organists and/or about 60 years ago in an informal manner. high quality that was established in 2007 as technicians to serve as guest presenters in At that time, the established academic well as the consistency of the program. I future years. musical world did not accept the theatre have done a significant amount of research organ as a legitimate instrument. Those into the structure of other successful A WORD ABOUT organists began the movement that changed arts-based summer camp programs and that perception, and that movement discovered that, virtually without exception, OUR BUDGET continues today through our summer camp the programs consist of two segments. First, Far too often in many organizations, myth faculty. these programs have a core faculty group and gossip run rampant and take on a life of Using these criteria to select another that oversees, governs and administers the their own that is completely devoid of fact. instructor to add to the camp program, I operations of the camp for many years. This ATOS is not immune from the pitfalls of the asked Martin Ellis to join the team. Not only core group is important to ensure the gossip mill. This year, some of the most wild was he the first-ever ATOS competition winner, but he has worked to create a suc- cessful career as a concert artist, classical and church organist, arranger and editor for Hal Leonard Publishing, and most importantly a principal staff member with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir—a group of over 2,500 youth ranging in age from kindergarten through 12th grade. Martin, Donna, and Jelani are very deeply committed to the same vision I have, and they did not disappoint. Even before the Summer Camp started, we collectively spent hundreds of hours developing a curriculum for this year’s camp, always being mindful of the importance of presenting new material. The extensive curriculum was researched, Martin Ellis works with Jessica Tomlinson as Dan The students experience lots of horsepower in the well thought-out, detailed, and provided an Minervini, Katie Van Varick, and Justin LaVoie blower room at Organ Stop Pizza watch (Photo by Donna Parker) (Photo by Donna Parker)
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claims have been asserted and repeated as the stated purposes in our bylaws is to and hospitality. Charlie Balogh and Lew “fact,” including the ridiculous claim that further the public appreciation of the theatre Williams performed spectacular shows on our budget was $100,000 (don’t we wish?). organ through educational programs. ATOS’ their respective nights, which were more Misleading and inaccurate pie charts and investment in the Summer Youth Camp falls than inspiring for the young campers. graphs presented to the board, as well as squarely within this mandate. The entire Valley of the Sun chapter outright fabrications, have fueled utterly Our overriding objective from the hosted us throughout the week and made the false claims that outrageous payments were beginning of this program has been to ensure students feel welcomed and appreciated. made to instructors, staff, and venue hosts at that our Summer Youth Camp thrives, and VOTS chapter member Madeline LiVolsi previous camps. that we do everything within our power to served as Summer Camp registrar, and Since the camp’s inception, our instruc- continue to support the young, enthusiastic VOTS president Bill Carr helped us arrange tors have fronted ATOS camp expenses, such organists who walk through our doors. We visits to the Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix as van rentals, food, catering, teaching have been very fortunate to enjoy the support College, and the First Christian Church. materials, and hotel rooms for scholarship of so many of our generous members and Chapter members Tom and Beverly Fizzell recipients on their personal credit cards. chapters who have stepped up to the plate to hosted our group for an ice cream social and (ATOS did not have its own credit card until help ensure that this program is a success. jam session on their home pipe organ recently.) They were rightfully reimbursed It is those individuals who help carry the installation one evening. The VOTS chapter for these camp expenses, yet it has been banner of the theatre organ into the future. treated the entire camp to a wonderful buffet reported that these were payments made for Our next generation of theatre organists dinner at the First Christian Church. their services as instructors. These claims is counting on us for support, and we cannot We also extend our thanks to the dads— are completely false. let them down. Our future deserves nothing Danny Morgan, Vince LaVoie, and Len Merely passing around the expenses of less than our very best. Minervini—for driving the 12-passenger this program without also reporting the vans loaded with students throughout the income is misleading as well. WORDS OF THANKS Valley of the Sun all week. We couldn’t have Each year we have refined the summer done it without them! Our thanks go to the camp process so that it runs more efficiently. Many dedicated individuals, groups, and moms—Deb Van Varick, Linda Minervini, As with any project—particularly one on the ATOS chapters have given generously of Theresa LaVoie, and Louise Morgan—for scale of the ATOS Summer Youth Camp— their time, efforts, support, and financial always being on hand to help in whatever there is a steep learning curve. Each year the resources to make the ATOS Summer Youth way possible. program costs have been trimmed and the Camp a success. On behalf of the Summer Thank you to Ken Double, ATOS camp has operated more efficiently. In 2007, Youth Camp Committee and, indeed, all of President/CEO, who visited the camp and the cost to the ATOS treasury (income less ATOS, I extend my sincere thanks to every talked to the students about the future of expenses) was $10,145.22. With refinements one of you. ATOS and the theatre organ. The students and changes in place, the next year cost First and foremost, our primary hosts in appreciated his visit. significantly less than half that amount: Phoenix this year, Adrian W. Phillips, Jr., As in past years, there have been $4,867.16. While all the final numbers have and Adrian and Deborah Phillips, gave many ATOS chapters and individuals not yet been calculated, our best projection generously of their time and efforts. They who provided financial assistance and to date is that this year’s summer camp will graciously welcomed us into their music scholarship funds for the Summer Youth again cost ATOS less than half that of room and allowed us to use their residence Camp program. These funds have helped the previous year: approximately $2,000. organ as the primary teaching instrument. defray the cost of attending the camp for Importantly, the cost for this year’s summer They also helped to arrange innumerable many of our students. Those who supported camp was more than $6,000 under its details for the week, from transportation and the Summer Camp this year include the Nor- budget. lodging, to food and hosting a pool party and Cal Theatre Organ Society, Dairyland Thirteen young men and women attended cookout at the end of the week. They even Theatre Organ Society, New York Theatre this year's summer camp, and ATOS spent arranged for an Allen RQ-311 to be Organ Society, Eastern Massachusetts approximately $154 on each student. Even temporarily installed in their living room for chapter, Salt Lake City chapter, Motor City the most fiscally conservative among us break-out master class sessions for the chapter, Columbia River Theatre Organ would find it difficult to argue that spending students. Society, Oregon chapter, Bro. Chris Lambert, $154 on an aspiring young theatre organist Mike Kinerk (ATOS Convention Plan- Robert MacNeur, Al Murrell, Jim Gallops, is extravagant. To the contrary, it is an ning) secured a terrific rate at the beautiful and Dick Dissell. indispensable investment in our future. Embassy Suites in Scottsdale, which served To those who have given so generously of While I am delighted that this year’s as our camp headquarters. The parents and their time, efforts, and resources to the faculty was able to make such a dramatic students were thrilled. Summer Youth Camp program, we extend reduction of the cost of the program, it bears Special thanks go to Lyn Larsen, who our sincere, heartfelt appreciation. Beyond mention that investing $2,000, $4,800, or graciously gave of his time to explain the our words of thanks, the entire theatre organ even more in an educational program such design and installation of the Phillips’ pipe community owes you an enormous debt of as the summer camp is one of the most organ. Our gratitude also goes to Brad gratitude for your investment in our future. important things that ATOS can do. One of Bishop, Pat Rowan, and Jack Barz at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa for their support
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REPORT ON THE SUMMER YOUTH CAMP
I returned home from the 2009 ATOS talked a bit about her work with Trio Con only raises the console, it also rotates. It was Summer Youth Camp in Phoenix, Arizona; it Brio, and Donny Rankin, one of our akin to an amusement park ride. On my first was delightfully inspiring and educational! participants, talked about his recording try, I played “Les Biciclettes” and “Midnight Our instructors this year were Martin Ellis, involving an organ, drum set, and steel Hour.” When I returned to the console again, Donna Parker, and Jelani Eddington. They drums. This was fascinating and only fueled I played “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and are all forward-thinking visionaries who my previous desire to one day write or a Baroque piece. For this music, I rattled the seem to have endless creativity. Huge thanks arrange for myself and other musicians. walls with the Principal chorus and the 32- are due to them, along with many others that On our second evening in Phoenix, foot pedal stops. The console is beautiful, helped us out. Beverly and Tom Fizzell invited us into their and I enjoyed looking at it up close and Most of our lectures and master classes home for an open console session on their feeling the intricate gold-leaf decorations on were held at the Phillips residence at a 106- delightful Wurlitzer organ. We also heard a it. We also spent two evenings at Organ Stop rank organ with symphonic and theatre motivating speech from ATOS president Ken Pizza listening to Charlie Balogh and Lew organ stops. It was truly a thrill to hear and Double. We all enjoyed meeting him, as well Williams play it masterfully. We are very play this fabulous instrument. Our lectures as our hosts and, of course, we enjoyed grateful to Charlie and Lew, as well as the included topics such as registration, ar- playing for them, too. On Thursday owners, for affording us this once-in-a- ranging, music history, and silent film afternoon, we had the privilege of visiting the lifetime opportunity. accompaniment. I most enjoyed the lecture Phoenix College Auditorium where the On Friday evening, to top it all off, the about arrangements needing “road maps” to Valley of the Sun ATOS chapter has been Phillips family hosted a pool party and describe not only the form of the piece or restoring a Wurlitzer organ that had been dinner cookout for all of us. This was a nice medley, but also to plan variations in rediscovered after not being used for a long chance to relax and bond with all of our new registration, texture, dynamics, tempo, key, time. They are doing a very good job, and I friends. At the end of the evening, we all and other factors, depending on the style of admire their dedication. This was a special received our certificates and some surprise music. This helps to keep things interesting treat for me since the organ’s caretakers said goodies, and we had the chance to hear our for the listener. One morning after an that they hadn’t heard music played on this instructors play the Phillips organ one last introductory discussion, some students took organ for a very long time. That evening, a time. turns accompanying various sections of a dinner social at First Christian Church was We enjoyed the events very much, and silent film. I wasn’t planning to do this, hosted by Valley of the Sun chapter I can’t wait for next year. I’d like to thank because first, I wouldn’t be able to see what members; I enjoyed meeting them. There is the Valley of the Sun chapter for all of their is on the screen, and second, I’m not used to a Wurlitzer theatre organ in the church's work in coordinating the week-long camp. improvising at all. But for some strange fellowship hall, and we all enjoyed playing I especially thank Adrian Phillips III, Lyn reason, I let Jelani talk me into going up the instrument. We are grateful for the Larsen, Bob MacNeur, and Madeline there anyway. He said, “Why don’t you just chapter’s and the church’s hospitality. LiVolsi, and our instructors Donna Parker, give it a try…just keep a beat with a pedal For me, the biggest thrill of all was the Jelani Eddington, and Martin Ellis. I and chord accompaniment.” So, I gave it a chance to enter Organ Stop Pizza when it was appreciate the input and presentation from shot (although not a very good one). Another closed to the general public and to take turns Ken Double, and the efforts of the parent morning, Jelani shared the process with us playing the Mighty Wurlitzer. There was volunteers as well. I apologize if I have for his recording of the Rachmaninov piano enough time so that most of us could have missed anyone, for I know there were more concerto with the organ as the “orchestra.” two turns. We even got to ride the lift! Each people “behind the scenes” who helped to He played both parts and recorded them time someone went up to play, they could bring this all together. using multi-track recording software. Donna play it up and play it down again. The lift not —Jessica Tomlinson
Justin LaVoie tries his hand at the Wurlitzer at the Valley of the Sun chapter members and Summer Camp students, parents, and instructors at the First Christian Church in Phoenix, with a little help First Christian Church in Phoenix (Photo by Donna Parker) from Donnie Rankin (Photo by Donna Parker)
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A Desert Wind in the Pipes of the Mighty Wurlitzer: BY FREDRICK BRABSON Arab Exoticism in the Music of the American Theatre Organ
This article explores the topic of the France, as colonizing empires) has devel- an orchestra; and (c) controlling these tonal theatre organ as a vehicle for exoticism, oped a discourse of “the East” as a means of resources in more flexible ways than would with particular focus on the exoticization of helping “the West” identify what it is (and be possible on a classical organ. Bringing Arabs. Though the theatre organ enjoyed extending its power and domination) by all these terms together, then, we are periods of success in both the United States defining what it is not. speaking about the ways the theatre organ’s and Britain, the performances considered Second, exoticism is focused more on unique musical possibilities were used to here are primarily by American organists. the ways that, from a Western perspective, make musical reference to Arab people, In tracing the role of the theatre organ as an the East is depicted as Other (that is, places, and culture without actually de- instrument of exoticism, I will first set out Orientalized) through means that mark it as scribing these referents accurately, in order working definitions of exoticism and familiar and recognizable, yet define its to distinguish them as apart from American orientalism. I will then consider social- lesser status in exotic terms. Exoticism may audience and thereby helping these political issues in Arab-US relations, and be exercised in any number of ways. This audience to define and understand will show that the processes of orientalism essay focuses on musical exoticism, which, themselves. were at work in the early 20th century according to Jonathan Bellman, “may be The specific terms of this exoticizing/ popular culture that produced the theatre defined as the borrowing or use of musical self-defining process for American organ. I will argue that the theatre organ— materials that evoke distant locales or alien audiences have their roots in the history of because of the technical advances that frames of reference.”1 Bellman goes on to Arab-American relations. Douglas Little provided its unique control of tonal clarify: argues that “the citizens of one of the New resources and because of its physical and “Musical exoticism is not equivalent to World’s newest nations have long embraced visual situation in the realm of the movie ethnomusicological verisimilitude, to the a romanticized and stereotypic vision of palace—was uniquely positioned to be an foreign music in its true form. The exotic some of the Old World’s oldest civi- exoticizing voice in American popular equation is a balance of familiar and lizations.”3 Sketching the history of culture. Finally, I will explore some of the unfamiliar: just enough “there” to spice the “Orientalism, American Style,” Little traces complex issues surrounding exoticism in “here” but remain comprehensible in the roots of this vision to eighteenth century the music of the theatre organ in its period making the point. Exoticism is not about the Christian reactions to the crucifixion of resurgence since the 1950s; showing that earnest study of foreign cultures; it is about narrative in the Gospel of Matthew, and to the exoticism present in music from this drama, effect, and evocation. The listener the Thousand and One Arabian Nights, latter period, while more complex in its is intrigued, hears something new and concluding that “most [eighteenth century] motivations, continues to suggest traits savory, but is not aurally destabilized Americans…regretted that the Holy Land of Western identity through nostalgic enough to feel uncomfortable.”2 was peopled by infidels and unbelievers, references to an Eastern Other that is Finally, to cover all bases, the term Muslims and Jews beyond the pale of fundamentally distant and apart from who theatre organ is used here to denote pipe Christendom.”4 Ninteenth century tours of “we” are as an American audience. organs that were installed in movie houses the Middle East gave Americans a firsthand We must at the outset define the terms in the 1920s and ’30s for the purposes of view of Arab culture, but with an exoticized orientalism and exoticism. First, orientalism silent movie accompaniment and the frame of reference already in place, these here refers to the processes—demonstrated performance of popular music. Theatre tourists saw what they already expected to in literary and social critical terms by organs differ from so-called “classical” or see, and accounts such as Mark Twain’s The Edward Said in his landmark study of the “straight” organs in several technical ways, Innocents Abroad left readers “with their same name—of Western cultural definition which can be summarized as (a) containing orientalist images of a Middle East peopled and political hegemony by creating and fewer sets or ranks of pipes than con- by pirates, prophets, and paupers more maintaining a vision of “the East (Orient)” tained in the average classical organ; and sharply focused than ever.”5 These images that was created on the West’s own terms (b) treating these pipes not as the building laid the groundwork for twentieth century and without any actual or significant input blocks of the traditional “diapason chorus” views, present in American-Arab relations from persons or powers from this “East.” of organ tone, but as tonal colors on a ranging from the establishment of Israel to That is, “the West” (primarily Britain and palette equivalent to instrumental colors in U.S. oil interests in the Middle East, and
1 Jonathan Bellman, ed. The Exotic in Western Music (Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1998), ix. 2 Ibid. xii-xiii. 3 Douglas Little. American Orientalism: The United States and the Middle East Since 1945 (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2002), 9. 4 Ibid. 11. 5 Ibid. 14.
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solidified into “an irresistible intellectual Commenting specifically on the Middle organ as we know it emerged for the shorthand for handling the ‘backward’ Eastern exhibits at the 1893 World’s accompaniment of silent films—first as a Muslims and ‘headstrong’ Jews whose Columbian Exposition, Davis concludes relief for the orchestras of larger film objectives frequently clashed with that “the exhibits in the Midway Plaisance houses, but soon after as a sufficient America’s,” and whose inferiority was required a ‘seedy’ quality in order to serve instrument in its own right. Thus in 1911, assumed even to the level of race.6 as a counterpoint to the symbolism of the the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company marketed Though this sketch of eighteenth and White City which foretold Chicago’s future the theatre organ as we know it today, under nineteenth century American orientalism is greatness.”10 Davis also notes that the the name “Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra.” brief, it is not intended to be glib. Nor, as 1893 fair underscored another view in The instrument manifested the innovations we shall see, should it be considered static. which “the Orient became the world of of the English organ builder and engineer Rather, it underscores the point that fantasy, escapism, irrationality, and the Robert Hope-Jones, who developed and orientalist images of the Middle East as unexpected…in which the populace could advocated electronic controls of the organ’s backward and primitive were grossly escape the tedium of daily life.”11 pipe valves and the extensive use of an oversimplified, and that they reinforced And here, then, is the intersection that organ design called unification.14 Though American sensibilities of being civilized, forms the focus of this essay. The location of the “unit” in Unit Orchestra referred to the progressive, and at the top of a social/ the theatre organ as an accompaniment for tonal design and mechanism, the economic cultural and political hierarchy in world the escapist entertainment of the film implication was certainly present in the affairs. How these views supported the industry, taking place as it often did in the advertising: the theatre’s orchestra could processes of American social and political exotic décor of movie houses and palaces, now be a one-person show. Because the power is explored by Michael Oren in his made for its complex identity as both a instrument included not only organ sounds comprehensive study, Power, Faith, and marvel of American power and grandeur of imitative quality, but also percussions Fantasy: America in the Middle East, 1776 and yet a mystery foreign in nature. and sound effects, it was the perfect to the Present,7 but particular issues related Furthermore, the contrast between an expressive vehicle for scoring the images to popular culture are brought into a special earthy, sensual, savage Middle East and a that flashed on the silver screen, and far focus by Eric Davis as he traces the ways grand, spiritualized, superior America is the surpassed the pianos of the early movie the Middle East was presented at late one that is most often stated outright houses: nineteenth and early twentieth century through Arab exoticism in theatre organ “A flick of the finger, and chimes would World Fairs.8 Davis states: music. And finally, the musical flexibility of call Ramona back beside the waterfall. A “Foreign exhibits demonstrated by way the theatre organ made possible new sonic dramatic sweep of the hand and all would of comparison the United States’ superiority definitions of both the United States and its be silent save for the throbbing of the in many realms….[I]f foreign countries cultural foils. broken-hearted Tibia—languishing in the possessed greater civilizational depth, their Theatre organ historians disagree on the left loft as it was comforted by its mate, the current levels of economic, scientific, exact date an organ was first used in a movie crooning Vox Humana over on the right—to cultural and political development paled house. John Landon acknowledges the lack the tune of ‘Prisoner of Love.’ A quick kick when compared with late 19th and early of precise data, but notes that a Los Angeles of the crescendo pedal, a lightning jab at the 20th century America….Thus the concern film house was designed in 1905 specif- combination pistons, and the mood would with race, which was most closely asso- ically to include a pipe organ built by the change to joy again—all glockenspiels, ciated with exhibits of non-Western peoples, local firm of Murray M. Harris.12 David trumpets, tubas and snare drums—as an was part of the process whereby the fairs Junchen states that the organ building firms invisible MacNamara’s band marched sought to educate the populace on the of Roosevelt and Farrand & Votey built across the balcony.”15 desired manner in which they should instruments for theatres as early as 1893 The organ’s pipes were voiced boldly to understand the organization of the world’s and 1895, respectively.13 Whenever the fill large auditoria, and the visual display of peoples.”9 specific date of its origins, the theatre the console (of which more below) marked
6 Ibid. 10. 7 Michael B. Oren. Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the Middle East, 1776 to the Present (New York: W.W. Norton, 2007). 8 Eric Davis. “Representations of the Middle East at American World Fairs 1876-1904,” in The United States and the Middle East: Cultural Encounters, vol. 5, YCIAS Working Paper Series (New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Center for International and Area Studies, 2002), 342-381. 9 Ibid. 349-350. 10 Ibid. 367. 11 Ibid. 370. 12 John W. Landon, Behold the Mighty Wurlitzer: The History of the Theatre Pipe Organ (Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1983), 4. 13 David Junchen, The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, vol. 1 (Pasadena, California: Showcase Publications, 1985), 16. 14 Unification is central to the design of a theatre organ, though Junchen notes that organs of “straight” specification were also used in theatres (see earlier citation). Unification is the process whereby one rank of pipes of consistent tonal characteristic is made to serve many functions. For example, the Tibia Clausa rank—a set of large-scaled stopped wood pipes that happens to be a crucial element in the theatre organ “sound”—if present on the Great division of an organ of straight specification, would contain 61 pipes playable at 8’ (unison) pitch only on the Great manual of that organ. If this same classical organ had a Tibia Clausa at a different pitch on the same division, then another set of 61 pipes would be required, scaled and voiced somewhat differently, and playable only at this other designated pitch. By contrast, the Tibia Clausa of the theatre organ consists of a set of 85 pipes—the original 61 pipes, extended an octave in either direction—that form a “unit” from which the various pitches playable on the organ are borrowed: 16’ (sub octave), 8’ (unison), 4’ (octave), 2-2/3’ (“Twelfth,” or third harmonic), 2’ (“Piccolo”/“Fifteenth”, or fourth harmonic), and 1-3/5’ (“Tierce,” or fifth harmonic). This same Tibia Clausa rank could be played in this manner from all divisions of the organ. All other ranks in a theatre organ specification—diapason, trumpet, oboe, Vox Humana, string, flute—are treated in the same manner. The result is a significant departure from traditional organ sound, and any combinations possible on a theatre organ would be difficult, if possible, to attain on an organ of classical specification. See Peter Williams and Barbara Owen, The Organ in The New Grove Musical Instruments Series (New York: W.W. Norton, 1988), 175-176 and Ben M. Hall, The Best Remaining Seats (New York: Da Capo Press, 1988), 181 for further discussion of unification. 15 Ben M. Hall, The Best Remaining Seats (New York: Da Capo Press, 1988), 179-180.
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the theatre organ as an instrument of power. distant realm of a Middle Eastern palace, Harmonic stasis is a key feature of each, The term “mighty” was applied by and then to sing rousing popular choruses noted above as a dimension of the alla turca Wurlitzer in their advertising, and quickly accompanied by a Mighty Wurlitzer decked style. The same stubborn harmonic insis- reached title status.16 When the “Mighty out in Arabesque filigree, was to overtake tence is present in all four pieces, with Wurlitzer” played, it was an affirmation for the exotic landscape, to appropriate it for special emphasis on the open fifth interval, its hearers: “It was, after all, capable of our own comfort, and to control it for our repeated in the bass. Of the four move- producing honest music of compelling pleasure.20 Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre, ments, all follow conventional classical emotional force when properly played and, decorated in Spanish-Moorish detail, phrase structure, except for the “Oriental in the hands of an expert, could work provided weekly opportunities for such Music,” whose first two phrases are musical magic far beyond the limitations of escape for nearly a decade when it was first lengthened after the harmonic change as if any other single instrument. Without it the built. And the image of a single organist, to suggest that once the poor Easterner movie palace would have been as soulless seated at Wurlitzer console structured like found the new chord (in this case, the as an armory.”17 Through the excitement of furniture from the French Baroque but dominant), he had to hammer it out to make the up-beat “console riser” tunes, the finished with Arabesque appliqué, coaxing his point before returning to the tonic. Other strong resolve of the hero’s victory in the from her fingers all manner imaginable characteristic alla turca devices, including feature film, or the collective spirit of the musical sounds, is a clear depiction of jangling grace notes and short, repeated sing-along, the Mighty Wurlitzer affirmed localized power and control. Thus when the melodic ideas illustrate that these pieces for its audience the sense that the country theatre organists used their instrument to are designed to evoke a locale that is distant that had produced it truly was the “land of make exotic references to Arab people and and a culture that is Other, and they do so the free and the home of the brave.” And so places, the perceived inferiority of this concisely. They are so concise and similar when the theatre organ sang of other lands, culture was clear. in their devices, in fact, as to support in it did so in ways that made their distinction In the area of silent film accom- American film cues what Jonathan Bellman and distance unmistakable, and their exotic paniment, motion picture companies began says about the alla turca terms in the exotic nature undeniable. providing volumes of cue sheets and mood lexicon, namely that they can be applied Theatre organs were often visually im- music with their films so the show might indiscriminately: “I see all these gestures pressive in addition to their sonic splendor. receive fitting accompaniment. Examples of as ultimately being derived from the time- Hall writes that: this mood music can be found in Sam Fox honored ‘wrong-note’ principle of musical “The mightiness of the Wurlitzer…came Moving Picture Music, vol. 1 (1913) by John exoticism, which was never limited to the to be a status symbol as newer and grander Stanley Zamecnik (1872–1953), which Turkish Style: what our good music does not theatres were opened. Consoles were contains several numbers intended for favor or encourage, their… crude music designed to match any décor—an oriental exotic reference. Zamecnik was a prolific probably does, or may as well do.”22 temple with jewel-eyed Buddhas guarding American composer who studied with In addition to the accompaniment of the rest rooms might boast an organ console Antonin Dvorak.21 Though capable of silent films, theatre organists also provided that rose from the depths crusted with producing far more demanding music, entertainment before and between films, crimson dragons and lacquered lotus Zamecnik intended the Moving Picture during which time they played popular blossoms. A vast Italian garden, open to [a Music volumes to be simple and accessible music of the day. An example of one such projected] sky, could feature a console for the average movie-house pianist. Each popular piece that demonstrates the exotic frescoed with peacocks or…acrawl with section or theme of music is no more than in early American popular music is the alabastine cupids.”18 two pages long, and most employ brief song, “Alla,” by Anita Owen (1920). The visual impact of theatre organ themes (sixteen bars) in trio form, thus Dedicated to silent film star Alla Nazimova, consoles is an essential element in the giving the accompanist enough music to the Arab flavor of the song is built on the exoticizing process as played out in their work with if the length of the scene double entendre of the star’s name: music. David Naylor describes how the required, but allowing easy cuts to be made Alla/Allah. In fact, Nazimova employed the desire for exotic architectural styles of if brevity was needed. same pun for her Hollywood home, calling many types followed the 1922 discovery of Sam Fox Moving Picture Music, vol. 1 it “Garden of Alla,” but later allowing the King Tutankhamen’s tomb.19 This taste, includes “Indian Music,” an “Oriental Veil spelling to be changed to “Allah.”23 combined with the escapist nature of the Dance,” “Chinese Music,” and “Oriental “Alla” employs characteristic exotic movie palaces, found a unique intersection Music.” Though “Indian Music” and techniques, both in words and music. In the in Arab exotics, for the Middle East (and, “Chinese Music” (which both emphasize lyrics, the desert is characterized as to be sure, the East in general) as a realm of the pentatonic scale in a way that the other “dreary,” and nights there are “long and escape and fantasy had been demonstrated two movements do not) are not specific to eerie,” thus evaluating the Arab world as and reinforced at the World’s Fairs. To this essay, the four movements occur in an undesirable place to be in comparison escape from the uneasy social context the order given above, and they all bear with the speaker’s comfortable (assumed) created by the Industrial Age into the some striking similarities to one another. American home. The thought of the beloved
16 The Wurlitzer Unit Organ, reprint of Wurlitzer advertising book (Vestal, New York: Vestal Press, no date given), examples throughout. 17 Ben M. Hall, The Best Remaining Seats, 180. 18 Ibid. 194. 19 David Naylor, American Picture Palaces: The Architecture of Fantasy (New York: Van Nostrand Reihhold Company, 1981), 83. 20 See Landon, Behold the Mighty Wurlitzer, 15-16, for further of the sociological context of movie escapism. 21 http://www.mont-alto.com/photoplaymusic/zamecnik/zamecnik.html 22 Jonathan Bellman, The Style Hongrois in the Music of Western Europe, 41-42. 23 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alla_Nazimova.
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is the antidote to this situation. But in spite the lyricist. And in both cases, the quotation passage is structured around the melody of of Owen’s intent to make an Arab reference, of the Marche Slav melody, the repetitive the chorus, which Leibert plays as staccato her exotic examples are mixed in the lyrics: open 5th bass line, and the predictable, chords in the left hand, but is ornamented “Kharma can ne’er divide us, Hope’s star will insistent harmonies are all employed to by a busy solo on a buzzy reed stop in guide us thro’ paths Elysian.” Owen’s caricature Arabs and to support lyrics that the right hand. While Leibert is offering musical idiom uses characteristic alla ridicule and subjugate them. musical comment on his Kinura or Krumet turca devices,24 especially the minor mode The inclusion of popular music in stop, the film shows a Caucasian woman (for the verse only), pulsing open fifths theatre organ repertoire is only one half of costumed as a Middle Easterner, dancing (indicating static harmony), descending the equation, however. Theatre organ what is intended to portray a belly dance. chromatic lines (in verse and vamp), and exoticism has not only to do with the what of The sprightly tempo and fluttering solo lowered seventh scale degrees. Her use of the music, but also the how. Distinctive suggest that the effect is to be humorous, chromatic alterations in the chorus is seems tonal registrations seem to have been a though this is not altogether clear. But even to utilize the common-tone diminished crucial part of early theatre organ exoticism, in its comic ambiguity, this representation seventh that is characteristic of music the and the later recording history of the of the Middle Eastern woman is not period, more than the usual lowered 5th instrument bears out that they still are. complimentary. The buzzy reed stop is a scale degree commonly associated with the Registrational exoticisms were built distinctive signal, probably one used alla turca style. Still her evocation of an mechanically into some theatre organs of consistently among early theatre organists, exotic mood is unmistakable, and uses the day, as exemplified by the Symphonic that points specifically to Arab culture, and devices common at the time. Registrator device developed by the Marr & in its thin, non-lyric sound, stands out More explicit Arab exoticisms followed Colton Company. Essentially a factory against the other majestic or lush sounds of with songs such as Ted Snyder’s “The Shiek preset combination action, the Symphonic the theatre organ and belittles the character of Araby” (1921), in which the shiek’s Registrator brought on combinations of it depicts. conquest of his bride is recounted. The sounds categorized by theme or mood. Their The culmination of Arab exoticism sheik owns his bride by telling her, “Your list of possible combinations includes seems to have occurred in a period of love belongs to me.” He is painted in an predictable moods such as love, quietude, “rebirth” for the theatre organ.27 In the eerie light when he tells her, “At night when jealousy, rural, garden, foxtrot, march, 1950s high fidelity recording made possible you’re asleep, / Into your tent I’ll creep.” mysterious, and night. But also present in an increased range in audio reproduction. While the refrain employs typical Western their list of 39 options are Chinese, The theatre organ, which had been made popular melodic and harmonic devices that Oriental, and Spanish.25 Unfortunately, any obsolete by the development of sound films, are not especially distinctive in this context, lists of the specific stops brought on in each generally languished but was still played by the verse of the song sets its exotic nature. of these combinations have been lost. But a few artists and enthusiasts. One such For the verse, Snyder uses the minor mode the presence of this device points to the use organist was George Wright (1920-1998), and a variation on the pitch sequence 5— of such exotic categories in the realm of the who had served as organist at the New York flat-5—flat-3—2—1. This mode-melody theatre organ design and construction, and Paramount in the 1940s. While his pred- combination is taken directly from demonstrates that how one formed the ecessor at the Paramount, Jesse Crawford, Tchaikovsky’s Marche Slav, Op. 31, and sound of the oriental Other was crucial to had been dubbed the “Poet of the Organ,” seems to have served as an immediate its representation. Wright was truly a wizard at the Wurlitzer, identifier in Middle Eastern exoticisms. The In spite of our lack of data about and his performances, continually recorded same devices are employed in Teddy Marr & Colton’s version of the oriental until his death in 1998, have kept the Powell’s “The Snake Charmer from Old stereotype, we do have evidence of one theatre organ alive for unnumbered Baghdad” (1937) and Harry Warren’s “The organist’s approach to registering Arab listeners. Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish” (1938), exoticism which also intersects with the In 1958, Wright recorded an album of which depicts Arab characters who are performance of popular music on the theatre selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s either irrational or morally suspect. The organ. In his video presentation, Legendary South Pacific. In the comic number, “Honey Snake Charmer is overcome by his own Theatre Organists,26 silent film organist Bun,” in which the soldiers don grass skirts jazzy “hot licks” and gives up all cares extraordinaire Gaylord Carter describes and coconut brassieres during an evening’s except playing swing music that left his how motion picture studios would distribute entertainment, Wright quotes in its entirety snakes “nervous wrecks… [with] kinks theatre organ short subjects to smaller the familiar melody known to many in all their necks.” The girlfriend of the theatres who could no longer afford an organ American schoolchildren by the lyrics, Whirling Dervish is described as an or organist. One such short subject happens “There’s a place in France / Where the “oriental” with a “manner too bold and much also to be a felicitous example of Arab women wear no pants / There’s a hole in the too free,” who cheats on her boyfriend: exoticism at work. Produced about 1934, wall / Where the men can see it all.” In “every night when he goes out to make an this performance of Radio City Music Hall 1960, Wright recorded the song “Twilight in honest rupee, / She steps out to make a lot of organist Dick Leibert accompanying a man Turkey,” quoting this melody again twice— whoopee.” As with “Alla,” the mixed singing the popular tune “Love Songs of the first, as the introduction to the song, in cultural references in “The Girlfriend of the Nile” (Freed/Brown, 1932) features a which he employs technical trickery to bend Whirling Dervish” do not appear to trouble unique solo break between choruses. This the ending pitch of his introduction28—and
24 See Jonathan Bellman, The Style Hongrois in the Music of Western Europe (Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1993), 25-45 25 Landon, 44, and Hall, 192. 26 Film Technology Company, producer. Legendary Theatre Organists (Los Angeles: Film Technology Company, 1987). 27 See Landon, chapter 4 for discussion of the theatre organ’s place in early high fidelity recording.
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again as an excursus in which repeats the spread throughout the Middle East and intended to mimic the neigh. But like the melody multiple times, modulating up a North Africa by the time of the 1890s.”31 buzzy Kinura and Orchestral Oboe stops, it half step each time, and adding tuned and By quoting this melody, Wright con- serves as a contrast to the usual lush chorus non-tuned percussions to his buzzing, reedy tinues the use of the theatre organ as a tool sounds of the organ and tells us that the registration. for exoticism—pointing unmistakably to a land it represents is not our own.32 Though numerous composers have laid culture other than the one he and his Two final examples point us to the claim to this melody piece, the only listeners inhabit, and, if “The Streets of conclusion that the use of exoticism in copyrighted (and therefore official?) version Cairo” truly has Arab origins, mocking this American theatre organ music has formed of this melody is by James Thompson, and culture outright. In these examples, his an integral part of this instrument’s is called “Streets of Cairo, or The Poor registrations differ from those used in most vocabulary—and, more to the point, that Little Country Maid.” The editor of one of his playing, and his particular use of the these devices are part of our vocabulary published version describes it as “An reiterating glockenspiel, which strikes a because we continue to employ and accept amusing song of 1893 which mockingly given pitch multiple times per second, is a them. Though both of these devices fall imitates the music used for the sensational device he employs only rarely, and only for somewhat outside the realm of specific dance of Little Egypt at the Chicago World’s specific effect. Arab reference, they demonstrate how Columbian Exposition.”29 Though numer- Wright’s example set the stage for other ingrained notions of East and West are ous composers have laid claim to the piece, organists, most notably contemporary recognized immediately through musical James Fuld writes that this melody has theatre organist Lyn Larsen, who plays signals, and how our assumptions about existed under various titles, but clarifies: many of Wright’s arrangements today. them are carried forward. First, Lyn Larsen “The opening five notes, including Larsen’s own version of “Honey Bun” describes Cyril Scott’s 1905 piano piece harmony and meter, are identical to the follows Wright’s outline almost verbatim. “Lotus Land” as “an exotic piece brimming opening five notes of the song Colin Prend And the legacy of interest and enthusiasm with mystery which evokes a torrid Sa Hotte in J.B. Christophe Ballard, for the theatre organ that Wright’s playing atmosphere” and asks the listener to hear Brunettes ou Petits Airs Tendres (Paris, engendered has led to the continuation of in his own performance “how the finger 1719)….In J.B. Wekerlin, Échos du Temps the theatre organ’s vocabularies in general. cymbals and Chinese [sic] gong combine Passé (Paris, 1857), …the song is Ron Rhode, another current theatre with stringent reeds and silvery strings to represented as a ‘Chanson à danser’ with organist, is known for performing songs carry you off to some distant land.”33 the comment that the first phrase of the from the 1920s and ’30s in the style of Second, contemporary theatre organist melody resembles almost note for note an the period. Thus when Rhode performs Barry Baker includes the late 1940s hit Algerian or Arabic melody known as the “Moonlight on the Ganges,” which is not “Nature Boy” on a recording also from Kradoutja, and that the melody has been specifically Arab in its reference yet serves 1995, and he employs melodic bird calls, popular in France since 1600. No printing as a sufficient orientalist marker, he non-rhythmic tom-tom rolls, a distant gong, of Kradoutja has been found.”30 employs another of Wright’s specialized and hollow flute sounds that stand apart While further research for this essay has registrations to depict the distant India. from his usual registrations. He also also failed to yield a printed version of Rhode’s registration deserves specific employs an open fifth harmonic stop in Kradoutja, one claim linking the piece to mention here for the symbolic implications melodic iteration to provide a wandering Arab culture has been made. Dancer Julie it carries as an exotic device. This regis- organum that is falls noticeably outside Elliot, who uses the performing name Shira, tration is a combination of the clarinet stop the diatonic harmony. In both instances, reports that at 16' pitch, and a strident string stop at 2' these organists provide—through contrast “New York dance researcher Morocco pitch. Thus, when the organist plays middle and color, languishing tempo, specific independently discovered this song was C on the keyboard, one hears a clarinet an percussions and melodic registrations—the known in the Middle East. When she was octave below unison, and a voice of over- aural information that they are describing a dancing in Baghdad, Iraq in the late 1960s, developed overtones two octaves above. The land that is far away, dangerous, dreamy, an old woman played it on her oud for her. open space of three octaves in between, fantastical, and even primitive. The woman’s grandmother, who lived before combined with the exaggeration of over- That these examples persist on record- the time of the Chicago exposition, taught tones upon overtones, forms a sound that is ings from 1995, and that they are fresh it to her….[I]f the melody had been known almost piercing in quality if not in volume, arrangements or orchestrations reflecting in the Orient since at least 1600, possibly and that is nearly devoid of harmonic each organist’s individual musicianship, earlier, as the French song’s sheet music fundamental. This aural presentation of the shows us how exotic devices are still a part asserted, then it certainly could have East was, at some point, most likely of musical vocabulary for the theatre
28 Because the pipe organ uses a separate pipe for each note of the scale, sliding between pitches requires additional techniques. In this case a person other than the organist was placed in the organ chamber to cover the open end of the pipe and gradually uncover it, with a hand or a piece of paper. This technique causes the initial pitch to be lower than the pipe’s actual speaking pitch; as the pipe is uncovered, the pitch rises to normal. (This analysis of Wright’s additional technique is my own. I have been unable to locate documentation of it in the literature, but a close listening reveals specific tonal characteristics that support the argument.) 29 Margaret Bradford Boni, ed., Songs of the Gilded Age (New York: Golden Press, 1960), 14. 30 James J. Fuld, The Book of World-Famous Music: Classical, Popular and Folk (New York: Dover, 2000), 276. Ralph P. Locke also traces briefly the emergence of “Kradoutja” in his article, “Cutthroats and Casbah Dancers, Muezzins and Timeless Sands: Musical Images of the Middle East,” in Bellman’s The Exotic in Western Music, cited earlier; see pp. 115–116. 31 Julie Elliot, “That ‘Snake Charmer Song,” The Art of Middle Eastern Dance. http://www.shira.net/streets-of-cairo.htm. 32 This registration is suggested as a “novelty” sound in Jim Riggs, Registration Guide for Large Theatre Organs, (Walnut Creek, California: The Jim Riggs Theatre Organ Workshop [self-published, no date]). 33 Lyn Larsen, Paradise Revisited (Phoenix, Arizona: Musical Contrasts, 1995), CD liner notes.
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organ. Specifically Arab exoticisms, though Elliot, Julie. “That Snake Charmer Song.” The Art Naylor, David. American Picture Palaces: The repeated through quotations of Wright’s of Middle Eastern Dance. http://www.shira. Architecture of Fantasy. New York: Van net/streets-of-cairo.htm. Nostrand Reihhold Company, 1981. arrangements, seem to have become less frequent since George Wright codified them Fuld, James J. The Book of World-Famous Oren, Michael B. Power, Faith, and Fantasy: in the 1950s and ’60s. To measure instances Music: Classical, Popular and Folk. Fifth Edition: America in the Middle East, 1776 to the Revised and Enlarged. New York: Dover, 2000. Present. New York: W.W. Norton, 2007. of Arab exoticism in theatre organ music since 9/11 will be an important next step in Hall, Ben M. The Best Remaining Seats: The Riggs, Jim. Registration Guide for Large Theatre Golden Age of the Movie Palace. New York: Organs, Walnut Creek, California: The Jim Riggs this project. (As the acquisition of theatre Da Capo Press, 1988. Theatre Organ Workshop, self-published, no organ CDs can be expensive, this will date. require further time and resources for the Junchen, David. The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, volume 1. Said, Edward. Orientalism. New York: Pantheon gathering and analysis of materials.) Pasadena, California: Showcase Publications, Books, 1978. This essay has described how the 1985. attitude towards Arab people and culture as The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. The Wurlitzer Unit Landon, John W. Behold the Mighty Wurlitzer: Organ. Vestal, New York: Vestal Press. Reprint of apart from and inferior to American culture The History of the Theatre Pipe Organ. period advertisements, no date given. took shape in the late nineteenth and early Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, twentieth centuries, and how these attitudes 1983. Williams, Peter and Owen, Barbara. The Organ. In The New Grove Musical Instruments Series. were reflected and assimilated in the social Little, Douglas M. American Orientalism: The New York: W.W. Norton, 1988. and political processes of the World’s Fairs. United States and the Middle East Since 1945. In it, I have traced how the ideas expressed Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, in the popular media of film and music of 2002. the time were absorbed into the vocabulary of an instrument uniquely poised to articulate them. I have surveyed specific devices used in the performance of Arab exoticism on the theatre organ, and noted how the organ’s location in the movie palaces could reinforce American attitudes and practices of domination vis-à-vis the Middle East. And I have shown how these ideas have persisted in the vocabulary of Season’s Greetings the theatre organ as it has lived on through the process of audio recording. Whether the artists of this instrument—itself born of a & Happy New Year specific technological and artistic period, yet living on as an instrument of both from the nostalgia and current musical expression— Need a great gift will continue the pattern of exoticizing their Board & Staff idea? Buy a human family in the Middle East remains to membership for be seen. at ATOS. a friend. It’s inexpensive, fun, and good for all Works Cited in ATOS!
Bellman, Jonathan, ed. The Exotic in Western Music. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1998.
Bellman, Jonathan. The Style Hongrois in the Music of Western Europe. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1993.
Boni, Margaret Bradford, ed. Songs of the Gilded Age. New York: Golden Press, 1960.
Davis, Eric. “Representations of the Middle East at American World Fairs 1876-1904,” in The United States and the Middle East: Cultural Encounters, vol. 5, YCIAS Working Paper Series. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Center for International and Area Studies, 2002.
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 25 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:31 PM Page 26
Why Wait for the Down Button? A Tribute to an American Family
Who Gave the Musical Community BY EDWARD MILLINGTON STOUT III the Castro Wurlitzer Organ
Over the past three years we have shared musical bias of George Wright recordings Diaphones being called to the front lines. insights into the lives of several notable singing throughout the house. At the age of In fact, the steel fame of the building persons whose lives and contributions to the five, Bill began accordion lessons until he supported the sidewalk, and pedestrians theatre organ field could not be measured. noticed the squeezette had NO PEDAL! and Volkswagens were given fair notice. In The tributes were all written after “the down This would not do, so he began to take that year they heard the same Wurlitzer button” had been pushed and they could interest in organ lessons in 1959. It was commanded by Tom Hazleton as he not enjoy the appreciation we, as club time for one of the great theatre organ supported the live antics of the Three members, have for them. There is nothing talents to enter the lives of both Taylor lads, Stooges on stage. The year 1965 was pivotal more boring than a chronological review of when they heard Larry Vannucci play the in many ways for the Taylor family and a family’s history step after tedious step, but six-rank Wurlitzer in a San Francisco their friends. The great San Francisco we should have an overview of the lives in motion picture studio. New seeds were sown Granada/Paramount Theatre came crashing this idealized ATOE family that would within the Taylor boys’ fertile minds after down, Bill began serious lessons with make Ozzie and Harriett look like liberal hearing and feeling the difference between Vannucci, the boys met organman Ed Stout, Democrats. an electratone and the real acoustic and the family began a determined search This essay explores the Ray Taylor instrument. There was to be a pipe organ in for a Wurlitzer pipe organ. What a year! family’s long history in preserving and their future. The search ended in 1967 when Judd presenting theatre organs to the general In 1963 the family attended the Walton found a Style E Wurlitzer that had public. A native of San Mateo, California, unforgettable Farewell to the Fox concert been transplanted from the State Theatre Ray was treated to attending the opening with George Wright reaching new emotional in Stockton to a little church in Ione, week of the famed San Francisco Fox and stirring highs while realizing it really California. With the help of friends, the Theatre, as well as the bellowing antics of was FAREWELL to the organ and building organ was moved to San Mateo for short- Tibia Plena pipes installed in a few he so loved. They also attended the 1963 term storage, as the intent was to find a discontented Robert-Morton and Smith ATOE convention in Bismarck, North theatre for re-installation. There was a organs near his home. In spite of those Dakota. It was Bill’s first opportunity to play delightful little theatre in the nearby town of hard-nosed bomb-bastaphones, Ray was a pipe organ, and he was coached and Burlingame that was running a mixed hooked on theatre organs for the rest of his assisted by Dick Loderhose and Lowell program of dated art and classic films. The life, and he is now in his 88th year. Until Ayers. The convention experience cap- owner was a colorful and good-hearted recently he drove his 1967 Mustang to hear tured the family’s interest, and soon a new showman who had an exaggerated sense of his oldest son, Bill, play intermissions at Gulbransen Rialto graced their living room. questionable taste. If one gold cherub could David Packard’s wonderful Stanford As members of the local “Horseshoe Club,” hold up an oversized red drape, why not use Theatre in downtown Palo Alto. Ray and Doris became close friends with four? The only thing missing was the red Ray Taylor met his wife Doris just prior Norm and Lorraine Lippert, who had the light beneath the marquee. Ward Stoopes’ to being assigned to the Manhattan Project seven-rank, Style 165 Special installed in little Encore Theatre was doing good busi- in Los Alamos, where he worked on their Bay Area home. Their little jazz-box ness, and he loved organ music. When electrical instrumentation during the had a Krumet as well as an English Horn in approached by Ray and his teen-aged boys, creation of the first series of atom bombs. place of the traditional D Trumpet. Ward was overjoyed at the idea of having a He married Doris at the end of the war, and Deeper impressions were etched in 1964 real Wurlitzer pipe organ in his theatre, they remained in Los Alamos until when they heard Ann Leaf re-arrange thereby freeing his patrons from the clicks returning to San Mateo in 1950. The nest Market Street as she thundered forth on the and squeals made by 33 rpm theatre organ was filling, with Bill appearing in 1952 and Granada/Paramount’s six-chambered giant. records covered with coke and cigarette Dick’s arrival one year later. It goes without Steve Levin claimed he could feel the ashes. saying their lives were carried by the Jones Street sidewalk shake with the 32'
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No time was wasted in undertaking the wonderful Castro Theatre, opened in 1922. the organ was well in place, with special releathering of the Style E, and Ed Stout had It was running a most successful “art and efforts being directed to the Orchestral time to guide them in the carefully repeated revival” policy and had nightly organ Oboe, Wurlitzer’s most important color reed. tasks, hot glue and all. The installation went music with David Hegarty and Elbert La Many hours were expended on that most smoothly, with Ray pitching in to help with Chelle at the less-than-mighty Conn. Did valued rank to assure each reed tongue took the construction of the relay room. It was you ever wonder why a manufacturer would the tremulants with evenness. In June of crystal clear that 15-year-old Dick Taylor call their product a Conn Artiste? Dick and 1983, the Castro organ was singing forth possessed very special gifts in the manual Ray approached the innovative showman, with 16 ranks when the gifted Tom Hazleton arts, as well as a desire for perfection. It Mel Novikoff, who had leased the old was featured during the 1983 annual was not difficult for a veteran organman to pleasure-dome from the Nasser family. convention. One year later, Lyn Larsen comprehend the deep love for organbuilding When learning the eager lad wanted to returned to the Bay Area to work again with that was already driving the gifted young- provide a real pipe organ, Mel was behind Dick and Ed in a very special concert for ster. The charming little Wurlitzer began the idea and a mutual agreement was the AGO national convention. singing forth in the Encore Theatre in 1969, established. The complete 21-rank organ was singing with Bill playing as often as studies would Keys to the 1922 landmark were forth in 1995, thereby thrilling the nightly allow. The little jewel entertained the provided in January of 1979, and the patrons with a well-established tradition. Encore’s patrons from 1969 until the theatre installation began with major repairs being Going to the Castro Theatre without the closed in 1972. A great deal of dedicated made to the existing water-damaged cham- Wurlitzer was out of the questionc and the effort was expended for a brief three-year bers. Dave Schutt had removed the original owners of the theatre knew that vital run, but valued experience had been gained Robert-Morton organ some years before. information. The Nasser family gained for the next great and lasting project. Small elevated tremulant caves were built complete control of the theatre their Organ restoration work moved to the into the repaired ceilings. The proposed grandfathers built, and they have invested back burner while Bill and Dick entered the Castro organ was projected to be around 21 a fortune into providing new seats, heating University of California, Berkeley to study ranks, thereby requiring safe headroom of plant, and decorative restorative projects. their chosen fields. Ray wanted both sons 3,000 CFM with a 15-hp Spencer. Dick was Dick had procured the wonderful 25" to enjoy financial security, and they were able to locate one of the two 20-hp Spencers Tuba Mirabilis from the Brooklyn Fox both exceptionally bright students. While from the Fabian Theatre in Patterson, New Theatre and that “royal” stop was given a attending Berkeley, Dick met another avid Jersey, which delivered 4,000 CFM. There home in the original pipe holes next to the organ nut named Jim Welch. How, out of was no room in the trap-room basement original 15" English Horn from the same thousands of students, did Dick manage areas, so a double room was constructed on organ. So, the two old friends who tried to befriend another electrical engineering stage-right 10 feet away from the picture- to shout through the small and distant student who was not only an organist, but sheet. The 14" static conductors seemed to openings in Brooklyn now push you back had already erected his own pipe organ in thrust their way throughout the basement into your comfortable seat in the grand old one of his father’s commercial buildings? and upper stage areas to the awaiting Main Castro Theatre. There is just no sound quite Jim was nearly as crazy about collecting and Solo chambers. like the harmonic collaboration of the theatre organ parts as Dick, and they both Most new installations demand having a original Wurlitzer “Brass Chamber” ranks, began competing during their summer four-manual console, and Castro’s need was the Double English Horn, and the Tuba vacations. Why? At the age of 20, did Dick filled by the purchase of the console and Mirabilis. The later enlargement of the Style have some wild vision for another grand complete relay from the darkened State 285 added a Tibia, String, and Vox Humana installation and, if so, where? There are Theatre in Detroit. Dick releathered the to the traditional “Brass” ranks, and called very few old theatre buildings operating 1925 console and matching relays prior to it the Orchestral division. At the Castro, the at a profit and with ownership possessing its being placed into active service again. patrons are supplied with oxygen masks the vision for sharing a Wurlitzer with the What do you think you are doing, Dick, before the special “Brass” blower is turned public. rebuilding a dated pneumatic computer and on. Both boys graduated from college with expecting it to provide reliable service? Oh There are similar stories about other fine electrical engineering degrees and Bill, well, the ideals of youth! The installation families who have dedicated their funds and without delay, entered the job market in was covered in the January/February, 1983, time to provide a great organ for their Silicon Valley. Dick was possessed with the issue of THEATRE ORGAN. community, and this essay is also a tribute need to find a suitable theatre for the now The organ was first heard in October of to those wonderful people who were not large collection of choice Wurlitzer parts. 1981, with Jim Roseveare commanding nine looking for inflated recognition but just The answer loomed forth from within the ranks for a special celebration for George wanted to share their passion with their Castro District of San Francisco, which had Cukor, who was present on stage. Walt community. The Taylor family is just one of become a colorful and creative honosensual Strony played a stunning concert on the many within our wonderful interest group. community. The Capital and City Hall for Castro Wurlitzer when it had reached 11 the Castro district was the Nasser family’s ranks. At that point the real personality of
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ATOS Membership Application Please tell your musical, historical and preservationist-minded INVEST IN ATOS friends about the American Theatre Organ Society and its work. Encourage them to join the ranks! Keeping the Music ______Name Playing ______Address
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28 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:23 PM Page 29
2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION Treasures
BY ROBERT RIDGEWAY of the (Photos by Richard Neidich) Western Reserve
Interior of First Congregational Church
Jonathan Ortloff at the organ and Allan Ward Akron Civic Theatre on the drums at the Palace
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Cleveland, Ohio was the focus of the opportunity to tour the multi-theatre chapter leadership. The afternoon seminar theatre organ world from June 30 through complex that comprises Playhouse Square. in the on-going Heritage Series highlighted July 6, 2009. When the attendance at this This fortuitous grouping of outstanding the musical careers of two important figures year’s ATOS annual convention reached the theatres nearly suffered the fate of so many in theatre organ history—Ashley Miller and 450 mark, a sigh of relief was felt by other fine cinema palaces—shuttering, Pearl White. Amazingly, quite a few in the everyone involved. It is no secret that the neglect, vandalism, and finally demolition. audience knew nothing about these two economy is still far from prosperous, and The tide turned in Cleveland due to the terrific players from the relatively recent several factors could have had a negative extraordinary activist Ray Shepardson. He past. Scott Smith and Clark Wilson took us impact on the registration numbers: First, would not permit these wonderful buildings down memory lane with anecdotes and the new official ATOS board policy of not to fall, by increasing public awareness and examples of the playing of Miller and White permitting any audio recording or video- spearheading fundraising and restoration. from older recordings. Suffice to say, no one taping at the concerts was implemented. Our attendees were given a thorough tour of left unaware of the immense contributions Although a source of some contention the Ohio, Palace, State, Allen, and across of these two musical giants. A lively among long-time members, this rule brings the street, the Hanna. question-and-answer exchange took place ATOS into compliance with current US Even though these showplaces were all throughout. copyright law. From the beginnings of resplendent, none had a working pipe organ Later, the opening reception gave one ATOS, it was considered almost a birthright when they were restored and reopened in and all the chance to renew old friendships by zealous enthusiasts to be able to record the late 1970s. In the early 1990s the late and meet and greet newcomers. As has programs. No one could predetermine the Bill Taber was pivotally involved in the been the case in past years, the inter- impact this policy would have on installation and reintroduction of a three- national membership was well represented attendance. Second, following on the heels manual, 15-rank Kimball that had formerly by folks from Great Britain, Australia, and of the ATOS gathering was the annual been installed in the Enright Theatre in the New Zealand. The Grande Lobby of the convention of the Organ Historical Society East Liberty section of Pittsburgh. Gerald Renaissance Hotel provided the perfect (OHS), also scheduled for Cleveland. Since Brookins and his family purchased this back-drop for the reception. We were there is a percentage of cross-over member- Kimball in 1958 and donated it to the entertained by the hotel pianist as well as ship in both ATOS and OHS, it was not Playhouse Square organization in 1975. some members vamping through show known how many would have the time and The Kimball was premiered February 2, tunes. resources to attend both conventions or be 1992 by Ron Rhode. The public was After dinner, we boarded busses for the forced to choose one over the other. As it thrilled, and this organ continues to provide trip to Akron and the completely refur- turned out, the OHS convention registration music to varied audiences. To date, none of bished Civic Theatre. The Wurlitzer was was in excess of 500. Third, because the the other theatres in this complex have rebuilt in 2000 by the Akron Civic Theatre 2007 annual meeting was in New York and followed suit with pipe organs, but the Organ Guild and enlarged from 13 to 19 the 2008 gathering was in Indianapolis, Palace just added two additional ranks ranks under the guidance of Lyn Larsen, some might have wished for balance and which our group got to hear presented by Carlton Smith, and others. The John a West coast site. Fear not; the 2010 the same man who premiered the Kimball Eberson-designed atmospheric Civic is one convention will be in Seattle, Washington. in 1992, Ron Rhode. of only a very few remaining theatres in the As a point of information, an archival Ron has been a solid crowd-pleaser for United States where the stars still twinkle recording was made of the convention over 30 years. His ATOS programs are and the clouds go drifting by. Chris Elliott is concerts, and a highlight CD has been eagerly anticipated for their mix of both a well-established theatre organist and prepared. Pre-order forms were supplied at familiar and obscure toe-tapping tunes. accompanist for silent films; he was greatly the convention, and the CD is available Among the selections were “Cosi Cosa”; influenced by the late Gaylord Carter. Chris through the ATOS Marketplace (see page “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine”; “I’m regularly plays for silent films in northern 72). Confessin’ (That I love You)”; “I Don’t California and frequently travels around the The event planning committee need not Know Why”; “My Baby is Due at 2 to 2 country thrilling audiences with the magic have been apprehensive about the regis- Today”; a medley from Singin’ In the Rain; combination of silent film and theatre organ tration figures; for the first time in many “Pietro’s Return”; “See You In C-U-B-A”; accompaniment. Chris began his program years, nearly every program was scheduled “For Good” (from Wicked) and “ Paddlin’ with a stirring rendition of the “King in a theatre—each one lovingly restored Madeline Home.” We were next treated to Kong March.” A musical homage to Charlie and maintained. It is always a treat to get to the haunting Duke Ellington tune, Chaplin came next, and many of the hear these organs in the venues for which “Solitude.” The program ended with the tunes brought back poignant memories, they were created. Echoing that theme, the delightful warhorse, “The Light Cavalry especially “Smile.” We marveled at the convention hotel was the splendid Marriott Overture” by von Suppé and “The timeless appeal of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. in Renaissance located adjacent to what was Dambuster’s March” by Eric Coates as an The Mark of Zorro. The Fairbanks-Elliott once the tallest building in Ohio, the encore. Many in the audience expressed the combination was a winning one as indicated Terminal Tower. The Renaissance Hotel desire to listen to Ron for another hour (or by the enthusiastic applause and positive was replete with architectural details to more), but the convention committee chose bus conversations afterward. warm the hearts of lovers of old theatres, instead to offer an open console session in Thursday morning brought us to the and it also has modern amenities. which several participated. first of two ATOS shows at the Cleveland For those who arrived early and took Wednesday, July 1, marked the first Masonic Auditorium. The Performing Arts advantage of the optional events, it was a official day of the convention. In the Center (PAC) complex is enormous, and the great day. In the afternoon we had the morning, a seminar was held promoting 2,100-seat auditorium is used for varied
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Exterior of the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield Ron Rhode at Palace Theatre Kimball
Audience begins to gather at the Palace Theatre
Donnie Rankin in concert, with projected image Boarding busses for trip to Akron
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presentations throughout the year. It has March”; “Vous les Vous”; “Winner Takes visit the gorgeous Lorain Palace Theatre housed a 4/43 Austin pipe organ since the All”; and the big Abba hit “Dancing with an original 3/10 Wurlitzer. Second, we building was constructed in 1918, installed Queen.” “My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice” were made aware of the sights and sounds in a loft on the right side of the auditorium was next, and Brett’s show wrapped up with of the regional in Birmingham to be held (facing the stage). The console is in what two rhythmic challenges: “Opus One” and over the Thanksgiving weekend, as well as would have been a box seat area below. This “Grizzly Bear.” the annual gathering next summer in somewhat unconventional placement has A very satisfied audience rode the Seattle, Washington. Third, we had the been a blessing for the Western Reserve busses back to the hotel for two afternoon pleasure of hearing a young man who chapter since it meant that the left organ gatherings, the attendance at which should continues to mature musically— Donnie loft was empty, making it available for the have been convention requirements. The Rankin. installation of the chapter organ. first was the members’ forum at which The console of the Wurlitzer is in the In 2006, the chapter received a dona- the membership could ask questions of orchestra pit on the left as you face the tion of the 4/17 Wurlitzer originally from the ATOS board and discuss issues of stage. The organ lift, which no longer the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, importance. The second was a technical functioned, was removed many years ago. California, from Wade and Marilyn Bray. seminar co-hosted by Allen Miller and Jeff As a result, the console remained hidden In the interim the organ had been installed Weiler, with the additional participation by throughout the performance, and Donnie in the Pasadena residence of Dr. Orrin the president-elect of the Organ Historical had to rather awkwardly extricate himself Hostetter. The chapter moved it into storage Society, Scot Huntington. The provocative from the depths to acknowledge applause and shop space in the PAC complex, and and appropriate title of their presentation and announce selections. There were two the rebuilding process began in earnest. was taken from the medical establish- television cameras focused on the console, The organ was respecified and enlarged ment—”First, Do No Harm.” Resources and the image was projected on the huge from 17 to 28 ranks. The previously unused such as the recently updated OHS theatre picture sheet allowing the audience loft was cleaned, divided, dry walled, and Guidelines for Restoration and Conservation to watch Donnie. It was, by his own painted. As many of us who have restored were discussed. These may be read and admission, a distraction to glance up and and re-installed these instruments know, printed out from their website: www.organ see himself larger than life. projects always cost far more than planned society.org/html/historic/pdf/ConservGuidel Donnie’s opening was a smooth rendition and consume exponential amounts of time. ines.pdf. of “From This Moment On,” followed by a This installation proved to be no exception. In the early years of our hobby there was clever novelty tune: “Onezy, Twozy, I Love The chapter received a $35,000 loan from a tremendous amount of irreparable damage Youzy.” Next came two Beatles hits: “And I the ATOS treasury to assist (which has been done to organs due to ignorance of accepted Love Her” and “Yesterday.” A medley from paid back, in full with interest, from the rebuilding procedures and the lack of Guys and Dolls was the next offering, and it chapter’s share of the convention proceeds). access to correct tools and materials. very ably demonstrated just how much The chapter had many volunteers working Fortunately, this is no longer the case. In music can be made with an original 10-rank laboriously on the myriad of rebuilding dozens of projected photos we were shown pipe organ, but this particular selection was details and even brought in several well- how not to restore. Jeff Weiler, Allen Miller, played just a little too fast, in my opinion. known professional organmen in hopes and Scot Huntington are professional pipe The old Amos & Andy (and Gaylord of being able to premier this organ for organ craftsmen with many decades of Carter) theme, “The Perfect Song,” was, in the 2009 convention. It was too much experience. It was both enlightening and fact, just about perfect in every way when to accomplish in the time available. A traumatizing to see some of these mangled Donnie played it next. Donnie was involved Western Reserve member, Jack Alling, was efforts and then hear explanations of why in band all through high school, including gracious enough to make his new Walker certain procedures were frowned upon. the steel drums, and he played “Recuerdos digital organ available. The organist for this After some particularly horrific photos were del Pasado” (Memories of the Past), concert was the Kansas native, Brett displayed, a noise was heard in parts of the originally arranged for the steel drums. He Valliant. As Master of Ceremonies, Ken room that appeared to mimic the sound of closed his first half with the “Rapaz Band Double aptly remarked, while Valliant is his peach pits dropping out of trouser legs. We March.” real name, it is also the perfect moniker for are, in the final analysis, just the custodians Between the first and second half of the a show business career. of these amazing music machines, and we program was a PowerPoint™ presentation Brett delivered a remarkable contrast owe it to the generations that come after us covering the upcoming regional convention between older, more traditional theatre to exercise careful and well-thought out and the terrific line-up for next summer in organ selections and recent popular tunes. restorations. Many excellent questions were Seattle. Most everyone agreed that these Among his offerings were: “I Am What I asked, and Allen, Jeff, and Scot were two pending events offered great appeal. Am” (from La Cage Aux Folles); “Beyond patient and thorough in their explanations. Donnie returned with the first million- the Blue Horizon”; “Sway”; and a medley One sensed that most everyone present seller tune from Jesse Crawford, “Valencia.” from The New Moon by Romberg. Shifting understood the meaning behind the seminar Donnie surprised us with a novel intro to musical gears, Brett played “The Bohemian title, wanted to be considerate and careful this familiar melody and then introduced a Rhapsody,” made famous by the rock when approaching rebuilding projects, clever segue into “Lady of Spain.” The group Queen, and then The Platters’ hit, and were not afraid to ask questions of more audience enthusiastically displayed their “My Prayer.” The Rossini Overture to knowledgeable folk if unsure how to approval. Donnie continued to astonish with The Thieving Magpie (La Gaza Ladra) proceed. a magnificent rendition of “You and I”— introduced some gravitas to the program. The evening presented us with three done à la Stevie Wonder. “El Relicario” This was followed by “The Liberty Bell welcome treats. First, we had the chance to followed and then a Lyn Larsen-identified
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arrangement of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The program came to a thrilling climax with the Dvorak “Slavonic Dance #8 in G minor.” The playing certainly endeared Donnie to the crowd, but perhaps even more appealing than his musicianship was his dead-pan humor and banter between tunes. If he were not playing organ concerts, he might find a career in stand-up comedy. One can only hope that the attendees fully appreciated just how much music was played on this delightful, original 3/10 Wurlitzer. Friday morning we were bussed to the historic 1893 Grays Armory building. The Cleveland Grays, organized as a volunteer John Clark McCall, banquet organist ATOS board of directors militia to help maintain law and order, now serve as an educational and philanthropic organization. The building still serves to host their meetings, and there is even a shooting range in the basement—a startling revelation to many when target practice coincides with organ practice. This venue is home to another almost completely original Style 240 3/13 Wurlitzer. Other than the addition of a few ranks (the 32' Diaphone from the Playhouse Square State Theatre, Quintadena, English Horn, and Piano), it is operating as it did when it was installed in 1931 in Warner’s Theatre in Erie, Pennsylvania—one of the last Wurlitzer organs to be installed in a US theatre. Our artist was John Lauter from Detroit. John has been presenting concerts for over 20 years, and he entertained the audience with a fine cross-section of music, including some gems from across the pond. Among the selections were: “Wedding of the Painted Doll”; “Spring Is Here”; and “Once in Love
with Amy.” “The Westminster Waltz” Proscenium of the Canton Palace Theatre introduced us to the first of three compo- sitions by the Englishman Robert Farman, the other two being “How Beautiful Is Night” and “Derby Day.” Carlos Jobim’s “Mojave” contrasted nicely with the Larry Vanucci-styled “Darn That Dream.” “A Forest Night” by Marvin Hamlisch, “The Shadow of Your Smile,” and a tribute to Michael Jackson afforded us some more recent selections. John’s program had some older favorites, too, with “I Could Have Danced All Night”; “Love Walked In”; and then “I Have Dreamed” from The King and I. John displayed his inventiveness with a series of Jerome Kern tunes played in the manner of J.S. Bach. The show ended with “God Bless America.” The Armory is very live and reverberant, the organ sparkling, and the musicianship of John Lauter left us wanting more. We returned to the hotel, and
Chris Elliott (l) and Jelani Eddington following Grand Lobby of the Renaissance Hotel the pops concert
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some owners of electronic organs attended the overall winner was Nathan Avakian. the old standard, “A Nightingale Sang in the ETONES meeting. The audience was in complete accord. Berkeley Square” by Sherwin. Just when we After lunch we went back to the Palace Friday night afforded those fortunate thought it could not get better, Richard Theatre and the Kimball for an afternoon enough to obtain a ticket the chance to hear afforded us a tantalizing tribute to de of music played by younger performers. the second-largest residence theatre organ Silva, Brown, and Henderson, featuring The opening concert was by the winner of in the country at the former home of the late some of the best songs from that prolific last year’s Young Organist Competition, Vince Aveni. This instrument has grown song-writing team. As we were catching our Jonathan Ortloff. Jonathan just graduated over the years from a modest 3/11 to a 4/60. breath from this sonic potpourri, Richard from the Eastman School of Music and, The home, built in 2000, is a spectacular played an awesome, knuckle-busting prior to the convention, recorded his first 27,000 square foot mansion containing an arrangement of “The Old Pianna Rag.” CD on the Grierson-RTOS Wurlitzer owned enormous music room. After Vince died, Hills has given us memorable encores over by the Rochester Theatre Organ Society. the family had endeavored to sell the the years that have left us gasping, but this This disc featured several tracks backed by property for several years. Last November, one may have been the most incredible one a very talented drummer named Allan they permitted Mark Herman to record his yet. A few in the incoming crowd asked Ward. This musical duo reprised their roles second album, A Kid in a Candy Store, what was in store for them, and many just in Cleveland. using this organ. The Western Reserve muttered, “You have to hear it to believe it!” Jonathan opened with a spirited ren- chapter recorded two CDs-worth of material The next day nearly everyone waxed dition of “It’s De-Lovely,” and then slowed as a fundraiser for their PAC project. The profusely over the Hills/Aveni/Villarreal the pace with a carefully crafted version of first of these, Magnifico, is now available treat. We are deeply indebted to those who “The Windmills of Your Mind.” Next came and provides an opportunity to hear this made this particular event possible. This “We Open in Venice” and “All the Things marvelous instrument. Since the house particular evening occupied an even higher You Are.” A folk-song suite representing (with or without the organ) was for sale, it plane of spectacular magnificence. The three countries followed: “Waly, Waly” was not known until just prior to the only downside was the inability for every from England, “Four Strong Winds” from convention whether or not the facility would convention registrant to attend due to the Canada, and ended with the traditional be available. Good fortune smiled, and the space limitations. “Shenandoah,” widely known in the United house sold to another music lover, Oscar The following morning at the hotel was States. Jon tugged at our hearts with “So in Villarreal, who bought the property as well the ATOS annual meeting, which was very Love” and brought his performance to a as the pipe organ and graciously permitted well attended. Many asked pointed and close with “It’s All Right with Me.” It was the convention to make use of the instru- relevant questions of the board and officers certainly all right with the audience based ment. It is a testament to the generosity of regarding policies, finances, and plans for on the positive comments heard afterward. Mr. Villarreal since he was out of town the future of the organization. Even though This is a young man whose career we shall during the convention and relied upon we had to eat lunch and catch busses for watch with interest. others to see that things were properly the trip to Columbus, no one wanted the After a brief intermission, we had the attended to. spirited discussion to end. Undoubtedly chance to hear performances by the three Richard Hills is no stranger to the there will be articles, questions, and finalists in the 2009 ATOS Young Organist convention crowd. He has thrilled audi- responses in THEATRE ORGAN, as well competition. The first was Danny McCollum, ences for over a decade with his stellar as on the ATOS website, concerning some who opened with “No Business like Show performances. This was no exception. of the issues raised. Business,” followed by a medley from Because the Aveni/Villarreal music room We finally got on the busses for the two- My Fair Lady. The second artist was can only accommodate limited numbers, plus hour ride down I-71 to Columbus and Nathan Avakian, who began with a rousing two repeated presentations had to be two major concerts. Our first stop was the performance of “Comedy Tonight.” arranged. As a result, the running time of First Congregational Church on East Broad “Carillon,” a classical offering by Vierne, the concert was somewhat reduced, but Street where not one but two fine pipe was next. Nathan ended his set with a every piece was a gem. The opener was an organs are available. The chancel has a spirited medley from 42nd Street which “MGM Jubilee Overture” arranged by recently restored 4/66 electro-pneumatic included some of the lesser-known tunes. Johnny Green, transcribed by Richard Kimball from 1931, and the rear gallery Nathan has a background in theatre and Hills. The Gershwin hit, “How Long Has houses a 3/73 von Beckerath mechanical displayed confidence in his playing and This Been Going On?” was followed by a action organ from 1972. The featured humor in his conversation with the sumptuous medley from The King and I. performers were David Peckham and John audience. The hauntingly beautiful “Lonely Town” by Schwandt. The program opened with “The The final contestant was Mary Ann Leonard Bernstein explored the vast tone Star-Spangled Banner,” the US national Wootton from Great Britain. She gave us a colors available in this 60-rank organ. One anthem, performed as a duet. Next, circus-themed opening with “Be a Clown,” of the most appealing elements of a Richard Peckham played several selections on the which segued into “The Entry of the Hills concert is the inclusion of some Kimball: “Cheek to Cheek”; “Will-O-the- Gladiators” by Fucik. Mary Ann next British light music, and two such delights Wisp”; and “Toccata on America.” Another played a gorgeous Ashley Miller arrange- were part of this program. The first was duet followed, with the ethereal “Adagio” ment of “Misty.” Her closing selection “March” from A Little Suite by Trevor by Albinoni. John Schwandt performed a featured a number of tunes from The Sound Duncan, and the second was “Cachuca” very articulate “Praeludium in C Major” by of Music. The three judges (all professional from the suite In Malaga by Frederic Buxtehude at the von Beckerath organ in musicians) deliberated and announced that Curzon. A performance by a British theatre the gallery. Then it was back to the Kimball organist would hardly be complete without for three more selections by David:
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Chris Elliott announcing the film for the evening
Masonic Auditorium interior Exterior of the Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
Auditorium of the Renaissance Theatre Jim Riggs in a reflective moment
Membership listening intently to the First, Do No Harm seminar Busses staged in front of hotel for trip to the Lorain Palace Theatre
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“Fantasy on Nursery Tunes” by Robert years ago was Bill Dalton; Clark played a Can’t Stop Loving You” that was first based Elmore (from Boardwalk Pipes); “Song of delightful version of “Broadway after Dark” upon a French folk tune and ending up Peace” by Langlais; and the Ron McKean in Bill’s inimitable style. A few of the performed à la Elvis Presley. The audience “Danza” improvisation. Next it was time for stunning lighting effects shared the bill was soon roaring their approval. After some hymn singing, and Schwandt led us as Clark played “Two for the Road” and excerpts from the musical Les Miserables, through “Ode to Joy.” Dr. Schwandt then “Georgy Girl.” Some of the quiet stops were the program came to a close with the well- performed an acceptable but rather austere featured in the familiar “Love’s Old Sweet known “Beautiful Ohio.” The encore was a improvisation on a submitted theme. Song.” A performer who had a great very rousing “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Another duet followed, with both men influence on Clark was the late John Muri. Everyone was in a festive mood as the doing musical battle with “The Ride of Clark dedicated his next piece, “I Met busses took us back to the hotel before the the Valkyries” using the Kimball. Wagner a Girl” from Bells Are Ringing, to John. variety show at the PAC complex in the might have been rendered speechless. Both A marvelous medley of Irving Berlin afternoon. performers wore Vikingesque headgear hits came next, followed by a “Spanish The program at the Masonic PAC was to add to the entertainment element. Serenade” by Pierne. Harold Arlen was the only one open to the general public. It John Schwandt then played the familiar represented by the familiar “Right as Rain” was an attempt to replicate the well-known “Shenandoah” on the Kimball. Following and, keeping up the rain theme, Clark Joliet Rialtofest formula. Ken Double that, David Peckham played the Bach BWV performed “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” introduced the concert. He was standing in 541 “Prelude and Fugue in G Major.” John Next came a series of children’s nonsense darkness and could have used a follow performed the Dubois Toccata from the songs and ended with Vincent Youmans’ spotlight. Seven Last Words of Christ and then “Without a Song.” The other long-time My comments that follow are not demonstrated his capability with some organist at the Ohio Theatre was Roger directed at any of the musicians, but rather theatre organ fare by playing “Dancing Garrett, and Clark ended with two of the less-than-stellar presentation of the Tambourine” on the Kimball. The concert his best-remembered selections: “Marche show itself. ended with “The Battle Hymn of the Slav” and his theme song, “Romance.” The two organists were Jelani Eddington Republic,” which brought the house down. These brought back some wonderful mem- and Chris Elliott, but for some inexplicable I overheard several people remark, perhaps ories, since I was the recording engineer for reason they both performed in the dark. apocryphally, that they even observed a a Roger Garrett LP made at the Ohio in What is the cost of using two follow kitchen sink amidst the final chords. We all 1967, and these two tunes were on that LP. spotlights? The efforts of these two players left the church with cascading stanzas A weary, but highly satisfied, group boarded were diminished when they were forced to ricocheting through our heads. Columbus is the busses; conversations tended to be short execute their selections in darkness. With fortunate indeed to have such a facility as most of us drifted off to sleep for the ride Jelani at the piano and Chris at the Walker where duets of this magnitude can be back to Cleveland. organ, they performed the widely known regularly performed. Sunday morning found us at the State but now somewhat over-exposed “Deep Because of the necessity to feed the Theatre in Playhouse Square and a concert Purple.” The Strongsville Community Band throng, planners wisely made arrangements by Jonas Nordwall at the Walt Strony added their contributions to the show, but to take our group down the street to the signature Allen digital organ. The State is staging issues marred the overall effect. The stately old Columbus Athenaeum. We a beautiful facility, and the Allen Organ musicians performed admirably, but the feasted on a wonderful meal amidst the technicians had the luxury of many days of rather amateur-like staging and timing splendor of a fine old architectural setting. set-up and voicing. The end result was very certainly did not serve to impress the Then it was off to the Ohio Theatre. This satisfying. Jonas opened with just a “ghost general public. For example, after the band was a short bus ride or, for many of us, a light” on the stage and a trip back to an would perform, the curtain would close and good walk. earlier time with “Sentimental Journey.” A then reopen while the band members were Like so many other theatres in downtown medley from Oklahoma was followed by a still running off to the wings. When they areas, the Ohio was very nearly demolished contrast of the “Grand Polonaise in A Flat” switched from the organ to the band, a decades ago but, through a Save the Ohio by Chopin and “Take Five” by Brubeck. designated announcer was supposed to campaign, the building was not only saved Jonas displayed his generosity of spirit come out on stage and introduce the next but totally renovated; it is now the jewel in when he surprised the audience by bringing piece. They announced him but he was the crown of the city. The original Robert- out the Young Organist Competition winner, nowhere to be found. So, evidently, no one Morton organ is still installed, but it was Nathan Avakian, to perform a cameo was running the show with people in place enlarged several years ago from a 4/20 to a (under the guise of Jonas having to take a and ready to go. To make matters worse, the 4/34 in what can best be described as too break according to union rules). Nathan announcer emerged 20 minutes later and much of a good thing. The performer for the performed a delightful arrangement of the essentially remarked, “The piece played evening, Clark Wilson, has been associated Disney tune, the theme from Fantasmic. 20 minutes ago that I was supposed to with the Ohio Theatre for many years and The promising future of this young artist announce was thus and such.” is featured every summer for an extensive was assuredly cemented in the minds of The curtain went up late on the show, film and concert series. Clark began his the audience with this confident and and the band was announced when half of program with the “Entry of the Toreadors” entertaining performance. Jonas Nordwall the band was still moving into place. This from Bizet’s Carmen. This thrilling opener is to be congratulated for his willingness to might be acceptable for an amateur high was marred by one of the few ciphers in the share the spotlight with a rising star. school production but not if ATOS is entire convention, but Clark pressed on. Jonas’ musical inventiveness was endeavoring to show the public its One of the featured organists at the Ohio prominently displayed in a version of “I professionalism. The announcer also made
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a joke about Sarah Palin and, regardless of one’s politics, this was neither the time nor place; you will most certainly alienate a large number of the audience. The music overall would rate a grade of B, but the staging would merit nothing higher than an F. It was an embarrassment knowing that a lot of the first-time public was there and wondering what was going on. Sufficient rehearsal, an attentive crew, and a good vaudeville-like variety are necessary if you wish to copy a successful formula. Before we begin staging shows like this throughout the country, we should make certain that every detail has been addressed, or we will only reinforce in the minds of the public Dinner being served inside the historic Skip Stine (l) and Ken Double that we are an organization of well-meaning Columbus Athenaeum but clueless amateur hobbyists. The busses loaded and we made our way back for the (optional) banquet and awards ceremony. This year, instead of holding a banquet at the hotel in a ballroom, the decision was cleverly made to hold it on the stage of the State Theatre. The Allen organ was still set up from the morning program, and there was sufficient space for the tables to be arranged facing the console which had been turned toward the backstage wall. The music for the meal was provided by that affable Southern gentleman, John Clark McCall, Jr. It was a perfect complement to a delicious dinner. John displayed a wide range of music for our enjoyment—his warm, engaging personality enchanted the entire room. Col. Jack Moelmann, recently re-elected to the ATOS board, announced that a theatre organ scholarship fund was being established at the St. Louis Fox Theatre by owner Mary Strauss in memory of the late Exterior of the Canton Palace Theatre Stan Kann. Jack suggested that we “pass the salad bowl,” as has been done on previous occasions, to raise money toward this worthy goal. The proceeds would be divided between this fund and the ATOS Summer Youth Camp, which provides important theatre organ instruction. Jack worked the room like a seasoned politician. Even in the face of the sagging economy, the “take” for the evening was in excess of $2,000. After the meal, many well-deserved plaques were distributed and speeches given. The full complement of recipients appeared in the September/October, 2009, issue of THEATRE ORGAN. This marked the end of the official convention; the next day would be an optional after-glow. For those who sought another dimension in organ performance, the opportunity presented itself later in the evening at the Masonic Auditorium. It was the official Convention Hotel, the Renaissance, next David Peckham (l), and John Schwandt to Terminal Tower
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opening concert of the Organ Historical years Skip played with Harry James, the the Menace theme. As many of you are Society convention, and the organist was Jackie Gleason Orchestra, and a myriad of aware, a Jim Riggs concert is filled with the famed titulaire of the Wanamaker Organ other top-notch ensembles. The words gems from the musical past played in the in Philadelphia, Peter Richard Conte. The “smooth, controlled, and musical” cannot style of the period. Jim did not disappoint, OHS generously provided tickets free of begin to describe his tone. I am old enough and we basked in a series of hits. We heard charge to all ATOS conventioneers who and fortunate enough to have heard “Personality” and “Moonlight Becomes wished to attend, and many did. musicians like Louis Armstrong and Benny You.” Harkening back to the creation of this Interestingly, for this program there were Goodman; Skip Stine is every bit as Wurlitzer in 1928–29, we heard “Rosalie”; not only follow spotlights in evidence, but polished as they were. “How Long has this Been Going On?”; a television camera directed at the Ken and Skip opened their set with “You “When I Fall in Love”; “Body and Soul”; keyboards of the Austin organ and the Made Me Love You,” followed by “Pennies “Lullaby of the Leaves”; and “Memories of resulting image projected on a large screen. from Heaven”; “Around the World”; and You.” Monday, July 6, arrived and many were “Don’t Blame Me.” The musical magic Jim played a beautiful arrangement of seen checking out of the hotel. But there are continued with “Cherry Pink and Apple- “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” always a significant number who sign up for Blossom White”; “Memories of You”; and followed by the announcement that, after all the pre-glow and after-glow events, and two encores consisting of “A Day in the Life many years of being single, he was getting this year was no exception. The two of a Fool” followed by “And the Angels married. The audience applauded this and programs closing out the Cleveland gath- Sing.” the additional news that he had recently ering were both in magnificent theatres. The audience roared their approval and moved from California to Wichita, Kansas Anticipation was high as we boarded buses emerged from the theatre with nostalgic to become the new organist at Century II, and made our way toward Canton, Ohio and smiles. The director of the Canton Palace, home to the former New York Paramount the Palace Theatre. This theatre was saved Georgia Paxos, was beaming from ear to ear Wurlitzer. Jim brought his delightful from the wrecking ball several decades ago. and remarked that even though the organ is concert to a close with a few more favorites: The facility is now very successful as a used every weekend and the citizens of “Black Coffee”; “Somewhere Over the performing arts center, and the Kilgen Canton expect to hear it, this program was Rainbow”; the iconic “Paramount on organ is used every weekend to great public an exceptional treat. Parade”; and an encore of “Goodnight acclaim. This was a chance to see and hear We next traveled to Mansfield for the Sweetheart.” We were tired but satisfied another almost totally original theatre organ evening concert by Jim Riggs, but first we after a full day of music, food, and installation. This instrument began life as a “chowed down” in Bellville, Ohio, at the conviviality. We piled on the busses for the 3/9 and was eventually expanded to a 3/11 Dutch Heritage Restaurant. This place is ride to Cleveland; most of us fell with the addition of two ranks and the obviously used to accommodating busloads immediately into the “arms of Morpheus” replacement of the relay which had become of visitors and had a dining room ready for as the lights of Mansfield faded from view. water damaged and unreliable. Professional us. We ate “family style” with platters and Another successful convention was over. organbuilder Charles Kegg has been the bowls passed down the tables. There was no The fine photographs that accompany watch-dog/restorer of this marvelous way you could have emerged hungry after this review were taken by long-time ATOS instrument since the late 1970s. this feast. The staff went out of its way to member and Washington, DC resident The afternoon concert was performed by ensure our group was treated marvelously. Richard Neidich, and I am grateful for his the familiar MC and ATOS executive, Ken The last concert was regarded with superb coverage of the entire event. Double. He opened with “Another Opening, mixed anticipation and sadness as a fun Another Show” and progressed into a week was drawing to a close. The Renais- number of offerings like “It’s a Wonderful sance Theatre in Mansfield was restored as World”; “When You’re Away”; and a a performing arts center in the 1980s. From superbly performed medley from Finian’s the beginning it was a given that the theatre Rainbow. Before the intermission Ken would have a pipe organ. Many are unaware showed his musical range by playing “A that character actor Joe Kearns had an Portrait of My Love”; “Frim Fram Sauce”; earlier career as a theatre organist; he is and “That Lucky Old Sun.” well known for playing the role of the long- The second half afforded the audience suffering neighbor Mr. Wilson in the 1950s the opportunity to experience the combined show Dennis the Menace. When the 3/18 musical talents of Ken Double and an Wurlitzer from the Warner Brothers Studio extraordinary trumpet player, Skip Stine. I was offered for sale, Joe bought it and built don’t wish to come across as a slobbering a home in Hollywood especially to house sycophant, but in the musical world there this instrument. A very young Lyn Larsen are those who play the trumpet and those made his first records using this organ. The who are masters of the form. Skip Stine is Renaissance Theatre later purchased and one of the latter. I am not trying to be a shill, installed it where it was premiered by the but I had the pleasure of being the still-youthful 40-year-old Lyn Larsen in recording engineer in April in Wilmington, May, 1985. Delaware for an album entitled Tribute The artist for our last concert was the featuring Skip on the trumpet and Ken effervescent Jim Riggs. In homage to the Double at the Dickinson organ. Over the late Joe Kearns, Jim opened with the Dennis
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Exterior of the Aveni/Villarreal residence Ken Double (l) with Vern Bickel, recipient of the Hall of Fame award
Young organist finalists: Mary Ann Wootton, Daniel Clark Wilson after his Ohio Theatre program McCollum, and the overall winner, Nathan Avakian
Jonas Nordwall following his concert at the State Theatre
The annual meeting Ohio Theatre
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The Dorm RoomBY PETER SHILLIDAY Orga n There comes a time very early in a new This 61-note synth-action keyboard was To connect the MIDI ports on the organist’s studies when he or she needs to perfect because its many buttons could be MIDIBox to my computer, I used an Emu start practicing at an actual organ console. programmed to function as pistons. Another 2x2 MIDI USB interface. The 2x2s were My time came in late 2008, when I joined plus with this keyboard was the accom- selected over the 1x1s because I would the St. Louis Theatre Organ Society (SLTOS) panying software which can turn the eventually need the extra port for another and realized the theatre organ was the keyboard into a drawbar organ. Also, it was manual. My lone manual was an Oxygen 61, instrument I wanted to play. Although I powered completely by USB, so it didn’t which is a velocity-sensitive 61-note had no piano lessons at that point, my require a MIDI converter or power con- keyboard. I connected it and the 2x2 inter- experience with other instruments allowed nection. The pedalboard, however, was by face to a USB hub, allowing the entire organ me to jump right to the organ. There was a far the more challenging aspect of the organ. to be hooked to my laptop using just a single problem, however; I was going back to The commercially available units with the USB connection from the hub. This was very college, the Missouri University of Science necessary MIDI interface were priced far too convenient as I often needed to unplug the and Technology, which kept me two hours high for my budget. So I decided to create laptop for actual schoolwork. The organ away from the nearest theatre organ for nine one. went down in history as the coolest USB months out of the year. What I needed was To start, I needed to find a mechanically device ever to be plugged into my computer. my own organ and, after considering the intact pedalboard and a means to connect it For an organ bench, I again talked to options, decided that I would simply to the computer via MIDI. I first contacted Mr. Ryan. Not too surprisingly, he soon construct one myself. Jim Ryan, president of SLTOS, who linked found someone with a spare that was When asked why I made my organ, I me with the right people. It was during my donated to the cause. It needed a bit of work confess that the motivation came from Thanksgiving break when I acquired an old structurally, but was very serviceable. The several areas. First, as a student at an Kilgen 32-note radiating pedalboard. Jim original “console” design consisted of two engineering college, I had been looking for also showed me the MIDIBox hardware crate-like shelving units I already had which a project to gain practical experience in my design platform, which was perfect for the supported a single 7' long 1" by 8" plank. If field of study, computer engineering. Other pedalboard. After spending several eons in there’s one thing I learned in this project, students also had their own design projects, the MIDIBox internet forums, I found the it’s that simplicity works. The official so there is no denying that some one- best way to connect it. completion of the console occurred in late upmanship among my peers gave me added Starting on the physical connection January, 2009, when the pedalboard was incentive. Second, I wanted something end, I used magnetic reed switches and programmed and debugged. The Dorm portable, since I needed to transport it to refrigerator-style magnets to convert the Room Miditzer, as I called it, was officially and from college myself. The best solution depression of a pedal key to an electrical up and running. was to make a component console that could signal. The reed switches are enclosed in a In March, I decided to purchase a second be assembled in my dorm room. The goal miniature glass tube, so there are no keyboard. This was prompted by my starting was for the organ to sound as realistic as external moving parts. I hot glued these piano lessons just a few months earlier, and possible, though I recognized the limitations components to the pedalboard which would I wanted an 88-key hammer-action unit on imposed by my relatively tight budget. allow me to easily swap out bad switches, which to practice. After a bit of shopping, a Because this would be a computer-driven plus the well-worn pedalboard wasn’t able Casio CDP-100 was selected. In addition to theatre organ, I chose the Miditzer virtual to support nails or screws. The result was a its use for piano practice, it would also theatre organ for the software. Miditzer was very low profile and stable electrical system. become the organ’s second manual. I had perfectly suited because of its MIDI To process the signal, a custom-built decided it wasn’t the end of the world to capabilities. Add the fact that the software is MIDIBox was created. This unit consists of make an organ with two different key distributed free of charge, and the choice a central module, the Core, and numerous weights, and I had been itching for that was a no-brainer. After finding the right other modules that can be connected to it for second manual for some time. Adding this samples of pipe sounds, called SoundFonts, a variety of input/output functions. For this keyboard only required the addition of a 3' I achieved a good replication of the theatre task, I needed one DIN module which would long 2" by 6" board to support the back of organ sound. In addition, the interface on convert 32 buttons to MIDI input signals. the keyboard and a couple of spring clamps the computer screen reflects a Wurlitzer An inexpensive PIC-brand microprocessor to hold it in place. This keyboard was also Style 216 console and allows me to change was employed because it runs on the MIDI connected to the 2x2 interface. With the registrations in real time. Using the Miditzer Operating System and could be programmed second manual installed, I now had the MIDI input, any piston, stopkey, swell shoe, using the MIDI ports connected to a capability of a two-manual theatre organ, a and toe stud on the interface could be computer. The MIDI application I used was drawbar organ, and a piano in my dorm. It mapped to an external MIDI controller. MIDIO128 which is designed to handle up was interesting to think back when I moved The organ was initially of a single- to 4 DIN modules. With a bit of tweaking on to college at the start of the school year when manual design, with plans to add a second the MIDIO128 code (which took another eon everything was transported in a small manual as finances would allow. For the in those user forums), I had it sending out wagon. Moving back home at the end of the keyboard, I chose the M-Audio Oxygen 61. the correct on/off messages to each pedal. school year required a U-Haul truck. This
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realization prompted my parents to ask: “Of all the instruments to learn, why did you have to pick the King of Instruments? Why couldn’t you take up the piccolo or something?” an One thing has happened that I predicted when I first began planning this project. I am learning to play the pipe organ backwards. That is, I am learning registrations and styling and gaining familiarity with the pedals without having first acquired keyboard skills. However, it seems to be working for me. Once I take more semesters of piano and gain those skills, I’ll be ready to combine all the elements of theatre organ playing. Most of all, nothing beats the freedom of having my own organ. If I wake up in the morning and feel like playing something, I am five steps away from the equivalent of a Wurlitzer Style 216. I love listening to music on ATOS radio and from my own music library, and I play along as much as I can. Since the media player and the Miditzer software are on the same computer, everything can be easily mixed through the same headphones. And as one might suspect, the organ is certainly a conversation starter when guests visit my room. There are, of course, limitations to my setup; although Miditzer supports it, the organ does not have second touch. Hand-registering must be done with the mouse to click the individual tabs on and off which takes some additional finesse. Nevertheless, I am well on my way to creating a realistic practice organ at From top: a cost that is orders of magnitude less than a Peter Shilliday seated at his modular organ (Photo by Ken Iborg) commercially available instrument. The dorm room Miditzer Like any do-it-yourself organ project, it’s (Photo by Peter Shilliday) never really done. But I’m very happy with the Wiring the pedalboard for a MIDI interface progress so far. The next improvement on my (Photo by Peter Shilliday) agenda will be to add a swell shoe. After that, Dave Stephens makes music on Peter’s some relatively simple improvements will creation at the SLTOS picnic be to modify the supporting structure to have (Photo by Gary Broyles) the keys at a proper playing height. And eventually, the organ bench and pedalboard will be refinished to be more cosmetically COMPONENTS AND COST appealing. But I felt the real mark of my Payee Memo Amount success was apparent at the annual SLTOS Lowe’s Hardware for 2nd Manual $7.47 picnic this past June. There is always a Musician’s Friend Casio CDP-100 88-key MIDI Keyboard $429.39 traditional organ at the picnic which members SmashTV Misc Components $13.76 play throughout the event. I was asked to bring SmashTV Misc Components $18.60 my creation and set it up next to the big-name The Midi Store M-Audio Oxygen 61-Key Keyboard $169.00 model. For most of the afternoon, the com- Mozingo Music 2 MIDI Cables $13.60 mercial organ sat idle as people waited in line Radio Shack 9V 800mA DC Power Adapter $22.54 to play my personal dorm room organ. Radio Shack Wire and PC Board $9.26 My thanks and recognition are extended to SmashTV Ribbon Cable and Connectors $23.65 Jim Ryan, Rich Iezzi, and Richard and Pam Michael’s Magnets $2.15 Masching. A big thanks to everyone in the Radio Shack Wire and PC Board $9.26 St. Louis Theatre Organ Society for their Michael’s Magnets $7.54 encouragement, and for sharing their enthu- SmashTV CORE Kit and DIN Kit $49.60 siasm of theatre organs with me. Zzounds Emu 2x2 USB MIDI Interface $54.94 Mouser Electronics Reed Switches $31.24 TOTAL $862.00
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 41 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/27/09 6:01 PM Page 42 The Isle of Man Project BY LEN RAWLE Part II (Photos Rawle Collection)
Herewith some continued notes regard- applied when I joined him at a recording about taking a trip off-island. “I’m going ing progress on my modest efforts in the Isle session on a fairly small Conn electronic over,” they say. of Man; it is by no means as big a project as organ. I must say, his influence has served What a remarkable place, the Isle of most of yours over there, but nonetheless me well, especially his study and appre- Man. Thirty-two miles long and 15 miles we’re trying to get a Wurlitzer back as near ciation of what each and every voice in the wide, it has a population of 80,000 and is as possible to original as we can after organ could do, both alone and in renowned for its annual TT motor cycle having been messed about with. For me, it’s combination. That little lesson learnt, it races. However, for the majority of time it a challenge I am really enjoying. It will ensures I relish every minute of playing is a restful and peaceful place. Drive just hopefully be seen as a sort of legacy of all pipe organs large or small and even my five minutes from the principal town of my experience when I eventually “cease to much-travelled and rather modest Yamaha Douglas and you will find time has be.” HS-8. Let’s write out one of music’s major seemingly stood still. With Celtic traditions I regularly remind myself of a profound lessons one more time—it’s not what you’ve still kept in mind, their love of preserving phrase that caught my ear at a concert I had got, it’s more what you do with it. all that has come their way is much to the the honour of compèring in April, 1978. Whilst it is undoubtedly true that large fore. Interestingly, their own parliament The legendary American organist George instruments are impressive and a privilege (Tynwald) is left in no doubt of the desires Wright gave a memorable concert for our to perform at, the above “lesson” leads me of the taxpayers, for on an island as small as London and South of England chapter at the nicely into a few more comments on my this everyone seems to know everything State Theatre, Kilburn during which he work on the rather modest 2/10 Isle of Man about everyone. They certainly appear to commented, “It’s not what you’ve got, it’s Wurlitzer. have everything the modern world more what you do with it.” Although he demands, yet it is traditional values that mostly played very modest instruments in seem to predominate and long may it his main role as a session musician on TV, GOING OVER continue, say I. at the time of his visit here, he was known Going over is a new-found phrase I have Musically, the island is richly served for his ground-breaking recordings on some learnt from the good folk of the Isle of Man. with brass and silver bands, fine choral and very large American Wurlitzers. For his trip “Going over” is the way they refer to leaving operatic societies, an electronic organ to the UK he was playing a very unorthodox their beloved island for the main body of the society, and any number of other arts Wurlitzer organ designed by English UK when they talk amongst themselves groups. Everything I have come into contact organist Quentin MacLean, and I wondered what on earth he would make of it. With two Tibias, two Tubas, two Diapasons, two big reeds, two fancy reeds, three strings, and three flutes, he acknowledged that this seemed “a very strange instrument.” I spent a week with him satisfying his need for “a few adjustments.” These mainly comprised tremulant adjustments, getting the Chrysoglott/Vibraphone in perfect order, minor regulation of the Tibia trebles, and tuning. Of special interest to me at the time was the way he went about getting the maximum variety out of that organ. It was Ah yes, I remember it well. Your scribe (l) and My better half enjoyed the party spirit the late George Wright in 1978 like an object lesson. The same thing
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with exhibits high standards and adds to public relations agent, and it is a splendid the wind reservoirs, the top of which feature the quality of life there. For certain nobody opportunity to educate interested folk on painful protruding wires. These days I’m is bored on this island. It is, of course, what exactly goes into a pipe organ. So far, built for comfort, I’m happy to acknowledge! especially enlightening to have learnt of the so good, as they say. Similarly, the temperature stability backing by their government of the As will be seen from the stoprail, there within the organ chambers is excellent and rebuilding of the magnificent Villa Marina is not a lot to confound the performer, yet never varies from 68°F even during recent Concert Hall complex and the Gaiety this organ has a most brilliant array of hot spells. The mass of glazing above the Theatre Arcade. sounds—just as capable of producing dance arcade can all too easily raise temperatures It is in the Arcade that free concerts are music it is perfect for orchestral tran- within the building. Thankfully, the given. These are all well attended, and this scriptions and big band stylings. Hand chamber design I specified incorporates a bodes well for the future of the Wurlitzer registration is made easy because of the state-of-the-art heat/cooling pump system organ. close proximity of each and every stop. that makes long hours of working very Some may feel that with just two comfortable. More importantly, it keeps the manuals, things might be a little limiting. organ in quite good tune compared to other THE WURLITZER Happily, the ease of controlling everything, installations where flue pipes quickly go out I am thoroughly enjoying the lengthy coupled with second touch facilities and of tune with the reed pipes, and all the pipes process of restoring and transplanting the even a music desk (when mounted) that is go out of tune with the percussion. Isle of Man Wurlitzer into its magnificent at a really comfortable height, makes this a My next trip to the island should see a new home in the Gaiety Arcade in Douglas. winner in my book. But then I would say start being made on the restoration and On my previous visit the last of the rows that, wouldn’t I, having built and restored it installation of percussions. With any luck, (ranks) of pipes, namely the Trumpet, have from scratch! by the time these notes are in print the been cleaned and made ready. The day When not in use, the garage area in entire organ will be up and running. If for their installation coincided with between the two glass-fronted pipe cham- initial results are anything to go by, then it preparations for a 50th birthday celebration. bers houses the console on its mobile will be a fine addition to “the circuit,” and Not surprisingly we became entangled with trolley, but tolerances are tight. Accordingly, I look forward to the tonal finishing process. a few balloons as we carefully lined up the I have established a simple guide track Having worked with organ voicer Keith sequence of pipes prior to their final made out of angled steel that is bolted to the Bance on the Haarlem Compton 3/11 in placement. Let us hope they give good floor. A locating wheel is placed horizontally Holland and the East Sussex National service for many years to come. beneath the trolley. This accurately directs Wurlitzer 4/32, a fine tonal result is As I write, with the exception of a the console from its performance position guaranteed within the Gaiety Arcade’s handful of small treble pipes, all the ranks into safe storage. There is a remote risk that excellent acoustic setting. are now in their final resting place. if someone did something really silly that Here’s to a few photographs of the The console is on site and on its the console would run down the length of finished product in the not too distant moveable platform. Joy of joys, the wind is the performance area. It runs very easily if future. on, and everything that has already been the brakes are not applied and, heaven electrically wired is singing very sweetly. forbid, could conceivably run down some There is much to do to install all the stairs and even out onto the promenade! I percussion. Then it will be on with the final have, therefore, introduced a couple of testing and tonal regulation of everything. chains to ensure that the console is not For now, the 800 or so pipes are giving drawn out beyond its performance location. a good and reliable account of themselves. Another of my little innovations fellow As I check the results of each day’s work, organ preservationists might be interested the instrument’s unique sounds attract in is the inclusion of horizontal passage continuous interest from visitors to the boards beneath the main windchests for Gaiety Arcade. A surprising part of organ- added comfort during routine servicing. building takes the form of acting as a good This is the area normally used for housing
Refinished console given its first ride on its Neat, attractive, and oh so easy to play The guide track to ensure perfect mobile plinth location of the console when garaged
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 43 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 3:09 PM Page 44
The Best Event Ever! “Bob Ralston took our concert venue up three levels (good, better, best!) with his recent concert visit to The Kirk of Dunedin (Jan. 18–19, 2008). Mr. Ralston made our theatre organ “the Duchess" sing like she was new. Both concerts were entirely sold out. People even bought tickets in seats that are behind archways, and we never sell those tickets. Bob's mastery and showmanship with the organ and piano captured our crowds. Add to this his energy, tremendous humor and personal ATOS connection. It was the best event ever! We could have easily sold out a third show” —Rev. Jerry Rittenhouse, senior pastor Membership The Kirk of Dunedin, Dunedin, Florida Brochures BOB RALSTON Now Available Jim Merry P.O. Box 5327, Fullerton, CA 92838 17027 Tennyson Place | Granada Hills, CA 91344-1225 All fees are negotiable, 818-366-3637 phone | 818-363-3258 fax allowing your chapter to 714-773-4354, Fax 714-773-4829 www.BobRalston.com | [email protected] make a handsome profit. [email protected]
Donna Parker, Kay McAbee, 9th-12th lack Doll, and Mark Gifford FOUR The weekend includes concerts at locations DAYS OF such as The Fabulous Fox Theatre, the Lincoln Theatre, the City Museum, FOOD, several home installations, plus FUN, AND a fun classical concert. ORGAN. Noon and evening meals are included. Pre-Glow Thursday, April 8th $25 $279,00 includes Wicks factory, Scottish Rite Kimball, Per Person Ammann's home, and evening meal. Plus Lodging
44 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 45
IJ
BOOK REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
The Historic Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre Dyne L. Pfeffenberger It was sad for me that the author of this mid ’70s and continued through the the theatre for over 50 years. He was one beautiful, color-plate-filled tome on the landmark’s 80th anniversary in 2008. of the founding members of the Embassy history of Fort Wayne’s beautiful Embassy The architectural photographs in this Foundation, the organization responsible Theatre passed away just as I received a book are both amazing and gorgeous in for giving new life to the theatre, the copy for review. Dyne Pfeffenberger, in a their colorful detail. The stories and organ, and the building. The story he tells most scholarly fashion, chronicles the archive photos of the inimitable vaudeville in this marvelous chrome-coat-paged book rescue from near demolition to the entertainers who graced the stage of the is passionate and clearly organized into subsequent restoration and re-birth of the theatre are abundant. I was astounded at separate sections on the theatre, the organ, largest movie palace in the city of Fort the dedication and ingenuity it took to the performers, the hotel, the foundation, Wayne, Indiana. raise the financing to rescue this theatre, and the people who made it all happen. What I found most fascinating about the organ, and the building. One of the If you fancy historical movie palaces, this book was the comprehensiveness more colorful fundraising tactics was theatre organs, and show business, and of the historical details on the Embassy the sale of slices of cheese from a two- can fathom the tremendous amount of Theatre, which began its life known as ton barrel. A long-established, and now talent and effort it takes not only put the Emboyd Theatre. The theatre has a traditional annual event, attracts nearly together the show but to keep the show wonderful four-manual Page organ that 15,000 visitors to the Festival of Trees— going, you will want to get your personal was made famous by the late Buddy with 50 Christmas trees decorated by local copy of this beautiful book. It is available Nolan. The organ is one of four large designers and organizations displayed at www.fwembassytheatre.org/order_ instruments built by the Page Pipe Organ throughout the theatre and hotel. The form.html. The sale of the book itself is a Company of Lima, Ohio—the company Embassy of today is not only a beautifully fundraiser for continued maintenance and was generally known for building organs resurrected city treasure from a past era, ongoing improvements at the Embassy of a much smaller size. The theatre itself but it has been improved and updated to Theatre. is part of a larger building that, in total, become a relevant showplace for many —Andy Antonczyk occupies a full city block and originally different entertainment and cultural included a 250-guestroom hotel known as events in the area. the Hotel Indiana that cleverly claimed to It is obvious in reading through have “the world’s best beds” to attract the various chapters of this book that weary salespeople passing through the Mr. Pfeffenberger, a certified public ac- city. The theatre and its accompanying countant, had a deep emotional fondness building were a massive undertaking in for the Embassy and he loved being there. 1928 and an equally massive undertaking He also enjoyed many wonderful hours in its reincarnation that began in the playing the piano and the famous Page at
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ CONCERTS • SILENT FILMS IDDINGTON NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 45 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 46 REVIEWS Bells.” The medley reminded me of theatre organ stylings; it is most reminiscent the way the great Eddie Dunstedter of how the late Tom Hazleton, one of Scott’s may have transitioned these songs famous teachers, would have approached together. Mr. Foppiano’s performance this composition, but it is still uniquely a of the Richard Purvis arrangement Foppiano musical original. of “Greensleeves” is both accurate I felt, over and over again, as I listened to and beautifully preformed. Jessel’s this album, it was genuinely played from the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” heart, and it is original. It well represents has it all: Trumpet, music box, this fine experienced musician, one who and climaxing to a thunderously emotionally connects to the music he thrilling marching band. In choos- performs and is a continual student of the ing repertoire like “Puer Natus traditions of the instrument he loves. The Est,” Scott adroitly guides us from organ on this album sounds excellent and is the subtlest tonal dimensions of a remarkable example of a deluxe Robert- this Robert-Morton to a spine- Morton theatre organ in a fully restored tingling full untremulated cathe- theatre environment. dral sound substantiated by the This CD, liner notes, and a sample track instrument’s Tibia Plena—and are available at www.members.cox.net/ then the console descends as the sbtos/cd.html. The CD may be ordered via arrangement evaporates again to e-mail to [email protected]. Purchase prices is a whisper. $20.00, plus $2.00 for first class mail. The “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Please mail your check to: Santa Barbara SCOTT Medley” elicits all of those wonderful Theatre Organ Society, P.O. Box 1913, childhood memories of Christmas with Goleta, California 93116-1913. FOPPIANO “Jingle, Jingle, Jingle”; “We Are Santa’s —Andy Antonczyk Elves”; “There’s Always Tomorrow”; “We’re Christmas at the a Couple of Misfits”; “Silver and Gold”; “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year”; Arlington “A Holly Jolly Christmas”; and lastly, VINTAGE CLASSIC Scott Foppiano’s new holiday CD, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” With HAMMOND ARTISTS Christmas at the Arlington, is a Christmas Scott’s use of the upper registers of the Tibia stocking full of holiday musical enjoyment. in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” HAMMOND Scott made this album on the great four- we can just picture Judy Garland in that manual, 27-rank Robert-Morton organ, most famous MGM musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. The Golden Age of the of which originally came from the Loew’s The “Sentimental Christmas Medley” gently Hammond Organ 1944–1956 Jersey Theatre and is now installed in the melts and folds the heartfelt emotional What a completely fun nostalgic album. Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, holiday favorites “I’ll Be Home for The vintage Hammond artists were California. The instrument itself is a real Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” and “White entertainment legends from a bygone age of barn-burner, as is this highly entertaining Christmas” into a harmonious confection much simpler times. If you remember them, CD. surrounded by rich Tibia and Vox you’ll be astonished at how good and Rising out of the pit are the first few combinations. tremendously innovative they really were. If measures of “Joy to the World,” and we are The beautifully blended layered strings they happen to be from an era before your immediately surprised as it morphs into a in the poetic Christmas carol “O Holy time, as many of them are for me, you’ll very clever introduction for a rip-roaring, Night” are just fantastic. Although his marvel at their creativity and musicality. all-stops-out arrangement of “We Need a rendition of “Under the Christmas Mistle- These artists were not only revered by a Little Christmas.” Next is a vibrant but toe” has certainly been influenced by the small community of organ aficionados, but relaxing version featuring the instrument’s famous presentations of its composer, they were instrumental pop stars of their beautiful and powerfully speaking Tibias in Richard Leibert, at the Radio City Music time, most of them selling hundreds of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Hall, Mr. Foppiano’s arrangement is original thousands of records in their day. The Scott now takes the Morton through its and refreshing; it’s followed by the beautiful mastering quality of these archive paces with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” favorite “The Christmas Song.” The finale recordings is very good, and the music will with some jazzy rhythmic improvisations for of this CD, “Carol Medley: The Glory of have you tapping your toes from the the finale. “The Bells of Christmas Medley” Christmas” is a creative montage of all of beginning to the end of this CD. You’ll is a sensitive and cleverly woven winter our favorite Christmas hymns. This medley also find the well-researched liner notes to comforter of “I Heard the Bells on is a glorious composite of rich liturgical and be fascinating as well as chock-full of Christmas Day,” “Silver Bells,” and “Jingle 46 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 47 Compact discs, cassettes, videos, books, and music to be reviewed should be sent to the editor, Jeff Weiler, 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905, Chicago, Illinois 60616. Items must be received three months prior to the issue date in which the review will appear. ~ interesting tidbit factoids on the various in Your Eyes When We Dance,” Barry jmHAMMOND artists. If you are a die-hard Hammond Snow; “April in Portugal,” Ethel THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE HAMMOND ORGAN 1944 - 1956 enthusiast, you will find yourself luxuriating Smith; “Kitchen Rag,” Harry Farmer in many of the tracks on this disc again and (as Chris Hamalton and his Hammond again. What a treat it is to have this organs); Tunes of the Times: “Here in collection of the famous Hammond sides on My Heart,” “Somewhere Along the a single CD. Way,” “Half as Much,” Harry Farmer; Here are the tracks: “The Galloping “Answer Me,” Harry Farmer; Comedians,” Ethel Smith; Fred Astaire and “Cruising Down the River,” Ken Ginger Rogers medley: “Isn’t This a Lovely Griffin; “Yours,” Ken Griffin; “Peg Day,” “Cheek to Cheek,” Wilbur Kentwell Leg,” Harry Farmer (as Chris (organ) with Flo Paton (piano); Fred Astaire Hamalton and his Hammond and Ginger Rogers medley: “Top Hat, White organs); “Love is Just Around the Tie, and Tails,” “Let Yourself Go,” “Let’s Corner,” Harry Farmer Rhythm Face the Music and Dance,” Wilbur Ensemble; “The Syncopated Kentwell (organ) with Flo Paton (piano); Clock,” Ken Griffin; “’Till I Waltz “Tico-Tico,” Ethel Smith and the Bando Again With You” Ken Griffin. Carioca; “Blues in the Night,” Harry Farmer Order this CD at www.bygonedays.org/ (as ‘Chris Hamalton’); “Dizzy Fingers,” hammondpage.html. You’ll be pleasantly Chris Hamalton and his Hammond organs; surprised that is only £4.79 (less than Although the stylistic diversity of the “Herthquake Boogie,” Milt Herth and his $8.00 US), plus postage (free in the UK, less artists on this CD is titanic, it is obviously trio; “Twelfth Street Rag (Boogie-woogie),” than $8.50 US, £2.99 Europe, and £4.99 apparent as you scrutinize the numerous Milt Herth and his trio; “Dinora,” (Samba) anywhere else). You can use almost any type tracks on this disc why they were included, Ethel Smith and the Bando Carioca; “The of credit card so you can pay in your local but more significantly, why these artists Harry Lime Theme,” Ethel Smith; “Monkey currency. gleaned immense popularity. Each of them on a String,” Ethel Smith; “The Velvet —Andy Antonczyk is unique in their style, and each of them is Glove,” Robin Richmond (at the electric enormously entertaining and musical. All of organ and clavioline); theme from the film the tracks are crystal clear, and the general Time of His Life, Robin Richmond (at the production quality of this disc is Hammond organ); “Some Like It Hot,” VARIOUS LEGENDARY exceptional. The graphics are just beautiful; Robin Richmond (at the Hammond organ); THEATRE ORGANISTS although the four-manual Wurlitzer on the “Plantation Boogie,” Lenny Dee; “Birth of cover is not in Great Britain but across the the Blues,” Lenny Dee; “Ferryboat The Mighty Wurlitzer pond in Birmingham, Alabama, it is Serenade,” Ken Griffin; “There Are Dreams unarguably a gorgeous specimen of a Mighty Gems from the Golden Age Wurlitzer console. of Cinema, Ballroom, and The track list and other performance Theatre Organs details of this collection of original theatre This astonishing CD of archive organ recordings from 1929–1956 is as recordings of many the most iconic follows: Popular Favourites Medley: British theatre organ performances is “Lullaby of Broadway,” “For You,” “When of one of the best compilation albums I Take My Sugar to Tea,” Joseph Seal I have in my entire library. The liner (Regal Cinema, Kingston-On-Thames); notes explain that although only 18 of “’Swonderful” (Funny Face, George the 25 tracks on this CD are actually Gershwin), Edward O’Henry (Madame on Wurlitzer organs, in Britain, the Tussaud’s Cinema, London); “Singin’ in the term “Wurlitzer” has become generic Rain” (Film: Hollywood Revue of 1929), for all makes of theatre organs due to Jesse Crawford (Victor studio salon the tremendous popularity of the Wurlitzer, New York City); “Louise” (Film: organ at the Tower Ballroom in Innocents of Paris), Reginald Foort (New Blackpool. “Elsewhere, while the Gallery Cinema, London); medley of old distinction may have been clearer, songs: “Where Did You Get That Hat?” the Wurlitzer sound was rated “The Honeysuckle and the Bee,” “The superior to that of other Unit Whistling Coon,” “Pom Tiddly Om Pom,” organs.” “Silver Threads Among the Gold,” “Let’s All Go Down the Strand,” Leslie James (Regent Cinema, Stamford Hill, London); NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 47 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 48 REVIEWS “A Japanese Sunset,” Sandy MacPherson Part 1—Quicksteps): “There’s Always that also included a major research and (New Empire Cinema, London); “The Room at Our House,” “Why Worry?” “Down documentation project on the unaltered Whistler and His Dog,” Terance Casey Yonder,” Reginald Dixon (Tower Ballroom, 1937 Æolian-Skinner at the University’s (Regent Cinema, Brighton); Blackpool song Blackpool); popular favourites medley Strong Auditorium. Ortloff’s enthusiasms mixture (No.8, Part 1): “The Wedding of (Part 2): “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “Bye, are broad, covering classical and theatre Mr. Mickey Mouse,” “My Moonlight Bye, Blues,” “I’ll See You Again,” Joseph organ performance, the design and con- Madonna,” “It’s the Talk of the Town,” Seal (Regal Cinema, Kingston-On-Thames). struction of new classical organs, historic “Hand in Hand,” Reginald Dixon (Tower This honestly is a glittering gem of a preservation both of classical and theatre Ballroom, Blackpool); “Bugle Call Rag,” collection that you’ll assuredly want to organs, and the occasional journalistic foray. Sidney Torch (Regal Cinema, Edmonton); incorporate into your collection, and what a Whichever disciplines end up taking him, popular melodies (No.2, Part 1): “Empty thrifty bargain it is at £4.79 (less than $8.00 Ortloff is already someone to watch. Saddles,” “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody,” US) plus postage (free in the UK, less than Clang Clang Clang includes a healthy “Stars in My Eyes,” Harold Ramsay $8.50 US, £2.99 Europe, £4.99 anywhere cross-section of familiar fare, admixed with (Regal Cinema, Kingston-On-Thames); else). You can use almost any type of credit a few intriguing fancies and one of the “Marigold,” Quentin Maclean (Trocadero card so you can pay in your local currency. artist’s own tunes. Tight control is kept on Cinema, Elephant & Castle, London); It is available at www.bygonedays.org/ rhythm, and big gushy moments are kept in musical sweethearts medley: “Polly,” wurlitzerpage.htm. check. Registrationally Ortloff tends toward “Dinah,” “Nola,” H. Robinson Cleaver —Andy Antonczyk the lean, lightly tremmed and colorful, (Regal Cinema, Bexley Heath, Kent); though this instrument’s meaty Tibias and “Donkey Serenade,” (Film: Firefly, light strings keep any combination from Rudolph Friml), Lloyd Thomas (Granada becoming Seng-like. There are some fun Cinema, Tooting, London); “Spooky Takes a JONATHAN wide-pitch stop choices, and several Holiday,” Donald Thorne (Granada, particularly good who-forgot-to-turn-on-the- Willesden, London); Snow White and the ORTLOFF Leslie effects. For now, over-use of the 32' Seven Dwarfs film medley: “Whistle While Resultant and English Horn can be chalked You Work,” “Someday My Prince Will CLANG CLANG up to youthful enthusiasms, as well as a Come,” “I’m Wishing,” Reginald Foort CLANG tendency to let stop choice more than (BBC theatre organ); moonlight rhapsody nuanced phrasing strike the heartstrings. medley: “Shine on, Harvest Moon,” “I Love Jonathan Ortloff, organ, with For this reason, the up-tempo numbers the Moon,” “Lover, Come Back to Me,” Al Allan Ward, percussion seem particularly effective, while the Bollington (Paramount Theatre, London); RTOS-Grierson four-manual, balladeering seems calm. This is not to “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” Sidney Torch suggest that young Ortloff’s evolving style is (Gaumont State Cinema, Kilburn, London); 23-rank Wurlitzer installed in reserved; in “Charade” and “My Funny Bobby Pagan’s hit parade (No.2, Part 2): the Auditorium Theatre, Valentine,” for example, he keeps a lonely “We’re Gonna Hang Out the Washing On Rochester, New York tune moving in the sparest of treatments, the Siegfried Line,” “Run, Rabbit, Run,” First albums can be tricky territory. Will resisting any temptation to dress it up in spit “There’ll Always Be an England,” Bobby new listeners tip their hat in generosity curls. The collection of folk tunes is all the Pagan (HMV studio organ); “Jealousy,” Ena or lie in wait for that bump-bump-bump more moving played for reverence ahead of Baga (Tower Ballroom, Blackpool); Finch in the brake? After Jonathan Ortloff’s sentiment. favourites medley (No.7, Part 1): “Arm in competition-winning performance at the One of the disc’s more novel features is Arm (Just You and Me),” “You Made Me 2008 Indianapolis ATOS convention, it was Ortloff’s teaming up with percussionist Care,” “A Little Rain Must Fall,” Horace natural to expect a recording, which Clang Allan Ward. The effect is mainly good, Finch (Empress Ballroom, Blackpool); from Clang Clang fulfills in more than one particularly the appeal of fine instruments my post bag hit medley (No.3, Part 2): way—not merely as young Ortloff’s début struck by human, not pneumatic, means. “Amapola,” “I Understand,” “South but also a handsome capturing of the While the two musicians are in lockstep American Way,” Sandy MacPherson (and RTOS-Grierson Wurlitzer at Rochester’s much of the time, the occasional disconnect the Columbia Studio Orchestra); hit parade Auditorium Theatre. mars the effect. There is also a sonic oddity; medley (No.1, Part 1): “Sam’s Song,” Jonathan Ortloff is already one of the the percussion’s localized aural image can “Goodnight, Irene,” “Bibbidi-Bobbidi- more impressive figures of his generation. stand apart from the obvious big-room Boo,” Reginald Dixon (Tower Ballroom, In June, 2008, he graduated with two ambience of the organ. Where the combo Blackpool); Guys and Dolls selections: bachelor degrees, one in engineering from sounds truly fine is in soft numbers such as “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat,” the University of Rochester, the other in “My Funny Valentine,” in which Ward’s “I’ll Know,” “If I Were a Bell,” Joseph organ performance from the Eastman School spare touch permits Ortloff a particularly Seal (Regal Cinema, Kingston-On-Thames); of Music in the studio of David Higgs. Both delicacy in registration. Dancing at the Tower medley (No.7, diplomas were earned over a six-year period 48 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 49 Ortloff’s arranging skill has structure and The tracks are: “The Trolley motion, even in the longer medley from West Song”; “Charade”; West Side Story Side Story. The short fast numbers are medley: “Maria,” “Tonight,” “One particularly well-shaped, nicely phrased, Hand, One Heart,” “America,” and handsomely registered, with a good “Somewhere”; “It’s De-Lovely”; sense of keeping kitsch from devolving into “Grey Skies”; Folk Song Suite: camp. “It’s De-Lovely” and “We Open in “Waly, Waly”; “Four Strong Winds”; Venice” come off clever as pie, ideally “Shenandoah”; “We Open in shaped without the slightest hitch. Occa- Venice”; Tableau II from The sionally he lays inadequate groundwork for Firebird; “All the Things You the liberties he takes. For example, in the Are”/“My Funny Valentine”; “So in “Trolley Song,” the unfolding of the first Love”; “All I Ask of You”; “It’s All verse ends up being a teasing multiplicity Right with Me.” of introductions. Just as you wonder if the To order CLANG CLANG train will ever leave the station, Ortloff CLANG for $20 postpaid, visit steams into a smart tempo, and treats the www.jonathanortloff.com. B section melodic fragments with perfectly —Jonathan Ambrosino swelled Tuba responses. But with things up to speed, Ortloff all too soon gets to grand retards that can seem halting. Still, the playing never lacks for style and swagger. Given the innate good taste of this creative début, we can expect more good things from this talent of great promise. SHOPPING FOR RECORDINGS Allen Organ Company— The Historical Recording Company— Jonathan Ortloff—www.jonathanortloff.com P.O. Box 36, Macungie, Pennsylvania www.thehistoricalrecordingcompany.com Donna Parker Productions, Inc.—P.O. Box 18062-0338, 610-966-2202, Joliet Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts 6103, Aloha, Oregon 97007, 503-642-7009 www.allenorgan.com/www/store/maincds.html (JATOE)—P.O. Box 212, Joliet, Illinois 60434, Pipe Organ Presentations— Steven Ball— 708-562-8538, [email protected] 760-324-0470, [email protected], 734-846-3627, www.stevenball.com JAV Recordings— www.pipeorganpresentations.com Banda (George Wright recordings)— 888-572-2242, www.greatorgancds.com Bob Ralston—SPOTOMA, 17027 Tennyson 720-733-2905, fax 720-733-2137, JBL Productions— Place, Granada Hills, California 91344-1225, [email protected], 8933 Wagon Road, Agoura, California 91301, 818-366-3637, www.bobralston.com http://theatreorgans.com/cds/banda.html www.organhouse.com/jbl_productions.htm Rob Richards—www.robrichards.com Ed. Benoit—30110 West Latham Street, Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust— Jim Riggs Recordings—25A Crescent Drive Buckeye, Arizona 85326, 623-327-1437, http://theatreorgans.com/lancast/lanc1.htm #185, Pleasant Hill, California 94523 [email protected] Michael’s Music Service—4146 Sheridan Rosa Rio—1847 Wolf Laurel Drive, Sun City Canterbury Records—626-792-7184 Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205, 704-567- Center, Florida 33573, 813-633-0902 Central Indiana Chapter of ATOS— 1066, www.michaelsmusicservice.com Paul Roberts, Cardinal Productions— 1431 North Audubon Road, Indianapolis, Indiana Midnight Productions, Inc.— P.O. Box 22035, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, 46219, www.cicatos.org 800-788-1100, [email protected], http://theatreorgans.com/cds/roberts/ Cinema Organ Society— www.theatreorgan.com Roxy Productions— www.cinema-organs.org.uk MSS Studios—www.organ.co.uk 480-695-8568, [email protected] Dickinson Theatre Organ Society— Musical Contrasts—[email protected] Texas Talkies Media Production Company— 302-995-2603, www.dtoskimball.org P.O. Box 23413, Waco, Texas 76702. Nor-Cal Theatre Organ Society — www.texastalkies.com Ken Double—281-798-6205 P.O. Box 625, Berkeley, California 94701-0625, www.KenDoubleEntertainment.com 510-644-2707, www.theatreorgans.com/norcal/ T-V Recording—408-248-6927, [email protected] R. Jelani Eddington Organ Recordings— Organ Historical Society— Walter Strony—www.waltstrony.com P.O. Box 44092, Racine, Wisconsin Box 26811, Richmond, Virginia 23261, Wichita Theatre Organ— 53404-7002, www.rjeproductions.com 804-353-9226, fax 804-353-9266, 316-655-8177, [email protected], Mark Herman Productions, LLC— [email protected], www.organsociety.org www.nyparamountwurlitzer.org P.O. Box 5059, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46895, Organ Stop Pizza—480-813-5700 x200, Tony Whittaker—www.tonywhittaker.co.uk www.markhermanproductions.com www.organstoppizza.com NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 49 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 50 ATLANTA CHICAGO AREA Embassy’s Grande Page organ. Dyne was a Atlanta, Georgia—We did not have a Chicago, Illinois—On June 15, the Fox true entertainer, and his charm and wit will be chapter meeting for the month of July. Valley chapter of the American Guild of missed by many. However, we had enough of the chapter Organists sponsored a program at the Tivoli On July 12, the annual CIC pitch-in and membership attending the Cleveland con- Theatre in Downers Grove featuring Dennis meeting was held at the Kokomo, Indiana vention that we will just consider it our July Scott at the Chicago Area Theatre Organ home of Bill Tandy. Bill did triple duty, meeting. Here is a list of those 23 attendees: Enthusiasts’ Wurlitzer organ accompanying serving as host, grill master, and organist. First Phillip and Mandy Allen, David Caron, Ron the Buster Keaton silent film classic College. he grilled up some tasty foods, then he relaxed and Donna Carter, Larry Davis, Ken Double The program was part of a weeklong Pipe for a few minutes during the meeting, and (Florida), Elbert and Wanda Fields, Bob Organ Encounter for teen musicians. Open to finally he performed at his two-manual Allen Fountain, Paul Gelsleichter (North Carolina), the public, many members of the AGO and organ. He entertained us with selections from Mike Knight, John McCall, Rick McGee, Mike ATOS were present. After the program the his vast repertoire of popular music, as well as Mixon, Dale Parrott, Bucky Reddish, Mark students played at open console, and we were some perhaps lesser-known tunes from the and Carrie Renwick (Florida), Clayton and impressed by one young artist, 13-year-old 1920s on up. Susan Cole-Shaw (Florida), David Tuck, and Emily Seward from Detroit. CIC members congregated at the Hedback Brent Wood (North Carolina). CATOE likes to encourage young artists Theatre on August 2 for a short business On Saturday, August 22, the Reddish home and invited Emily back to play for a social. On meeting, followed by local organist Ron was invaded by at least 125 people for a August 15, Emily returned to the Tivoli, and Wilson at the 2/11 Page/Wurlitzer. Ron birthday celebration! Bucky Reddish, we are pleased to have provided her first performed a delightful program focusing on president of the Atlanta chapter, reached a opportunity to play an extended program. music from the 1960s, including movie milestone—his 60th birthday (he’s almost as Emily thinks the pipe organ is cool and is themes. old as an original Wurlitzer now). The party constantly looking for things to play that are —Justin Nimmo featured prominent artists: ATOS President/ cool. She does not just play the organ; she is Tim Needler, President CEO and chapter member Ken Double, Chris totally into and a part of the music. Thanks to 317-255-8056, [email protected] Elliott, Jelani Eddington, Larry-Douglas the coaching by her teacher, John Lauter, she Embury (artist-in-residence at the Atlanta Fox has a wonderful sense of registration and is Theatre), and our own John McCall, Jr. effective playing one organ chamber against Offering great contrast and musical variety, the other. Emily is a delight. This program each artist performed at the Walker RTO would not have been possible without the theatre organ installed in Bucky's residence. support of some special people—Emily’s dad, There were even some organ-piano duets with Ed for bringing her to us, and the Tivoli’s Chris Elliott (organ) and Jelani Eddington Willis and Shirley Johnson for making both (piano). At the end of the evening, we were programs possible. There are organ interludes treated to a special duo—Mark Renwick at at the Tivoli Friday and Saturday nights. the organ, accompanying his talented wife, —Jon C. Habermaas Carrie, in several vocal selections. A great John Peters, President party! 847-470-0743, [email protected] Please note our new chapter mailing Bill Tandy (Photo by Tim Needler) address is P.O. Box 426, Marietta, Georgia 30061-0426. —Rick McGee DAIRYLAND Bucky Reddish, President Racine/Milwaukee, Wisconsin—The Dairy- 770-948-8424, [email protected] land chapter, in conjunction with the Kimball Theatre Organ Society, had its annual spring concert Memorial Day weekend at the beautiful Oriental Theatre, presenting Donnie Rankin at the 3/40 Kimball. Donnie, who became interested in theatre organs at the age of three, is only 20 years old; he won the ATOS Young Organist Competition in 2007. He lives in Ohio and takes the train every few weeks to Emily Seward at the Tivoli Wurlitzer Wisconsin to study organ with our own Jelani (Photo by Michael Garay) Eddington. We have also given him several scholarships to further his study. Donnie CENTRAL INDIANA played a varied, interesting program, includ- Indianapolis, Indiana—The Central Indiana ing a patriotic medley, and did an excellent chapter has some sad news to report: on job accompanying the silent movie Liberty, Larry-Douglas Embury (left), Chris Elliott, Bucky July 1, longtime CIC member and Ft. Wayne starring Laurel and Hardy. We can expect to Reddish, Jelani Eddington, and Ken Double hear more good things from Donnie as the (Photo by Elbert Fields) resident Dyne Pfeffenberger died as a result of a fall at his home that led to a massive years unfold. stroke. Dyne was one of the core group of Flag Day, June 14, found our DTOS group organ enthusiasts who saved the Embassy invited to the Elkhart Lake home of Gary and Theatre, and he was a good friend of Buddy Nancy Bieck. The fun began even before we Nolan, often sharing midnight concerts at the entered the music room, as we walked through 50 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 51 The deadline for receipt of Chapter News items by the Editor is the FIRST of the month TWO months prior to the THEATRE ORGAN publication date (that’s the first of every odd- numbered month). Please note that ATOS policy prohibits inclusion of music titles played at programs or menu items served at chapter functions. Text may be edited for space and clarity. Due to space considerations, please submit a maximum of 250 words of text. Submission as a Microsoft Word file attached to an e-mail (to [email protected]) is our first preference; second is text in an e-mail; finally, typewritten hard copy may be sent via postal mail to the Editor (address on masthead). Please submit a maximum of two photos (no less than 3 x 2 inches with resolution of at least 300 dpi), preferably sent as a .jpg file attached to an e-mail. Photos may be sent to the Editor via postal mail; they will not be returned. IMPORTANT: Please name your text file with your chapter name, and name your photos with your chapter name followed by the numerals one or two. Your text MUST include your chapter name and principal city/state of operation; your chapter correspondent’s name; and the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of your chapter’s president. A caption and appropriate credit to the photographer MUST be included with photos; please put this information at the end of your text document. Gary’s large flower garden which was in The presence of Bob Walker and his wife, Providence Performing Arts Center (5/21 full bloom. Playing the 3/18 Wurlitzer was Sandy, was a particular highlight of the day. Wurlitzer) in Providence, Rhode Island. Ron Reseigh, organist at the Organ Piper Special thanks to Lee Hulko, Bernie EMCATOS vice president Len Beyersdorfer restaurant. Ron played a variety of music, McGorrey, the Walkers, and all those involved played before the Festival Theatre’s pro- showing off all the sounds of the organ, in our events. duction of The Producers at the Zeiterion in including a patriotic sing-along in honor of —Anna Downey, President July and before the premiere of the film The the day. We saw the debut of Gary’s newest 215-723-7716, [email protected] Tent-Life in the Round at PPAC in August. In addition, a large American flag that was both instances the audience responded unfurled from the ceiling at the end of the enthusiastically to the addition of pre-show program. A potluck meal and open console theatre organ music. followed, with many organists participating. We hope to develop a corps of organists What a great way to celebrate Flag Day. who are willing to play before selected Former DTOS member Dave Wickerham presentations at both venues. returned to Wisconsin in June to remove his —Bob Evans, President Wicks organ to his new home in Boca Raton, 508-674-0276, [email protected] Florida; he was assisted in this huge task by our past president, Gary Hanson. We’re happy that Dave will once again have a pipe organ in his home. Dairyland enjoying having organist Kay McAbee in recital for two days; he played Lee Hulko (Photo by Dick Auchincloss) John Cornue’s Barton-Kilgen at his Lake Geneva industrial building on July 17 and at Fred Hermes’ the following day. At the Cornues’ it was a standing room only crowd. Kay treated us to several of his signature songs and gave an informal, fun recital, stopping several times for coffee breaks. During one of the breaks, we had open console; many EMCATOS members at the convention organists played, beginning with John Cornue, (Photo by Ken Krause) joined by his wife, Laurie, on violin, and Zack Frame, who also knows how to entertain an audience. The next day, Kay played Hermes’ five-manual Wurlitzer in Fred’s “basement Bijou.” Once again, Kay played to a crowd; several people returned the second day to hear Bob and Sandy Walker him again! (Photo by Dick Auchincloss) On August 23 Dairyland had another fun summer event—our annual picnic at Jack EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS Moelmann’s summer home on Lake Geneva. Wellesley, Massachusetts—The Eastern Jack played his Hammond for us, we had open Massachusetts chapter was well represented console, and we enjoyed relaxing on his deck at this year’s convention. Thirteen mem- on this sunny, although autumn-like, day bers made the trek to Cleveland. Those who before the start of the busy fall season. attended had many positive comments about —Sandy Knuth Len Beyersdorfer at the Zeiterion the convention. Well done, Western Reserve! (Photo by Bob Evans) Dean Rosko, President EMCATOS did not present any summer 262-886-1739, [email protected] concerts, but the board of directors was busy planning next year’s lineup for our Pipe Organ GARDEN STATE DELAWARE VALLEY Pops and Silents in the House series. We have Little Falls, New Jersey—In July a number Telford, Pennsylvania—Bucks County an ambitious schedule planned for the of Garden State Theatre Organ Society was the setting for a very impressive and upcoming season and will be presenting a members started the summer off perfectly by musical afternoon at the home of Lee Hulko. silent film, our first in quite some time. being among the largest contingents at the We were treated to the sounds of Walker, Last year we experimented with printing a American Theatre Organ Society’s annual Walker, and Walker. Organs were everywhere! season schedule in a postcard-sized format. convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The excite- Chapter officers, members, and guests This schedule proved so popular that we are ment of hearing new artists play and seeing listened to the sounds of organist and concert doing the same for this season. If your chapter venues that some had not visited before artist Bernard J. McGorrey III at both theatre is looking for an inexpensive way to “get the was supplemented by frequent chapter get- and classical organs; there were favorite word out,” printing season schedules is worth togethers for sharing food, conversation, and sounds and songs for all. Bernie is project your consideration. quite a bit of laughter. manager and crew chief for our 3/19 Möller This summer, in an effort to get our local Later in July, a diverse group of members theatre pipe organ at the Keswick Theatre, theatre organs in front of the public, we gathered to enjoy each other’s company in Glenside, Pennsylvania. Lee has invited us initiated what will hopefully become a regular Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. Bob and Cathy back to his home; considering all the fun we feature at the Zeiterion Theatre (3/9 Wurlitzer) Martin’s lakeside cottage provided the setting, had, we’re eagerly awaiting that return visit. in New Bedford, Massachusetts and the and members provided many varied and NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 51 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 52 delicious food dishes to share. The weather JOLIET AREA 2007 and 2008 ATOS Summer Youth Camp cooperated completely. The pleasant afternoon Joliet, Illinois—After recovering from held in the Chicago area. made it possible for some to swim, others to go Extravaganza XIII, on May 17 we welcomed We were scheduled to hear Paul Johnson boating, and the remainder to just sit and Dave Calendine from Michigan for his first at the Rialto Theatre on August 16. Unfor- relax. Walking along the lawn, Henry performance at the Rialto. Dave began playing tunately, he required surgery following an Romanczyk took up the accordion from time the piano at age three and was playing in accident. Instead, we were lucky to have Glen to time to offer a musical background at the church by the time he was nine years old. He Tallar who plays at Beggar’s Pizza in Lansing. picnic. was allowed to play at the Akron Civic Center Glen has been playing for quite a while and is The festivities continued in late August, organ one night after a film, and he was hired becoming very good; he’s currently studying when close to 80 GSTOS members traveled to as the house organist. He played at several with Jelani Eddington. Glen has attended the New Hope, Pennsylvania. Nina Heitz offered restaurants, including the Toronto Organ Summer Youth Camp. There were over 80 her home for a meeting, mini-concert, picnic, Grinder and Shady Nook in Cincinnati, Ohio. members in attendance at the social, and all and open console. We had a full house and Dave has played theatre pipe organs through- enjoyed the food and open console. a full day. Pennsylvania organist Barry out the United States and Canada. In 2000, he Many members of the Joliet Area Theatre Lesher took to the console of the 3/23 played a solo concert tour through Germany Organ Enthusiasts were invited to the Wurlitzer/hybrid. He entertained with a great and Switzerland. Currently staff organist at Chicagoland chapter social on August 29 at mix of lush romantic ballads and novelty Detroit’s Fabulous Fox Theatre, he also serves the Steinway Piano Gallery in Downers Grove. tunes. An encore was demanded. Then it was on the board of directors of the Motor City We heard two very talented young organists on to the business part of the day, followed by Theatre Organ Society. Needless to say, we from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin—22-year-old abundant food. While theatre pipe organ had a great turnout, and we thoroughly Zack Frame and 30-year-old John Cornue. music wafted all around us, folks ate either enjoyed Dave’s performance. The talents of these two young men are indoors in the spacious home or outside On June 23, we were very much entertained impressive. We hope to have them play for us on the patio overlooking the pond and by our own Don Springer. He grew up in at the Rialto in the near future. sprawling grounds. A number of professional Whiting, Indiana, and began studying at age —Barbara Petry musicians were in attendance, and they added nine. Four years later, the Hoosier Theatre re- Jim Patak, President to the musical caliber of the open console opened with the installation of a pipe organ, 708-562-8538 experience. and Don became a regular feature at the We are all well rested now and ready to dive mighty Wurlitzer. During high school, Don met into the full calendar our fall season has on LAND O’ LAKES Al Melgard, staff organist at the Chicago Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota—Ron tap. Stadium for over four decades. Don studied —Catherine Martin Rhode closed out the Phipps Center for the with Al for several years and learned all of Al’s Arts 2008–09 organ series on June 6. His Michael Cipolletti, President tricks. He later studied at DePaul University 732-899-1588, [email protected] concert featured a varied selection of pieces under Herman Pedtke. Don played at both of from several of his latest CDs. The the Sally’s Stage restaurants, incorporating appreciative audience brought Ron back for comedy routines, and he recorded an album, an encore after a light classical finale. Don Springer Live from Sally’s Stage. He During the concert Ron told the story of the performed concerts at the Hinsdale Theatre, unique and much-traveled Mattapan, where he recorded Intermission Interlude. Massachusetts Oriental Theatre console, once Don continues to play in the area and often a part of the instrument used to record his last presents seminars through the Allen Organ album in Phoenix before it was sold. The Company. Our thanks to Lee Maloney for console traveled back the East Coast and letting us use his establishment for our finally, to the Phipps Center. In all, it was a seminars. Don is a big Jessie Crawford fan, very special evening for both the artist and the and it shows in his playing. He is no slouch audience—one that will not soon be forgotten. when it comes to George Wright, either. Many Now, without a pipe organ at home for several thanks to Don Springer and to all those in years, Ron has once again purchased a GSTOS members crowd the Heitz’ organ attendance. Wurlitzer to install his new residence in (Photo by Tony Rustako) On July 22, the Melody Makers electronic Phoenix. We wish him all the best in his new organ club were our guests at the Rialto endeavors. Theatre. They held their regular business Recent progress update on the Phipps meeting and then took turns at the Rialto Wurlitzer: all of the chests in the Solo chamber organ. We did this for the club last year, and have been re-valved in preparation for a they were all thrilled to play a theatre pipe recording session, and the Wurlitzer sounded organ. This is a good way to attract new exceptionally good as a result of the recent members. modifications, updates, and greatly reduced Along with CATOE members, on August 15 wind noise. we were invited to hear the talented Emily The Phipps Center for the Arts 2009–10 Seward, a staff organist at the Redford Theatre season schedule of events is available. For in Detroit, play the Wurlitzer organ at the more information or to reserve tickets, visit Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove. Only 14 their website: www.thephipps.org. years old, Emily has been studying since she The Heights Theatre presented three films was six; she is just superb. Emily attended the Barry Lesher (Photo by Tony Rustako) during July and August: the 1928 silent comedy film The Patsy was shown on July 30, 52 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 53 accompanied by Karl Eilers at the WCCO Wurlitzer organ. The film, starring Marion Davies, is based on the Broadway stage production which opened on December 22, 1925. Next, on August 6, the Oscar-nominated 1938 talkie The Vivacious Lady featured a pre- show organ concert by Harvey Gustafson. Finally, a new 35mm print of the 1951 science fiction film The Day the Earth Stood Still was presented on August 17. More information can be found online at www.heightstheatre.com. Despite a storm-ladened weekend, 20 Land o’Lakes members and guests gathered at the home of Michael LuBrant and Jeff Tom Neadle playing the 1973 Michael Dowd Charlton in Hastings, Minnesota, for our harpsichord (Photo by Kim Crisler) chapter’s August 9 event. Our host explained the history of his Kimball/composite residence LONDON & SOUTH Simon Gledhill at Woking installation. Kimball Opus 6695 was origi- (Photo by David Coles) nally built for E.W. and Elizabeth Backus, OF ENGLAND well-known patrons of music and the arts; Woking Surrey—Our organist on the their south Minneapolis home was the place evening of 18th July was Cinema Organ LOS ANGELES for afternoon musicals and recitals. The Society chairman Simon Gledhill. The winner Los Angeles, California—The temperature Kimball now boasts 19 ranks, controlled from in the early 1980s of a Northern England was 106, but that didn’t stop 60 members and a four-manual Möller drawknob console. competition, Simon was spotted by none other guests from enjoying the annual July potluck Additions include several traps. Mike than the BBC’s Nigel Ogden—presenter of picnic at Ken and Jenice Rosen’s home. Grandchamp played a concert of standards The Organist Entertains. The rest, as they say, Acknowledging the weather, tables were set and favorites and performed two selections on is history, and Simon is in constant demand up inside instead of on the patio. Ken and Michael’s recently acquired harpsichord, built across the globe. Jenice, your fellow members of the Los by Michael Dowd of Boston in 1973. Five Those fortunate to hear Simon preparing Angeles chapter thank you sincerely for your members were heard during open console at before the start of the concert had no doubt gracious hospitality. After good food and the Kimball and the harpsichord. that Simon had a fabulous selection at his conversation, the group was treated to a Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and The fingertips. Simon’s musical tour de force varied musical program by Jerry Nagano at the Fitzgerald Theatre will be presenting The included many numbers with an American former “Pig ’n’ Whistle” Wurlitzer. The Indie Artist Residency: A Study of the Mighty flavour. console was opened to the members, Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Mike Grandchamp We were all delighted that our audience was approximately 10 of whom ventured up to take will be working with MPR to help young the largest of the year to date; extra chairs their turn at the studio pipe organ. musicians see the “old” instrument in a new were required before all could be seated. The For many years the late Gaylord Carter light by collaborating with hip-hop artist audience appreciation left no one in doubt that accompanied silent movies and entertained deVon Gray and pianist/vocalist/songwriter Simon will be very warmly welcomed back to audiences. Born on August 3, 1905, in Alicia Wiley. The two young artists will take Woking before long. Wiesbaden, Germany, a few years later his part in playing film accompaniment and other August is traditionally a quiet month for our family moved to Wichita, Kansas. In 1922, stage activities throughout the year. chapter; no concerts were planned, and they relocated to Los Angeles, where 16-year- —Kim Crisler committee members were permitted to take old Gaylord found employment playing piano Terry Kleven, President holidays! for movies. To finance his pre-law education 651-489-2074, [email protected] Our committee met again on 19th Sep- at UCLA, Gaylord played at the Saville tember, before Richard Hills’ visit. We have Theatre in nearby Inglewood. There he was been focussing on the careful removal and discovered by Harold Lloyd and, as a result of shipment to safe storage of our ex-Regal that discovery, Gaylord was hired as organist Edmonton Christie from its current home in at the new Million Dollar Theatre in downtown Wales. Los Angeles. —David Coles On August 2, 2009, as a tribute to the 104th Ian Ridley, President anniversary of Gaylord’s birth, the Los +44 1494 674944 Angeles Theatre Organ Society presented one [email protected] of Gaylord’s favorite silent movies, Wings, starring Clara Bow, Charles (Buddy) Rogers, and Richard Arlen, with a brief appearance by Gary Cooper. An audience of approximately 200 enjoyed the movie, as well as San Gabriel Mission Playhouse’s beautiful Spanish Mike Grandchamp at Michael LuBrant’s architecture, new projection system, and composite residence organ (Photo by Kim Crisler) screen. Bob Salisbury, a student of Gaylord Carter, did a masterful job at the wonderfully outspoken Wurlitzer. By the time the story of NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 53 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:49 PM Page 54 World War I flyers came to an end, there was that this must be the finest Allen installation return visit from Dorothy Watson and Hal scarcely a dry eye in the audience. in the state. Logan. In August we screened three silent —Diana Stoney Earlier in the year, we heard two fine movies: Buster Keaton’s Cops, Harold Lloyd’s Bill Campbell, Chairman and President concerts by Martin Boehling. Martin lives out Among Those Present, and Charley Chase’s 714-563-9638 on the coast, so a trip to Charlotte is an Mighty Like a Moose. Jeff Fox accompanied [email protected] overnight endeavor. He played the Walker at these films at the Mighty Wurlitzer. the Parsons residence on April 18 and at the The refurbished Mount Baker Theatre Woods Artisan on February 20. In addition to continues to provide an excellent venue for our playing, Martin can tweak organs to improve activities, and we hope you will be able to join the sound; he made the Artisan sound more us in the near future. like a Wurlitzer. Martin is not afraid to play —David Baines lightly and melodically, and the ear never Vernon Greenstreet, President tires. As always, we encourage open console 360-714-8235, [email protected] afterwards. Lawrie Mallett remarked that “the gathering at Brent’s house was very reminiscent of the meetings that we used to have at the Wolverine Chapter in Michigan.” —Michael Johnston 704-567-1066, [email protected] Host Ken Rosen (l) and Jerry Nagano (Photo by Diana Stoney) Mark Andersen at Wurlitzer Manor (Photo Andersen Collection) NEW YORK New York, New York—On Saturday, August 29, we were once again invited to Scott Foppiano at the Alhart residence (Photo Chaminade High School in Mineola, New Members and friends enjoy a potluck picnic by Frank Dunhuber) at the home of Ken and Jenice Rosen York, for an afternoon of open console at the (Photo by Diana Stoney) 3/15 Austin-Morton theatre pipe organ (enhanced with a bit of Wurlitzer and Barton). METROLINA Even though we were threatened by the wrath of Hurricane Danny, attendance was good, and Charlotte, North Carolina—Ten days before everyone had a great time. When not in the the ATOS convention in Cleveland, many of auditorium enjoying the music, folks were our members made a trip of between three and gathered around the lobby engaging in conver- eight hours to attend a two-part concert and sation and indulging in assorted beverages cookout in the beautiful mountains of North and a vast array of homemade goodies. Carolina. On June 20 our first stop was outside As a special treat, young organist Dan of Hendersonville at the residence of Lawrie Minervini, who just returned from the ATOS and Rosemary Mallett. Lawrie’s organ is a Summer Youth Camp in Phoenix, Arizona, hybrid that he built from an Allen and a played a short cameo performance. During the Gulbransen. Scott Foppiano made it sound Martin Boehling at the Parsons residence week-long camp, organists Donna Parker, better than ever, playing many of his signature (Photo by Lawrie Mallett) Martin Ellis and Jelani Eddington coached tunes as well as our requests. The cookout was Dan and the other young organ students, a real success; many first timers attended to including Andrew Van Varick who was also eat and hear the organ music. MOUNT BAKER sponsored by the New York Theatre Organ Afterward, we travelled by caravan to the Bellingham, Washington—Our monthly Society. The students had an opportunity to beautiful mountainside home of Steve Alhart. programs continue, and we have added silent play several outstanding instruments. Dan and Steve’s house is the perfect location for an movies on a regular basis. The 1921 German Andrew noted that the camp was highly organ concert—a large room with speakers Expressionist film Nosferatu, directed by educational and extremely useful. It will be an placed high, solid sound throughout, with F.W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck, was experience they will carry through their lives, gorgeous mountain vistas visible from the the first and only production of Prana Film. and they were very grateful to be part of it. music room. The Allen 319EX was tweaked Accompaniment for the film was provided Many thanks to Br. Rob Lahey, Bob Atkins, by none other than Walt Strony, so we knew by Jeff Fox. Many concert organists have and Alan Lush for preparing the organ. Also what to expect. Again, Scott gave us entertained our chapter, including: Andy thanks to John Valentino, Tom Stehle, and everything he had and made many of us think Crow, Wally Stevenson, Tom Roughton, Melany Armstrong, and Carl Peterson. We Allan France for their participation in this enjoyed hearing Mark Andersen, as well as the event. 54 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 55 Our autumn schedule was busy, with many concert could be worked out. It turned out to piano. All in all, it was a very entertaining exciting concerts and events. be a match made in musical heaven. program. —Allan France “We liked the idea from the start,” said —Michael A. Tarzis John Valentino, Chairman Community Band director Bill Sleeper, who Don Peterson, President 646-469-5049 has been with the organization since its 972-422-7757, [email protected] [email protected] inception three years ago. “Like the organ group, we, too, were looking for ways to expand our audiences, and this was a perfect fit.” McKinney Swing Band director John Johnson, who at one time actually did a short stint with the traveling Glenn Miller Band, echoed his sentiment. “I was looking forward to the event, and I have to say it far exceeded my wildest expectations,” he noted. Mating the sounds of a theatre organ with other musical groups is quite common in other parts of the country where organs remain in their original homes, but the event was a first Ken Double (l), Dan Minervini, Martin Ellis, for this area. In the 1920s and ’30s, Texas Linda Young (l), Karen Fruzia, Jenny Donna Parker, Andrew Van Varick, and Jelani housed over 200 theatre organs in its movie Wennerberg (Photo by Don Peterson) Eddington (Photo by Leonard Minervini) palaces and public venues. The McKinney instrument is one of only two remaining theatre organs playable today in a Texas venue. Organist Bob Whiteman, who at one time played the stadium organ for the Cleveland Indians, adeptly put the Wurlitzer through its paces. Credits also go to vocalists Linda Young, Karen Fruzia, and Jenny Wennerberg, perform- ing as the “Sorta Sisters.” Their renditions of Andrews Sisters’ hits certainly had toes tapping from the largely World War II-era audience. Overall, the program was such a success Ian Clark (l) and Bob Whiteman Alan Lush at Chaminade that there are already plans in the works for (Photo by Kenneth Brown) (Photo by Allan France) another band and organ concert. Definitely stay tuned. July was spent in rebuilding the toy counter NORTH TEXAS for our MPAC Wurlitzer. On August 8, the toy Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas—Sometimes you counter was physically installed in the Solo just have to try something new. Take a concert chamber and wired to the Driver Boards. The stage band, a ’40s-era swing band, and a few console wiring was scheduled to be completed vocalists for starters. Throw in a thundering the first week of September. The one Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ just to round remaining percussion, the chimes, will be things out, and the results can be amazing. installed after the action has been restored. Such was the case at the McKinney Many thanks go to Don Peterson, Al Cavitt, Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on June 6 as Loren Hungsberg, Mike Tarzis, Mike Ussery, an appreciative audience was treated to a Jim Wilson, and Ken Brown for their musical D-day tribute like no other. For two dedicated efforts to get this project completed. hours, strains of Glenn Miller, Benny On August 16, the chapter held its regular Bob and Anne at the piano Goodman, and John Philip Sousa filled the meeting. The program presented after the (Photo by Kenneth Brown) theatre to reactions ranging from loud hand meeting turned into the highlight of the day. clapping to downright tears during soloist Bob Whiteman was the featured artist and Jeannie Fisher’s emotional rendition. A started the program by playing several pieces NORTHERN CALIFORNIA musical tribute to all the Armed Forces, with on the MPAC 3/17 Wurlitzer. Halfway through Berkeley, California—April 18 was the the veterans in the audience being recognized, the program, he introduced one of his piano annual two-chapter Morton Madness double was also very moving. students, Anne Higginbotham, a 7th grade concert on two different Morton organs. This The idea for this concert came up several student at Covenant School, Dallas. Bob and year, Mark Herman played. months ago when members of the North Texas Anne played a few duets on the piano; After many years, our chapter’s large chapter were searching for new ways to then Bob moved to the organ console, and he Wurlitzer organ in the auditorium of Berkeley showcase the MPAC Wurlitzer and work with and Anne played some organ and piano High School was finally used for a school other musical groups in the North Texas area. arrangements. They then swapped places, music program! The school music instructor, The suggestion was made to contact the with Anne at the Wurlitzer and Bob at the Karen Wells, had heard about the organ and McKinney Community Band and see if a joint finally came to an organ work party to talk to NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 55 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 56 us and see the organ. She wanted to use it in Since the OCTOS organ is located in a high PIEDMONT the school symphony orchestra spring concert, school auditorium, we have greater access to Burlington, North Carolina—Williams High but she didn’t have anyone to play it. The the organ during the summer months when the School has a new Main chamber. The latest answer to this came when a student, school is closed. This summer we set aside additions to the Piedmont chapter’s 3/25 Alexander Johnson, a member of the high time to do some tonal finishing on the organ. Kimball Wurlitzer-hybrid are complete. The school symphony, walked into the next organ We are fortunate to have the services of Steuart existing eight-rank Main chamber needed new work party session. He had been trained on Goodwin, an OCTOS board member and an chests, and we wanted to complete a planned keyboards, piano, and percussion instruments, outstanding voicer. He worked on a number of larger specification. Two Wurlitzer chests, but he had never played an organ. Chris pipes that had “changed” over the years. The seven ranks and five ranks, respectively, were Nichols promptly seated him at the organ benefit of Steuart’s work is hard to define purchased, making space for a French Horn, console and gave him some instruction. On except to say that it has given the organ a more Vox Humana, Viole d'Orchestre and Celeste. April 16, the concert took place. The organ refined and even sound. They replace four of the eight MIDI voices in was used for the last piece, and the organ’s The OCTOS board decided to change the current use. final chord brought the house down with way the year’s programs are marketed. In the The seven-rank chest had been recovered cheering and yells for an encore. Many past we thought in terms of yearly programs with perflex in the late 1970s. After removing gathered around the console to have a look, (five in number), but we decided to switch to material and glue, the condition of both asking questions for about 30 minutes. The a “season” of programs that start in September primary and secondary pouches was not good. next morning, Chris Nichols and Neal Wood and run through June. When a season is New replacements can be purchased, but went to the music class and gave a purchased as a package, membership in money is tight, so we made them ourselves. presentation about the organ. They also OCTOS for the following year is included free The entire summer of 2006 was spent conducted tours of the organ chambers. They of charge. We will be watching closely this fabricating and covering 12 ranks of said the students took interest in all aspects of year to see what impact this may have on pneumatic motors. It was indeed a learning the organ. attendance and income. experience! May 3 was the final public concert of our —Ed Bridgeford, President The original eight ranks were scheduled to 2008–2009 season. Lew Williams played one 714 529-5594, [email protected] be playing by the end of August. As time and of his usual fine programs, utilizing money permit, four new ranks will come to life. transcriptions from classical, big band, and It is particularly gratifying to know these ranks Latin orchestral scores. His wide variety of were part of the original 61-rank Standaart music is well liked. He seemed to use that once resided in this space. After three everything in the organ at least once, long years of preparation, we hope to have including the surf effect and the saucer bells, both chambers playing by the beginning of the which delighted the organ crew. next school year. Contact Mac if you want to On Sunday, June 14, Paul-Wesley Bowen help. Do an Internet search for “Piedmont played a concert for us on the three-manual Theatre Organ,” and our website will lead you Robert-Morton organ in Grace Baptist Church to us. in San Jose (originally from the San Jose —Mac Abernethy Liberty Theatre). After the concert, several Ernest N. Boyd, President people tried the organ. The organ is under 410-243-0878, [email protected] continuing restoration by Bill Brooks, with David Marsh (r) and Bob Andjulis at Plummer technical assistance from Dave Moreno. Auditorium (Photo by Pat Mower) The annual chapter picnic was held on August 23 at the country home of Gay and Ron Bingaman in Grass Valley, California. Many of the guests played the Allen organ. The Sierra chapter was invited to this event. —Elbert Dawson Neal R. Wood, President 415-861-7082, [email protected] ORANGE COUNTY Fullerton, California—The Orange County Theatre Organ Society met in Plummer Old Main Chamber (Photo by Mac Abernethy) Auditorium on August 15 for our annual summer open console and potluck. This year Matt Gerhard at the Plummer Auditorium we were pleased to have two young men join Wurlitzer (Photo by Pat Mower) us who are interested in learning how to play a theatre organ. One of the young men, Matt Gerhard, is attending college and is an organist at a local church. The other, David Marsh, is a very energetic teen with a lot of potential. This furthers one of our goals to interest more young people in the theatre organ. 56 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 57 New Main Chamber (Photo by Mac Abernethy) PSTOS scholarship recipient Kat Brightwell Patti Simon and Dick Kroeckel at the Rose (Photo by Jo Ann Evans) Theatre (Photo by Bob Markworth) PUGET SOUND Seattle, Washington—Summer home RIVER CITY parties are always enjoyable events, providing Omaha, Nebraska—On July 12, the River an opportunity for great music, food, and City Theatre Organ Society presented An camaraderie in a casual setting. American Afternoon of Music featuring Patti The Puget Sound chapter was delighted to Simon at the Rose Theatre’s 3/21 Wurlitzer welcome Donna Parker as the featured artist with Dick Kroeckel at the Yamaha grand. The for this summer’s get-together at the Kenmore duo was most entertaining and showcased a home of Russ and Jo Ann Evans. Donna wide variety of musical selections. The played an enjoyable and varied program, with RCTOS annual concert was a huge success, something for everyone. Often a substitute at with over 500 in attendance. Patti and Dick Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, Donna provided a great afternoon of music with the included tunes reminiscent of the upbeat and Swingtones, a local 18-piece big band, making lively music we all remember at our local a guest appearance in the second half of the Patti Simon and Dick Kroeckel at the pizza parlors in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. concert. The final musical experience with the Markworth residence (Photo by Jerry Pawlak) A bonus was a short cameo played by our organ, piano, and band provided a special scholarship student, Kat Brightwell. Many ending to the afternoon’s spectacular program. ROCKY MOUNTAIN thanks to Donna for providing such a Patti, Dick, and the Swingtones shared the Denver, Colorado—Arrrrr! The Holiday delightful day! stage to receive standing ovations. The Hills ballroom embarked on a nautical —Jo Ann Evans Wurlitzer never sounded better, thanks to the musical cruise at our club social in July with Dave Luttinen, President many hours Ed Zollman spent tuning and Adventure on the High Cs, an original musical 206-963-3283, [email protected] adjusting the instrument. The entertainment treasure hunt produced by club member continued with an after-glow reception at the Janice Blakney. The “Uncorked Players” sang Markworth residence, where Patti and Dick up a storm of solo, small ensemble, and chorus performed until late in the evening. selections accompanied by Annette Cash at August 16 brought the chapter to the home the grand piano and DeLoy Goeglein and Jim of Jeanne and Frank Sabatka. This meeting Calm at the four-manual Allen organ. was the chapter’s annual picnic potluck. Meanwhile, pirates swarmed the audience and Jeanne is a seasoned local organist and cats prowled the stage. entertainer. Jeanne featured her friend and Our August 9 club event brought us back to vocalist Marlee; then chapter musicians and Denver’s historic Paramount Theatre and the organists/pianists Arlon Anderson, Greg 4/20 twin console Wurlitzer for an outstanding Johnson, and Jerry Pawlak played duets with afternoon of Triumvirate on the Tibias, Jeanne. A special treat for the group included featuring the formidable talents of Bob Castle, award-winning accordionists Milo Karasak DeLoy Goeglein, and Doug Thompson, and his son, Mark. A picnic potluck dinner followed by open console time. Kat (l) and Donna encourage aspiring young was served on the beautiful residence patio organist Nicholas Towle, whose mother looks —Jim Calm, President on (Photo by Jo Ann Evans) overlooking a wooded area. [email protected] RCTOS chapter has two surplus blower fans. For specifications, etc., contact Bob Markworth at 402-573-9071 or kimball [email protected]. —Jerry Pawlak Bob Markworth, President 402-573-9071, [email protected] NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 57 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 58 selections, including a tribute to song hits by from our Robert-Morton. Carolyn has been a the late guitar icon, Les Paul. Norm is also an church organist for more than 40 years and accomplished theatre organist and was loves to play gospel music, so her family recently selected as one of the staff organists members, all church musicians, sang and at the St. Louis Fox Theatre. played two groups of gospel songs. —Ken Iborg —Barbara Purtell Jim Ryan, President Phil Judkins, President 314-416-0146, [email protected] 918-251-2245 Shipwrecked crooner Glenn Dinges reaches for the “High Cs” (Photo by Bill Kwinn) Norm Kramer at the Midwest Music Irving Berlin night (Photo by Bill Ashley) Conservatory (Photo by Gary Broyles) Triumvirate on the Tibias organists DeLoy Goeglein (l), Bob Castle, and Doug Thompson (Photo by Bill Kwinn) ST. LOUIS St. Louis—Norm Kramer’s biography describes a varied and successful musical Carolyn Craft and family career that began while he was still in his (Photo by Bill Rowland) teens and continues to this day. Many people Host Bernie Nordmann (l) with Ed Plitt still remember Norm from his years (1967–77) (Photo by Gary Broyles) as organist for the St. Louis Blues hockey SOUTHERN JERSEY Franklinville, New Jersey—On Saturday team. With these credentials, it was no SOONER STATE surprise to have a large turnout for one of his morning, May 2, we had a social/business Tulsa, Oklahoma—The music of Irving rare theatre organ concerts at the July meeting at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman. Berlin came alive for a large group of people at meeting. The large concert space in the Allen The theatre’s Kimball 3/8 organ was given a the monthly meeting of the Sooner State dealership of Jerry Roberts was the ideal good three-hour workout by the chapter’s chapter on Friday, July 17. Master of setting, and the instrument was a three- organists. Ceremonies Bill Rowland interspersed the manual Allen theatre model. At the end of The 3/16 Wurlitzer in the Cinnaminson music with facts about Berlin. Norm’s wonderful performance, the cheers High School was used to accompany the Phil Judkins, Joyce Hatchett, Bill Rowland, were not from hockey fans seeking another Cinnaminson Community Chorus Spring Jeannette Maxfield, and Carolyn Craft played goal; instead, they were from Norm’s fans Concert. Our chapter has an on-going project favorites. Included with organ selections was calling for an encore. Thankfully, Norm of improvement and maintenance with regard vocal music by Wayne Underwood, accom- obliged. to this instrument. panied by his wife Myra, and Joe Maxfield, For the August gathering, Ed Plitt was our Our annual summer barbecue was held on accompanied by his wife, Jeanette. Lynda artist at the home of Bernie and Betty Saturday, August 22. It was a wonderful Ramsey prefaced her playing with a short Nordmann. Bernie has a composite instrument occasion filled with much thrilling theatre story about “weather songs” composed of her that began with a 2/8 Wurlitzer from a local organ sound. We received enthusiastic reports song titles. church; it is now a 3/13 configuration with a from our six members who attended the ATOS On August 21, Carolyn Craft played an Reuter theatre console. Ed is another SLTOS convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The buffet entire program for us, assisted by several member who has been a professional musician luncheon overflowed with everything good to family members. Carolyn played a variety of all his life, and he is known for his Hammond eat. There was a short and fruitful business styles, from music made popular by Sammy jazz styling. For those who enjoy a jazz flavor, meeting. We started plans for a series of silent Kay, Glen Miller, and Hoagy Carmichael, to Ed more than fills the bill. He presented a movies at the Pitman Broadway Theatre that several pieces with a Latin flavor. She always highly varied program, with rarely heard will feature our Wayne Zimmerman at the 3/8 knows how to get the most interesting sounds Kimball. 58 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 59 We also started planning for an organ parlor. This year, he agreed to play for the extravaganza involving the two pipe organs chapter at the Orpheum on July 11. He located at Pitman's Broadway Theatre. The presented a varied program of over two dozen affair will start with an open console at the numbers. It was hard to tell who was more Broadway Theatre’s Kimball. Then, after a two excited: the audience or the organist. block walk, it will be an open console at the Two weeks later, we enjoyed Matthew Bason First Presbyterian Church’s new 2/21 Wicks. at the same venue. Matthew had played for the Member John Breslin told us of two visits chapter last summer, and he was glad to make he made during his summer travels. One was a return visit. Some of his program included to the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville; the Blackpool Tower dance stylings. Matthew other was to the Byrd Theatre in Richmond, did very little talking between numbers, Virginia. At both theatres, the local organist presenting instead several medleys of songs. volunteered to provide an informal tour of the Included in the audience at Bason’s facility followed by a demonstration of the program were several students from the ATOS Tony, David, and Christian at the Orpheum pipe organ. Both venues have Wurlitzers—a Summer Youth Camp and their parents. That (Photo by Madeline LiVolsi) 3/16 at the Tennessee and 4/17 at the Byrd. evening, they returned and enjoyed open John had contacted the theatres in advance console at the Orpheum’s Wurlitzer. through telephone calls, and he was happy During the week that followed, the young that both organists were very pleased to have people participated in group and private him visit. classes with Martin Ellis, Donna Parker, Lyn —Fred Oltmann Larsen, and Jelani Eddington. Most of this Joseph Rementer, President took place at the Adrian Phillips Music Room. 856-694-1471 In addition, the group enjoyed hearing Charlie Balogh and Lew Williams at Organ Stop. They also had the opportunity to participate in open console at the Fizzell residence, Organ Stop, Phoenix College, and the First Christian Summer Camp students at the Fizzell Church Fellowship Hall. We really enjoyed residence (Photo by Madeline LiVolsi) having the Summer Youth Camp here, and hope the Camp will return to this area. —Madeline LiVolsi Bill Carr, President 623-694-1746, [email protected] John Breslin entertains at the Broadway Theatre (Photo by Fred Oltmann) Restoration • Consultation • Installation Scott Smith Pipe Organs 1494 Lake Lansing Road • Lansing, Michigan • 48912 Telephone 517-485-5421 Wayne Zimmerman at the Broadway Kimball (Photo by Fred Oltmann) Tuning • Maintenance • Cleaning VALLEY OF THE SUN LEATHER SUPPLY HOUSE Phoenix, Arizona—In July we enjoyed two QUALITY LEATHERS wonderful concerts at the Orpheum Theatre. for Musical Instruments-Clocks-Organs Both programs were played by visiting Brits, and both were totally different. For several years, after attending the ATOS Mike Madeira national convention,Christian Cartwright and 345 Hazel Avenue his chums David and Tony have come to the Garwood, NJ 07027 Valley to enjoy the Wurlitzer at Organ Stop Pizza for a few nights. Some of us have been fortunate enough to hear the very talented self- Phone: 908-389-1000 taught Christian play “after hours” at the pizza Fax: 908-789-0647 www.leathersupplyhouse.com NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 59 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 60 IJ DRAFT MINUTES OF THE 2009 • ATOS announces the first of its touring vance consent from the copyright owners shows to be held at the Riviera Theater in (typically the artists and publishing com- ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP North Tonawanda, New York on April 19, 2009. panies) is illegal. He also noted that because MEETING OF THE AMERICAN • The ATOS board accepts the bid of the ATOS has knowledge of the recording activity Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the at conventions and also has the ability to limit THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY American Theatre Organ Society’s bid to host or control it; it could be vicariously liable for (ATOS) the 2011 ATOS annual convention. any copyright infringement by its members. Held during the 2009 annual • Dolton McAlpin assumes legal responsi- The board enacted the prohibition of bilities and will provide legal counsel for ATOS. recording at ATOS-affiliated conventions convention in Cleveland, Ohio, Telephone conference meeting of Tuesday, immediately. Gold Room, Marriott Renaissance November 18, 2008: • The ATOS webcast (Theatre Organ Radio) Hotel • The ATOS board accepts the bid of the is undergoing a period of testing. July 4, 2009, 9:00am Puget Sound chapter of the American Telephone conference of Monday, March 16, Theatre Organ Society’s bid to host the 2010 2009: President and CEO Ken Double introduced ATOS annual convention. • The board votes to appoint David Barnett Chairman of the Board Mike Hartley. • Plans are begun for an ATOS Technical to fill the board position vacated by the Chairman of the Board Mike Hartley called Camp. Allen Miller has been gathering infor- resignation of Dennis Unks. the annual meeting of the ATOS membership mation from interested members through the Telephone conference of Wednesday, to order at 9:03am. With approximately 140 website and from responses to his article in April 15, 2009: members present, a quorum was present THEATRE ORGAN. • The board votes to enact the conflict of pursuant to ATOS Bylaws section 3.5(a). Mid Year meeting of Saturday, January 3, interest language proposed by Dolton Following brief introductory remarks the 2009: McAlpin and amended by Jelani Eddington. ATOS Chairman of the Board asked the • Convention schedule is announced: (Section 5.b. in “Policies” and Section 4.2 in officers, directors, and staff of ATOS to - 2009-Cleveland, Ohio “Bylaws”) introduce themselves. - 2010-Seattle, Washington The amended language is given below: Chairman Hartley recognized outgoing - 2011-Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bylaws: director Don Near for his service to ATOS. - 2012-Los Angeles/Orange County Section 4.2 NUMBER AND QUALIFICATION Officers 2009–2010: Chairman of the Board, • The board approves funds to reprint the OF DIRECTORS. Mike Hartley; Vice Chairman of the Board, ATOS Shop Notes. The following section (e) was added to Craig Peterson; Secretary, Bob Evans; • The board votes to make the ATOS Shop Article IV, Section 4.2 in the ATOS Bylaws. Treasurer, Paul Van Der Molen Notes available on the ATOS website as a Before this amendment Article IV ended with Directors elected for the term 2009–2012: download. section (d). Jack Moelmann, Donna Parker, and Doug • Because of his heavy work load and e. Director of Another Organization. Be- Powers schedule, Michael Fellenzer resigns from the cause Directors must give undivided Other Directors Present: John Apple, John board. The board accepts Michael’s resig- allegiance when making decisions affecting DeMajo, Jelani Eddington, Allen Miller, Donna nation with regret. the Society, a Director’s serving simul- Parker, and Bucky Reddish. Director Absent: • The board voted to initiate an ATOS taneously on the board of directors of any David Barnett (excused). Youth Repre- Theatre Organ Radio webcast. other national or international public, sentative to the Board: Tyler Morkin (excused). • Col. Mike Hartley (Ret.) is appointed to charitable or private organization that ATOS Staff: Ken Double, President/CEO; the office of vice chairman of the board. promotes the theatre organ and the Mike Kinerk, Convention Planning Coordi- • John DeMajo is appointed to the ATOS performance of its music (hereafter a nator; Jim Merry, Executive Secretary; Jeff Endowment Committee. “Competing Organization”) will impair and Weiler, ATOS Journal Editor/Parliamentarian Telephone conference meeting of Monday, prejudice the Director in carrying out his or Old business: January 19, 2009: her duties as a member of the Society’s Board The Secretary read his report to the • Dolton McAlpin suggests engaging the of Directors. Consequently, from and after membership. This report was a summary of services of copyright attorney Whit Raynor to July 1, 2009 any person who is a member of board actions since the last membership make an official recommendation regarding the board of directors of any Competing meeting. The report follows: the ATOS recording policy. The board felt is Organization may not qualify to run for The ATOS board of directors met 11 times best to solicit an outside opinion in this matter. election to the Board of Directors, may not be since my last report to you in July of 2008. Ten • The board votes to engage the services appointed to the Board of Directors, nor may of these meetings took the form of telephone of Whit Raynor. such person serve as a Director. The conferences while one (the 2009 mid-year • John DeMajo is appointed chair of the prohibition in this subsection shall not apply meeting) was a face-to-face event. All ATOS ATOS Endowment Committee. to any person who serves on the board of board meetings operate under Robert’s Rules Telephone conference of Thursday, directors of any chapter of the Society. of Order. Jeff Weiler is parliamentarian. January 29, 2009 Further, the prohibition in this subsection shall Since minutes of all ATOS board meetings • The board appoints Dennis Unks to fill the not apply to any Director elected in 2009, and are published in THEATRE ORGAN, my report board seat vacated by the resignation of any such Director is exempted from the will summarize the most important aspects of Michael Fellenzer. prohibition of this subsection during his or her the ATOS board actions of the last year. Telephone conference of Tuesday, March 3, initial term and any consecutive term Telephone conference meeting of Tuesday, 2009: authorized by Section 4.4 of these Bylaws. August 19, 2008: • Dennis Unks resigns his board position for Policy • The Uniform Chapter Charter Agree- medical reasons. The board accepts Dennis’ 5. BOARD/STAFF ACTIVITIES, CORRESPON- ment between ATOS and the Eastern resignation with regret. DENCE, AND CONDUCT Massachusetts chapter of the American • Don Near is appointed chair of the ATOS Added language is presented in bold type. Theatre Organ Society is amended as follows: Financial Review Committee. b. Confidentiality: It is the policy of ATOS The chapter’s area of operation is eastern • Copyright attorney Whit Raynor presents that the business of the Society shall be Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, his recommendation to the board. conducted in an environment of open and and Rhode Island. • Whit Raynor explained to the board that free communication. Unless otherwise specif- Telephone conference meeting of Monday, recording at conventions without the ad- ically provided in the ATOS Policies, the September 29, 2008: 60 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 61 Society’s bylaws, or by operation of law, interest” language. Jelani Eddington re- to Ken weren’t fulfilled because of the all meetings, books, records, and other sponded by stating that board members may economic downturn that affected those who documents that reflect official actions of the serve for two consecutive terms. Those were willing to give large donations. Antic- Society shall be presumed to be open and/or elected in this year’s election (2009) should be ipated receipts fell far short of what was available for inspection by any member in allowed to run for another term in 2012 under expected to cover that new obligation. good standing of ATOS at his/her expense. the same exemption. We were also thrilled to have received the Information regarding the internal problems Motion: Wayne Zimmerman (Delaware Eric Reeve collection for the Archives, valued of an ATOS Chapter, information of a Valley); second, Mike Detroy (Delaware by an IRS recognized appraiser at over personal nature about an ATOS member, Valley) to accept secretary’s report. (Carried: $300,000, but that did require an unan- information subject to a legitimate claim of Unanimous) ticipated expenditure of several thousand privilege, information concerning actions Motion: Tom Garver (Dairyland); second, dollars to pack, ship, and store, and it is still not and/or negotiations in progress but not James Snell (Puget Sound) to accept last yet at its final destination. finalized, information concerning financial year’s annual membership meeting minutes We also assisted the American Organ supporters and fund-raising activities, infor- as published in THEATRE ORGAN. (Carried: Institute with an emergency $15,000 to mation required to be maintained as Unanimous) professionally remove, pack, and ship a confidential by law, the Society’s bylaws, or ATOS Treasurer Paul Van Der Molen gave pristine original Wurlitzer organ to their facility the Society’s written policies, and/or any the ATOS treasurer’s report. He summarized in Norman, Oklahoma for future installation other information designated in good faith in the state of the ATOS treasury and assured the as an original organ in an as-yet-to-be advance as confidential shall be held in the membership that ATOS’ finances are down determined location. strictest of confidence. while our financial condition is sound. Paul This past fiscal year, we also started the Telephone conference of Thursday, May 21, reported on several large expenditures of the internet broadcast of theater organ music. 2009: past year. A complete report will be published This required several thousand dollars of • Tyler Morkin was reappointed as Youth in THEATRE ORGAN. The report as given to the upfront money to start this service. We Representative to the board for 2009/2010. membership follows: anticipate this to actually be a profit center, • Two people have been recommended Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, fellow board and we have signed our first major sponsor, as recipients of the George Wright Memorial members and members of the American Organ Stop Pizza, of Mesa, Arizona. We have Fellowship. Theatre Organ Society; I want to thank you several other discussions scheduled with • The agency that served as our California for the privilege of just completing four years probable sponsors. If you or your company corporate headquarters will no longer as treasurer of our wonderful organization might be interested in participating as a provide that service. that does so well in promoting the music that sponsor, please talk to Ken about the Craig Peterson has been named ATOS’ we love to listen to, on the instruments that opportunities. registered agent with the State of California. we cherish. It has been a pleasure to work We completed a second successful The new corporate address for ATOS is: with this board which is composed of forward Summer Youth Camp. However, ATOS still 7800 Luna Vega Drive looking and visionary people who cherish the needs to partially subsidize that program. We Elk Grove, California 95758 history, but are making pathways to the think it is so worth the effort because these • ATOS Theatre Organ Radio was officially future. young people could be our future players, launched on April 22, 2009. With regard to our finances, this past year and most of us need someone to listen to so Telephone conference of Thursday, June 18, has been a difficult one primarily because of we can enjoy our favorite kind of music. 2009: the national economy which probably THEATRE ORGAN, under Jeff Weiler’s • The board approved the charter of a affected everyone in this room to one stewardship, has been consistent in its deliv- new chapter—the First State chapter head- degree or another. ATOS also was affected, ery, with printing costs being shopped yearly, quartered in Wilmington, Delaware. in that some of our invested funds which, for and mailing costs constantly monitored to be • The board approved the re-activation of years, have been weighted toward growth, the most efficient yet reliable. This past fiscal the Kentucky (Bluegrass) chapter. experienced a similar percentage of loss that year, Jeff experienced an increase in Respectfully submitted, was in the range of what most money advertising revenue which, of course, helps /s/ Bob Evans, Secretary, ATOS management firms saw in their holdings. offset the cost of production. Unfortunately, Members asked the following questions However, the endowment fund was invested mailing rates continue to go up, and that about items in the secretary’s report: mostly in AA & AAA bonds which were the always presents Jeff with new challenges John Gusmer (Dairyland chapter) asked the result of a change I made in May 2008, after which he is up to handling. reason for the inclusion of “conflict of interest” discussion with our fund manager in an All in all, the American Theatre Organ language. He also asked why the exemption attempt to better meet the goal of the Society is sound. While our financial net worth for 2009 was included. Jelani Eddington endowment fund trust documents, which is to is down compared to last year, we are explained that many of the items discussed earn dividends and interest for distribution. healthy and dealing with these circum- by the board contain confidential information We experienced a much smaller percentage stances in a positive and forward looking that should not be shared with competing loss in the endowment fund. We also had a manner. Now more than ever, we need theatre organ organizations. In order to significant amount of cash in money markets, strong leadership and hard work. I believe protect the interests of ATOS and its members that at the time were earning good interest your president and board are up to the task attorney Dolton McAlpin recommended that and longer term CD’s which are still earning a of making ATOS the best it has ever been. the board adopt “conflict of interest” lan- 5% return. Our investment fund, year to year, Someone said “Come with me, the best is yet guage. Those running for the ATOS board was down about $115,000, but we’ve to be.” I think that can be said about ATOS. were exempted for this election (2009) only. experienced a recovery this past May of Respectfully submitted, The board felt that those running for board about $15,000 leaving us down about Paul Van Der Molen seats were nominated before this language $100,000 to date. Treasurer of the American Theatre Organ was enacted and should be elected under This past year saw some new expenses that Society the previous bylaws. we’ve not dealt with in the past. The most Motion: Bob Legon (EMCATOS); Joseph Wayne Zimmerman (Delaware Valley obvious was the new paid position of the Graif (Potomac Valley) to accept the chapter) asked why the words “consecutive president and CEO. Unfortunately some of treasurer’s report as presented. Carried: term” were included in the “conflict of the verbal commitments that were made Unanimous NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 61 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 62 IJ Committee Reports: chaired by John Apple with members John - ATOS is entering into a national part- Youth Camp: (Eddington) Third annual McCall, Tom Garver, and Bucky Reddish. This nership with Turner Classic Movies. Summer Youth Camp is scheduled for July 27– committee will reach out to the “associate - We will take “baby steps” at first and 31 in Phoenix, Arizona. Headquarters will be members” of local chapters and invite these gradually take part in special events. the Adrian Phillips’ music studio with visits to members to become regular members of - Through Genevieve MacGillicuddy, the Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix College, and ATOS. The first chapters approached were Director of Special Events for Turner Classic Organ Stop Pizza. The primary instructor will be Manasota, Garden State, Atlanta, Motor City, Movies, we will present a silent film at the Martin Ellis. Registration is expected to be 15 or Dairyland, and Orange County. Our hope is Atlanta Fox. Robert Osborne will be the host, 16 students. that we can recruit ten to 15 percent of these and Clark Wilson will provide the musical Financial Review Committee: (Near) Don associate members. accompaniment. Our eventual goal is to reported that the ATOS Financial Review - ATOS welcomed a new chapter, First present “live on tape” a silent film presen- Committee met to validate that the society’s State, and was happy to reinstate the tation with the organ. funds were properly protected and accept- Bluegrass chapter this year. - We also will establish a web link with Turner able accounting practices were employed. • What does ATOS do for local chapters? Classic Movies. Their website receives over A professional investment firm has maintained This has long been a nagging question. 200,000 hits a week. With all this web activity, the ATOS investments and foundation fund for - Since the fall of 2006 I have met personally ATOS will receive some attention. the past 10 years with no loss in principal with 30 chapters, either through officers and • New initiatives noted in the fiscal year. Don stated that he board or with members at large. I have - How can we help our new players? was pleased to report that the condition of reminded them of the programs and benefits - How can we provide teachers and ATOS finances is sound, and all accounting (ASCAP/BMI umbrella, etc.) and have lessons for aspiring theatre organists? procedures are acceptable. There were highlighted new initiatives like Theatre Organ - Allen Organ Company and ATOS are no derogatory statements necessary. On Radio. forming a partnership to produce “John a personal note, Don expressed grave - I have listened to the concerns of the Ferguson and Friends,” a DVD series of lessons. concerns about the deficit spending in the local chapters and brought them to our The costs of production—cameras, recording, current budget. Strategic Planning Committee. We found that editing, and graphics—will be covered by the ATOS Adult Getaway: (Nordwall) Jonas our local chapters want help with increasing Allen Organ Company and its facilities in reported that the ATOS Adult Getaway must membership, marketing their presentations place at Octave Hall. That alone saves ATOS register at least 13 students to make the event and, therefore, increasing concert atten- $25,000–$30,000 and could make this venture self-sustaining. If fewer students are enrolled, dance. a win-win for everyone. the event will be canceled. In other remarks - The Chapter Leadership Workshop and - Production will begin this coming fall. The Jonas stated the need (for both the youth the Technical Seminar were presented in lessons will cover beginning, intermediate, and adult events) for a female faculty response to some of the survey results. and advanced levels. member to be present. • The ATOS touring show - A long-term goal is to provide on-line ATOS Technical Experience: (Miller) Allen - To gain public exposure, ATOS must be interactive question-and-answer sessions for reported that the first ATOS Technical visible to the public. purchasers of the series. Experience is scheduled for next summer. - One effort in this regard is the ATOS touring • Conventions Headquarters will be the Saunders residence show. The first show at the Riviera Theater had - Recall Tampa and New York City. These in Zanesville, Ohio. Dates are to be deter- both good and bad results. Artistically, the conventions had no chapter connection and mined. show was a success. Financially, the show was were produced by ATOS. Wanamaker (Macy’s) Update: (Double) not so successful. The show, however, was a - We have an impressive lineup going Ken reported that the Lowell Ayars Wurlitzer learning experience for all of us. The show is forward with Atlanta awaiting chapter board will be debuted in late fall of this year. patterned after the Rialtofest and features approval. Website/Theatre Organ Radio: (Double) multiple keyboard performances, an orches- - 2010, Seattle. Ken stated that because of the popularity of tra, and possibly a vocal group. Possible line- - 2011, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ATOS Theatre Organ Radio we may have to up for shows—San Gabriel, Fergus Falls, - 2012, Los Angeles/Orange County. pay more than originally anticipated. Funding Starksville (Meridian), Mississippi, Jersey City, - 2013 (Tentative), Atlanta. is expected to come from sponsorships. The Cincinnati, and PPAC in Providence, Rhode - We are trying to remain four years ahead first sponsor is Organ Stop Pizza of Mesa, Island. We are also investigating the concept in planning annual conventions. Arizona. The ATOS website work continues. of featuring headline acts with the theatre • Higher education initiatives The newly designed site should be up and organ. Ray Compton, an experienced - Activities at the University of Oklahoma running this coming fall. promoter, is helping to develop this concept. (see latest edition of journal): John Schwandt, President/CEO Report: (Double) President/ More to come. John Riester, and Bob Wilhelm are heading up CEO Double reported on the progress, plans, • The internet, ATOS’ gateway to the world activities at the American Organ Institute and upcoming activities of the American - Absolutely nothing fuels growth like the - The University of Michigan and Eastman Theatre Organ Society. Below is a summary of internet. School of Music are seriously considering the his presentation: - While some of us still dial 411 and read the inclusion of theatre organ studies in their The ATOS board of directors established the morning paper, the rest of the world goes programs. position of President/CEO to explore new online. - Mary Strauss, owner of the St. Louis Fox, horizons, address issues, and to address the - Through the efforts of Steve Worthington has instituted a scholarship program for young most important question; What of ATOS five, and Tom Blackwell, ATOS radio is now on-line. theatre organists in the name of Stan Kann. 10, or 15 years and more ahead. Theatre Organ Radio is a hit. Listeners in 60 • Fundraising Challenges: countries have logged thousands of hours - The officers, board, and staff of ATOS are • Dwindling membership listening to our beloved Wurlitzers, Mortons, accountable to the membership. - What are we doing about membership Christies, etc. - We should be good stewards of ATOS growth? We are losing five to 10 percent of - Our first sponsor, Organ Stop Pizza, has funds. our membership each year. been signed. More to come. - Financial Review Committee chaired - Step one: Find a resource from which - ATOS Theatre Organ Radio is a potential by Don Near reviewed the accounting pro- we can grow—our local chapters. ATOS profit center and great promotional vehicle. cedures used for ATOS finances. They has established a membership committee • ATOS on television completed the task and found that the 62 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:50 PM Page 63 procedures used by the ATOS treasurer available on DVD. He also asked whether the Good of the order: Hearing no other demonstrate sound financial practices. Wurlitzer Factory Tour VHS tape is available on questions or comments Chairman Hartley - In 2010 ATOS will go through a full financial DVD. Several members stated that the asked for a motion to adjourn. audit. This is long overdue and will be Factory Tour was available on DVD. Motion: to adjourn. Al Haker (St. Louis); necessary for granting foundations and Wayne Zimmerman (Delaware Valley) Jonathan Gradin (Spokane First Nazarene) organizations to take ATOS grant applications commented positively on the convention (Carried: Unanimous) seriously. venues. Chairman of the board Hartley adjourned - The fundraising plan is as follows: Tom Rathburn (Western Reserve Theatre the meeting at 10:24am. Phase I: Initiation of an annual fundraising Organ Society) made some convention /s/ Bob Evans, Secretary drive. The first effort brought in $23,000. announcements. Note: The meeting was conducted using Phase II: The “quiet campaign.” This Bob Legon (Eastern Massachusetts) com- Robert’s Rules of Order. Jeff Weiler, phase involves estate planning. We will help mented positively on the convention and Parliamentarian those who wish plan their bequests to include mentioned the organs in the New England ATOS. area. - There is no reason why we should not be Peter Rushton (UK) suggested coordination considering an endowment figure that will of dates between ATOS and other organ- enable us to help fund chapter projects on a related conventions. Those coming great serious level. distances could benefit from back-to-back • Program underwriting conventions. - Fundraising will substantially offset ATOS Ken Krause (Eastern Massachusetts) ex- budget expenses. plained that this was his first convention. Ken - Theatre Organ Radio sponsorships can be also asked why more events were not open a profit center. to the general public. President/CEO Double - The Adult Getaway will pay for itself. explained that rentals for most venues - The Technical Experience has received a increase sharply when the general public is first donation of $1,000. allowed to attend. - The George Wright Memorial Fellowship Motion: Richard Neidich; second, Russ and other educational programs can be Shaner (Buffalo Area chapter) that all com- funded with grants. mittees of the ATOS shall provide twice - The Summer Youth Camp is already annually a report to the membership by partially underwritten by donations. posting their reports on the ATOS website. The We have a great advantage over some reports are to include accomplishments, other non-profit organizations. Our uniquely status of current activities, and a forecast of American creation—the theatre pipe actions for the next six months. organ—allows us to tell a great story to those Also, the ATOS treasurer shall post semi- organizations that fund the arts. We are the annually a current budget-versus-expense “new kid on the block” with a lot to offer. status report, as well as an annual net worth New business: and audited financial report for ATOS on the Questions and comments from the ATOS website. membership: Chairman of the board Hartley stated that Steve Brown (Bluegrass): Asked if anyone this motion would be taken under advisement knew if the VHS tape Movie Palaces, pro- and placed on the agenda of the next ATOS duced by the Smithsonian, would be made annual membership meeting. ATOS EDUCATORS’ ATTENTION ALL GUIDES ARE AVAILABLE THEATRE ORGANISTS! The ATOS Educators’ Guides are in two editions. The chapter The ATOS website has information about all performing theatre edition is for use by ATOS chapters; it gives chapter members organists, including a biography, publicity photo, and contact step-by-step guidelines to help them prepare and present a information (name, address, phone, e-mail, website). Having this successful theatre organ program to students in their area. The information available to concert promoters, program directors, and school edition is for the use of educators as they prepare their chapters will help them, and will give you added visibility. Please students to attend a theatre organ program. Both guides must send all information to [email protected] or to Donna Parker, P.O. be used together when presenting a theatre organ Box 6103, Aloha, Oregon 97007. E-mail or call with questions program to students. (503-642-7009). The ATOS Educators’ Guides may be downloaded from www.atos.org or purchased from the ATOS Marketplace. NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 63 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/27/09 6:12 PM Page 64 IJ Theatre Organ Programs and Performances We strive for accuracy; however, the information Stanford Theatre—221 University Avenue, Palo DELAWARE contained in Around the Circuit is presented as Alto, 650-324-3700 (3/21W). Organ played before Dickinson High School—1801 Milltown Road, submitted. ATOS is not responsible for errors and after the 7:30pm movie by David Hegarty, Wilmington, 302-995-2603 (3/66K). All concerts at resulting from unreported changes to schedules, Jerry Nagano, or Bill Taylor. Call ahead to verify 7:00pm unless otherwise noted. November 21, venue, and contact information. the theatre is open for the evening. Jerry Nagano; January 30, 2010, Dave ALASKA CALIFORNIA (SOUTH) Wickerham; March 13, Simon Gledhill; April 6, 10:00am, concert and silent short with Wayne State Office Building—333 Willoughby Avenue, Avalon Casino Theatre—One Casino Way, Zimmerman; April 24, Steven Ball; June 12, Lew Juneau, 907-465-5689 (2/8K). Organ concerts Catalina Island, 310-510-2414 (4/16P). Friday and Williams; July 17, Rich Lewis. www.dtoskimball.org Friday at 12:00 noon. www.pstos.org/instruments/ Saturday, 6:15pm, pre-show concert, John Tusak. ak/juneau/state-bldg.htm www.visitcatalina.org FLORIDA ARIZONA El Capitan Theatre—6838 Hollywood Boulevard, Polk Theatre—127 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, 863-682-7553 (3/12RM). Movie Organ Stop Pizza—1149 East Southern Avenue, Los Angeles, 800-DISNEY6 (4/37W). Organ played overtures: Friday and Saturday, 7:15pm; Sunday, Mesa, 480-813-5700 (4/74W). Winter organ hours: daily before shows. House Organist: Rob 1:45pm. Bob Courtney, Sandy Hobbis, and Heidi Sunday through Thursday, 4:30pm to 9:00pm; Richards. Staff Organists: John Ledwon, Ed Lenker. Friday and Saturday, 4:30pm to 10:00pm. Vodicka, and Ty Woodward. Summer organ hours: Sunday through Thursday, www.elcapitantickets.com Roaring 20’s Pizza and Pipes—6750 US Highway 5:30pm to 9:00pm; Friday and Saturday, 5:30pm Nethercutt Collection—15200 Bledsoe Street, 301, Ellenton, 941-723-1733 (4/41W). Sunday to 10:00pm. Charlie Balogh, Lew Williams. Sylmar, 818-364-6464 (4/74W). Christmas Concert through Thursday evenings: open 4:30pm to www.organstoppizza.com Series. Friday, December 4, 8:00pm, and Satur- 9:00pm; organ performance: 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Friday and Saturday evenings: open 4:30pm to Orpheum Theatre—203 West Adams, Phoenix, day, December 5, 2:00pm and 8:00pm, 2009 10:00pm; organ performance: 5:00pm to 480-460-7699 (3/30W). Silent Sundays Film Series. Organist of the Year Chris Elliot; December 11, Pre-show concerts 2:30–3:30pm. Concerts and 8:00pm, and December 12, 2:00pm and 8:00pm, 10:00pm. Saturday and Sunday afternoons: film accompaniments are provided by Ron Rob Richards and Alex Zsolt. Free admission; open 12:00 noon to 2:30pm; organ Rhode. www.silentsundays.info please call for reservations. performance: 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Wednesday, www.nethercuttcollection.org Friday, Saturday afternoons, Sunday evenings, CALIFORNIA (NORTH) Plummer Auditorium—201 East Chapman Ave- and alternating Mondays: Dwight Thomas. Berkeley Community Theatre—1930 Alston Way, nue, Fullerton, 714-870-2813 (4/28W). January 10, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday evenings, Sunday Berkeley, 510-644-2707 (4/42W). All shows 2010, 2:30pm, Organist and band leader Dean afternoons, and alternating Mondays: Bill Vlasak. 2:30pm. November 1, Scott Harrison (organ) and Mora brings Mora’s Men of Music for a program www.roaring20spizza.com Mark Page (piano). of swing era music performed by band and Tampa Theatre—711 Franklin Street, Tampa, 813- www.theatreorgans.com/norcall organ; April 18, 2:30pm, Donnie Rankin, 2006 274-8981 (3/14W). Movie overtures: Bob Baker, Bill Bob Hope Theatre (Former Fox California)—242 ATOS Young Theatre Organist, performs an Brusick, Bob Courtney, Sandy Hobbis, Richard Main Street, Stockton, 209-337-4673 (4/21RM). afternoon of music with a youthful flair; June 20, Frank, and Bob Logan. www.tampatheatre.org 2:30pm, Robert Israel accompanies the new Organ played monthly for classic and silent GEORGIA movies, special occasions, and public tours. restoration of Buster Keaton’s The General. www.octos.org Earl Smith Strand Theatre—117 North Park Square, California Automobile Museum—2200 Front Orpheum Theatre—842 South Broadway, Los Marietta, 770-293-0080 (Allen 317EX). Pre-shows Street, Sacramento, 916-442-6802 (3/16W). for movies and other events by Strand organists Formerly Towe Auto Museum. Sunday concerts, Angeles, 310-329-1455 (3/14W). Saturday, 11:30am; organ is featured as part of the guided Ron Carter, Rick McGee, Larry Davis, Phillip Allen, Friday night silent films. and James Thrower. www.SierraChapterATOS.org tour of theatre. www.laorpheum.com Fox Theatre—600 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Castro Theatre—429 Castro, San Francisco, COLORADO 404-881-2119 (4/42M). Larry Douglas Embury 415-621-6120 (4/21W). Intermissions played Denver Paramount Theatre—Glenarm & 16th plays before each show. www.foxtheatre.org nightly by David Hegarty, Warren Lubich. Street Mall, Denver, 303-466-3330 (4/20W). All Rylander Theatre—310 West Lamar Street, Fox Theatre—308 West Main Street, Visalia, events are at 2:00pm. January 17, 2010, Pipes Americus, 229-931-0001 (3/11M). Organ featured 559-625-1369 (4/24W). Thirty-minute organ and Stripes IV, Wurlitzer and Colorado 101st Army for pre-show productions of the Sumter Players prelude, with guest organist, to frequent classic Band; public welcome at no charge; March 7, and other events. www.rylander.org movies. www.foxvisalia.org Wurlitzer and Wiz Kids, Martin Ellis and Colorado Grand Lake Theatre—3200 Grand Avenue, Children’s Chorale, adults $12, students $6. HAWAII Oakland, 510-452-3556 (3/18W). Intermissions: www.rmcatos.org Palace Theatre—38 Haili, Hilo, 808-934-7010 Friday, Warren Lubich; Saturday, Kevin King. Holiday Hills Ballroom—2000 West 92nd Avenue, (4/13RM). Hawaiiana show every Wednesday, Harmony Wynelands—9291 East Harney Lane, Federal Heights, 303-466-3330 (4/33 GW4Q). All occasional silent movies, concerts and special Lodi, 209-369-4184 (3/15RM). Tasting room open events at 2:00pm. November 22, Got Gospel? Ed events featuring the organ. Bob Alder, Tommy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11:00am to Wagner, Bev Bucci, and others; February 7, 2010, Stark and Dwight Beacham. www.palacehilo.org Never on Sunday, AGO organists. Members, no 5:00pm, or by appointment. Bob Hartzell, live ILLINOIS and recorded performances. charge, others $5. www.rmcatos.org www.harmonywynelands.com Arcada Theatre—105 East Main Street, CONNECTICUT St. Charles, 630-845-8900 (3/16GMC). Organ Johnson’s Alexander Valley Winery—8333 Thomaston Opera House—158 Main Street, interludes Friday and Saturday nights. www.one Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-2319 Thomaston, 860-283-6250 (3/15MC). Organ stientertainment.com/arcada/arcada.htm (3/10RM). Daily, in tasting room, from 10:00am to concert Saturday, November 28, 2:00 pm, John 5:00pm. Beggar’s Pizza—3524 Ridge Road, Lansing, Lauter. www.thomastonoperahouse.org 708-418-3500 (3/17B/H). Tuesday and Saturday Paramount Theatre—2025 Broadway, Oakland, 6:00pm to 9:00pm: Glenn Tallar. www.beggars 510-465-6400 (4/27W). Public tours on first and third pizza.com/location-il-lansing.html Saturdays at 10:00am. Movie overtures, Thursdays at 6:30pm. www.paramounttheatre.com 64 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/27/09 6:12 PM Page 65 Codes used in listing: A=Austin, B=Barton, C=Compton, The deadline for receiving Around the Circuit listings is the 10th of every odd- CHR=Christie, E=Estey, GB=Griffith Beach, H=Hybrid, K=Kimball, numbered month. Send information for inclusion to: Dave Luttinen, 4710 225th M=Möller, MC=Marr and Colton, P=Page RM=Robert-Morton, Place SW, Mountlake Terrace, Washington 98043, 206-963-3283, [email protected]. W=Wurlitzer. Example: (4/19W) = 4-manual, 19-rank Wurlitzer Listings may also be added, modified, or cancelled on the ATOS Calendar of Schedules subject to change. Events web page (www.atos.org/calendar). Lincoln Theatre—103 East Main Street, Belleville, Redford Theatre—17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, Lafayette Theatre—Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, 618-233-0018 (3/15H). Movie overtures: Friday, 313-537-2560 (3/10B). Movie overtures, Fridays at 845-369-8234 (2/11W). Saturday, 11:00am, Earle David Stephens; Saturday, volunteers. 7:30pm, Saturdays at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Guest Seeley. Saturday evenings and Sunday before www.lincolntheatre-belleville.com organists include Steve Ball, Newton Bates, Dave matinee: John Baratta, Earle Seeley and Jeff Rialto Square Theatre—102 North Chicago Street, Calendine, Jennifer Candea, Brian Carmody, Gil Barker. Joliet, 815-726-6600 (4/27H). Organ pre-shows Francis, John Lauter, Lance Luce, Tony O’Brien, Middletown Paramount Theatre—19 South Street, and intermissions: Jim Patak or Sam Yacono. Fr. Andrew Rogers, Emily Seward. Middletown, 845-346-4195 (3/12W). Pre-show Theatre tours with Jim Patak at the console. www.redfordtheatre.com music, concerts and silent films presented by the Tivoli Theatre—5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Senate Theatre—6424 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, New York chapter of ATOS and the Middletown Grove, 630-968-0219 (3/10W). Theatre organ 313-894-0850 (4/34W). All concerts start at 3:00pm. Paramount Theatre. www.nytos.org interludes every Friday and Saturday, 6:30pm November 15, John Lauter; December 6, Lance Proctor’s Theatre—432 State Street, Schenectady, and 9:00pm. www.classiccinemas.com/history/ Luce. www.dtos.org 518-346-8204 (3/18W). Noon concert series, tivoli.asp and www.classiccinemas.com/special Temple Theatre—203 North Washington, Tuesdays, unless stated otherwise. events/theatreindex.asp?theatre=3 Saginaw, 989-754-7469 (3/11W). November 8, www.proctors.org Virginia Theatre—203 West Park Street, 3:00pm, Mark Herman in concert. Champaign, 217-356-9063 (2/8W). Organ played www.templetheatre.com NORTH CAROLINA prior to monthly film series, Champaign-Urbana Carolina Theatre—310 South Green Street, Theatre Company performances, and many MINNESOTA Greensboro, 336-333-2600 (3/6H-Electronic). other live shows throughout the year. Warren Heights Theatre—3951 Central Avenue NE, Organ played before and after the Carolina York, organist. www.thevirginia.org Columbia Heights, 763-789-4992 (4/11W). Movie Classic Film Series. www.carolinatheatre.com overtures every Friday and Saturday. IOWA NORTH DAKOTA Orpheum Theatre—520 Pierce Street, Sioux City, MISSOURI Fargo Theatre—314 North Broadway, Fargo, 712-258-9164 (3/21W). Occasional pre-shows, City Museum—701 North 15th Street, St. Louis, 701-239-8385 (4/21W). Organ plays Friday, special events, and concerts. 314-231-2489 (3/17W). Organ heard every day Saturday, and Sunday evenings, before and www.orpheumlive.com the museum is open, via computerized relay or between performances. Short organ concerts: by organists from St. Louis Theatre Organ Society. Lance Johnson, Steve Eneboe and Tyler MASSACHUSETTS www.citymuseum.org Engberg. www.fargotheatre.org Knight Auditorium, Babson College—Wellesley Fox Theatre—527 Grand Boulevard North, Avenue, Wellesley, 508-674-0276 (4/18W). St. Louis, 314-534-1678 (4/36W). Tours of the Fox OHIO November 21, 7:30pm, A Double Bill with Ken Theatre conducted every Tuesday, Thursday and Collingwood Arts Center—2413 Collingwood Double at the organ and singing vocals of your Saturday (except holidays) at 10:30am. Tuesday Avenue, Toledo, 419-389-9334 (3/8H). Organ favorite tunes; January 9, 2010, 2:30pm, Young tour: $5 for adults and $3 for children (12 and often featured for pre-show music. House Organist Concert with ATOS competition winner under). Thursday and Saturday tours: $8 for adults organists: Paul Jacyk, Emily Seward, Brian Donnie Rankin. Come see the future of theatre and $3 for children. For parties of less than 20, no Bogdanowitz, George Krejci, and Dick Lee. organ as this talented young man plays the reservations are needed. www.fabulousfox.com www.collingwoodartscenter.org music you love. www.emcatos.org The Historic Ohio Theatre—3114 Lagrange Street, The Shanklin Music Hall—130 Sandy Pond Road, NEW JERSEY Toledo, 419-241-6785 (4/11H). Organ pre-show for Groton, 508-674-0276 (4/34W). November 22, Broadway Theatre—43 South Broadway, Pitman, movies (6:30pm to 7:00pm). 2:30pm, A Double Bill with Ken Double at the 856-589-7519 (3/8K). Organ played before most Masonic Auditorium and Performing Arts organ and singing vocals of your favorite tunes. movies and all stage shows. Harold Ware, John Center—3615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 216- www.emcatos.org Breslin, Nathan Figlio, Janet Norcross, Bob 432-2370 (4/28W). Organ is currently being Nichols. installed by WRTOS, Inc. MICHIGAN Loew’s Jersey Theatre—54 Journal Square, Jersey www.aasrcleveland.org/tour/aud1-ljpg.htm Fox Theatre—2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, City, 732-741-4045 (4/23RM). November 22, Ohio Theatre—55 East State Street, Columbus, 313-471-3200 (4/36W and 3/12M). Lobby organ 3:00pm, Greg Owen plays an 80th anniversary 614-469-1045 (4/34RM). Organ overtures and played for 45 minutes prior to selected shows. celebration of the organ and theatre. An all- intermissions. www.capa.com Call theatre for dates and times. request musical program of popular standards. www.gstos.org and www.loewsjersey.org Palace Theatre—605 Market Avenue North, Michigan Theatre—603 East Liberty, Ann Arbor, Canton, 330-454-9181 (3/12Kilgen). Frequent pre- 734-668-8397 (3/13B). Daily overtures before The Music Hall at Northlandz—Route 202 South, show and intermission use; occasional concerts. evening films, plus silent films for special Flemington, 908-982-4022 (5/39W). Organ played www.cantonpalacetheatre.org occasions. Dr. Henry Aldridge, Director; Dr. Steve several times daily; call for exact times. Bruce Ball, Staff Organist; Stephen Warner, Newton Conway, Harry Ley, Bruce Williams. Palace Theatre—Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 216-771-1771 Bates, Fr. Andrew Rogers, Emily Seward. Newton Theatre—234 Spring Street, Newton, www.michtheater.org. (3/15K). Organ pre-shows for summer film series 973-579-9993 (2/4E). Friday evening intermissions, and special events. www.playhousesquare.org The Mole Hole—150 West Michigan Avenue, John Baratta. Marshall, 616-781-5923 (2/6 B/K). Organ daily, Palace Theatre—617 Broadway, Lorain, 440-245- Scott Smith, recorded artist. NEW YORK 2323 (3/10W). Occasional pre-show and Auditorium Theatre—885 East Main Street, intermission use, and special events. Public Museum of Grand Rapids Meijer Theatre— www.lorainpalace.org 272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, 616-459-4253 Rochester, 585-234-2295 (4/23W). November 22, (3/30W). Tours by appointment, and ATOS guests 2:30pm, Danny Ray; December 19, 7:30pm, Palace Theatre—276 West Center Street, Marion, welcome to hear organ weekly at noon on Christmas program, Tim Schramm; January 24, 740-383-2101 (3/10W). Occasional pre-show and Thursdays. Story time slide program during school 2010, 2:30pm, Ralph Ringstead. special events. www.marionpalace.org year. Organ played on Sundays, 1:00pm to www.theatreorgans.com/rochestr Renaissance Theatre—138 Park Avenue, 3:00pm. Mansfield, 419-522-2726 (3/20W). Frequent use, including free summer concert series. www.culture.ohio.gov/project.asp?proj=renaissa nce NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 65 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/27/09 6:12 PM Page 66 IJ Theatre Organ Programs and Performances OKLAHOMA WASHINGTON New Victoria Centre—High Street, Howden-le- Tulsa Technology Center, Broken Arrow Lincoln Theatre—712 South 1st Street, Mt. Wear, Crook, County Durham, 44-1388-766243 Campus—129th East Avenue (Olive Street) and Vernon, 360-419-7129 (2/7W). Original (3/18W). Concerts on Saturdays at 7:00pm and 111th Street (Florence Street), Broken Arrow, installation organ played one-half hour prior to Sundays at 2:30pm. 14 November, Robert Sudall; 918-355-1562 (3/13RM). May 21, 2010, 7:00pm, movies most Fridays through Tuesdays. 15 November, Robert Sudall; 19 December, Iain Dennis James performing. Free admission. www.lincolntheater.org Flitcroft; 20 December, Iain Flitcroft. www.netoa.org.uk Sooner State Chapter ATOS, 3rd Friday of each Mt. Baker Theatre—106 North Commercial, month, programs and open console. Bellingham (2/14W). Second Sunday monthly, Ossett Town Hall—Market Place, Ossett, www.theatreorgans.com/SoonerStateATOS 2:00pm, open console. Wakefield, West Yorkshire, 44-0-1132-705885 (3/13 Compton/Christie). All concerts on Sun- OREGON Paramount Theatre—911 Pine Street, Seattle, days at 2:30pm, with doors opening at 2:00pm. Bijou Theatre—1624 NE Highway 101, Lincoln 206-467-5510 (4/20W). All shows start at 7:00pm. 1 November, Willie Stephenson; 6 December, City, 541-994-8255 (Electronic). Silent film series Pre-show organ performance at 6:30pm. Jim Keith Beckingham. www.cinema-organs.org.uk Riggs, organist. November 2, 20,000 Leagues on Wednesdays at 1:00pm. Rye College—Love Lane, Rye, East Sussex, 44-0- www.cinemalovers.com Under the Sea; November 9, Adventures of Prince Achmed; November 16, The Lost World. 1424-444058 (2/6W). All concerts on Sundays at Elsinore Theatre—170 High Street SE, Salem, 503- www.theparamount.com 2:30pm. 15 November, David Warner and 375-3574 (3/25W). Silent film programs Wed- Robert Gurney; 6 December, David Ivory. nesdays at 7:00pm. Rick Parks, organist. WISCONSIN www.geocities.com/ryewurlitzer www.elsinoretheatre.com Hermes Basement Bijou—Racine, 262-639-1322 Stockport Town Hall—Edward Street, Stock- (5/35W). For tour information, contact Eileen at port, Cheshire, +44-161-427-2180 (4/20W). PENNSYLVANIA Racine County Convention Bureau, 262-884- 2 November, 12:00 noon, Kevin Morgan; Blackwood Estate—Blackwood Lane, Harrisville, 6407, or Fred Hermes for appointment. Open 29 November, 2:30pm, Len Rawle. 724-735-2813 (3/20W-H). Private residence near console on weekends. www.ltot.org.uk Pittsburgh hosts several concerts; proceeds Theatre Organ Heritage Centre and Hope- benefit charities and scholarship recipients. Organ Piper Music Palace—4353 South 108th Jones Museum—Alexandra Road, Peel Green, www.blackwoodmusic.org Street, Greenfield (Milwaukee), 414-529-1177 (3/27H). Organ hours: Tuesday, 5:30pm to Eccles, Manchester (2/6W). Lunchtime Keystone Oaks High School—1000 Kelton 9:00pm; Wednesday, 5:30pm to 10:00pm with concerts Wednesday every week, 1:00pm. Avenue, Dormont, 724-446-9744 (3/19W). All live band; Thursday, 5:30pm to 9:00pm; Friday, www.voxlancastria.org.uk/heritage shows start at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 5:00pm to 9:45pm; Saturday, 12:30pm to Victoria Hall—Victoria Road, Saltaire, West 6:45pm unless otherwise noted; advance 9:45pm; Sunday, 12:30pm to 8:45pm. Ron Yorkshire, 44-1274-589939 (3/11W). All concerts tickets $12, at the door $15 unless otherwise Reseigh, Ralph Conn, and Dean Rosko. at 2:30pm unless otherwise noted. 8 November, noted. December 19, Jelani Eddington; David Shepherd; 20 December, Richard Hills February 6, 2010, 2:00pm, Theatre Organ from AUSTRALIA and school choir. www.cosnorth.co.uk and Ragtime to Swing with Martin Spitznagle at the Capri Theatre—141 Goodwood Road, www.cinema-organs.org.uk organ, Bryan Wright on piano, and Boilermaker Goodwood SA, +61-8-8272-1177 (4/29W). All Jazz Band; March 27, Dennis James concerts at 2:00pm. November 22, Ryan accompanies The Yankee Clipper; May 1, Ken Heggie and John Giacchi, ATOS Young Theatre Double and the Steel City Harmonizers Organists, brought together to present Beyond Barbershop Chorus; September 4, Hector the Blues. theatreorgansociety.capri.org.au Olivera, tickets $20. http://mysite.verizon.net/patos.wurlitzer/ Dendy Cinema—26 Church Street, Brighton, VIC, (03) 9789 1455 (3/15W). Organ before films, Roxy Theatre—2004 Main Street, Northampton, Saturday evenings. 610-262-7699 (2/6W). Organ is played 6:30pm to 7:00pm and intermissions. Henry Thomas. Karrinyup Center—Perth, WA (61) 9447-9837 www.Roxytheaternorthampton.com (3/21W). All concerts on Sundays at 2:00pm. Orpheum Theatre—380 Military Road, TENNESSEE Cremorne, NSW, (02) 9908-4344 (3/15W). Tennessee Theatre—604 South Gay Street, Saturday night, Sunday afternoon, intermissions, Knoxville, 865-684-1200 (3/16W). Organ played Neil Jensen. before movies throughout the year and at free First Monday concerts, the first Monday of every UNITED KINGDOM month at 12:00 noon. Subject to cancellation Civic Hall—North Street, Wolverhampton, West due to other scheduled events. Midlands 011-44-0-1902-552121 (4/44C). Friday www.tennesseetheatre.com concerts 12:00 noon to 12:30pm before the tea dance. Steve Tovey or Cameron Lloyd. UTAH Concerts Saturdays at 2:00pm. Peery’s Egyptian Theatre—2415 Washington http://geocities.com/comptonplus/civic_hall.ht Boulevard, Ogden, 801-395-3200 (3/24W). Silent ml films; entrance and exit music at some other Fentham Hall—Marsh Lane, Hampton-in-Arden, programs. www.peerysegyptiantheater.com Solihull, 011-44-0-1564-794778 (3/11C). All con- certs on Sundays at 3:00pm. VIRGINIA www.cos-centralandwales.co.uk Byrd Theatre—2908 West Carey, Richmond, 804- 353-9911 (4/17W). Overtures Saturdays at 7:15pm and 9:30pm, Bob Gulledge. www.byrdtheatre.com 66 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/27/09 6:12 PM Page 67 Wallace W. Baumann Ted Earley Noted theatre historian, philanthropist, Theodore L. Earley passed away, organ enthusiast, and long-time member unexpectedly, late in the evening on of the American Theatre Organ Society, February 28, 2009 in Santa Barbara, Wallace Woodruff Baumann of Knoxville, California at age 78. Ted was born April 28, Tennessee, died recently following elec- 1930, to Lester Willard Earley and tive surgery. Elizabeth Warren (Boring) Earley in Santa A major figure in the restoration of Monica. He attended Monrovia-Arcadia- both the historic Tennessee Threatre and Duarte High School and Occidental its three-manual Wurlitzer, Wallace College then served four years in the Air supported the preservation of all things Force. After leaving the service, he concerning the “Golden Era.” graduated in 1956 with a degree in Blessed with the memory of an business from UCLA. He worked a elephant, he was able to quote the stage number of years as a station manager for dimensions of almost any house of merit Pan American Airways in the United in the country, along with its history, both States and in several foreign locations. He original and recent, right down to the later worked in Thailand and Vietnam for details of the organ, if any. L.T.V., Inc. and Flying Tiger Line, Inc. He At age 84, Wallace was lively and then went to work in Saudi Arabia for Ted at the Portland Paramount, 1958 active, serving on the boards of the Parsons/Daniel JV and Bechtel, finally Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, finishing his career with the Saudi Airport the Tennessee Theatre Endowment Fund, Ministry. His work took him to places all and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, over the world, and he often said, “I never right up to the day he entered the hospital. worked a day in my life because I enjoyed Known as a shy and retiring person in what I did so much, it didn’t seem like general, he fought long and hard to return work.” He and his mother, Bess Earley, the Tennessee Theatre to its original glory, moved from Monrovia to Goleta, with no compromises allowed. When it California in 1995. was thought that the vertical sign which Ted loved playing the piano and the had been removed many years earlier organ and was happy to entertain when- would have to be eliminated from ever he was asked. His interest in the consideration in the restoration, Wallace organ and piano began at an early age; saw to it that the sign was replaced exactly while in high school, when he heard that Ted in 2009 as originally designed. the Monrovia Lyric Theatre was going to He carried his love of the past into a sell its pipe organ, he went to bat to get Robert Mitchell remarkable wealth of knowledge concern- the organ installed in the MAD High ing the history of Knoxville and the East School auditorium. Ted, with the help of Tennessee area, his grandfather having Jut Williams, led a campaign to convince established a major department store in the school board to buy and install the the city and his father being a principal in organ. The joy was, of course, that Ted got the architectural firm responsible for to play that organ often during his high many of the largest buildings and private school years. homes in the area. While living in Portland, Oregon, in As the pastor of the First Presbyterian 1958, Ted played matinees at the Church said in his remarks at Wallace’s Paramount Theatre and truly enjoyed memorial service, “Everything was fine every minute of it. Ted often participated Bob Mitchell (1912–2009), an organist with Wallace…as long as it remained as it in the Santa Barbara Theatre Organ who was the first such house musician at was 50 years ago!” Society’s open console opportunities and Dodger Stadium, has died. He was 96. He will be sorely missed by the enjoyed playing the Arlington Theatre Mitchell died from congestive heart community, the arts, and humanity. organ; he also offered his services in the failure at Hancock Park Rehabilitation —Breck H. Camp maintenance of that instrument. Center in Los Angeles, said his caregiver, Vincent Morton. When the Dodgers debuted in 1962 at their stadium in Chavez Ravine, so did NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 67 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:53 PM Page 68 Mitchell at a Wurlitzer electronic organ. At The choir was also the subject of a 1941 1997 in the theater’s lobby. He was the the time, he was best known as founder and short film, Forty Boys and a Song, that was target of a hired gunman. director of a group often called the Robert nominated for an Academy Award. When Lustman reopened the theater in Mitchell Boys Choir, which would appear in Because some choir members were poor, 1999, he rehired Mitchell, who played more than 100 movies. Mitchell poured most of the money he weekly. His career as choir director was framed earned back into the endeavor, CBS “He loved watching the picture, and by two stints as a silent-movie organist, reported in 2005. He set up a private then the music just came out of him, played out more than 60 years apart. One of school, paid for braces, and sometimes even completely improvised,” Lustman said. his last performances was in early June at college. “There was no score with Bob Mitchell, the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax Avenue, Over the decades, more than 600 boys ever. Bob loved to watch the movie.” where he was first featured in 1992. between the ages of about 8 and 16 passed For years, Mitchell played for the Los He helped create “a true revival of through the choir. Alumni include members Angeles Conservancy’s Last Remaining cinema on the highest level,” said Charlie of the Lettermen, the Modernaires and the Seats series, which presents vintage films. Lustman, who owned the theater from 1999 Sandpipers, said Morton, a 1946 choir On May 27, he opened this year’s series at to 2006. “That you could walk into a classic member who returned 10 years ago to care the Orpheum Theatre downtown, said Cindy theater and see a classic movie accom- for Mitchell. Olnick, a conservancy spokeswoman. panied by a man who had done it way back A Los Angeles native, Robert Bostwick “No matter how old he got,” Olnick said, when…” Mitchell was born October 12, 1912, to “once he sat down at the organ and started On Christmas Day 1924, Mitchell was Robert Mitchell and the former Florence playing, it was like he was 30 years old practicing carols on the organ at the Strand Bostwick. His father was mayor of Sierra again.” Theater in Pasadena when the lights went Madre from 1918 to 1924 and his mother Mitchell is survived by several cousins. down and a movie about the Yukon went up. was a schoolteacher and musician. Reprinted from The Los Angeles Times with The 12-year-old kept playing, improvising At 4, Mitchell started taking piano permission. a soundtrack. Soon he was accompanying lessons and by 10 he was studying the matinee shows five times a week. organ. Bob Mitchell Tribute He played for films such as the romantic He attended the New York College of Bob offered me my first job in the United wartime drama What Price Glory, the Music but returned to Los Angeles in 1934 States. I’d only been here three months action-adventure Beau Geste, and the Fritz because his father was ill. Eventually, he when I mentioned to another organist that I Lang futuristic fantasy Metropolis. graduated from what is now Cal State L.A. had met that I would rather like a church With the arrival of talkies and Al Jolson and Trinity College London, Morton said. job just as I had in the UK. He said, “Call in the 1927 film The Jazz Singer, Mitchell’s During World War II, Mitchell served in Bob Mitchell” and gave me his phone first silent-movie career ended when he was the Navy and played keyboards for the number. I did, and Bob said that he didn’t 16. Armed Forces Radio Orchestra under the know of anything right then but he had a “My father said, ‘I see they are going to direction of Meredith Willson, who would sub gig if I was interested. I said that I was have sound’ in the movies, Mitchell told write The Music Man. and he told me to phone Sacred Heart CBS News in 2005.”And I said, ‘Oh, that Mitchell once said that the four years church on Hollywood Boulevard; I did and will never catch on.’ But, of course, it ended he spent as the organist for the Dodgers was told that they needed an organist for the the organist right away.” brought him the most fame. He also was the Christmas Eve midnight mass. After being hired in 1934 as the organist organist for the Angels when they called the I had never played for a Roman Catholic at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Los stadium home from 1962 to 1965. church but assumed that it was similar to Angeles, he organized a boys’ choir that he He once said he knew nothing about all the high Anglican churches that I have oversaw for 66 years. In the early days, the baseball and had to be told which team won played for in the UK. To a certain extent it choir sang at Catholic Masses that aired on the game. was, but there was much more to a midnight the radio. The singers were cast in their In 1963, Mitchell released a rarity for an mass than I expected, and I had no idea first film, 1936’s That Girl from Paris, after organist, a record called Baseball’s Best, where to begin. Fortunately, Bob had the casting director heard one such said Mark Langill, Dodger team historian. arranged for a half a dozen or so of his performance. “It captured the spirit of what the “Singing Boys” to be there in the organ loft The group—also known as the Mitchell ballpark sounded like then,” Langill said, with me, and they were wonderful. Every Singing Boys—sang “Ave Maria” with Bing and included “California Here We Come” piece of music was put in front of me each Crosby in the 1944 film Going My Way and to reflect the Dodgers then-recent move time I was needed to play, fingers pointed was conducted on-screen by Cary Grant in west. to where to begin, where to repeat and they 1947’s The Bishop’s Wife. Mitchell appeared Although Mitchell’s career as a movie- all sang loudly. Oddly enough it went off on screen with the ensemble in 1941’s house organist was revived in 1992, it came without a hitch, but it was really a baptism Blondie in Society. to a dramatic halt five years later when of fire. Larry Austin, then the proprietor of the Once he gave me another tip. I told him Silent Movie Theatre, was gunned down in that I really liked Vierne’s “Prière à Notre 68 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec51-6H10/23/0912:53PMPage69 Dorothy Smith playing untilalmosttheveryend. wiser.” Dame’ inthetitleandpeoplearenone piece ofwhitetapeoverthe‘àNotre worry aboutit,Iplayitalso.justputa Science inGlendale).Hesaid“Don’t then working(FirstChurchofReligious that intheprotestantchurchwhereIwas Dame” butIwasuncomfortableplaying hospital inCalifornia.AfterWorld War II, served asalaboratorytechnicianinbase 20, sheenlistedintheU.S.Armyand THEATRE ORGAN. contributed chapternewsarticlesto Windline, thechapternewsletter. Shealso two yearsago,shewaseditorofThe for fouryears.Fromaround1980until president ofthechapter, apostsheheld 1966. Inthelate’70s,shewaselected Lee wereamongthefirstmembersin August 13,2009.Sheandherhusband Theatre OrganSociety, passedaway Sooner StateChapteroftheAmerican Ever thecompromiser!Andhekept Dorothy wasbornin1924;attheageof Dorothy Smith,chartermemberofthe Ron Rhode Concerts website: www.ronrhode.com email: [email protected] 1603 Palmcroft Dr. SE Phoenix, AZ 85007 (480) 695-8568 Ron Rhode —Don Thompson —Don year later. In2002,DorothyandLeehired the roomwasfinishedapproximatelya reconstruction oftheorganbeganwhen house theorgan.Theinstallationand building anentireroomspecificallyto “mostly Wurlitzer” pipeorganandbegan Texas. played byMarkKenningofRichardson, convention in1965,whenaconcertwas It wasaprominentpartoftheAGO Wurlitzer. Theycompleteditin1963. releathering pneumaticsforthenine-rank spent manyhoursinBill’s PianoStore which wasintheOrpheumTheatre.She Tulsa’s onlyremainingtheatreorgan, started thecompletereleatheringof the lateBillRoberts,andPhilJudkins its demisebythewreckingball,Dorothy, Tulsa. American RevolutionandAnimalAidof also activeintheTulsa Daughtersofthe St. FrancisHospitalfor20years.Shewas was acertifiedmedicaltechnologistat they movedtoTulsa in1950.Dorothy Dorothy metherfuturehusband,and Stanford University. WhileatStanford, she earnedadegreeinbiologyfrom In 1980,DorothyandLeepurchaseda In 1960,afterTulsa’s RitzTheatremet NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 Arndt OrganArndt SupplyL.L.C. Co. x x x x x x x x New SwellShoes arndtorgansupply.com 1018 S.E. Lorenz Drive -POBox129 1018 S.E.Lorenz otc sforourCD-ROMcatalog. Contact us Slide-Pots (1K-5K-10K) Reed Switch Contacts Piano Sustain Button Kick-Switch Mount Pedestal orConsole Black Powder Coat Chrome Plated Brushed Aluminum Ankeny, Iowa 50021-3945 Phone: (515)964-1274 Fax: (515)963-1215 I Tulsa. Tulsa, andsonJeffhiswife,Robyn,of Stephen ofColorado,daughterLaura 61 years,CharlesLeeSmithofTulsa, son impression. quick wit,alwayscreatedamemorable strong-willed disposition,coupledwithher her sometimesstubborn,insistent,and in 1982.Shewasquiteacharacter, and Christian ChurchinMannford,Oklahoma Dorothy becametheorganistatLakeview and themightyWurlitzer cametolife. February 4,2003,theyflippedtheswitch Dan Kimestofinishtheinstallation;on Dorothy issurvivedbyherhusbandof Donna Parker (Photo byBillRowland) 503/642-7009 [email protected] Aloha, Oregon97007 Box6103 Post Office P D for bookinginformation: DonnaI Parker NCORPORATED Dorothy Smith Dorothy RODUCTIONS ONNA P ARKER , 009 ast.net 69 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:53 PM Page 70 ADVERTISING RATES SIZES COLOR BLACK & WHITE SIZE WIDTH HEIGHT SIZES 1ISSUE 1ISSUE 3 ISSUES 6 ISSUES Full Page 7 3⁄4"103⁄8" each Consecutive Consecutive Full Page with 1⁄8'' bleed 9" 11 5⁄8" issue each issue each issue 2/3 Page vertical 4 3⁄4"97⁄8" Outside Back Cover $1,275 2/3 Page horizontal 7 1⁄4"65⁄8" Inside Front Cover $1,050 1/2 Page vertical 4 3⁄4"71⁄2" Inside Back Cover $950 1/2 Page horizontal 7 1⁄4"5" Full Page $1,000 $425 $400 $375 1/3 Page (1 column) 2 1⁄4"97⁄8" 2/3 Page $700 $300 $275 $250 1/3 Page (2 columns) 4 3⁄4"47⁄8" 1/2 Page $500 $280 $260 $240 1/3 Page (3 columns) 7 1⁄4"31⁄4" 1/3 Page $400 $200 $190 $180 1/4 Page (1 column) 2 1⁄4"71⁄4" 1/4 Page $300 $180 $170 $160 1/4 Page (2 columns) 4 3⁄4"33⁄4" 1/6 Page $250 $150 $140 $130 1/4 Page (3 columns) 7 1⁄4"21⁄2" Stitched In $275 $265 $255 1/6 Page (1 column) 2 1⁄4"47⁄8" Tipped In Contact Jeff Weiler, Editor, for rates 1/6 Page (2 columns) 4 3⁄4"17⁄8" CONTRACT ADS Single ProCard vertical 2 1⁄4"31⁄2" ProCards are for six issues only. COLOR BLACK & Single ProCard horizontal 3 1⁄2"2'' No cancellations or refunds. WHITE Double ProCard 3 1⁄2"4'' Single ProCard (horizontal or vertical) $650 $275 Trim Size of THEATRE ORGAN is 8 3⁄4" x 113⁄8" Double ProCardI $1,300 I $495 Consecutive issue prices are based on the ad supplied when the order is placed. A different same-sized ad may be substituted during contract time at no extra charge; if you ask us to change the copy, you will be billed at $75.00 per hour. Multi-issue discount rates for color ads are available; contact the Editor or his 1/2 page Administrative Assistant for specific pricing. 2/3 page vertical 1/3 page horizontal 2 col. DEADLINES—Deadline for placing ads is the 1st of each even month prior to the publication release date. For example: ads are due April 1 for the May/June issue. Cancellations, substitutions, and changes must adhere to the same deadline. CLASSIFIED ADS—75¢ per word for ATOS members; $1.00 per word for non- members. $10.00 minimum. Not counted as words: a, and, the, &. Phone numbers are counted as one word, as are hyphenated words. All classified ads 1/3 must be submitted PRE-PAID to avoid a $10.00 handling/billing charge. PRE- 2/3 page pg. PAID charge of $15.00 to have a THEATRE ORGAN showing your ad sent to 1/4 vertical pg. 1 col. your mailing address. Deadline for placing ads is the 1st of each even month 1/3 page 1 col. 1/4 page (February, April, June, August, October and December). Make check payable to 3 col. 2 col. ATOS and send to: Jeff Weiler, THEATRE ORGAN Editor, American Theatre Organ Society, 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905, Chicago, Illinois 60616. Word counts may be verified in advance by e-mailing Joanne, the Editorial Office Administrative Assistant, at [email protected]. DISPLAY AD SPECIFICATIONS—Preferred format for ad submission is high-resolution PDF. All fonts MUST be embedded and original images sgl. double vert. MUST be at least 300 dpi. EPS files are accepted IF all graphics have been ProCard Pro- embedded and fonts converted to outlines. Native files from QuarkXPress, Adobe 1/6 Card Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are accepted IF all necessary linked graphics pg. I 1/4 page 3 col. 1 col. 1/6 page sgl. hor. sgl. hor. and fonts (screen and printer) are included. 2 col. ProCard ProCard Scanned images should be saved as EPS or TIF (CMYK or grayscale only, no RGB) with minimum 300 dpi resolution (minimum of 600 dpi if item contains type) for 150 lpi output. If Photoshop document, save as CMYK or grayscale EPS Ads will incur additional charges if files are in other-- formats than listed, with vector data option checked. do not comply to specs, are not correctly sized or are incomplete. Advertiser, A printed proof or a PDF proof MUST accompany ad. Media accepted upon notification and prior approval, will be billed at prevailing rates. includes CD or DVD mailed to the Editor. Files less than 5 megabytes can be submitted by e-mail to the Editor (with a copy to Joanne); larger files may be CONTACT & SUBMISSIONS—For ad placement, questions or submis- uploaded to an ATOS FTP site. E-mail Joanne at [email protected] for FTP upload sions, contact Jeff Weiler, Editor, at [email protected]; or Jeff’s administrative directions. assistant, Joanne, at 773-878-7817 or [email protected]. 70 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:53 PM Page 71 FOR SALE ALLEN MDS212: two manuals; purchased ADVERTISER INDEX new in 1996 for $19,000; excellent condition; Allen Organs...... BC FREE AUDIO-VIDEO CATALOG: CDs, $7,000. RHODES KEYBOARD MK60: $500. AUDIO & VIDEO CASSETTES: Classical, 2- Nashville, Tennessee. Buyer to remove. 615- Amica International ...... 2 Organ, Gospel, Theatre and Instructional. Write 313-9841 x261. 51-6 Arndt Organ Supply Co...... 69 to: ALLEN ORGAN CO., P.O. BOX 36, Ball, Steven ...... Tip-in Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062-0036 or Phone CLASSIFIED ads—75¢ per word for ATOS 610-966-2202. ++ members; $1.00 per word for non-members. CIC-ATOS (Foppiano recording)...... 2 $10.00 minimum. Not counted as words: a, Crome Organ Co...... 6 “VARIATIONS ON AN AMERICAN AIR” is and, the, &. Phone numbers are counted as a set of virtuosic and entertaining variations on one word, as are hyphenated words. All Diapason, The ...... 2 Stephen Foster’s “Old Folks at Home” (“Way classified ads must be submitted PRE-PAID to Eddington, Jelani...... 45 avoid a $10.00 handling/billing charge. PRE- Down Upon the Swanee River”) from 1851. PAID charge of $15.00 to have a THEATRE Leather Supply House ...... 59 This one will take some work! Hear Thomas ORGAN showing your ad sent to your mailing Trotter play it at michaelsmusicservice.com. address. Deadline for placing ads is the FIRST MIDI Concepts...... IFC 704-567-1066. 51-6 of each even month (February, April, June, Moelmann, Jack...... 2 August, October and December). DO NOT Organ Expressions...... 25 WURLITZER 2/6, Style 150 Special, plus SEND CASH. Make check or money order added 10" WP tuba. Complete, in excellent payable to ATOS, in US funds ONLY, and send Parker, Donna...... 69 to: Jeff Weiler, THEATRE ORGAN Editor, condition. Partially rebuilt and installed in Ralston, Bob...... 44 Ohio residence. Buyer to remove. Details, American Theatre Organ Society, 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905, Chicago, Illinois pictures, and price: 513-931-1050. 51-6 Rhode, Ron ...... 69 60616. Word counts may be verified in advance by e-mailing Joanne, the Rogers, Fr. Andrew...... 2 PIPE ORGAN CLOCK. Contemporary Editorial Office Administrative Assistant, at SLTOS Party on the Pipes ...... 44 version of traditional pipe organ clock, merged [email protected]. with computer technology. Plays clockwork Scott Smith Pipe Organs ...... 59 music of Haydn, Handel, and 4/4 Westminster Texas Talkies (Ragtime Revue) ...... 6 chime. www.holmbergclockworks.com 830- 606-1838. 51-6 Wilson, Clark ...... 45 Zollman Pipe Organ Services ...... 7 .!!!!f!!l!IUNITEDSTLlTES Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation & POSTI.IL SERVICE • (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1.PublicationTrtle 2.Publk:alionNu,nt,,,,r 3.Fl~ngDat,, No.Cop1MofSlng l11l••U11 Ave~e No. CoplH Each IHue PubllshedNearNt to 5.Numberof lssuesPublishedAnnuaUy 6.AnnualS D. Peld Malllldln-CountyPald&Jbsa1ptlonaStto\8dooPS Cirwlatlon (2) Form3541 (lndueklpB/d/Jlslrioutionribovenomlnril 0 0 (ByMoil ratri,lldvertiset'1proofcop/6s.snds1 23") 2.3S c. Tote! Paid Oielribu~on (Sum of 15b(1}, (2). (3). ond{4}) 35,1,:;1_ Managing Edilor (Name fJfid oompiutr, mailing addross) 3488 Jett' Wei le;; (se:; &bove«+ Fdi-/or) 0 0 d.Freeor 10. OiYner(Do not le11veblank If the publication is owned bya co,porotioo, give the namu !tnd address of/he co,pcrralionimmedial9/y foHowftdby the Nominal namesandaddressesofa/Jstxx:khokiersowningorhaldlng1r-aHlfrxmoroolthetClalamountolstacl../fnotownedbyaoo,porotion,(J/vethe 0 D names andsddfoosooofth()indMdualownors. lfownedbyapattners.hlporrxh e. Total Free orNomlnal Ra!e Distribution (Sum of15d (1). (2). (3) i;md/4)) 0 0 I. Total0istr1blJllon(Sumof15cand15eJ ► 35b2- 348€> g. CopleanotDlstribut&d(SOOIMrructlonSloPublishen;#4(pag,,#3)J ► ;:3S I 12. h. Tota\(Sumof15fandg) ► 36cio _¾OD Full N11me Complehl M11UlngAddreu f>efcentPald (15cdlvldedby 15rtlmes 100) ► /OO'/o /00 o/o □ PuDlk:ationrlOlrequlred 12. Tax Status (Forrompletlon by nonprofit orgttnlzeliolls 1wthodzed lo mall 8t nonprofit ralo$} (Chock one) Thepul'l)OSG,function,andnonprofitstalusollhlsorganizalionandlheaxemptstatuslorfederaliooolnelaXpurposes : I certify lhat all lnlormetioo furnished on this form is true and complete . t understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this J( Has Not Changed Dl1rlngPreceding 12 Moo~ form or who omits material or lllloonatlon requested oo the form may De 61Jllf8d:to almlna1 sallCtlons (lrduding 1mes and Imprisonment) end/or c:MI □ Has Charlged Dunog Preceding 12 Months (Publisharmust submit el(J)l-'ion of change wet, ttli$ $lalement) sar.ctions(includingcivilpena.ltles) PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Pagfl 1 of 3 (lnsll'IJCOOIISPage 3)) PSN 7530-01-000-9931 PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on w-.usp.u:om PS Fom, 3526, September 2007 (Page 2 of 3) NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009 71 ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:53 PM Page 72 ATOS Marketplace Order Form THEATRE ORGAN Back Issues—Please check issue(s) wanted. Prices listed INCLUDE shipping within U.S.A. 1965-1969 THEATRE ORGAN/Bombarde issues. Contact Marketplace for availability. Quantity Price 1970, Vol. 12 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 ______The Wurlitzer Pipe Organ – 1971, Vol. 13 No. 5 No. 6 An Illustrated History ...... $140.00 each □ □ Please add $10 to Canada; $30 Int’l air 1972, Vol. 14 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 □ □ □ □ □ □ ______Wurlitzer Console – 1973, Vol. 15 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Set of 12 Art Prints...... $20.00 each Please add $3 to Canada; $10 Int’l air 1974, Vol. 16 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 ______Wurlitzer Factory Tour DVD...... $16.00 each 1975, Vol. 17 □ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Outside U.S.A., please add $4.00 each 1976, Vol. 18 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 ______ATOS 50th Anniversary Book 1977, Vol. 19 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 ______Hardcover...... $35.00 each ______Softcoverr...... $15.00 each 1978, Vol. 20 □ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Please add $5 to Canada; $15 Int’l air 1979, Vol. 21 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 ______THEATRE ORGAN Binders ...... $14.00 each Outside U.S.A., please add $10.00 for each binder 1980, Vol. 22 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 1981, Vol. 23 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 ______ATOS Decal...... $1.00 each □ □ □ □ □ Outside U.S.A., please add $2.00 for each decal 1982, Vol. 24 No. 2 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 □ □ □ □ ______ATOS Lapel Pin...... $2.50 each 1983, Vol. 25 □ No. 1□ No. 2 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Outside U.S.A., please add $2.00 for each pin 1984, Vol. 26 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 ______2009 Convention CD Two-Disc Set ...$33.00 each Outside U.S.A., please add $2.00 for each disc set 1985, Vol. 27 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 5□ No. 6 ______THEATRE ORGAN Back Issues ...... $6.00 each 1986, Vol. 28 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Outside U.S.A., please add $3.00 for each issue 1987, Vol. 29 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 ______Index of ATOS Publications 1988, Vol. 30 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 1955–2008 on Computer CD ...... $8.00 each □ □ □ □ □ □ Outside U.S.A., please add $2.50 for each CD 1989, Vol. 31 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 1990, Vol. 32 No. 1 No. 2 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 □ □ □ □ □ I am enclosing $______as payment in full. 1991, Vol. 33 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 I MasterCard I VISA 1992, Vol. 34 □ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 1993, Vol. 35 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Card Number______1994, Vol. 36 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Exp. Date ______Security Code ______1995, Vol. 37 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 (back of card) 1996, Vol. 38 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Signature______1997, Vol. 39 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 □ □ □ □ □ □ Please make check or money order payable to ATOS, 1998, Vol. 40 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 and mail a copy of this order form to: ATOS MARKETPLACE, 4002 Westbury Ridge Drive, Erie, Pennsylvania 16506 1999, Vol. 41 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 2000, Vol. 42 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 □ □ □ □ □ □ Name______2001, Vol. 43 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Address ______2002, Vol. 44 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 2003, Vol. 45 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 □ □ □ □ □ □ City ______2004, Vol. 46 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 State/Zip + 4 ______2005, Vol. 47 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 2006, Vol. 48 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Country/Postal Code ______2007, Vol. 49 □ No. 1 □ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 E-mail address______2008, Vol. 50 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 2009, Vol. 51 □ No. 1□ No. 2□ No. 3 □ No. 4□ No. 5□ No. 6 Phone ______ 72 THEATRE ORGAN ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:27 PM Page 73 ATOS Marketplace THE WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN – AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY — This long-awaited complete history of the Wurlitzer theatre organ by David Junchen is an essential reference book for every theatre organ enthusiast. With 800 pages of interesting facts, photos and appendices, each volume is sequentially numbered corresponding to the Wurlitzer organ opus list. Fabulous photos, informative tables and lists of long-forgotten Wurlitzer information…an absolute must! $140.00 WURLITZER CONSOLE ART PRINTS — Whether you attach them to your workshop walls or frame them, these prints of 12 original factory photos of spectacular consoles are a must for your collection of theatre organ memorabilia. Each one is 11" wide and 14" high, printed on heavy card stock, suitable for framing. $20.00 WURLITZER FACTORY TOUR — The Wurlitzer Factory video, now on DVD, is in stock! This is a rare black and white silent film documentary from the early 1920s showing the Rudolph Wurlitzer Manufacturing Company in North Tonawanda, New York. $16.00 ATOS 50TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK — Published in hardcover and softcover editions, this 150-page book is an absolute must for all theatre organ aficionados. Text and pictures cover the first 50 years of the American Theatre Organ Society’s history. Contains many historic photos, quotes, and informative tidbits, including photos of the first meeting of the organization. Hardcover: $35.00. Softcover: $15.00. THEATRE ORGAN BINDERS — Here is the best way to store your past issues of THEATRE ORGAN (through July/August 2006). Holds up to two full years of magazines. Includes metal wires to attach your journals to the binder. Black finish with gold lettering. Pouch on spine for identification information. $14.00 DECAL — Help promote ATOS; put these decals every- where! Three-inch self-stick adhesive back with red, gold and black printing. $1.00 LAPEL PIN — Show your support of the theatre organ by wearing this American Theatre Organ Society lapel pin. Approximately one-half inch in diameter. Bronze color with embossed lettering makes for a distinctive look. $2.50 2009 CONVENTION CD SET — Two-disc set with over 30 selections from Ron Rhode, Chris Elliot, Jelani Eddington, Brett Valliant and many more! $33.00 BACK ISSUES — Complete your collection of THEATRE ORGAN. Quantities are limited. $6.00 An ATOS Marketplace order form is included in most issues of THEATRE ORGAN. Orders may also be placed online at www.atos.org/marketplace. The prices listed above are postpaid for all orders shipped within the U.S.A. VISA and Master Card are accepted. Prices listed INCLUDE shipping If you have any questions, please contact Dennis Unks, within U.S.A. ATOS Marketplace Manager, at [email protected]. ATOS NovDec 51-6 H 10/23/09 12:27 PM Page 74 ------i i The Quantum™ T321Q Perfect for Saturday Night and Sunday Morning! Imagine the thrill of playing a Unit Orchestra one minute and a classical/concert organ the next, all from the same console! The T321Q has all the bells and whistles (and traps) you’d expect from a world-class theatre organ as well as a complete classic stop list. Whether you’re in the mood for Sacred or Swing, the T321Q has the stops you’re looking for. THE SOUND YOU WANT. THE QUALITY YOU DESERVE. ONLY FROM ALLEN! TWO COMPLETE VOICINGS: CLASSICAL THEATRE Optional French Trompette Post Horn white painted finish with gold paint trim Trompete Brass Trumpet Tromba Tuba Horn Principal Trumpet Bourdon Open Diapason Custom T321Q with optional Gedackt Solo Tibia Clausa satin ebony and walnut finish Cromorne Tibia Clausa (m) with silver leaf trim Hautbois Clarinet English Horn Krumet Gamba Orchestral Oboe Viola Saxophone Viola Celeste Solo Violin Cherry-on-walnut Harmonic Flute Violin finish Vox Humana (English) Violin Celeste Mixture IV Oboe Horn Mixture III Quintadena Concert Flute Vox Humana Dolce Dolce Celeste Ped Tibia Pizz Plus 7 effects, 8 Traps, and 7 Percussions ·~nv ·~nv www.allenorgan.com 150 Locust Street, P.O. Box 36 Macungie, PA 18062-0036 Phone: 610-966-2202 Fax: 610-965-3098 E-mail: [email protected]