ISSN 0040-5531

Jour-nal of the .Arner-ican Theatr-e Or-aan ~ociety WITHTHE NEW WURLITZERCONCERT CONSOLE IN THEATRE STYLING

Here is the organ that offers top billing for your talent, more music for your money. Play-today features heighten your performance, with almost limitless possibilities ... theatre, orchestral, classic, jazz, rock and disco. The heart of the new D-172T, the Wurlitzer Digital Music System, brings new meaning to versatility. It's the first Wurlitzer console organ to offer Programmable Registration™ with Memory. This single feature simplifies complex registration changes by allowing you to preset up to 12 registrations and recall any of them at the touch of a button. The Orbit Synthesizer™ has a multi-note capability and offers 15 realistic voices plus Wah-Wah and Razz Attack. It can be channeled through the two-speed Leslie speaker system and coupled with the upper keyboard. String Ensemble presets produce the orchestral opulence of Violins, Violas and Cellos. An independent Celeste enhances other orchestral voices. There is a full range of independent Tibia pitches as well as a coupler system for both upper and lower ensemble voices. The pedals are polyphonic. An extraordinary Solo Piano can be played throughout the upper keyboard. Swingin' Rhythm™produces 15 patterns including modern rhythms such as rock and disco. Programmed Rhythm OrchestraT" with ,ouch ToneT and Dancing Chords™, features exciting sounds and patterns for variation in easy-play accompaniment. Chord Magic™enlarges one-finger melodies with automatic chords. Dancing Fingers™plays in many modes of automatic arpeggiation on upper and lower keyboard enhanced by variable and independent sustain for all voices. Vari Voice TMlets you create solo voicings with variable sustain and repeating possibilities and a special "wow" attack provides even more versatility. All of these features and more are combined in elegant cabinetry of Theatre Styling in Fruitwood. Controls are color coordinated with today's natural decorating hues. Give your Talent Top Billing! Send for full information on the new Wurlitzer D-172T Concert Console Organ.

WuRLffZER® Wurlitzer , The Music People, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 AMERICANTHEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY ,\ACHIVESLIBRARY

ATOS National Membership is $20.00 per·calen­ dar year, which includes a subscription to THE­ ATRE ORGAN, the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Society . Single copies JOURNAL OF THE $2.50. Make check or money order payable to (ISSN 0040-5531 ) AMERICAN ATOS, and mail to P.O. Box 3487, Irving, Texas 75061. THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY Editorial Address THEATRE ORGAN Library of Congress 3448 Cowper Court Palo Alto, California 94306 Catalog Number - ML1 T 334 Phone : (41 5) 494 -1870 Advertising Address VOLUME 25, NUMBER 1 ATOS Advertising 1839 Weeg Way JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 Phone : (312) 692 -9399 Mem/Jership Office ATOS Membership featur-e\ • •• P.O . Box 3487 Irving , Texas 75061 5 The Castro Wurlitzer ...... Bill Taylor Phone : (214) 256 -2619 Back Issues and Binders 1393 Don Carlos Court 14 Bob Hess ...... Lloyd E. Klos Chula Vista, California 9201 0 ATOS Corporate Office ATOS 25 About Theatre Organ Competition ...... Eleanor D. Weaver 1393 Don Carlos Court Chula Vista , California 9201 0 Office of the President Lois F. Segur 1930 -301 Encinitas Road technical ••• San Marcos, California 92069 Phone : (619) 727 -6534 18 Special Tooling for Wurlitzer Restoration Na~onalHeadquarters and Maintenance ...... E. S. "Tote" Pratt, Jr. ATOS P.O . Box43 Olivenhain, California 92024 25 Questions and Answers ...... Lance Johnson Phone : (619) 727 -6534 National Officers Lois F. Segur , President Warren D . Mendenhall , Vice Pres ident Timothy S . Needler, Secretary Robert E. McGillivray , depar-tment\ • • • Membership /Treasurer National Board of Directors 4 Messages 30 Pipes and Personalities Lowell C . Ayars Preston M . (Sandy) Fleet Rex Koury 21 Konsole Kapers 34 Committee Reports John Ledwon Allen R . Miller Ashley Miller 22 Unaffiliated Groups 35 Letters to the Editors Timothy S . Needler Richard J . Sklenar Curator 22 Closing Chord 35 Chapter Notes Paul Abernethy P.O . Box 2480, Burlington , NC 27215 Nuggets from the Golden Days 52 Classified Ads EDITORIAL STAFF 24 Editor - Robert M. Gilbert Editor -Emeritus - W . " Stu " Green Associate Editors - Lloyd E. Klos , 26 For the Records Grace E. McGinnis , Peg Nielsen , Geoffrey Paterson Photographer - Claude V . Neuffer Art Director - Floyd Mumm Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Len Clarke Circulation Manager - Cover- Vhoto Robert E. McGillivray

THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bimonthly by the American Console of Dick and Bill Taylor's 4/26 Wurlit­ Theatre Organ Society , Inc., a nonprofit organi­ zation . Lois F. Segur, President. All rights re­ zer in the Castro Theatre, San Francisco. served. Entire contents copyrighted, American Read about this organ in the article starting Theatre Organ Society, lnc .,-1982. Office of pub ­ lication is P .0. Box 3487, Irving, Texas 75061. on page 5. POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan . IF UNDELIVERABLE, send Rudy Frey photo form 3579 to ATOS Membership Office , P.O. Box 3487, Irving, Texas 75061.

3 JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN AmericanTheatre Oigan Society

As we start this new year of 1983 we technicians through publication of information as well as planned contemplate our goals and hopes for the workshops, implementation of a young artist competition as an an­ future of ATOS , and consider thought­ _nual national event, development and housing of a comprehensive fully what has been accomplished in the National Archives , better communications with individual chapters previous year . Our membership for and members and an upgrading of the promotion and publicizing 1982 was higher than for 1981 , and we of the aims of the Society . hope it will steadily climb as we continue One of our major undertakings is a national membership drive, to publicize and consistently promote begun in October. As you know , our ATOS membership has ATOS . Our committees are functioning shown zero growth , if not a decline , during the past several years. with the help of many members through­ This , in the face of ever-increasing costs of printing , mailing, stor­ out the country . It sometimes seems a age and other expenses , caused a considerable deficit in the ATOS tedious process to accomplish the tasks treasury. Attempts to stay ahead of the game resulted in a form of we 've set forth , but progress is being made in each direction , slowly "deficit spending " - borrowing on next year's expected dues and but surely . Be sure to read the reports of the various committee revenue to pay this year's expenses . chairmen as they appear in THEATRE ORGAN from time to time . An increase in ATOS dues was announced at the Annual Meet­ It is a great pleasure to tell you of the gift of $1,000 for our Trust ing , and any further increase at this time would seem to be unrea­ Fund , generously given by the Fleet Foundation of San Diego . We sonable and quite undesirable . The raise in dues will be a big help , are sincerely grateful for this donation and you may be sure it will be but additional revenue is going to be needed to assure a strong and used wisely . viable Society. The dates of our Annual Convention in San Francisco are July 1 Our current "PIPE UP!" membership drive gives us all a most through 6. Mark your calendar and plan to attend! The convention practical and attractive way to accomplish three very desirable is the one place where we can truly share our love of the theatre things : help eliminate our deficit , stimulate individual chapter organ . I am delighted to discover from your letters offering your growth and well-being , and give each of us the pleasurable oppor­ ideas and suggestions that there is such a strong feeling of fellow­ tunity to share with others the fine music , sociability and education­ ship , friendship and enthusiasm coming from all of you , and I real­ al interests our beloved Society offers. ize that this quite often stems from the closeness developed at con ­ ventions . This indeed was the atmosphere which surrounded us I am a firm believer in the "one-to-one" principle! This means last summer in Detroit , and which continues to thrive . Truly , one of that if each member of ATOS brings just one new member into the the happiest times ever . A carryover of this kind of enthusiasm is all fold during the coming year our membership goal could not only be we need to keep the true spirit of ATOS . achieved , but dramatically exceeded! By so doing we spread the responsibility among the many , instead of creating an insurmount­ Lois F. Segur, President able burden on the few . ATOS - Bigger and Better Many of us have found that by bringing new people to one of our As one of your National Directors, many fine theatre organ presentations , or inviting them to organ am sometimes quite overwhelmed when socials. or even just by showing copies of THEATRE ORGAN , re­ I think of the challenges this group has cruiting new members has been easy and rewarding . undertaken . While some of the jobs are in the interest of building a strong and en­ It has always been the purpose of the American Theatre Organ during national organization , other pro­ Society to further the use , understanding and preservation of that grams have been initiated in a sincere ef ­ wonderful , exciting instrument. the theatre organ . Notice , I did not fort to aid our many chapters , as well as specify theatre PIPE organ . Don 't forget. there are literally associated groups , wherever and when­ thousands of owners (and players) of electronic organs who ever such aid is needed or solicited . should , and I'm sure would , enjoy exposure to what our Society has to offer . Another aim of ATOS is just that - to contribute to the One of these projects has been the musical education and cultural enlightenment of the public. work of the Committee for Concert Plan ­ ning , which I head , in putting together a guide to more successful Every one of us has the opportunity to share in making 1983 the planning , programming and promotion of theatre organ entertain­ greatest ATOS year ever! I urge each of you to join with your ment . fellow members in going all out to make our memb ership drive a monumental success! Other programs involving other committees , either underway or in the planning stage , include technical help for amateur organ Rex Koury, Membership Drive Honorary Chairman

4 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 IHJECASIRO WURILliI11ER

O 9 A IP1UI1r11§~ §

by Bill Taylor

All photos by Rudy Frey. Some prints processed by Claude Neu ffer.

The story of the Wurlitzer in San originally been installed in the State the Encore Theatre in nearby Burling­ Francisco's Castro Theatre begins in Theatre in the Central Valley town of ame, to install the organ in the the­ the early sixties with the Taylor fam­ Stockton in 1925, and had been moved atre. The Encore, originally the ily, Ray and Doris, and sons Bill and to the Community Methodist Church Broadway, had recently reopened af­ Dick, of San Mateo, California, at­ in lone in 1956. Although Bill and ter being shuttered for several years. tending the 1963 A TOE Convention Dick were the instigators of the pur­ The installation of the original seven in Bismark, North Dakota. Ray had chase, they were only 15 and 13 at the ranks was completed in 1969, and Bill been interested in theatre organ for time, so Norm Lippert and Ray played began playing the organ from time to years. He had belonged to the North­ a major role in the removal and mov­ time for weekend film intermissions. ern California Chapter of ATOE, ing of the organ 130 miles to San The late-model French-style three­ and both Ray and Bill had been tak­ Mateo. manual Wurlitzer console from the ing lesson on the home electronic for Work on re taring the organ began San Francisco Golden Gate Theatre's a few years. Because of this interest, immediately and an arrangement was Style 240, as well as other necessary the family decided to attend the con­ made with Ward Stoope , owner of components, were then purchased vention on their previously planned trip to the Midwest. The I 963 Con­ vention was held at the homes of Reiny Delzer and Chuck Welch. It was at this convention on the Welch 2/ 9 Marr & Colton that Bill, then 11, had his first opportunity to play a the­ atre pipe organ. As a result, the fam­ ily became dedicated organ buffs and from this time on regularly at tended local ATOE meetings and national conventions. During this period Bill availed himself of all opportunities to play at open console sessions and be­ gan taking les. ons from well-known San Francisco organist Larry Yan­ nucci in I 965. By the mid-sixties both Bill and Dick were hooked on the idea of buy­ ing a pipe organ. Encouraged by friends Norman and Lorraine Lippert who had an excellent two-manual Wurlitzer in their home, the Taylors purchased the 2/7 Style E Wurlitzer (Opus 1073) from a church in lone, California, in 1967. The organ had

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 with the intention of expanding the (now Palms) Theatre in Detroit were Francisco to install the 26-rank organ organ to 15 ranks. Progress was purchased. The organ had been re­ for use at intermissions and for spe­ made, but before the project could be moved from the State in 1973 and was cial events. The Castro, designed by completed the theatre closed and the being combined with a classical organ San Francisco architect Timothy organ was removed in 1972. to be installed in Oral Roberts Univer­ Pfleuger, opened in 1922 as one of the By this time both Bill and Dick sity in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Publix larger, more elaborate neighborhood were engineering students at the Uni­ console was not large enough for the theatres in the city. The Castro seats versity of California at Berkeley, and new organ so it was sold to the Tay­ 1640 ( originally over 1800) and was Ray and Doris had moved to Poto­ lors. Other portions of the organ equipped with a 2/11 Robert-Mor­ mac, Maryland because of Ray's job came from the Style F from the Oak­ ton. The Robert-Morton was pur­ transfer. With parents living in Mary­ land F:airfax Theatre and from the chased by Dave Schutt in 1961 and land, Bill and Dick spent summer va­ San Francisco Golden Gate's Style was later sold to Charlie Davis, who cations there and had the opportunity 240. In addition to these major ac­ has it installed in his home in Con­ to look for more Wurlitzer parts on quisitions, numerous ranks were pur­ cord, California. The theatre was the East Coast. In 1973 the 4/37 Wur­ chased to complete a 4/26 Wurlitzer, built for the Nasser Brothers, who op­ litzer from the Brooklyn Fox was be­ plus a few extras. erated it until 1976 when they leased it ing broken up for parts and 14 ranks After graduating from college, Dick to Surf Theatres. It had changed very of chests, several ranks of pipes, the began to work for San Francisco or­ little over the years, but after 54 years huge relay, one of the Marimba­ gan man, Ed Stout, and Bill began his of operation some of the high-wear Harps, and several regulators and career with Hewlett Packard as an areas were in need of attention. Mel tremulants were acquired. In 1974 the electronics engineer. In his spare time Novikoff, owner of Surf Theatres, 2/8 Style F Wurlitzer (Opus 1420) Dick continued the restoration of var­ preserved most of the original decor from the RKO Royal Theatre in the ious components of the organ for and restored the areas which were Bronx was purchased. A 20 hp Spen­ eventual installation. Although Bill showing their age. In recognition of cer Orgoblo which was originally one was still very interested in the organ its architectural and historical signifi­ of the two blowers for the Style 285 and its restoration, by this time he was cance, the Castro was awarded land­ Wurlitzer from the Fabian Theatre in heavily involved in his career and was mark status by the City of San Fran­ Patterson, New Jersey, was also ac­ also spending much of his time with cisco in 1977. To help re-create the quired in 1974. Both blowers, one be­ his future wife, Sandra. As a result, movie palace atmosphere, Mel in­ ing a standby, had been installed in Dick was now doing the majority of stalled a three-manual Conn organ in the attic in the Fabian and therefore the work on the organ. In 1977 Ray the theatre which was played nightly had no trace of the usual rust caused and Doris returned to the San Fran­ between the classic films which are the by basement dampness. In 1975 the cisco Bay Area after Ray's retire­ mainstay of the Castro programs. four-manual Publix No. 1 console ment. Dick was looking for a place to Foreign and selected recent domestic and relay (Opus 1148) from the State install the organ where it would sound films are also featured in addition to as it should, and several Bay Area the­ an occasional silent. Installation of atres were considered. the Wurlitzer began in 1979. By Janu­ The Castro organ crew, L to R: Ed Stout, Dick Taylor, Bill Taylor, Ray Taylor, Rudy Frey and Herb Boese. In 1978 Dick entered into an agree­ ary of 1982 Dick and his crew had Not pictured are Dick Clay and Steve Dennis. ment with the Castro Theatre in San completed enough of the installation for the organ to be played regularly for the public, and the Conn was re­ moved. The Castro is ideally suited ro the installation of an organ because or the space available for pipework and other components, and the acoustic~. The theatre has four organ chamber s, two on each side of the proscenium arch. The upper chambers on each side originally contained the eleven­ rank Robert-Morton. Although not unusually large for a l 640-seat the­ atre, the chambers are adequate for the installation of the 26 ranks of manual chests and offsets. Immedi­ ately below the pipe chambers on each side are smaller chambers which are being used to house the percussion s. Some of the large, space-consuming Partial view of Main Cha111ber show 1ny trc,111fron t to back : Clarinet. Viol Celeste and Open Diapason, with 16' Tuba offsets are installed on the stage. The Profunda offse t on right. Not visib le behind the Open Diapason are the Viol d' Orches tre and Concert Flute. shutter opening cover s the entire of the two sides of the or gan is virtu­ Cele ste. Also, a standard- scale 10" front" wall of each upper chamber ally the sam e in about 90 % or the Tibia Clau sa was used in the Main from the manual chest rackboards to seat s in the hou se. chamber instead of a 15" Solo Tibia, the ceilings, and the grillwork is very The specification and regulation of while using a Solo Tibia in the Solo. open. The chambers are surfaced in the organ reflect many year s of care­ Otherwise the organ adheres very plaster and are well soundproofed so ful listening and study of organ in­ closely to typical Wurlitzer specifica­ that the expression is very effective. stallation across the country. The re­ tions. The objective was to create a The main 20 hp blower was too large sulting 26-rank specification is very Wurlitzer sound, and additions such to go down the stairs into the base­ similar to Wurlitzer models uch as as Trumpets en Chamade, Calliopes, ment, so a new blower room was built the Publix No. 4 and the 285, but in­ and unenclosed classical divisions at stage level. For soundproofing pur­ cludes many of the minor modifica­ which have been used in pizza install­ poses it was built as a room within a tions that have become commonplace ations were not included. With the ex­ room, with the walls and ceiling of the in organ restorations in recent times. ception of the English Horn, all Wur­ inner room not touching those of the The significant departures from typi­ litzer pipes and percussions were used. outer room. As a result of the precau­ cal Wurlitzer specifications for or­ All of the mechanical components in­ tions taken, blower noise is almost in­ gans of this size are the omission of cluding chests, regulators, tremu­ audible in the theatre. An additional the Dulciana and large-scale Dia­ lants, shutters and relays are also high-pressure 3 hp blower will be lo­ phonic Diapason, and the addition of Wurlitzer. While adhering to a strictly cated in the basement to provide the a Lieblich Flute and a Concert Flute Wurlitzer policy for the mechanical wind for the 25"-pressure Tuba Mira­ bilis. The 20" diameter windline com­ Solo Chamber showing from front to back : Vox Humana , Brass Saxophone , Gamba, Quintadena, Gamba Celeste , ing out of the main blower was routed Horn Diapason , Brass Trumpet , Tuba Mirabilis and English Horn . Partially visible behind English Horn are the Solo Tibia Clausa, Orchestral Oboe and Kinura . to a junction box from which one 14" line was run to each side of the the­ atre. All new winding was used, as the original windlines had been removed. The Publix relay was installed at stage level beneath the right percussion chamber. The original Robert-Mor­ ton was not on a lift, so a new scissors lift was installed in the center of the orchestra pit. A scissors lift was chosen because of its reliability and ease of installation. It raises the con­ sole from picture level to concert posi­ tion at stage level. The theatre is large enough to provide the traditional in­ theatre acoustics, yet intimate enough so that solo stops and light combina­ tions can be used effectively. The acoustics are live enough for the sounds coming from each side of the the~tre to blend well, and the balance

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 much less useful than the Open and Horn Diapasons. The Open is the standard Diapason found on small and medium-sized Wurlitzers. This one, which was labeled Diaphonic Diapason on the console, came from the original Style E. The Horn Diapa­ son came from the Brooklyn Fox and is an extremely useful rank. The lack of a Horn Diapason was a serious omission from many of the medium­ sized and larger Wurlitzer models, such as the 260 and Publix No. 1. The Horn Diapason provides a very useful level for accompaniment use. For many solo registrations the Concert Flute is too soft, the Open Diapason is too loud, and ranks such as the Strings, Oboe Horn, and Clarinet are too obtrusive. The Horn Diapason Four-manual console with top removed. Original tin tubing connects combination action boxes at rear of console to stop tab pneumatics . Note linkage for swell indicators in center and open effects drawer below left end of accom­ provides just the right level and tone paniment manual. character in many cases. This set is es­ pecially good because it has been components is primarily for aesthet­ As a result it is a very useful rank regulated to have a string-like quality ics, the use of Wurlitzer regulators for which can add fire to the ensemble rather than the dull flutey sound often manual chest pipework which is to be while the fullness of the rest of the found in later Wurlitzer sets. on tremulant is for musical reasons. ensemble is not masked. The Tuba The organ has two Tibia Clausas, a Using very large regulators without Mirabilis came from the Brooklyn 15" Solo Tibia in the Solo and a 10" the Wurlitzer-type three-valve system Fox 4/37 and is voiced on 25" wind. standard-scale set in the Main. The will generally create a different It is intended to be used primarily for Solo Tibia has been carefully regu­ tremulant sound, and the desirable single note playing on accompani­ lated so that it blends properly in the responsive, controlled tremulant ment second touch or as a solo rank, ensemble. If not properly regulated, sound will be difficult to achieve. rather than in the ensemble where it Solo Tibias can be "tubby" in the The chorus reeds include the En­ has a tendency to be overbearing. The middle and ''screechy'' at the high glish Horn, Tuba Mirabilis, Brass Brass Trumpet in the Solo and the end. In order to achieve the proper Trumpet, and Tuba Horn. The En­ 15" Tuba Horn in the Main are both balance in this installation the pres­ glish Horn, the only non-Wurlitzer carefully balanced to be effective in sure was set at 14½" and the middle rank in the organ, was built for the or­ full organ as well as for solo use. and top end were closed down, while gan by M.P. Moller in 1972. In our The organ has two Diapasons, an leaving the "capped metal" area opinion, the English Horn, while be­ Open in the Main and a softer, more alone. The tremulant was set with ing the loudest rank in the organ, colorful Horn Diapason in the Solo. careful consideration of ensemble should not obliterate the rest of the As mentioned earlier, a large-scale and solo use. A "rippy" or slow ensemble. Consequently, it is voiced Diaphonic Diapason is not included "syrupy" tremulant prevents a Tibia on 10" wind instead of 15" or 20" in the specification because they often from blending properly with the rest which are often used in large organs. overpower the ensemble and are of the organ, especially in fast play­ Dick l aylor adjusts a stop tab spring in the console. Note original combination action. ing, and also creates an unpleasant sound for solo use. The 10" set in the Main which is also from the original Style E, provides a softer, contrasting sound. The specification includes all of the usual color reeds with the Krumet, Clarinet, and Oboe Horn in the Main, and the Orchestral Oboe, Kinura, and Brass Saxophone in the Solo. There is also a 6" -pressure Vox Humana on each side. Many of these ranks are at the heart of a good Wurlitzer sound, and their uniqueness tells a listener that he is hearing a Wurlitzer whea the sets are properly regulated and used. The Brass Saxophone provides an uncommonly rich and colorful sound when used with the Tibias and

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 in medium combinations. Many saxes Theatre Style 285 and are voiced on as originally regulated in Wurlitzer in­ 10" wind instead of the customarv stallations were too loud, and this set 15". They are virtually identical t~) was no exception. It has been care­ Solo Strings in scaling, voicing, and fully closed down so that it is soft appearance. The three contra '.;ting enough to be used with the Tibias as a pairs of strings coming from both "big Vox" but also loud enough to sides of the theatre provide a full, rich add color to the ensemble. The Or­ string ensemble when played to­ chestral Oboe is also a particularly gether. useful rank in this installation. It has In the soft flue department are rour been regulated slightly on the loud ranks: a Concert Flute and Cele<;te, a side so that its contribution can be Quintadena, and a Lieblich Flute. heard in fairly full combinations. The The Concert Flutes in the Main and Kinura is balanced so that it can be the Quintadena in the Solo are invalu­ heard in full organ without English able for accompaniment use, with the Horn, but by no means dominate. It Quintadena providing color to soft provides a step betwen the Brass accompaniment sound . The rare Trumpet-topped ensemble and the Wurlitzer Lieblich Flute, a small­ full organ with English Horn by com­ scale wooden stopped Flute, provides plementing the harmonics of the some added warmth to softer accom­ Trumpet. Of course, it is also very paniment sounds. Wurlitzer Lieblich useful for solo combinations with the Flutes were only found on the Fox Orchestral Oboe, Krumet, and 4' Tib­ Special 4/36's and a few church Wur­

ias. We feel that a Wurlitzer Kinura is litzers. This set came from a Wurlitzer Late-model Marimba -Harp from the Brooklyn Fox, in much more useful and musical than church organ in the Philadelphia Left Percussion Chamber . some of the large scale "squawkers" area. by other builders. The organ has seven 16' extensions cussions are in the right chamber. The organ has six ranks of strings: to provide a range of tone color and Special attention has been paid to the a pair of Viols d'Orchestre and a pair volume to suit all requirements for a restoration of the percussions, espe­ of Violins in the Main, and a pair of balanced sound. For soft pedal there cially the Marimba-Harp and Chry­ Gambas in the Solo. The Vd'Os are is the usual 16' Bourdon, as well as a soglott, to insure fast and quiet opera­ the standard Wurlitzer sets voiced on 16' Solo String and 16' Clarinet. The tion. Wurlitzer Marimba-Harps have 10" wind. The spotted metal Violins, latter two extensions came from the a tendency to leak because of the also on 10", are from the Style E, and Los Angeles Paramount Style 285. push-rod construction, so this late­ provide a broader sound than the The 16' String is voiced on 15" and is model Harp, with metal push-rods, Vd'Os. The Gambas are from the used as the 16' extension of the Garn­ was carefully rebushed and regulated. Echo division of St. Louis' Missouri bas in the Solo. The Metal Diaphone, The power pneumatics on the Chry­ Solo Tibia, and Tuba Profunda, the soglott were recovered with cabretta Front chest in Solo Chamber showing left to right: latter two voiced on 15'', provide the leather instead of the original rubber Tuba Mirabilis, English Horn , Solo Tibia Clausa, cloth to eliminate the sound of pop­ Orchestral Oboe and Kinura. foundation for the majority of com­ binations. The 16' Bombarde, which ping pneumatics. The piano is a stan­ is the extension of the Tuba Mirabilis dard Wurlitzer upright organ piano in the Solo, is the usual large-scale which, like most Wurlitzer organ

wooden set found on large Wurlit­ Regulator in basement for 16' extensions which are zers. Plans include the future addition located on the stage . Large horizontal 14" windline is of a 16' Wood Diaphone if one can be the main supply line for the Solo Chamber. located. The percussions, except for the piano, are installed in the lower cham­ bers on each side of the house. These chambers open directly into the the­ atre without swell shutters. The per­ cussions can be clearly heard as they are not buried in the back of the pipe chambers, however they are not so loud as to create the effect of' 'percus­ sion with organ accompaniment" as is found in most pizza installations. The Marimba-Harp, Chrysoglott, and most of the non-tonal percus­ sions are located in the left chamber, and the · Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Cathedral Chimes, Tuned Sleigh Bells, and some of the non-tonal per-

THEATRE ORGAN pianos, does not have a keyboard and nized so that the ten pistons for each painted off-white with no gold trim, operates on pressure instead of of the four manuals line up, with five and the wood of the console was not vacuum. of the Pedal pistons below the Ac­ mahogany as it is on most Wurlitzer The objective for the rebuilding companiment pistons and five above. panel-style consoles. Although we and re-specifying of the console was The third contact in the Accompani­ wanted a mahogany finish on the con­ to restore a Wurlitzer console, not to ment pistons was used to fire the cor­ sole, it was not possible without re­ take the shell of a Wurlitzer console responding Pedal piston so that both veneering. After extensive searching, and put in new stop tab and direct would change when the Accompani­ we could not locate a supply of veneer electric top actions. All of the ment piston is pressed, but the Pedal which matched the type that Wurlit­ original combination action ha been pistons could still operate indepen­ zer used, although other varieties of retained and no new actions or pis­ dently. Although adding additional mahogany were available. In contrast tons have been added. Other than the stopkeys and combination action to to the off-white which has often been changes to the stoplist to provide for provide more unification was con­ applied to Wurlitzer consoles in re­ the additional ranks and more versa­ sidered, we ultimately decided that cent years, most late-model Wurlitzer tile unification, only minor changes the minor increase in versatility was factory-painted consoles were almost have been made to the console. The not worth the price of destroying the yellow in color instead of white. With stop tab positions are all used for the originality of the console. We felt that the darker color, the keyboards and original divisions except for the three it was more important to have a con­ stop tabs stand out better and the con­ Bombarde Second Touch stop posi­ sole mechanically original than to sole doesn't look as stark. Our Style tions. The Bombarde Second Touch have every rank available at every 240 console from the San Francisco is no longer u ed, and the tab posi­ pitch on every manual. Both the Golden Gate Theatre had been painted tions are used for the Solo manual chamber indicator dots above the the darker color at the factory (al­ couplers. On the original Publix the stop tabs and the expression indica­ though it had mahogany veneer) so Accompaniment pistons did not line tors have been preserved, not because we matched that color for the Publix up with the pistons on the other three of their functionality, but because console. manuals because the ten Pedal pistons they improve the appearance of the The original ivory on the key­ were located on the lower end of the console. boards was in fairly good shape, but Accompaniment manual. The pistons When the console was shipped the Great and Accompaniment on the Accompaniment were reorga- from the Wurlitzer factory it was showed signs of wear. Keys from two

View from the balcony of the 1640-seat Castro Theatre with Wurlitzer console in concert position . other Wurlitzer manuals with original restored cosmetically, in addition to ivory, which were in better condition, being rebuilt functionally to provide were put in the original key frames of reliable operation. Restoration went the Accompaniment and Great. The beyond the usual application of a original keys for the Born barde and fresh coat of shellac to chests and Solo were retained. The ivory on all other components. Chests were disas­ four manuals was polished and the sembled and sanded down to bare sharps were re-dyed with black dye. wood as required, while care was The changes to the stop list from the taken to retain original stampings and original Publix follow the pattern of stencilings where possible. Chipped _many recent re-specifications. As corners and edges were restored with noted above, the decision was made inlaid pieces of wood. Shellac was not to add any stopkeys to the con­ sprayed on with careful attention to sole, and therefore the specification getting the proper color and gloss to had to be thought out very carefully match-the original finish. The original to make sure that optimum use was chest legs and wind trunks were used made of every stop key position. Some where possible, but many had to be of the obvious changes include the ad­ fabricated because the original ones ditions for the extra ranks, such as the would not fit in the new installation. English Horn, Krumet, Horn Diapa­ When new racking and floor frames son and Lieblich Flute, which were had to be made, the lumber was planed not pre·sent in the Publix No. 1 specif­ to match Wurlitzer dimensions rather ication. Also additional unification than just using standard sizes of lum­ for both Tibias was added, as well as ber. All pipework was cleaned with couplers for the Solo manual. To ammonia and steel wool, and then make room for the additions, each polished with pipe polish. The brass unison string was combined with its resonators and the zinc portions of Windlines and regulators for front chest in Solo Celeste on one set of tabs, and a mas­ the pipes were lacquered. Chamber. Note excellent workmanship and the painted metal windlines with wooden flanges . ter "Celestes Off" tab was added. All of the permanent windlines, ex­ Some of the softer stops were elimi­ cept those on movable components ent. Doing the work as an avocation nated from the Bombarde and Solo such as the console, were fabricated rather than as a business allowed us to manuals. Also the 4' Voxes and some from new galvanized metal pipe with spend time and money on details of the percussion unification were wooden flanges, and, with the excep­ which probably could not be justified eliminated from the Great, and the 4' tion of the main trunking running in a commercial installation, where Clarions were eliminated from the through the basement and backstage, getting the job done quickly is often Bombarde. One unique feature of the were painted black. of primary importance. stoplist is the 16' English Horn on the Even though preserving the like­ Although Dick Taylor has done the Great. Because the Great was speci­ new Wurlitzer look in the installation lion's share of the restoration and in­ fied with the assumption that the sub doesn't necessarily improve the sound stallation of the organ per se, family coupler would be used to provide the of the organ, it certainly doesn't de­ members and several friends have do­ 16' sound for most fuller combina­ tract from it. Our objective was to re­ nated their time throughout the in­ tions (the 16's are intended for color store a good Wurlitzer, not just to stallation phase of the project. Ray combinations), there would have build a good theatre organ using Taylor has continuously worked with been no way to get a full combination whatever approach was most expedi- Dick on the installation and has been with the English Horn at just 16' with­ out coupling from another manual. Close-up of combination action showing pneumatics, stop tabs , stop tab springs , twill .ties and contact blocks . As this is a very useful combination, the 16' English Horn switch is not wired to the Great relay; it is wired directly to the Great manual key con­ tacts so that it is not affected by the Great couplers. The original stopkeys were used where possible, although approxi­ mately one-fourth of the tabs were changed. The new tabs were old Wur­ litzer tabs that had been carefully selected to match the shape, color, and vintage of the original tabs on the console. The philosophy behind the restora­ tion of the console was carried throughout the project. Every com­ ponent in the organ was thoroughly

JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 each note take the tremulant in the lation, as he is the organist in the fam­ same way. Perhaps Ed's most signifi­ ily. Although he doesn't play the or­ cant contribution to the success of the gan regularly for the public, he goes project has been in helping Bill and to the theatre about twice a month to Dick develop their collective ears, practice and to demonstrate the organ over the past 15 years, to know what a for visitors. Wurlitzer should sound like, and for Prior to his move to Chicago in teaching Dick several of the tech­ 1981, Steve Dennis had helped on a niques and skills necessary for obtain­ variety of projects during the installa­ ing that sound. tion. Unfortunately, he was trans­ Although Bill was actively involved ferred just at the time the organ began in the restoration and first installation to play. He documented various of the then much smaller organ in the phases of the installation with video­ Encore Theatre in the late sixties and tapes of the crew at work. Another early seventies, his involvement with longtime family friend, Dick Clay, the installation in the Castro has been has provided assistance especially minimal. As mentioned earlier, he de­ with moving pipes and chests into the votes the majority of his time to his chambers. He has also served as semi­ wife and newly-born daughter, Jenni­ official recording engineer for con­ fer, as well as to his career. Also living certs and the visiting artists who come View of the bottom of a tremulant, upper left, located 60 miles away in San Jose makes fre­ by to try out the organ. Dick was simi­ in the tremulant room in Solo Chamber. Tremulant rooms were built in each chamber to eliminate noise . quent trips to the theatre inconveni­ larly involved in the earlier installa­ ent. His primary involvement has tion in the Encore Theatre. especially helpful in the construction been in defining the specification of The staff of Surf Theatres, includ­ work which was required to install the the organ and consulting on the regu- ing Matt Fance, Louann Rank, Allen organ in the theatre and in making Sawyer, Carole Grandy, Del Harvey, cables and wiring. He also worked --CHAMBER ANALYSIS-- and David Maclay, has been most co­ with Dick on the cleaning of the pipe­ Main (left) Chamber operative. work and other components prior to Concert Flute- 10" ...... 16-2 As of this writing (November installation. Ray participated in and Viol d 'Orchestre- 10" ...... 8-2 1982), 16 ranks of the organ are in­ bankrolled many of the expeditions Open Diapason - 10" ...... 16-4 stalled and the other 10 ranks and for buying parts for the organ in the Viol Celeste- 10" ...... 8-4 some of the percussions and 16' ex­ Clarinet - 1O'' ...... 16-8 early years while Bill and Dick were Oboe Horn - 10" ...... 8 tensions are in the process of being in­ still in school. Krumet - 10" ...... 8 stalled. All of the components to Herb Boese, a longtime family Concert Flute Celeste - 10" ...... 8-4 complete the installation are on hand, friend and ATOS member, has Vox Humana- 6" ...... 8 and much of the restoration work on Tibia Clausa - 10" ...... 8-2 them has been completed. Because worked nearly every Saturday on the Violin - 10" ...... 8-4 installation since the beginning in Violin Celeste - l 0" ...... 8-4 the organ is designed as a 26-rank in­ 1979, primarily working with Ray on Lieblich Flute - 10" ...... 8-4 strument, and this article will serve as the construction, wiring, pipework Tuba Horn- 15" ...... 16-8 a lasting description of the Castro or­ cleaning, and relay contact cleaning. gan, the article describes it as it will be Solo (right) Chamber Rudy Frey, current Nor-Cal Chapter Kinura- 10" ...... 8 when the installation is completed. chairman, has helped out especially in Orchestra Oboe - 10" ...... 8 Work on the installation continues, the preparations for the installation SoloTibiaClausa-15" ...... 16-2 and currently 18 to 20 ranks plus the of the main windlines, cleaning relay English Horn - 1O'' ...... 8 majority of the percussions are sched­ TubaMirabili -2 5" ...... 16-8 contacts, and moving various compo­ Bra ss Trumpet - 10" ...... 8 uled to be playing by the 1983 ATOS nents into place. Rudy has also spent Horn Diapason - l O'' ...... 8-4 Convention. many hours helping with the cleaning Gamba Celeste - 10" ...... 8-4 The organ has been played nightly and relacquering of pipes. Quintadena - 10" ...... 8 by staff organists Elbert La Chelle Ed Stout, who was responsible for Gamba-10" ...... 16-4 and Dave Hegarty since January of (16' octave - 15") the restoration of the San Francisco Bras s Saxophone - 10" ...... 8 1982. Several silent films have also Paramount Style 285 and the initial Vox Humana-6" ...... 8 been featured with Tom Hazleton or installation of the San Francisco Left Percussion Chamber Bob Vaughn at the console. Jim Avenue Theatre Style 240 Wurlitzer, Marimba-Harp Roseveare played a "sneak preview" has served as a consultant on the proj­ Chrysoglott of the organ in October of 1981, and ect and has worked closely with Dick Most non-tonal percussions in May of 1982 Walt Strony was fea­ on the tonal finishing and regulation tured at the first ATOS meeting at the Right Percussion Chamber of the organ. Ed transformed the Xylophone Castro. The public performances fea­ Horn Diapason from a soft, colorless Glockenspiel turing the organ have been well re­ rank to the excellent set it is today. He Tuned Sleigh Bells ceived, and the future of the Castro and Dick regulated the Orchestral Cathedral Chimes Wurlitzer looks bright. Tom Hazle­ Oboe and in the process recurved a Some non-tonal percussions ton and Walt Strony are scheduled to significant number of the reeds to Orchestra Pit be featured at the Castro for the con­ eliminate buzzy notes and to make Upright Piano vention. □

12 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 Availablefor the FIRST TIME! Theatre Organ Greats Theatr-e TheRecord Or-aan Notavailable in stores l3r-eats

I ◄ n I ..tkc•• lt1'\-lth1 4 d't k rel 4 di lf"f I ◄ •I 4 d\Ulk

k•\\f' 4 I'd¾ If nl I clcli◄• I 1111,tf•dt (•r- 1 f •(• ''"in I f'!..>illclkl I c t r-l It•, tf UJ'\- \1111 ...... I ic hdHI I c•ihPI t Now... Hear all the arrangements I dlH c• 111( c• \,hk •'\- ~HIN performedby the Masters of the It ,.a Ii◄ Theatre Organ!

Don Baker Del Castillo tt Eddie Dunstedter Rex Koury Lance Luce Limehouse Blues Peanut Vendor Open Your Eyes Here's That Rainy Day Summertime Ray Bohr Doreen Chadwick Lee Erwin Ann Leaf Ashley Miller As Time Goes By Musetta's Waltz Sherlock Junior Inspiration The Song Is You Gaylord Carter t JesseCrawford Reginald Foort* Richard Leibert** Rosa Rio The Perfect Song Smile Blue Tango Come Dance With Me Forgotten Melody

t Jesse Crawford courtesy tt Eddie Dunstedter courtesy * Reginald Foort's arrangement ** Richard Leibert's arrangement of MCA Records, Inc. of Capitol Records, Inc. Recorded by Lee Erwin Recorded by Ann Leaf ------Send me ___ Theatre Organ Greats - The Record TheBook @ $14.95 each Theatr-e Send me ___ Theatre Organ Greats - The Book Oraan @ $9.95 each 6r-eats Or, take advantage of this limited offer! Get one each of Theatre Organ Greats - The Record and Theatre Organ Greats - The Book for only $19.95 Save over $4.00! Send me ___ Theatre Organ Greats - Special Package Offer (The Record And The Book) @ $19.95 each. Make Check or Money Order payable to: The Music Market, Dept. THO-1, 12th floor, 43 West 61 Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 Include $1.50 per order for postage and handling. New York State residents add applicable sales tax. Name ______

Address ______Cut out coupon at right and send to: The Music Market, 12th floor, 43 West 61 Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 Al low 4 to 6 weeks delivery.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 . THEATRE ORGAN 13 BOB HESS Much-Traveled Theatre Organist

by Lloyd E. Klos

Through the years, a number of Theatre which played all the" A" pic­ unusual but wonderful. It was as if an ATOS members have unofficially tures, and they had a tremendous entirely different world opened for served as "stringers" for the writer, 3/11 Barton. In those days, the or­ me. This was in the morning before researching material, conducting in­ ganist played the entire picture. A cue the show opened, and I fiddled terviews, etc. In early 1977, Marvin sheet was sent with the picture and around with it. The more I fiddled, and Jean Lautzenheiser were hosts to each organist had a music library. the better I liked it. After a half hour former theatre organist Bob Hess Scores were arranged to play the pic­ or so, the manager came down, tapped who was vacationing in the Virginia tures. me on the shoulder and said, "That's area. After a session on the Lautzen­ My drummer friend told his father enough. Come on back." He asked heiser home installation, they per­ of my misfortune and the latter·asked me when I could go to work. suaded Bob to put a resume of his ca­ that I come and see him. He intro­ JL That was a fast audition! reer onto a cassette tape, and the duced me to Walter Rolls, the man­ BH It was! I answered that I wasn't following, interspersed with material ager of the Oakland, who asked that I equipped to do this. He thought I from faded newspaper clippings, is play the organ for him. was , and I told him, "In that case, the edited result. I said, "I don't know anything I'm ready to go to work right now." JL Bob, we're primarily interested about playing the organ; I play a JL Same day? in what happened in the "good old dance band piano." He said that it BH Same day. Of course, in those days." First of all, when were you was a sort of dare. So I sat down and days they were short of organists. born? the minute I did, it felt good to me; Many lacked something, and to this BH I was born in 1903. JL How did you get interested in Bob Hess brings back the good old days at the Lautzenheiser console . (Hess collection) theatre organ? BH I had my own high school dance band in which I played piano. I wanted to be a doctor, so I went to college, playing piano in a large dance orchestra, on my way through. The schedule was three nights a week, get­ ting home at three in the morning and then arising for a 7:45 class. This was at Michigan State University in Lan­ sing, with its bitter winters. It was more than the human body could take and I became so ill with sinus trouble that I had to operated on twice. It left me very weak, which precluded my going back to school. This, I believe, was in 1924. It so happened that the father of the drummer in our orchestra was the director and violinist of the pit or­ chestra in the State Theatre in Pon­ tiac, Michigan, a picture-and-vaude­ ville house. Directly across the street from the State was the large Oakland

14 day, I don't know what that "some­ wa~ wrong in the booth. We'd go ~tiff-legged or normal. The operation thing" was. It was a spark, or talent down and play the organ until the was successful, but I didn't wa-lk or or something else. trouble was corrected. play for a year. I went to my father's Each theatre organization sent . JL That was the Adam . Theatre. home in Beaumont, Texas, to recup­ scouts out and they'd rob each other What was the make of organ? erate. of good organists. One day, I received BH I don't remember the make. It The city had a very fine theatre, the a phone call from Detroit, asking me had a three-manual con ole. (Editor's 1900-seat Jefferson, with a nice or­ to come for an audition at the old note: Our information tells us that it gan. As soon as I was able to get Capitol Theatre which was later re­ was a Hilgreen-Lane.) about again, I was offered the job at named the Paramount. It had a large JL How long were you at the the Jefferson. We used to broadcast 4-manual Wurlitzer and Don Miller Adams? from the theatre after the last show, was the organist. If ever there were a BH It was fairly long, as I played and employed three or four ushers to fine organist, Don Miller certainly one of the Jolson pictures for four answer telephone requests. They'd was it! He was also the one who dis­ months in very cold weather. But peo­ mark the numbers of slips of paper covered me. ple lined up around the block to see which were handed up to me. In those He had bought an Oakland auto­ the picture. days, for some reason or other, we'd mobile which was made in Pontiac JL Do you remember the admis­ always carry a library in our mind, and had gone to take delivery of it sion price? and it seems we could remember any­ from the assembly line. While he had BH It was about 65 cents or so. thing and everything which had ever two hours to kill, he visited theatres to Nothing like today's prices, but we been written. That was a lot of hard scout organists as customary. If he played to packed houses. I was called work, but also fun. I was next sent in found someone with possibilities, one evening after the dinner hour to 1930 to Houston's Metropolitan The­ he'd report back to his employers in report at the new Fisher Theatre, atre which was a much more elabo­ Detroit who invited the organist for which had a big Wurlitzer. I said, rate house." an audition. Which is what happened "What about my job?" They replied, to me while in Pontiac. "We don't know, but you're sup­ * * * posed to 'blow the Fisher organ He asked 12 other organists to play A column in the local press her­ out.' " The factory technicians were this and that, and as it was getting alded the arrival of the "blond and still there, getting the kinks out of the late, I had to get back to my job in curly-headed youngster who will be brand new organ before the opening Pontiac. I tapped Don on the shoulder featured in the stage show program the following Friday evening. This and told him I had to get back. He with his organlogues." He had played told me, "that's been taken care of; went on day and night; they tuned I've saved you for last for a particular and voiced, and I played it. I believe it reason." The rest of the organists left was on a Wednesday that they called after leaving their names and ad­ me to the back of the theatre where NO ROOMFOR PIPES? dresses for future contact. there was a group of well-dressed BUILDA DEVTRONIX men. They shook their heads in agree­ FORTHAT PIPE ORGAN SOUND He then told me to "get up there and play the organ as I heard you in ment that I would be the organist to the Oakland Theatre when I was wait­ open the Fisher Theatre. ing for my new car. You have a cer­ However, I turned it down cold tain peculiar ballad rhythm style right there because I was young and which I like and never heard before. I inexperienced and I just knew I was can't play it myself, but am going to not ready. However, I did give the learn how by listening to you. I can Fisher organ its initial workout. tell you now that before this audition They sent me to the Michigan The­ started, you were already picked. We atre, a big downtown house in De­ troit, as assistant to Arthur Gu tow, a want you to work for our company." 5 Models To Choose From fine organist. This was a deluxe the­ I told him I couldn't right away, (3 & 4 manual consoles) atre with a big pit orchestra, big stage Brochure $2 .00 Product Catalo~ S2 .00 that I had to go back to Pontiac. "No, Demo Cassette $4 .9S , played h, · shows (not vaudeville, but real fine EVERETT NOURSE you don't have to go back except to stage shows), and first-run pictures. the hotel and get your clothes, etc." We came up on the elevator in after­ So, I joined the new company and noon or evening clothes and played FOR YOUR • PIPE ORGAN started playing at the Adams Theatre, the finest overtures the masters ever ■ 32' -16' Pedal Tone Generators a house which howed long-run pic­ wrote. ■ Solid State Reverberation tures. I remember distinctly playing a ■ Capture Combination Systems; JL It must have been a thrill. Dual Memory--Low Power. part of the 1927 picture Wings. Much BH It was; it was a different world. of it was in sound, but some of it was That went on for quite some time un­ silent which was accompanied by the til I tore up my knee playing baseball. organ for many weeks. We played Each theatre had a team, and that's The Singing Fool and Sonny Boy with the way we got our exercise. I had to Al Jolson for four months. go to New Orleans for an operation By now, Yitaphone was in, but they by the famous Dr. Finner, chief of or­ 6101 WAREHOUSEWAY, DEPT. 30 kept a number of organists, including thopedic surgery at Tulane Univer­ SACRAMENTO,CALIF. 95826 myself. We sat around until the bell sity. It was a real serious operation, (916) 381-6203 rang, informing us that something because it meant that I'd either be

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 15 the overtures for several days and was tremendous organ. However, you Often, I played to packed houses, but worked into the spotlight-solo por­ must understand that l 've always I seldom got a peep out of them. Cer­ tion with song medlies. Noted organ­ been a Wurlitzer man in my prefer­ tainly, Durham is different, and the ist Harold Ramsay had a stint at the ence. I played the Fox, but not of­ older folks did join the fun and sing. Metropolitan and helped Bob arrange ficially. The other organs had long "The canned music which came in a kiddie organ club which met every gone, but the Moller has been saved .. with sound pictures has accustomed Saturday morning. While in Atlanta, I had a 15-minute people to sit inertly in movies, just morning program, six days a week, watching the flicks. They don't par­ * * * over WGST, the show being spon­ ticipate as they used to. BH I was there for some time, do­ sored by Rogers Grocery Stores. "Bob emphasized that he cannot ing much of what I had done in Beau­ JL Moving to Newport News, do sing well. He has never joined in any mont, plus spotlight solos and accom­ you know who played the Barton af­ community sing programs because he panying the bouncing ball for sing­ ter you left? Was it a lady by the name does not think much of his voice. He alongs. As the silents were gone, the of Gladys Lyle? is a modest gentleman, who does not organist was a featured attraction. He BH I remember my successor was a consider himself a great organist, but had to put on a 12- to 14-minute con­ tall, skinny boy. admits an organist must be good to cert, either accompanying the bounc­ JL You traveled often about this survive the inroads the sound movies ing ball or showing his expertise with time. Was it mostly for opening the­ have made in the profession. Thou­ solos. I also sat in with the stage band, atres? sands of theatre organists have gone playing piano, on occasion. BH Well, for quite some time that into other professions. After the Texas stint, I was sent to was true. I made a slight error before. "Perhaps I, too, would now be sell­ Atlanta's Paramount Theatre where I After the Capitol in Atlanta, I was ing bonds or insurance except that the played for a while, followed by a ten­ sent to Durham, North Carolina to business world shows people in my ure of five years at the Capitol The­ the Center Theatre, which had a profession such an unfriendly face atre in that city. Then I was sent to three-manual Robert-Morton. This and makes such uncomplimentary re­ places such as Newport News to open was for North Carolina Theatres Co., marks about our intelligence that as a new theatre, amid the gold and glit­ but there were divisions of Para­ long as I can stay in the theatre busi­ ter. mount all over the country. ness, I will. The pay is good. JL Did you open or play the organ * * * He takes a good deal of trouble re­ in the Newport News Paramount? hearsing his weekly program. His From clippings provided by Bob BH That was the theatre in which I chief difficulty is in the matter of Hess: The Center Theatre in Durham opened a Barton. pitching songs so they can be sung by was opened on December 16, 1938, (Editor's Note: This is the organ the audience. He sings each song him­ with the pledge of "supreme and which was re-installed in the Virginia self and if he can sing it with compli­ varied entertainment" for the public. Theatre in Alexandria, and is now in cated variations, most anyone can. The house was the first theatre to in­ storage.) "I don't want any applause from troduce "The Center Hour" which BH I'll tell you something which the audience. All I want them to do is included the popular ''Quotation of happened at Newport News. I was up sing. That's thanks enough." the Day.'' to stage level, playing a solo when the During his Durham stint, he also The Center was also the first the­ air hose fell off. Here I was, stuck in broadcast over WDNC, five days a atre in the Carolinas to introduce the the air and couldn't get down using week. pipe organ as a regular feature. The the elevator! I had to climb down as first organist was Ted Crawford who best I could. Never will forget that * * * had a six-month tenure. During the one! Then they sent me over to Char­ summer of 1939, the organ was idle, BH Durham is the center of Duke lottsville, Virginia, to open a new but starting in October, Bob Hess was University and the boys had a habit of Paramount Theatre there. This was in installed at the console. making it pretty tough for an organ­ 1932 and the organ was a Wurlitzer. According to a write-up in the ist. However, in my college days, I be­ JL Were you hired by the Para­ Durham Herald-Sun, Bob thought up longed to Sigma Alpha Epsilon fra­ mount people? many of his parodies for his sing­ ternity, which was considered about BH At this time, yes. When I got alongs while in the morning shower. the best, and when they found out I word to go to Newport News, or "He makes up his theatre programs was one of the boys, they let me alone. Nashville or wherever, to open a new through written requests, which he I wrote a song for Duke University theatre, there was never any question; says, are surprisingly many and over­ which was published in their song I just went. They put me up in a hotel whelmingly for songs written in the book, entitled "Song of the Chapel for three weeks beforehand while the old style." Chimes.'' The story was that the pres­ publicity appeared in the papers. It "Theatre patrons don't want new ident of Duke used to walk on campus was interesting and .altogether a new songs, unless they are unusually pop­ in the evening with his little son, and world to live in. In 1934, I played the ular, like the current 'South of the while amidst the pine trees, the chimes Olympia Theatre in Miami. Border,' "says Bob. "Folks are sur­ would ring, making the scene very JL I want to go back a bit and ask a prisingly timid about singing. I don't beautiful and serene. I had heard the couple questions. You said you were have much trouble getting young peo­ chimes often, something clicked in in Atlanta. Did you know Bob Van ple to join in a song, but middle:-aged my mind, so I decided to write a song Camp? people who need to forget their about the chimes. I talked with J. Fos­ BU Oh, yes. He still plays the troubles, won't sing. ter Barnes who was the director of . "Mighty Mo" at the Fox, which is a "I played eight years in Atlanta. music, and he had the Glee Club re-

16 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 cord this with the organ background. the way. I had a lot of Saturday morn­ mine, back in Detroit. He was a Then, we presented it in the theatre. It ing kiddie clubs. In fact, I originated pianist then, a very brilliant musician. was quite a presentation, and they the Young America Club in Durham. He was in the Paramount Music Li­ even used it on their spring tours. It was a howling success and a lot of brary at headquarters before becom­ JL When you were traveling, were fun. ing a producer to turn out beautiful you married? So, after I gave up music, I didn't pictures. BH I was married when I went to touch pipes or electronics for about JL Any other amusing things which Charlottsville. There, I featured my 30 years. Always wanted an organ in happened to you besides getting stuck wife, who was a very, very attractive my home. I finally had a chance to on the lift? girl. I had given her some organ buy a Hammond B-3 in 1965. It's a BH Oh, there were a number of in­ lessons in Atlanta. She played piano fine instrument with a Leslie speaker. teresting moments when ciphers also, and we worked up some piano­ But getting to play the computer­ cropped up. What could you do? It organ numbers. ized pipe organ in your home here was was embarrassing! You'd have to When I returned to Duke in 1939, I a real thrill, indeed. I had heard in­ wait until the show was over at mid­ decided I had enough. They wanted directly in a Fort Lauderdale music night when you did your rehearsing me to go to New York to play but I store about this instrument, and that and practicing, sometimes until five said no, because I did not like big the welcome mat is out to any ex-the­ in the morning. Then, you'd go to cities. New York always scared me. I atre organists who might drop by. So, your hotel and fall asleep, to awaken saw the handwriting on the wall as far by way of friends up here, here I am. in time for the first show at 1:45 p.m. as the theatre organ went. The theatre I've had a long-standing dream It was an entirely different world, but company, however, induced me to go that I could have a home large enough interesting and -I'm glad I lived into the management end, and in due to house one of the organs I played in through it. course, I was sent to New Orleans to the old days, such as the one in the JL It was unusual because your ill­ the E. B. Richards theatres which Michigan Theatre in Detroit. Also, a ness led you into this and were it not were also a part of Paramount-Pub­ nine-foot Steinway concert grand in a for that, just think, we'd have a world lix. I became district manager until loft by itself, played through the or­ without Bob Hess to open theatres. the war came and I enlisted in the fi­ gan console. BH I wasn't one of the well-known nance branch of the Air Corps. JL When the article about you ap­ organists, but I had a circle of fans. I They wanted me back in the theatre pears in THEATRE ORGAN Maga­ wish I knew where some of them are, business after the war:, but I decided zine, there will be people all over the and I wish the theatre organ would upon something else. I got a degree in country who will say, "I remember come back as it was. Chamber of Commerce administra­ him." JL It can't come back as it was in tion and stayed in that field for some BH Well, I don't know that. I never the first great era, but we have many time. Later, I went into real estate had a name or reputation like Jesse young people getting interested in it as from which I retired some years ago. Crawford, although I knew him very potential artists on the circuit. Our in­ JL Your theatre organ career was well. I knew C. Sharpe Minor, Arthur strument here is often used to enter­ from 1924 through 1939. There was a Gutow, Don Miller and well, I can't tain the very young. Last Monday, we lot of traveling in that period. remember all of them. Joe Pasternak had 25 who were four and five years BH Yes, and I failed to mention a who became a great producer in Hol­ of age, sitting here, open-mouthed, stirit in Nashville. Dallas was along lywood, was a very fine friend of and listening intently to the organ. They had never heard such a thing In November 1977, Bob Hess played the DTOC's 4/ 34 Wurlitzer, fifty years after he had played it in Detroit's Fisher before. Theatre . ( Hess collection) BH If I could be a young man again and have the funds to do it, I would rebuild an instrument, and truck it all over the country to play for people in little towns and remote villages where they couldn't conceive of anything like this. I'd give anything to do that. I'm searching right now for an answer for the rest of my life. That's what I'd like to do. I'd have to do a lot of "woodshedding" to bring my playing skills up to par. It would be great for Bob Hess to realize his ambition as explained above. However, in November 1977, thanks to DTOS member, Richard Weber, he realized a great thrill and honor to play the 4/34 Wurlit;zer in the Senate Theatre, the same organ he had played in the Fisher Theatre five decades ago. "I was most pleased that I could still play that organ after 50 years. I hope to return." D

17 SPECIAL TOOLING FOR WURLITZER RESTORATION AND MAINTENANCE

By E. S. "Tote" Pratt, Jr., Director of Organ Restoration and Development, OVC-ATOS

Drawing by Arthur Kessler, Organ Crew Member

Experienced organ buffs undoubt­ buffs in our great hobby. These tools matics. If the gasket is not damaged, edly have developed tooling to facili­ have made our restoration task much reuse it by matching breaks and glu­ tate the restoration of theatre organs, easier, and they have been very useful ing carefully, or preferably replace particularly in chapters with diversi­ in ongoing maintenance. The illustra­ with a new packing leather gasket fied know-how in their organ crews, tions show the tool details and how (and spacer, using punch cut-out such as is the case at the OVC-ATOS they are used in practice. from the new gasket). Emery Theatre. But what of the in­ Secondary Pneumatic Releathering dividuals who, by good fortune, ac­ Pneumatic Remover (Plate I) Jig (Plate II) quire or are called upon to work on a The first hurdle facing one is to re­ This special jig (we have four for theatre organ in less than acceptable move old pneumatics for releathering Wurlitzer pneumatics) makes releath­ condition, even needing rebuilding or easily, quickly and without damage to ering easy. By using four jigs an as­ basic general maintenance? pneumatic or chest. We designed and sembly line can be set up. A thor­ On the Ohio Valley Chapter ATOS built this removal tool. It is made of oughly cleaned and sanded pneumatic Wurlitzer (originally a 260 Special stainless steel bar stock milled down blank unit with tab removed is placed 3/ 19, Opus 1680, now a 3/26 with to 1/32" thickness at one end and bias in the "V" slot and the aluminum piano) a complete rebuild was accom­ cut with a slightly sharp edge. The wedge driven in to hold it at the right plished, which included adding a handle at the other end is of the same maximum opening size. Wurlitzer five-rank chest, a one-rank stock welded on so the tool can be A word on releathering technique: chest, a style H Special 3/ l 1 Wurlitzer driven with the palm of the hand. The Leather (thin tan) is cut in a rectangu­ relay, two switch stacks and two new tool is inserted between the pneumatic lar strip slightly wider than the maxi­ trems. The project involved releather­ and the chest, and must be kept flat mum opening when in the jig. The ing approximately 5000 pneumatics. against the chest to prevent gouging length varies with the size of the pneu­ of chest or pneumatic. By angling the matic being covered. The cut skin Described in this article and pic­ tool, more than one pneumatic can be should be long enough to go around tured herein with construction details removed at a time, rotating the tool the pneumatic and lap at least 1/4" are some fixtures and tooling we de­ 180 ° to cut the other side of the pneu­ on the back. With the rough side of signed and built for the project, which matic seal gaskets. This applies to the leather against the pneumatic, lay we hope will give some ideas to other both primary and secondary pneu- the strip on top of the pneumatic blank extending halfway down the back at the hinge end, then down as far as the wedge in front (excess length will be glued later). Spread glue (we use white furniture glue) on the ---- 1:" ' I edges of the bare pneumatic. Wipe APPRO'J<, __J away all but a thin coating; excess 15° _____,... glue will ooze out onto the part of the leather which must be flexible, and 11 ------when hardened can damage the skin 1_Z -- ~------and cause leaks. Place leather at the back (hinge end) of the pneumatic first, pressing to assure good contact, then continue leathering on the long side of the pneumatic, being sure that the corner is snugly sealed firm, and PNEUMATIC REMOVER then finally go around the movable PLAT(; end the same way. Glue only half of I the front. Wait about five minutes,

18 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 remove pneumatic carefully and lay on the table, leather side down. Do not move the pneumatic itself yet; .... __., keep it at full open position. A second pneumatic can be started in the jig while this is happening, and so with --- four jigs a continuous flow of pneu­ matics can be available for the final -B- operation. Now, with the pneumatic in maxi­ mum open position continue gluing the leather around the rest of the front, along the other long side and up the back, overlapping the starting point by 1/4". Glue tightly, then trim excess leather with sharp scissors. All that is left to do is to put the spoon tab back on the pneumatic, glue on a packing leather gasket and spacer, and the pneumatic is finished! If the tab felt pad is worn or missing, re­ place with woven felt to resist wear from the spoon during operation. ..-...--· Check for leaks when dry. Form leather at the movable end into a dou­ -A- ble "V" inside fold. Primary Pneumatic Releathering Jig (Plate III) SECON DAA.Y RELEATMERIWGJIG PNEUMATIC The operation is basically the same PLATE II as the above, except that these pneu­ matics, of course, are not hinged, so the seam has to be on one long side of the pneumatic. Place cleaned blocks in the clamp jig. In any given application (i.e., / --- chest, relay, console, etc.) all are the =-_; same size. Start halfway up on the ~ i;;_:; long side and glue the sides of the ~ L------' pneumatic which are exposed. Wait five minutes, remove from jig and complete the other sides, except for -B- the 1/4" overlap. Before gluing the seam, let the pneumatic dry for ten minutes or so, then carefully put a thin layer of glue on the leather over­ lap. Stretch (open) the pneumatic gently to pull seam together to seal it. Press the seam together. Wipe off all glue squeezed out. Hold it in the stretched position for one minute . Check for leaks when dry.

Console Stop Tab Drilling Fixture (Plate IV) When adding new stop keys sup­ plied by Hesco (Hagerstown, Mary­ land) from Wurlitzer templates, the -A- fulcrum end is not drilled for the stop key arm when delivered. To facilitate drilling at the correct angle for the PR.IM~RY PN E:UMATIC RELEATMERIN6 JIG arm, we made a fixture to hold the PLATE Ill stop key in the proper position while drilling in a drill press.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 19 STANDARD VALVE STEM ~ /';' ·"\ 't,-r; I ~ ., LE.ATI-IER } NU'T-

STE.EL

STOP KEY DRILLING TEMPLATE LEATMER NUT T~Rf:ADE:R PLATE IV PLAT~ 'fil

Magnet Tool (Plate V) Leather Nut Pre-threader (Plate VI) metal disc with a set screw to grip the To aid in adjusting lead-base mag­ This tool starts a thread in a leather stem, which can then be turned by net caps we designed a three-way tool nut, making it easier to thread the nut thumb and finger to adjust the valve consisting of a dag wrench, a tube onto the valve stem. Most useful on movement. screw adjust driver and a small­ switch stacks and console primary diameter rod to push up on the arma­ boxes where access is difficult. The ture to check for dirt, or general mag­ threaded end of the tool is a valve These tools and ideas have made net armature operation. This is a stem soldered to the spindle. our task easier and it is hoped that small unit which can be used in such others can benefit from their use. If close quarters as console stop tab more information is needed, please combination primaries and relay Valve Stem Adjuster (Plate VII) don't hesitate to contact the writer at switch stacks. The overall dimensions As it is sometimes difficult to get a OVC-ATOS, Emery Theatre, 1112 can vary to fit particular clearance pin vise on a valve stem because of Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio conditions (ours is 2-1 /2'' long). tight quarters, we have made a knurled 45210, or call 513/861-2869. □

ORI LL ~44

ORILL~.35 1AP- USA 6-32 ARMATURf OR NC 411 TUBE SCREW (Xi)T0OL ADJ lJ STER MAGN~T TOOL VALVESTEM ADJUSTER PLAT(;V PLATE VII

20 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 without added shadows. The flash - especially the electronic variety - also is in very stark contrast to the darkness of the auditorium. Besides, as the average distance at which a flash is effective is around twenty feet, the extra-special picture the photographer had hoped for will come out no better than if he'd not used it at all, unless he's in the first several rows. 4. Please do nothing to disturb your fellow listeners - flipping cas­ settes noisily (if taping is permitted), singing or humming along if it hasn't CONCERT ETIQUETTE been requested, rustling papers, etc. 5. The artist is doing all he/she can to usher the audience to a really good Every performing artist has a re­ two or more sections, please applaud time. That is the artist's number one sponsibility to the audience to give only at the end of the entire piece. Ap­ priority. So do enjoy yourself! Being them a good time, preferably in good plauding in the middle is like leaving overly critical of artist or instrument musical taste, and each concert-goer the dinner table before dessert. The can ' destroy an otherwise enjoyable has a responsibility to show respect to artist, by his/her "console presence" experience. the artist and to each other. Here are will let you know when it's time. With a little respect, we can all have some guidelines: 3. A void at all costs taking flash a great time. 1. Be responsive and supportive. pictures during the program. Besides If any reader has an idea for subject Applaud and cheer if you really like disturbing others in the auditorium, it matter for this column, please write to something; be polite and kind if you really shows a lack of respect for the "Konsole Kapers, " cl o THEATRE don't. artist. It is sometimes difficult enough ORGAN, 3448 Cowper Court, Palo 2. If the artist announces "Prelude seeing music (if used), tabs (especially Alto, California 94306. We'd love to and Fugue,'' or any title that indicates reeds in a red spotlight) and pistons, hear from you! □

JOIN THE 15th ORGAnlSTS' SEA SAPARI TO mex1co For 11 days, April 9 to 20, 1983, aboard Sitmar's beautiful TSS FAIRSEA

And Featuring

LYN LARSEN .,, - ... ~ --=#-~ ....1;:::f_., ,~~~ -==~ AND GENE ROBERSON

Presenting Concerts Cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera, with port stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, and return to Los Angeles. Besides all of Sitmar 's fabu­ and lous services, you will be treated to all of Sea Safari's exciting special organ events and parties. By Workshops the way, Sitmar will fly you FREE from over 100 major U.S. cities.

FOR FULL INFORMATION AND BROCHURE, CONTACT: ANNE OLSON / SEA SAFARIS 1236 Volcan View Drive, P.O. Box 1219, Julian, California 92036 (619) 765-1236

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 21 phone and allied equipment, was our 3/ 11 Wurlitzer. He always gives "engineer," Jess Littlefield, amid us a great show, spiced with good vintage trappings at home, "listened music, devilish English humor and in" on a cathedral-style table radio fine playing. He is noted for his med­ and the writer served as announcer. leys, sometimes seven or eight num­ "The Life of Jesse Crawford" was bers at a time, selections not heard too the subject of the second show, and often. His sing-along was a dandy! never fails to thrill the Crawford Tom Anderson, serving as host for devotees. It featured many photos of these artists, did his usual fine job. the poet, his family, the theatre or­ CHARLIE RICH gans he played, interspersed with the music which every organist tried to copy but none succeeded. ''The For­ gotten Melody,'' '' I Love to Hear You Singing," and the rousing "Maine Stein Song" which Mr. and Mrs. Crawford performed in duet, were the most stirring renditions. That the subject was thoroughly re­ searched was proved by the myriad of dates and anecdotes which John Lan­ don provided. Following a question-answer (NFTOS) - Buffalo, New York period, John played a few numbers 716/834-2712 on the Eisenhart organ. If you are We were pleased to present Frank given the opportunity to witness a Olsen in concert at the Riviera The­ Landon performance, don't miss it! atre on December 8. Frank, who is There's nothing comparable to it any­ well-known to the Riviera audience, where, and it will enrich immensely entertained with an interesting variety Dc~ic:otc~ to pru~sc~r~vinfJ the~ SO(JrJO or tbc~ " Kinf) or lnstr~urnc~nts " your knowledge of the theatre pipe of moods, countries and eras on the organ and its performers. Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. He also Rochester Theater Organ Society LLOYD E. KLOS (RTOS) - Rochester, New York accompanied a silent ·movie and a 716/ 266-8251 sing-along. There were some sur­ prises, too, as he was joined in duets Dr. John W. Landon, authorof the EmpireState by Roy Simon on the grand piano. definitive work on the life of Jesse They play beautifully together. Crawford, has prepared a series of theatre and musical instrument museum Frank Olsen now lives in Port Col­ fascinating slide shows which he has (ESTMIM) - Syracuse, New York borne, Ontario, Canada, where he shown in England and the United 315/ 492-0465 teaches organ. He holds many degrees States. In September he visited After being played at two State in music and has cut several records. Rochester for a two-day appearance Fairs, our Syracuse-built W. J. Staub This past summer he spent consider­ at the Eisenhart Auditorium. 2/9 tracker organ will have a new able time on concert tour in England, His first presentation was ''The home in the Korean Presbyterian Scotland and Holland where he was Theatre Organ in Radio," and not Church. The church is replacing its well received. only was John's pleasing narration in electronic, and we believed the Future concerts at the Riviera will evidence between segments of slides, tracker would get more frequent use be Robert Wolf on January 19 and but recorded music and vocals were there, where it was originally installed interspersed. The singing voice of in 1902. Carl Shea supervised its Stan Kann on February 16. Milton Charles sounded almost like removal from the Fairgrounds by a BETTY BOWMAN 0 Fred Astaire's. Another segment had church men's group. Ann Leaf exchanging light banter We opened our fall concert season with her announcer. From a collec­ on September 18 with Tom Gnaster, tion of over 10,000 recordings and appearing here for the first time. He is C!Clo~ingC!Cborb transcriptions, the listeners were a fine musician-showman, his pro­ treated to some rare material, all gram being enjoyed by all. Two eve­ meticulously transferred to tape and nings before, Tom played before Organist Phillip DeSano, 74, whose timed with the precision of an expert KTOS in Kingston, Ontario, so Carl professional name was Phil Reed, technician. Shea, our program chairman, drove died recently in Fort Myers, Florida. The second half of the program him into Syracuse to assure his ap­ He had become ill the day of his was a re-enactment of a show once pearance, public transportation be­ death. heard on KDKA, Pittsburgh. At the tween the two localities not being the DeSano's introduction to show Eisenhart's 3/8 Wurlitzer, John greatest. business occurred sixty years ago. played the role of organist Aneurin On October 16 Robin Richmond During his career he played at the Bodycombe; Lauren Peckham, who from France, and one of the real old­ Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, and provided the spring-mou .nted micro- timers, made his third appearance at accompanied silent films and vaude-

22 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 ville. He also worked at Roseland and Don Baker. He had pleasant memo­ the Brooklyn Ice Palace. ries of the ATOS meetings at the At Mineola, New York, he played Radio City Music Hall, with meetings at the ice rink, and in Elmont, the starting at 8:00 a.m. because the Wal-Cliffe rink. Providing music for RCMH opened to the public early National Ice Skating competitions in during its hey-day. Like many organ Madison Square Garden, he also enthusiasts, he was al o a lifelong made recordings of skating music model railroader. which were played in rinks through­ Since moving to Florida, Ted was out the country. an enthusiastic supporter of the proj­ He is survived by his wife, three ect to install a 3/ l 2 Wurlitzer in the sons, a daughter, and eleven grand­ Tampa Theatre. He worked at least children. Burial was at the Mauso­ once a week in re-leathering, rewiring leum of the Fort Myers Memorial and whatever else was necessary in Gardens. getting this instrument ready. He looked forward each time to working with fellow crew members and the Allen Rossiter . kind of friendship that can only exist in a cramped and dusty organ cham­ work that nobody could get near the ber. Those who knew and worked instrument to play it for about twenty with Ted Chapman found him to be years. always thoughtful, helpful and quiet­ Rossiter was particularly proud of ly competent. He listened to others his continuing role as financial super­ and was judged a very good friend visor of the New York Theatre Organ (and chairman) by those closest to Society's popular series of Sunday him. He was a "gentle man" in the morning concert meetings at Radio best sense of the word. He will be City Music Hall. He loved greeting missed. the yawning, half-asleep crowds as ¥, ¥, ¥, they came in the golden doors at 8:00 Theatre organ enthusiasts all over a.m. and to settle accounts with the the world were saddened to learn that Music Hall box-office treasurer. But veteran ATOS leader, Allen W. Ross­ as shy as he was about most public ap­ iter, 60, died on November 16, 1982, pearances, he was always pleased Edward F. Chapman at the console of the New York after a long illness. Rossiter, a former when Claud Beckham called him out Paramount Wurlitzer in September 1964. National Vice President of ATOS and from behind the massive gold contour curtain to announce the morning's at­ Edward F. "Ted" Chapman, 1982 a National Director for many years, tendance figures from the great Music chairman of the Central Florida was widely known for his continual Chapter, died suddenly on October efforts on behalf of the theatre organ Hall stage. 23, 1982. He was 65 years old. movement in the northeastern U.S., Of all his theatre organ activities, Stricken by an aneurism, he passed particularly in the formation and de­ which included attending every na­ away at a hospital in St. Petersburg, velopment of the New York Theatre tional ATOS convention as well as Florida. He and his wife, Janet, had Organ Society, chartered chapter of many regional mini-conventions and moved to St. Petersburg from North ATOS for the greater metropolitan festivals, Rossiter attached most im­ Branch, New Jersey in 1978. Burial New York area, including suburban portance to his key role in financial was in St. Petersburg. In addition to counties in New York State and planning and administration for the his wife, other survivors include two northern New Jersey. 1970 Fabulous Fifteenth ATOS Con­ daughters and a sister. A graduate of Until his health began to fail, Ross­ vention, an extravaganza that ran day Drexel College in Philadelphia, he iter had spent practically all his wak­ and night for nine days with a budget was by profession an accountant. ing hours on theatre organ activities that exceeded $30,000! Ted had a lifelong love affair with (although he did occasionally slip Allen Rossiter attended Union Col­ the theatre organ. He was fortunate away to play the baroque classics on a lege in Schenectady, New York, brief­ to have been born at a time when such recorder with a local New Jersey ly before he was called into worldwide organs could still be heard in their quartet). He had been interested in service with the U.S. Navy as a radio natural habitat - the theatre, both in music and electronics since his early technician for the duration of World the silent and sound days. He joined ham radio days in Boonton, New War II. After the war he joined the ATOS (then ATOE) in the early '60s Jersey, where his family moved a few technical service staff of the Bur­ and was an active member of the Del­ months after Allen was born in New roughs Corporation for computer aware Valley and New York Chap­ York City. Those interests culmi­ diagnostics and service. He retired ters. He worked on various organs, nated in his building what was from Burroughs about a year before such as the one in the Bound Brook, thought to be the first Schober elec­ his death. He is survived by his New Jersey, theatre, and had many tronic theatre organ ever assembled in mother, Mrs. Isabel Rossiter, and his fond memories of seeing and hearing a hobbyist's home. It was character­ sister, Mrs. Edith Boon, to whom the­ instruments in Pennsylvania, New istic of Rossiter's devotion to the bus­ atre organ buffs everywhere extend Jersey, and the New York City area. iness affairs of the New York Theatre their profound sympathy. His efforts His favorite organ was, of course, the Organ Society that the Schober con­ and his friendship will be sorely New York Paramount, and he at­ sole in his tiny apartment living room missed. tended the closing performance by was piled so high with Society paper- CLAUD BECKHAM 0

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 23 the Schine enterprises for two years. He also opened the Century Theatre in Buffalo, New York. Carl Landau di­ rects the Proctor's Theatre orchestra. May 1929 (Met.) By Chicago organist, RUTH GOR­ MAN FARLEY. "Whoopie Time" has hit Chicago with a bang! It was started a couple months ago at the Uptown Theatre and the idea has been so successful that it is to be in­ troduced at the Tivoli and Paradise. Whoopie shows consist of everyone in the show doing what he thinks he can do, not having the courage to do it elsewhere. I hear that at one per­ formance, organist EDDIE HOUSE ran across the stage in The bulk of these nuggets is about the lady organists, our his BVD's. Now I know B & K's reason for not wanting girl annual salute to all the hard-working gals of the ATOS. soloists! References were Local Press (LP), American Organist Whoopie Nights have held one benefit for organists. It (AO), Around the Town (ATT), Metronome (Met.), Exhib­ has given a permanent home for HENRI A. KEA TES at the itor's Herald World (EHW), and Variety (V). Paradise, EDDIE HOUSE at the Uptown, and CHAUN­ February 14, 1921 (LP) Loew' s State in Indianapolis CEY HAINES at the Tivoli. opened today with RUTH NOLLER at the 3-manual May 1929 (Met.) By Chicago organist, RUTH GOR­ Moller. (Later organists were L. EARL GORDON, LES­ MAN FARLEY. LEONARD SALVO is visiting Chicago. TER HUFF and JUSTINE RAIRDON.) He is the organist at the Gateway Theatre in Kenosha, Wis­ September 2, 1922 (LP) When Indianapolis' Cadle The­ consin, and is considered very Bohemian. To me, he is the atre opened today, Mrs. WILLIAM E. DUTHIE was at the whole of Greenwich Village. He and his charming little 3-manual Smith-Geneva console. (Later, MYRON E. wife, Della, have an ungainly habit of dropping in on me RODEBAUGH played it.) . anywhere from three to six a.m., my lullaby time. Len re­ July 1923 (AO) Mrs. GERTRUDE BAILY, organist at ports himself a great favorite at the Gateway. Chicago's Michigan Theatre, is an assistant to Frank Van Dusen at the American Conservatory's theatre organ April 26, 1930 (EHW) KATHERINE KADERL Y at school. Formerly a member of the Bradley Conservatory Brooklyn's Loew's Metropolitan Theatre, offered an organ faculty, she is an experienced organist with a large reper­ specialty of community singing songs, which she played toire of classics, and her musicianship has been tried and very well and the audience sang very well. The numbers in­ proved in church and theatre. cluded "I'm Following You," "I Love You So," "Singing July 1923 (AO) HELEN SEARLES (WESTBROOK), a In the Rain," "Congratulations" and "The Stein Song." native of Southbridge, Massachusetts, a student of and Miss Kaderly's efforts always get the good reception they assistant to Frank Van Dusen of the American Conserva­ deserve. tory, began music study at 11 with her mother who was an Circa 1930 (V) New in the music department at Los organist. Her first engagement was at Norwood Park Meth­ Angeles' Boulevard Theatre is IRIS WILKENS, featured odist Church in Chicago at 14. Later, turning attention to organist. This is Iris Vining, who was at the Granada in San the theatre, she has held positions in several Chicago houses Francisco for three years. She recently married Don Wil­ and worked up to an enviable reputation as a theatre organ­ kens, band leader, changing her professional name to her ist. She plays from memory, both classics and jazz, using husband's. Mrs. Wilkens is a crackerjack organist and a both for picture work when the scene requires, and with a valuable acquisition at the Boulevard. They are featuring certain pep and style which are irresistable. her. May 29, 1926 (LP) DESSA BYRD was at the Wurlitzer Circa 1930 (V) JESSE CRAWFORD is using'' A Military when the 986-seat Uptown Theatre in Indianapolis opened Concert" in his own style. The list of stirring march tunes today. (Later, VIVIAN ARBAUGH played it.) gives him full scope for those smashing organ effects and is December 26, 1927 (LP) The 1200-seat Walker Theatre in a capital idea for his finish with MRS. CRA WFORD's play­ Indianapolis opened today. MARY SINGLETON was at ing from the second console. This is a magnificent climax to the 2/8 Barton console. a stirring moment of music. With two players combined, May 6, 1928 (LP) JUANITA BROWN and WEST MAS­ the full crash of the big New York Paramount organ is tre­ TERS were the opening organists at the 3/9 Marr & Colton mendous in these military numbers. in Indianapolis' Fountain Square Theatre. The house seats 1428. According to publicity, "A divided pipe organ of the May 23, 1931 (MPH) ADA RIVERS at Loew's State in very latest type and design has been provided, and is so New Orleans, plays the role of interlocutor this week in her placed that the source of sound is entirely concealed. Ar­ solo '' Minstrel Follies,'' with the audience singing a chorus, rangements have been made and proper facilities have been after urging of "Alexander's Ragtime Band." This is fol­ provided for broadcasting recitals." lowed by famous minstrel sings, with Bert Williams' "I December 1928 (ATT) A very able organist in Schenec­ Ain't Got Nobody" taking the biggest hand. A whistling tady, New York, is WILLIAM A. MABLY. Mably is being chorus of "Swanee River" is next with Miss Rivers making featured at the new Proctor's Theatre, and broadcasts over the audience whistle, and using her wood block to suggest a WGY. He is recognized as one of the first to broadcast over tap dance which is supposed to accompany it. The close gets the Marconi station in Toronto. ELSIE ADDISON off in great style with "Dinah." Applause was prolonged; MABL Y is featured with her husband in organ novelties one of Miss Rivers' best solos. which have been successful. Previous to this engagement, See you in April. So long, sourdoughs! Mably had been at the Colonial Theatre in Detroit and with Jason & The Old Prospector □

24 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 Q. We have a Style E, seven-rank Wurlitzer which is being prepared for installation in our home. What would Questions and Answers you recommend as the optimum size for the pipe chambers? I don't want on the crowded chambers, yet I also don't want wasted space. I also plan to add Technical Side a 16' reed. How about minimum ceil­ ing height? by Lance Johnson A• You have not told me whether you are adding on to your home or making organ chambers out of exist­ concerts or movie crowds. Much dis­ ing space. It would be far more help­ credit can come to the theatre organ ful to me if you would send your Doyou have any questions? by forcing people to listen to an out­ house plans drawn to scale, with your of-tune instrument. You can always ideas sketched in. Then I can recom­ Send them direct to: play around the stops that contain too mend the proper space to be allocated many dead notes. for the organ. D QUIZMASTER and Organbuilder LANCE JOHNSON Box 1228 Fargo, North Dakota 58102 About TheatreOrgan Competition Q. In your symposium on theatre organ tremulants last summer you mentioned that your wind gauge was far more accurate and responsive by Eleanor D. Weaver, Chairman, than gauges available from other Young Organist's Award Committee sources. Could you please mention again where to obtain this instrument Eleanor D. Weaver. and the cost? Chapters that have never held com­ penses for written and telephone com­ A. The Magnehelic gauge can be or­ petitions may wonder how to go munication, and then the necessary dered from Tracker Tool Supply, 799 about starting one. Many decisions appropriation must be obtained. West Water Street, Taunton, Massa­ have to be made at the outset. My best Next, you must prepare an infor­ chusetts 02780. The cost is $40.00. advice, based on seven years as chair­ mation and rules sheet, complete with This gauge is precision-built, and man of the successful competition entry blank, and distribute these to comes with a case and tubing. I have program of the Connecticut Valley organ teachers, who are generally checked it against a water gauge and Chapter, is that the first step is to es­ your best source for entrants, and to find it absolutely accurate. tablish a special committee to plan chapter members who know promis­ and administer a competition. For the ing young organists. After entries are Q. Our chapter maintains a large job to be done properly (at least prop­ received, a practice schedule for the four-manual theatre organ installed erly as we saw it) will require the competition organ must be established in a theatre, and we often hold con­ thinking and actual assistance of sev­ for each contestant. Judges have to be certs, etc. The problem is that our eral people. decided upon and asked to partici­ maintenance crew can't make up their Among the basic decisions which pate. A rating sheet for use by the minds whether to keep the organ in must be made at the outset are: The judges must be prepared and ready by good tune or go after dead notes. Can age and any other qualifications of the competition date, as well as a you break the deadlock? entrants; the music to be played; ac­ schedule established for order of ap­ cess to the competition organ; date pearance of the candidates. A. I wish all the questions were this and place of competition; number of Like any such endeavor, all these easy. It is far more important to keep judges and their qualifications; things will involve considerable ef­ the instrument in tune than to worry method of judging; number and fort, planning and execution. But, about dead notes. Certainly there amount of prizes; time, date and speaking again as an individual who must be a way to schedule your main­ place of prize awards. lived with this for seven years, my tenance activities to accomplish both. If your chapter operates on a bud­ contact with the students who partici­ There is no excuse for presenting an get, costs must be estimated to cover pated was, generally speaking, one of out-of-tune organ, whether it be for prize money and administrative ex- the niost rewarding experiences of my

JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 25 life. They were almost uniformly \Cry he happy to give you the benefit of removed. Such is the case of the intelligent, thoroughly nice, and high­ \\'hat ever advice or help I can offer. threatened Oakland, California, Par­ ly motivated - young people with See London and South of England amount. Its future was assured when whom it was a plea-..urc to work. Chapter Notes, page 40. □ it became the Paramount Theatre of Other members of my committee the Performing Arts, the home of the shared this; feeling very 1.,trongly. It Oakland Symphony Orchestra. With was personally very rewarding. an increasingly catholic acceptance Speaking of rewarding, let me em­ of a much wider range of music than phasize the need for offering 1.,ignifi­ in the past, the management of the cant prizes, probably money, a1.,a Paramount, then under the leader­ means of motivating the young or­ ship of Jack Bethards, noted the or­ ganists to devote the neces-;ary gan chambers left empty when the amoum of time out of their busy original Wurlitzer Publix No. 1 was schedules. In Connecticut we awarded removed years ago. There were sug­ trophies to winners, and gave each gestions that a classical organ would contestant a framed photograph of be more proper, but such an instru­ him. elf or herself seated at the organ ment would not be in keeping with the console, but it was the monetary prize theatre atmosphere which the sym­ that lured them. I do not . ay this in phony people wanted to preserve. any demeaning sense; these young­ Then came the donation of a gener­ . ters have lot. of needs which can only ous supply of vital organ components be met in monetary terms, and i r they from J. B. Nethercutt, creator of the are to give up a great deal of their time San Sylmar museum which houses a and energy, there must be some huge theatre organ. Much later Sandy chance of their profiting by it. How­ Fleet donated an additional supply of ever, they also liked the attention they Wurlitzer organ parts. Still, progress received. We always arranged to get a was very slow. And that became a photograph in their local newspapers touchy matter. We recall that several of their receiving the award, they were Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ years ago a former THEATRE OR­ asked to play a concert at a chapter viduals sponsoring or merchandising GAN columnist was soundly repri­ meeting, and parents bragged to all theatre pipe organ records are en­ manded by a Nor-Cal Chapter chair­ their friends. For at least a brief time, couraged to send pressings to the man for even mentioning the lan­ they were stars. And now, with estab­ Record Reviewer , Box 3564, Granada guishment in his column. Then, as the lishment of a national award, enter­ Hills, California 91344. Be sure to '70s faded, there was a spurt of activ­ include purchasing information (post­ ing them into the national competi­ paid price, ordering address,) if appli ­ ity and the organ took form. The al­ tion holds out the added allure of cable, and a black and white photo of bum jacket notes mention that it is possibly becoming a national winner. the artist which need not be returned. larger in number of ranks than the Reali tically, it would be very di ffi­ original installation, which would cult for a chapter which has never probably place it in the middle 20's sponsored a competition to get it all GEORGE WRIGHT: PARA­ rankwise (the information is not given together for 1983; however, it is none MOUNT ORGAN PREMIER. Ban­ on the jacket). The organ sounds too early to begin working toward one da (stereo) No. KM 10468. $10.00 large and full in the live acoustics of for 1984. In all honesty, to do it and postpaid from Banda Records, Box the refurbished 3000-seat house, as do it well will require that much time. 392, Oxnard, California 93032. heard on this recording. Although it's Please address any questions you an assembled organ, made from parts may have to me: Mrs. Eleanor D. It's a red letter day for the organ of several organs, the assemblers have Weaver, 664 Litchfield Turnpike, hobby when there is news of an organ managed to produce a balanced re­ Bethany, Connecticut 06525. I shall going into a theatre, rather than being cording instrument from the tonal ------Keep in Touch----- ~ ~•.-:.·.,4 -with the British Organ Scene%

Subscribe to "The Journal of the Cinema Organ Society, "a quarterly ar anooaaut publication featuring photos, history, stoplists, biographies and technical articles ... Plus monthly newsletters of the latest theatre organ news, events, and record reviews. Hon. Treasurer: Send $15.00 (U.S.) or $18.00 (Canadian) Mr. A. Hingley for membership in "The Cinema Organ Society." 376 Wake Green Road Includes a subscription to the Journal Moseley, and 12 monthly newsletters. Birmingham B13, OBL, England

26 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 viewpoint, a long and tediom proce­ can extend that last comment to all dure involving the matching of ranks the selections on the record; we can for volume and tone quality. Both detect no weak spots in the Wright technical knowhow and musical sen­ playing technique despite the fact that ~itivity are in evidence. all cuts are "take ones." November 7, 1981, wa selected for The review pressing had a few the premiere, with George Wright at rough areas, but not many. Ron Mus­ the console. This recording was taped selman 's portion of the jacket notes during that concert. Making a record­ tell the story of the Paramount's new ing during a concert is always ri. ky. organ in an interesting style devoid of The artist must get it right the fir. t "geewhiz" aspects, and George time because there can be no . econd Wright's portion adds further perti­ takes. George comes through splen­ nent info. Rarely does a jacket in­ didly on that count. The unknown clude notes of a negative nature; nor­ factor is audience noise. There i. the mally they are highly positive. In this inevitable applause to swamp the case, this jacket departs from the final chord of each selection, but it's norm. It includes a review-commen­ the noise a few people in the audience tary by a retired newspaper reporter, make during the music that i distract­ one with little knowledge of nor inter­ ing - mainly coughing. Even this can est in organs. The lady looks down be minimized by judicious miking. George Wright. her cultured nose at the audience Yet there was no special microphone members seen in the lobby, describes placement to meet organ pickup re­ agaimt bells at one point. "Some Oakland in terms of some Gertrude quirements; the microphone used Harry Warren Songs" includes Stein bafflegab, and describes the ear­ were in position to tape the symphony "42nd Street," "Shufne Off to Buf­ lier Paramount organ as a "foolish orchestra. This practice works well falo," "Shadow Waltz" (on Vox, delight.'' But she has a redeeming fea­ for large organ combinations but Chimes and cough . ) and "Lu Ila bye ture; she approves of George and his when George cuts down to soft strings of Broadway" (all titles unlisted, but music, even to the point of mention­ or Vox alone, there is no microphone familiar). These tunes are a reprise ing the comment of a fan that Wright close to the sound source to bring it from George' . previous Banda plat­ "could make good music on a in. So the gain on the distant micro­ ter, 42nd Street and Other Goodies. Kazoo." So much for George's organ phones must be brought up to catch The how tunes continue with an elec­ technique! We hope only that the the reduced volume. Thi tends also tric "Flying Down to Rio" with air­ photo which shows George at the con­ to bring in the coughs. Actually the craft ound , clackers, some Samba sole, glowering over his shoulder, is volume of coughs is very low, never treatment and an interpolation of aimed at this uninformed observer. loud enough to mar the mu ic. Yet the "Orchids in the Moonlight." Really No matter, the music is fine, extraneous noise is there, and the Post horny! George Wright here upholds the envi­ coughers rarely bark on the beat. "Little Sir Echo" (called "The able reputation he has earned over the George opens with the Paramount Voice of the Organ" here) starts on years in whatever area of music he has New fanfare followed by a chorus of full, mellow combinations plu a brief engaged. Recommended. "Paramount on Parade." Then, di­ Brass Trumpet solo. The second rectly into an energetic "I Got chorus is heard as a wordless song UNCLE MIL T'S PIPE ORGAN Rhythm.'' Of the seventeen selections voiced by soprano Luana De Vol. Sev­ PIZZA CO. Wendy Kieffer and Rob heard (some in medleys) about half eral who were present at the concert York playing the theatre organ. No. have been grooved previously by report it was a striking effect, visually UMIOl (stereo). $7.50 postpaid from George. The first title on his trip and musically. Ont he record, the solo Uncle Milt's Pipe Organ Pizza Co., down memory lane is his exquisite comes through as an off-mike voice 2410 NE Grand Boulevard, Van­ treatment of "The Boy Next Door," which doesn't do much for the music. couver, Washington 98661. an arrangement not recorded on pipes The Tibia does it better. since his very first HI-FI label platter Old favorite "Creole Love Song" This album was obviously pro­ circa 26 years ago, the LP which is bluesy in tyling and tempo. It fea­ duced to sell over-the-console to en­ started George's rise to national rec­ tures a striking, well-quinted ''mix­ thusiastic pizza chompers; although ognition. It's a very welcome repeat. ture" briefly. the jacket boasts six photos and a his­ After a Straussian introduction, The closer is entitled "Hats Off to tory of the organ and pizzery there is "Dancing in the Dark" takes off on Irving Berlin," and includes "We no information as to where it is lo­ color reeds, then a waltz interlude. Joined the Navy to See the World," cated. It took a little sleuthing to ob­ The overall arrangement is best de­ "Change Partners," "Let Yourself tain the address above. scribed as "commanding," although Go," "Let's Face the Music and Here we have a fairly typical piz­ there are delicate moments. The Vox Dance" plus a hint of "Cheek to zery recording designed as a souvenir Humana denouement is a beauty. Cheek." No titles are listed. It's a fit­ for visitors, and containing tunes "Norwegian Wood" is a strange tune ting salute to the USA's grand old played in the styles the pasta par­ which seems to be asking a question. man of pop music (Berlin is in his takers prefer. Don't expect theatre or­ Very musical cricket chirps color the 90's) and George's arrangements do gan music as such. Although the play­ woodland scene. Note the bass figures the selections full justice. In fact, we ing is done on a theatre organ, it's

JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 27 Shades of Kermit, it's Muppet time! The TV series fans will love "The Muppet Theme" which Wendy plays with the verve and variety of the ten-man British orchestra (remember "Zoot," the bald saxophonist?) which scored those memorable epi­ sodes. Good fun! "Birth of the Blues" opens with a lowdown, sultry solo Clarinet intro. Then a big and broad conception of the timeless standard with ear-catch­ ing variations and key changes. Lots of brassy punctuation and Pedal Cymbal. "Behind Closed Doors" is a ques­ tion and answer tune with a very Wendy Kieffer . rinky-tink piano doing much of the Rob York . questioning. Nice color reed registra­ "pizza music" nearly throughout tion. "Pink Panther" is one of those (there is one exception). So, much use "Ease on Down the Road" is a timeless tunes kept alive through the is made of unenclosed tonal and spirited rhythm tune which offers many Pink Panther movies which are fixed-pitch percussions. We are not solo reeds, Glockenspiel and other re-issued regularly thanks to the demeaning the style, just warning percussions, including the Pedal matchless comedy of the late Peter purists. In fact, it's a very fine sound­ Cymbal. Driving tempo with brassy Sellers' bumbling "Inspector ing instrument and both players per­ punctuation. Clouseau." This Henry Mancini form very well within the parameters Next, an original, co-authored by theme shows up in most of them and of the style. Wendy. "Just to Myself" is first it's as fresh as when first released. The original instrument was a 3/13 heard in ballad form on mellow reeds, Rob plays it for comedy with some­ Wurlitzer from Seattle's Orpheum then the rhythm section takes over for times garish registration which fits the Theatre. But for pizza parlor use, a bluesy, rhythm denouement. It's a mood of the tune to perfection. owner Milt Kieffer added compo­ forceful closer for Wendy, who Rob's closer is Fats Waller's "Aint nents from four other theatre organs proves here that her ability on pizza Misbehavin'." It gets the works in the but doesn't state the total number of pipes has a value beyond being the treatment department, from slow current ranks in the jacket notes. It's boss's daughter. drag to highly ornamented "rides," sufficient to note that the instrument Side 2 belongs to Rob York, a well­ often with a touch of Fats coming fills the hall (formerly a church!) schooled young man whose classical through. quite adequately, although miking is education in no way inhibits his organ The recording engineers have cap­ in closeup perspective. jazz. Rob opens with that most re­ tured the essence of the instrument. Each organist fills a side of the disc. quested of pizza tunes, "Chattanoo­ The review pressing had a slight warp, Wendy Kieffer, whose previous play­ ga Choo Choo," complete with train also some noisy spots (mostly pops) ing assignments included an Alaskan whistle, bell and much huffing and but never enough to damage the gig, studied with Jonas Nordwall and puffing. It's interesting to note that music. There are photos of both or­ Don Simmons, the latter famous for most requests for this tune come from ganists, the costumed pink panther his jazz stylings. She opens with some people who have never experienced a greeter and the marquee of the pizzery space music guaranteed to knock the steam-propelled train. Rob's recrea­ which is a huge representation of a socks off the unprepared listener. tion of the sounds of a long-gone day three-deck horseshoe console with There is a small inaccuracy in the hit on target. He even includes a hint suggested pipework above it. Jacket opening fanfare of "2001 Space of "Take the A Train." notes deal with history of the organ Odyssey'' but nothing the pizza cus­ We mentioned one exception to and pizzery, and the remarkable or­ tomers will notice. Then Star Wars pizza stylings. It's a purely tht!atre or­ gan enthusiast whose effort culmi­ music which includes a rollicking ren­ gan ballad rendition of "The Rain­ nated in the establishment, ''Uncle dition of the Cantina music heard in bow Connection" from The Muppet Milt'' Kieffer. Organ builder Dennis the movie as the camera moves Movie. It is delightfully phrased and Hedberg produced the album . among some strange and eerie deni­ played with sensitivity and subtlety on As we stated, this is pizzery music, zens of the space saloon. It conjures the most appropriate registration. A but well done in its genre. We suspect repeat visions of those multi-limbed, goodie for the TO fans. that both artists are capable also of piano-faced critters. The March tune Back to the pizza atmosphere for a theatre organ stylings (Rob proves it comes off well, too. Happy bombast! selection of themes from the movie here) and we'd love to hear them in "Serenade in Blue" is well phrased Fame, a story about youngsters trying concert or on a record playing theatri­ and registered. There's a pleasing to break into show biz. There's some cally. Until then we'll order another brass solo followed by a rich color balladry, some dance music and some pizza and soft drink and enjoy the reed combination. The Pedal Cymbal rock styling, always energetic and a fruits of Uncle Miltie's efforts. For marks the second bridge. bit epicene in spots. him it's a dream materialized. □

28 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 A\lr10~ :2Sth Annual Convention ~an t=r-ancisco 13ay Ar-ea The Golden Gateway to the Sights and Sounds of Convention '83 July 1 - 5

The Nor-Cal Chapter invites you to mark your calendar and make plans to attend this event in the West's most enchanting city. A wonder -filled blend of prominently-known artists from the nation and local area will be performing at six in-theatre installations , from the intimate neighborhood houses to the large downtown palaces of the cities. Four of these installations have never been heard be­ fore by convention goers.

______ARTISTS ______THEATRES __

Tom Hazelton Jim Riggs Avenue Lyn Larsen Jim Roseveare Castro Warren Lubich Walt Strony Cinema 21 (Marina) Jonas Nordwall Bill Thomson Empress Donna Parker Bob Vaughn Grand Lake Dave Quinlan Larry Vannucci Paramount Dave Reese

Convention Headquarters will be the resplendent Sheraton Palace Hotel ---~ncor-e - July 6th __ _ ARTISTS INSTALIATIONS Rex Koury Fair Oaks Clubhouse Emil Martin Arden Pizza & Pipes

Artists and instruments subject to change without prior notice . Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 1940 it was weeks, management had discon­ purchased by the Zion Lutheran . tinued organludes as part of its Satur­ Church in Monroe, Michigan. At the day night programs. It was feared church the Kinura and theatrical per­ that the house might even go into the cussions were removed and a Dulci­ X-rated business. The ownership, ana rank was added. In 1971, two however, had second thoughts and is Fort Wayne, Indiana, men bought continuing a family-oriented policy...... the organ and it sat in storage until Dr. Landon, the "Prince of the Persorialities 1975 when the Village Inn Pizza Par­ Page,'' has been playing the 3/7 in­ ~...... ~ lor purchased the Barton. Unfortu­ strument for 28 years. Incidentally, nately, a month after opening, a car John has acquired a 3/7 Page from a crashed into the restaurant and de­ theatre in Fremont, Ohio. It is identi­ SeminarFor Sports stroyed the pneumatic relay. The old cal to the one in the Anderson Para­ system was then replaced by a solid­ mount, and will replace the hybrid Stadium Organists state system. In May of 1980 the or­ Wurlitzer which he has had for a In July, tentatively at All-Star gan was sold to the Huffmans for the number of years. Baseball Game time, Rochester's Pipe Organ Place. 'They plan to en­ Eastman School of Music will hold large the Barton to 24 ranks. the first-ever seminar for sports stadi­ In addition to Wibbels' duties at * * * um organists. The school's director, the restaurant, he has been travelling Robert Freeman, is an avid baseball For 17 years the 3/8 Kimball in the and playing on the theatre organ cir­ Lansdowne (Pennsylvania) Theatre fan, which probably accounts for the cuit. revolutionary venture. Those already 'had been played weekly and for spe­ cial concerts. According to Bill signed up include Nancy Faust of Don Thompson Retires Chicago's White Sox and Vince Greenwood, it hasn't been played for Lascheid of Pittsburgh's Pirates. From Toronto Organ Grinder some time, because of water damage. Some sessions will be held at Red After seven years of playing five The future of the theatre is dim. Bill Wing Silver Stadium, others at the hours a night, five nights a week at has purchased and removed the or­ Eastman School. Toronto's Organ Grinder restaurant, gan, and says he has a good chance to Don Thompson retired at the end of install it in another theatre where it November and left for a lengthy will again be heard by the public. Wibbels Is Head Organist period of sailing in the Caribbean. He Of Pipe Organ Place plans to return to Toronto in the spring and by then will probably be An American First - In early July, Mark and Ed Huff­ itching to get back to work. man of the Pipe Organ Place in Elk­ EnthusiastsResist Temptation hart, Indiana, named Tom Wibbels To Form Organization as their Head Organist and Music Di­ * * * For some months several members rector. Since his appointment Tom Not only has organist-researcher­ of the Organ Historical Society had and a technical crew have been busy writer, Dr. John Landon moved back thought of forming a Northern Cali­ reworking the 3/ 10 Barton organ in to his Lexington, Kentucky, home, fornia-based chapter, but several the restaurant. but he has also been reinstalled as O.H.S. old hands counseled going The organ was first installed in house organist at the Anderson (Indi­ slowly - not making it official until 1929 at the Orpheum Theatre in ana) Paramount. For a number of real interest was proved. So, as the first issue of their newsletter puts it, a • • • • # • • J.I I I - :,; • • I .. non-organization of friends mutually concerned with the preservation and appreciation of historic pipe organs (both classical and theatre) was formed. There are no dues, no officers, no membership cards and no bylaws. Modest funds for printing and mail­ ing the newsletter were donated by several non-patrons just for the fun of it. The anonymous non-president stated: "Let us try, first of all, to gain some pleasure from working together to promote preservation of treasures from.the past. After all, there are only two reasons to get together: (I) enjoy sharing each other's knowledge; and (2) magnify our power w influence recognition and preservation of en­ dangered instruments. Without lots of goodwill and· good fun we will

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 never do much of anything." crashing surf, and chirping sea birds. barrier as protection against the tides The name of the non-organization It has all the characteri tics of a genu­ of Narragansett Bay. is The Central Pacific Organ Preser­ ine movie palace, yet in a Gothic set­ vationists, and the address is 3101 ting." Unique Greeting for Twentieth Street, San Francisco, On the way to the Hammond Cas­ Robin Richmond California 94110. Their phone is tle stop at the Ocean State Performirig Robin Richmond, one of the finest 415/647-5132. Swell to Great is the Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Is­ British theatre organists and creator title of the newsletter to be published land. The former Loew's Providence of the famed BBC radio series "The occasionally. Theatre on Weybosset Street is being Organist Entertains," and his wife, likened to the New York Paramount Renee, landed at J .F.K. Airport in . * * * by some. With crowds of over 2800, September to begin a series of con­ there is still good reverberation. The certs in the United States. The first Ever hear of a theatre pipe organ 5/21 ex-Marbro Chicago console is concert was scheduled at the Trenton whose sound came into the auditori­ kept in the up position in the event of War Memorial, where he was to play um through a grille beneath the ped­ another hurricane. Several times hur­ the 3/16 Moller. als? There was such an instrument, ricanes have struck the area in the past Pushing their way through Cus­ according to Doc Bebko who played 45 years. The city also has a hurricane toms and the milling mass~s, Robin it. It was a three-manual Wurlitzer­ Morton in the studios of WWRL in Woodside, Long Island. "It was ut­ terly fantastic to actually feel the vibrations as it was played. A fellow named Sampson from the Robert­ peterson Morton Co.' installed it about 1935. He also worked on the five 'Wonder SOLID STATE SYSTEMS FOR PIP!; ORGAN Mortons' in Loew's theatres in the New York-New Jersey area." PRODUCTSCURRENTLY AVAILABLE * * * • Digital Pipe Organ Player The status of the Shea's Buffalo Theatre and its 4/28 Wurlitzer has • Solid State Swell Shade Operator been hanging on lean times of late. • Electronic Tuners High operating costs, including a $20,000 heating bill, winter storm ef­ • Stop Action Magnets fects, etc., have helped produce apes­ simistic outlook. We're told that • Electronic Pipe Valves things may be easing toward the opti­ mistic side. Buffalo spokesmen say • Engraved Stop Tablets that the organ will definitely be play­ • Chest Magnets ing in January 1983. A total of $140,000 has been pent on the Wur­ • Solid State Chime Relay litzer's refurbi hing, mostly tax money. • Electronic Console Clock * * * • Solid State Switching System Those who will be visiting the New • Console Cables & Main Cables England area and desire a little organ music should check in at the Ham­ • Duo-Set Single & Quad Memory mond Castle Museum in Gloucester, Combination Actions & Reversibles Massachusetts, to hear the 4/144 hy­ • Electronic Low Note Reed and brid. Once-a-month silent films are Flu'te Tone Generators shown on Friday evenings. According to ex-Boston Paramount organist • Electronic Harp Bob Legon, there are some Hope- .Jones voices, such a Tibias and Tuba • Organ Rectifier Sonora, with portio,ns of the pedal semi-expressive. Choir, Great, Swell, • Dynatrem TM - Tremolo Solo and floating reed chorus are ex­ pressive. Peterson Solid State Systems are the choice A portion of the admission charge of major pipe organ builders across the U.S. goes toward organ repair and restora­ tion. A combination of salt air and long usage have made releathering peterson necessary. "The beautiful organ sound blend in with the mystery and ELECTRO-MUSICALPRODUCTS / WORTH, ILLINOIS60482 312 / 388-3311 massiveness of the castle, large cliffs,

JANUARY /FE BRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 31 Robin Richmond at the 7/455 Midmer-Losh, Atlantic City Convention Hall, New Jersey. could only hope that the Garden State light bay runs the entire width of the doing much thinking about prison members would be able to find them. auditorium and is a marvel of engi­ situations. I firmly believe that music Suddenly his eyes lit up, followed by neering, as are the retractable speakers and the arts can contribute much in an enormous smile as he saw Michael far above the proscenium. The com­ the way of true therapy.'' Cipolletti and Joe Vanore standing puters which will control the pre-sets there each holding up a large Tibia are installed backstage, making the * * * pipe. system one of the most up-to-date in Frank Olsen, Dean of Canadian Greetings were exchanged and the theatre field. cinema organists, spent the summer travelling bags stowed away. The ''The organ lift is under construc­ at his residence in Glasgow, Scotland. traffic was wall-to-wall and realizing tion, the orchestra lift is in. There will He had a whirlwind concert tour dur­ that their train schedule could never be a basement banquet-cafeteria as ing September when he played organ be met, Joe suggested a side trip to the well as studios. The painters are in, concerts in Blackpool, Odeon Leices­ Beacon Theatre at 74th and Broad­ and it is apparent that this will be a ter Square, Bolton, Gosport (South way where he is a crew member main­ most flexible and functional theatre. Coast) and Louth. Olsen also played a taining the 4/19 Wurlitzer. Robin de­ The new swell shades are ready for in­ concert at the Wurlitzer in East Kil­ lighted in playing the beautiful "Prin­ stallation and twelve regulators have bride, Scotland, on October 3 before cess." Then he and Renee caught the been re-covered.'' returning to his home in Port Col­ next train to Trenton. Between phases of work as de­ borne, Ontario. Robin had made one major re­ scribed, Bill has concertized. The quest. He expressed the desire to play weekend of October 2 found him at Organists Invited To the world's largest pipe organ, the Penn State Prison, playing a concert Play In England 7 / 455 Midmer-Losh in the Atlantic in the chapel. "The inmates were In a recent letter we were told that City Convention Hall. Bill Smith, wonderful - and very appreciative. Turner's Musical Merry-Go-Round crew chief of the Trenton War Memo­ One said 'it's worth coming to prison, in Northampton (about 75 miles rial organ, made arrangements. The just to know these wonderful people,' northwest of London) is extending an day after a most successful concert, meaning the superintendent and war­ invitation to American artists to play Robin played the 7 / 455 monster and den. The whole weekend was one the 3/19 Wurlitzer installed in the res­ the 4/55 Kimball in the Grand Ball­ Marge and I will never forget, and I'm taurant. room. The remainder of the day was spent touring the "Playboy" Casino and other attractions on the famous boardwalk of Atlantic City. ATOS1983 San FranciscoNational Convention GINNY V ANORE RECORD& BOOK SHOP Bill Floyd, busy as a bee, reports on Are you interested in having your records or two things in which he's interested. First is an updating on Richmond's other items sold for you by ATOS at the 7983convention? Virginia Center for the Performing Arts (ex-Loew's). "There was much For further information, write to: gloom and doom about the loss of sky in this atmospheric house. We are for­ BillReed, Manager tunate that the theatre has been saved ATOSRECORD & BOOKSHOP with a $6 million budget for renova­ 2833 Enea Way tion. When the lighting is retracted, Antioch, California 94509 the sky is intact; one can hardly dis­ tinguish the outlines. The retractable

32 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1%.) The organ was originally in the Paramount, Newcastle upon Tyne. After removal from the theatre it was installed in the Kitchen Brothers auto showrooms at Diss, Norfolk, where it was recorded by Frank Olsen. It was completely overhauled prior to its in­ stallation at Turner's. Any American professional organ­ ist who plans to be in England after April, and would like an engagement for a mid-week or weekend concert at Turner's is invited to write at once to Alan A. Ashton, 58 Lever House Lane, Leyland, Preston PR5/2XN, Lancashire, England. The letter should include a breakdown of the or­

ganist's fee and expenses. Dave Junchen looks over some old Wurlitzer ledger books . John Ledwon Plays for ested in the representative instrument Junchen Writing Project West Coast RCHM for installation in one of the Disney Expands Christmas Show Epcot Center exhibits in Orlando, Early this year Dave Junchen be­ Florida, the new complex which deals A West Coast duplicate of the fa­ with the future as well as with the gan writing a book on ''The Care and mous Radio City Music Hall "Christ­ Feeding of Theatre Organs," to be past. mas Spectacular'' was presented dur­ Several ATOSers attempted to pro­ published by Vestal Press. He planned ing the holiday season in the huge to include some interesting previously mote the idea by sending prospectuses (5800 seats) Shrine Auditorium in Los and copies of THEATRE ORGAN unpublished historical material in the Angeles. primarily technical book. After a lit­ which dealt with the assembly of the ATOS Director John Led won was instrument, along with offers to help tle digging he came up with more his­ chosen to play the 4/73 Moller organ torical material than could be in­ in any way possible. These overtures during the run of the show (59 perfor­ resulted in requests for further infor­ cluded in the planned book. So, Jun­ mances). The organ was used alone chen has broadened his writing proj­ mation by the Disney Company, and before and after each show, and with the interested A TOSers held their col­ ect to include a two-volume work, the 35-piece orchestra during the "The Encyclopedia of American lective breath. overture and Nativity scene. John Alas, to no avail. In a memo dated Theatre Organs.'' says that, although the organ is not The encyclopedia is to contain an December 2, 1982, John Thompson, unified, the overall sound is magnifi­ who handles talent selection as well as historical sketch and opus list for each cent and quite theatrical, but the or­ of the builders of organs for theatres PR for Disney, stated "Unfortunate­ gan is extremely difficult to play be­ ly, the Disney Company is not able to - some 100 builders and a total of cause of the great distances between about 6800 organs in theatres. Of acquire the Mightiest Wurlitzer." the console and the chambers located End of dream. great help in making the opus lists on both sides of one of the largest complete was the cooperation of the stages in the country. John Ledwon at the 4/73 Moller in the Los Angeles makers of Spencer and Kinetic Before and after each show crowds Shrine Auditorium. blowers, who allowed complete ac­ gathered around the console to ex­ cess to their files. amine it and ask questions about the A major source of material was the instrument. archives of the Wurlitzer company. There he found a treasure trove - hundreds of rare photographs, many Mighty-Disney Deal Off never before published; 1100 pages of Ever since the rumor that the correspondence between Robert "mightiest Wurlitzer" might be sold Hope-Jones and Farney Wurlitzer; by the mother company, ATOSers original drawings of organ parts, have been concerned about the future chamber layouts, pipe scales, and of the instrument assembled by the much more. He was allowed to break Wurlitzer Organ Company in a spe­ open locked ledger books, the keys cially-built studio in De Kalb, Illinois, for which had been lost for decades. to exemplify the firm's historical best. Junchen expects to have Volume I Changing economic conditions have of the work ready by the time of the apparently forced a change of plan, '83 convention. Volume II will be which means that the 65-rank as­ available about six months later, and sembled pipe organ is endangered. the "Care and Feeding" book will The rumor started that the Walt follow soon thereafter. Disney organization might be inter-

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN Organ console is backstage at the Granada Slough, and was projected by CCTV for members in the theatre. Byron Jones at the console and Dave Ross behind the Compere Norman Barfield chatting with Byron Jones prior to the concert at the Gra- camera. nada Slough. London Chapter watching a concert on stage from cir­ staged soon. The ATOS Chapter can Uses Closed Circuit TV cle seats. There is no doubt that this be justifiably proud of its faith in put­ ting on this concert. Thanks are due For Concert idea has tremendous potential even with concerts under more usual con­ to Byron, to Granada, to Dave Ross Sunday, October 24 saw a unique ditions. and to all those who worked so hard experiment taking place when the At the end of the concert the audi­ to see that this beautiful instrument London and South of England Chap­ ence gave vociferous assent to the sug­ can be heard again in public. ter presented Byron Jones in concert gestion that another such event be NORMAN BARFIELD 0 on the 3/8 Wurlitzer at the Granada Cinema, Slough. It might seem that neither the word unique nor experi­ ical areas represented; a stance with which both Allen Miller and President Lois Segur ment would apply to such a venture, concurred. until one realizes that the console of The committee has already come up with this very fine organ is completely hid­ two major decisions: First, that a "young" den behind the screen of the tripled organist for purposes of our competition is one who is not over 2 I at the time of first ap­ cinema and it has not been heard in ATOS pearance as winner at a national convention; public for eleven years. second, that the way a chapter chooses a can­ didate is entirely up to the chapter. The only With the enthusiastic cooperation Committee requirement for entry in the national competi­ of the Granada management and par­ tion is that a tape recording containing the specified music played by an organist within ticularly of the manager of the the­ the age limitation and certified by the chapter atre, Mr. Simpson, and his staff, a Repprts to be a true and accurate recording be sub­ system of closed circuit TV was in­ mitted by the specified date. Provision is also stalled, enabling the large audience in being made for submission of entries by ATOS members who do not belong to chap­ the cinema to see Byron's features ters, or who wish to sponsor a candidate inde­ and fingers at the console while revel­ pendent of any chapter. ling in the sounds of the instrument The committee is obtaining input from lovingly brought to tuneful excellence three full-time professional artists who are by Les and Len Rawle and their dedi­ YOUNG ORGANIST'S A WARD National directors, namely Lowell Ayars, Rex COMMITTEE REPORT Koury and Ashley Miller. By the next issue, we cated band of helpers. expect to publish full details, and will also mail We are glad to report that the Young Organ­ them as soon as available to Chapter Chair­ Doubts about the feasibility of pre­ ist's Award Committee is alive and working, men. senting a concert in such conditions and hopes to have a young organist to present To assist chapters that might like to start were very soon resolved as the cinema at a future convention. planning for a chapter competition, see the ar­ Committee members include: Walter Beau­ ticle in this issue entitled "About Theatre Or­ resounded to the sounds of the mighty pre of Kingston, Rhode Island; Art Cox of gan Competitions," which I hope will be of Wurlitzer once more. Byron says he Maplewood, New Jersey; Erle Renwick of help to those chapters that have never staged found it strange at first playing to the Sudbury, Massachusetts; and Roy Sharp of one. Anyone requesting further information beady eye of a TV camera, but soon Florham Park, New Jersey. National Director on this, or on any facet of our planning, is in­ Allen Miller is also serving on the committee vited to write to me at 664 Litchfield Turn­ settled to producing music which was as liaison with the National Board. It would pike, Bethany, Connecticut 06525. enthusiastically acclaimed by the au­ have been nice to have representation from a We hope that chapters and individual mem­ dience. The twin monitors of the broader geographical area, but the ability to bers will back this effort to bring young organ­ closed circuit TV expertly operated by get interaction between committee members, ists to know and love the mighty theatre pip~ to meet together and bounce ideas off each organ as we do, and to give deserving young Dave Ross showed the console re­ other and arrive at decisions which represent organists a national forum in which to be markably clearly, more clearly in fact pooled judgment - this seemed to outweigh heard. than would normally be the case any advantages in having different geograph- Eleanor D. Weaver, Chairman 0

34 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 music or size of hall and audience. Letters concerning all aspects of the We'd play records and tapes, some­ theatre organ hobby are welcome. times taking sequences from several Unless clearly marked "not for pub­ records and transferring them to one lication" letters may be published tape which we'd put away for a in whole or in part. month or two. Then, we'd play the tape for ourselves and guests, trying Address: to name the artist and the organ. I Editor , THEATRE ORGAN miss Bill, and your articles on him and 3448 Cowper Court Dolph are a couple of nice things Palo Alto , CA 9430~ which were done about two fine indi­ viduals who passed among the many of us who love the theatre organ. Opinions expressed in this column are those of the corres­ I noticed in your Nuggets column pondents , and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of in the Jan./Feb. 1982 issue the name the editors or the policies of ATOS or THEATRE ORGAN of Oscar Roed. I knew him since the magazine. forties, but have lost track of him and so has Mary Goebel. Anyone know of his whereabouts? Dear Editor: cal discussions on subjects such as I am looking forward to meeting This is a slightly belated expression · styles of organists, those who could other theatre organists via your ar­ of thanks directed to the Detroit gang do better on a Wurlitzer than on a ticles, and I wish you success. for a most enjoyable convention last Robert-Morton, those who'd play July. I was very impressed by the ex­ chords and progressions on certain Sincerely, treme friendliness of the Detroit hosts organs as opposed to others, how Stanley Warzala and appreciated very much how well registration differs in the type of Wayne, New Jersey D organized the event was. Having been involved with conven­ tion planning, I can well appreciate what you went through! I have not at­ tended an ATOS national convention for 17 years, but am looking forward to future conventions as you really got me hooked on these things! I also want to thank all of the or­ ganbuilders who attended my seminar and for the support you gave it with eHAPTERNOTE~ your many questions. Maybe next time more time can be allocated for Edited by Grace E. McGinnis such an event. Sincerely, Lance E. Johnson BEEHIVE to be excellent hosts with Nita prepar­ Dear Lloyd: Salt Lake City ing refreshments, and Scott starting I want to tell you directly how us out with four numbers on their fea- much I enjoyed your articles on 801/~7-5700 or 801/486-9098 Dolph Goebel and Bill Gage in recent Beehive Chapter members and issues of THEATRE ORGAN. Both . guests met at the Valley Organ and were good friends of mine. Piano Company on November 12. Because he lived not too far from Chairman Clarence E. Briggs pre­ me, Bill was a frequent visitor for sided and the annual business meeting many years. In addition to the plea­ and election of officers and directors sure he derived from playing a theatre for 1983 was accomplished. organ, he also enjoyed long, analyti- Harry Weirauch, Co-Chairman of the Capitol Theatre Restoration proj­ ect, reported on the status of the or­ ~ ~ii.,.L~ATOS ,./f~ gan, noting that completion is now a matter of weeks away with tuning, pi11;Q;~J~l~Jy~~;.illfill1wm1u;~;~wb Wu~~~ voicing and final checkout remaining. _ 28th ~ By the time these activities are con­ ANNUAL CONVENTION cluded, in excess of 5000 man-hours JULY 1-5, 1983 of dedicated labor will have been ex­ pended. Past Chairman Clare Briggs , 1983 Vice Chairman Sau Franeiseo Valley Organ hosts, ATOSers Nita Gene Breinholt and 1983 Chairman Lowell Boberg at Waldron and Scott Gillespie, proved the Valley Organ Center . ( Harry Weirauch photo)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 35 tured Hammond Elegante Organ. was Charlie Stanford, who is also Open console was then in order on the A staff organist at J. Burns. After­ several models of Hammond organs 61:nut. Et. oam wards, members stayed for the enter­ on display. 2 tainment and the pizza. ...~v ·1 -TRE...-, (~- .-.. --·~;,m- a~ l , , 1,:J,__~ • . • ' • . I ... ~ :.i- ' On December 3 Beehive Chapter - ~ ·-· ' .,· ""'t ' Our November meeting was held at members were guests at the installa­ f,"d . - ,!; • the Clipper Cove Yacht Club in ~ ~ n G- A · · ~-::' ~ ~ ~ tion banquet of the Organ Club of CJ1g . .tiN ~ Clearwater. Progress is being made on the Tampa Theatre Wurlitzer in­ Salt Lake City, held at the Number 1£.! One Restaurant in West Valley City. stallation with the console and relay Following the banquet, new club l~OCttTY - still remaining to be hooked up. Once members were installed and guests Tampa again open console was enjoyed at were introduced. The climax of the 813/384-1854 or 813/863-22<>4 M.C. and Velma Burnham's Conn evening was a beautiful organ concert In October a good attendance of theatre organ at their residence. Our by club member Leni Rolfson, one of about fifty members and guests were membership is continuing to grow. Salt Lake's outstanding jazz organ­ present at our meeting at J. Burns Piz­ We have eight new members, all of ists, playing on a Hammond organ za & Pipes. After the business meet­ whom we wish to welcome. furnished by the Valley Organ and ing, members had the opportunity to Finally, with deep regret, we men­ Piano Company. play this fine Wurlitzer during open tion the passing of our chairman, Ed­ LOWELL J. BOBERG console. Among those who played ward "Ted" Chapman. He took an active part in the Tampa Theatre or­ gan installation and will be greatly missed. Vice-Chairman Everett Bas­ sett will take over until a new election. A SANDRA SHOOK SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CHAPTER CORRESPONDENTS CENTRAL Let us know what's happening in YOUR chapter. Our goal is to make INDIANA this section as interesting and useful as possible for all of our readers. CHAPTER Here is how YOU can help: DO remember you have an international audience; pay attention to deadlines - we have to meet them, too; Indianapolis check the spelling of artists' names; 317 /283-3410 or 317 /786-2160 tell us about theatre organs in your area, public and private; In lieu of a September meeting, the tell us about theatre restorations in your area; group took a bus tour to central Ohio. tell us about your community involvement, new artists, scholar­ The bus left Indianapolis on Septem­ ships, promotional programs involving your chapter; ber 18 at 6:30 a.m. The first stop was tell us about coming events and how visitors to your area may the Marion, Ohio, Palace Theatre, obtain tickets; now a 1434-seat performing arts the­ tell us who is playing what organs and where; atre which celebrated its 50th anniver­ include photos whenever possible; and sary in 1978 and now appears on the send your chapter bulletins to the editor - they are very helpful. National Register of Historic Places. DON'T include the program each of your artists plays- mention, per­ Here several members played the or­ haps, an outstanding arrangement; gan in open console. include news that is only of interest to your local chapter, or The group moved along to Colum­ gossip, menus or other trivia. bus and the beautiful Ohio Theatre. Dennis James, resident organist and SEND news, photos and chapter bulletins to: friend of Central Indiana Chapter, Editor, THEATRE ORGAN was our most gracious host. The Sat­ 3448 Cowper Court, Palo Alto , CA 94306 urday night movie was A Tale of Two Al I copy for Chapter Notes is to be typewritten, double-spaced, on Cities, starring Ronald Coleman, pre­ 8½ x 11 white paper, with 1½ " margins all around. Photos should be ceded by a half hour of beautiful black and white for best reproduction . Type each photo caption on a classical music by Dennis James. The separate sheet and attach to the photo. Ohio Theatre was a former Loew's movie palace which opened in March, DEADLINES 1928. It is also on the National Regis­ Dec. 1 for Jan./Feb . June 1 for July/Aug. ter of Historic Places. Feb. 1 for Mar./Apr . Aug. 1 for Sept./Oct. On Sunday a concert was given by Apr. 1 for May/June Oct. 1 for Nov./Dec. G. Dene Bernard, one of the finest or­ ganists in Columbus, at the First Con-

36 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 gregational Church. The church has performance and a program pre­ January 9 found CATOE and its two organs, a Kimball and a 3/73 Von sented by house organist Bill Tandy, offspring together again at the Joliet Beckerath. Mr. Bernard, after his several members performed on open Rialto. CATOE, Land of Lincoln, concert, told us a great deal about the console. The program was not strictly Dairyland and Joliet chapters heard organs, especially the tracker instru­ for members as the pizza parlor con­ piano and organ duets by Bob ment. tinued to serve the public. This meet­ Chaney and Bob Coslett of Walnut Creek, California. Theatre tours were The group then attended a concert ing was truly enjoyed by all who at­ conducted, open console lasted for at the Broad Street Methodist Church tended. hours and refreshments were served given by Thomas Murray, American MARY LOU HARR ELL in the rotunda under the chandelier concert organist and assistant prof es­ known as "The Duchess." And a sor in the School of Music and Insti­ good time was had by all. tute of Sacred Music at Yale Univer­ CHRISTOPHER CARLO sity. Following the concert, the group attended a reception given by the church. Then on home late Sunday. '~1· t,~ CONNECTICUTVALLEY All agreed that it was a good tour. ! ;~lffiTHEATRE ORGAN SOtlnY. INC. On October 10 our group met in the 1 auditorium at Manual High School. Chicago Area Theatre After the business meeting, everyone Organ Enthusiasts settled down to hear the "pipes" at 312/470-0743 or 312/627-3245 Manual. Mr. Carl Wright, teacher at ■ Thomastonw Manual and organ enthusiast, said Chicago Theatre Gambit, Novem­ 203/378-9192 or 203/583-8334 that it was exactly ten years ago that ber 10: notice of hearings for land­ the Louisville Uniphone organ was mark status of the Chicago Theatre Our October meeting was held at brought into Manual to be installed. posted. November 12, Plitt Theatres the Thomaston Opera House so in­ apply to city for demolition permit. vited friends from neighboring chap­ Our organist for the day, Mr. Carlton City refuses, citing incomplete paper­ ters could join us at the organ, social­ Smith, presented a delightful pro­ work by Cleveland Wrecking Com­ ize, and hear our chapter member gram. pany. CA TOE has taken part in all David Senak present a program. Af­ On October 29, Bill Vlasak, organ­ hearings to date on the plight of the ter our early afternoon business ses­ ist at Paramount Music Palace, pre­ Chicago Theatre. At the first hearing, sion, the hall was available for open sented a concert at Manual for the In­ November 18, organ builder Bill console until the dinner hour. dianapolis Fire Buffs and Fire De­ Hansen testified to the organ's in­ Came 7:30 and it was time for partment Museum, Inc. After his tegral part of the building, design, David to play. He was introduced by concert selections he accompanied the early use and resurrection by CATOE Program Chairman Bob Bailey, then promptly began making the pipes silent movie The Phantom of the in 1967. Chicago Theatre organist Bob Chaney played a tape of the first speak in well-arranged sequence; the Opera. result being an hour or so of very The setting for the November meet­ known electrically recorded (micro­ phone) commercial record, which just good music, especially remarkable ing was the Pipe Dream Restaurant in considering his years. Joined by an Kokomo, where Dr. Jack Elleman happened to be Jesse Crawford at the Chicago Theatre Wurlitzer. He also area choral group, David demon­ and his wife, Carrie, were host and provided proof of national radio strated capability in accompaniment hostess. In 1980, when the S.S. Kresge hook-up from the Chicago Theatre in addition to his solo talents. Alto­ Company sold their store on the with copies of radio transcriptions. A gether, our singers and organist made square in Kokomo, Dr. Elleman pur­ show-stopper from George Wright's us mighty glad we had come. chased the building, and the realiza­ latest direct-to-disc recording at the tion of his "pipe dream" began. Be­ Chicago Theatre ended his testimony. sides the restaurant, there are several Vice-Chairman Bob Boin presented NEW FIRST CLASS unique craft shops located in the ar­ CATOE's plea that the theatre organ AND AIRMAIL RATES cade. There is a video game room in be considered part and parcel with the FOR THEATRE ORGAN the basement along with a meeting Chicago Theatre in landmark desig­ room where we met. The pizza parlor nation. The more than three hours of testimony for the theatre included Effective January 1, 1983, special mail is equipped with a large stage in the rates for THEATRE ORGAN will be as statements from Mayor Byrne and follows: front where the twelve-rank 1913 Josie Balaban Coture. Plitt Theatres' Wurlitzer sits in all its glory. Dr. lawyers did not cross examine, but FIRST CLASS - Elleman has fondly named his organ merely waited their turn to present U.S . and Canada ...... $12.00 per year "Second-Hand Rose," and after his their point which, paraphrased, reads: We do not care about nostal­ AIRMAIL - Great Britain & Europe ...... $15.00 per year gia, architecture, history, pipe organs Australia , New Zealand, or theatre; let's talk money. For those South Africa ...... $20.00 per year T_HEATREORGAN of you who would help us save the CLASSIFIEDADS Chicago Theatre and its Mighty Wur­ NOTE: These are the correct rates. The GET RESULTS! litzer, please write to Ira Bach, Land­ rates shown on non-chapter member's TRY ONE marks Commission, 320 North Clark statements are wrong because of a Street, Room 800, Chicago, Illinois printing error. 60610. To be continued.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 37 On October 22, 23 and 24, Lyn Lar­ vorites followed. The audience re­ sen once again held forth at the sponse required Jon to extend his con­ Thomaston Opera House. We have cert with a double encore, Anderson's had Lyn here toward the end of each "Sandpaper Ballet" and Faure's year with some regularity. This year "Pelleas et Melisande." During open Lyn had with him Jack Bethards from console, Dr. Jon was also among the California. Jack assembled ten very several attracted to our Wurlitzer, capable musicians from the Al Gen­ such is its magnetism. tile Orchestras group, a Connecticut EMCATOS' twin concerts by Den­ organization, to augment the pipe or­ nis James, October 23 and.24, were gan in some most entertaining ar­ among the best we ever presented. rangements of familiar music from This opinion was heard many times the Golden Days of radio. Jack has during both intermissions and upon collected, over the years, some conclusion of each. Mr. James is only 175,000 original arrangements used 32, yet he has captured the feel of the by such performers as Anson Weeks, "Golden Era" of the theatre organ Ray Noble, Nathaniel Shilkret and like a veteran. His polished, thor­ others. It was from these arrange­ oughly prepared programs were truly ments that the program for our con­ works of art. cert was compiled. Before dimming the house lights, Lyn started the evening with his fa­ recorded music of that era was heard miliar arrangement of "That's Enter­ as the focus of attention was our shiny tainment," soon coming to a medley Jerry Nagano at the Avalon Theatre . black console bedecked with a large of Duke Ellington creations. A fine (Pat Jameson photo) basket of fall flowers. Over the P.A. arrangement of the "War March of system then came an announcement, the Priests" concluded the first part Many thanks to Fred and Very! for ''From the Ohio Theatre in Colum­ of the evening's bill. Then it was time the enjoyable evening. bus, Ohio - Dennis James!" Lights for Jack Bethards and company to Jerry Nagano made his midwest de­ out, the screen pictured Dennis seated augment the program. This was done but on November 14 on the Avalon at a console, then leaving, strolling with much gusto as organ and orches­ Theatre Wurlitzer. Jerry delighted the over the house porch to a Model A tra put us, figuratively speaking, "on crowd with a very diverse program Ford. After climbing into the rumble­ the air" with a group of 1946 tunes. and the Buster Keaton film Or.e seat with background barbershop Lyn finished the evening with some Week. The organ has recently been quartet singing, he headed for the additional popular tunes and an out­ expanded and is now a 3/12. Ohio Theatre. Entering through the standing rendition of Puccini's "Un After the concert there was a recep­ lobby doors of the gleaming theatre, be! di," to leave us in a fine state for tion for Jerry at the Riverside The­ he ambled down the aisle to the white enchanted slumber. The brass, drums, atre. There were refreshments and piano and bass instruments so capa­ and gold console, dressed in white suit theatre tours as well as open console and straw hat. Dennis, in person, then bly directed by Jack Bethards in con­ on the Riverside's 3/ 13 Wurlitzer. cert with the fine Marr & Colton pipe came down the aisle spotlighted in When Jerry got up to take his turn, he similar dress as mounting applause organ provided an interesting and was treated to a full display of the the­ very entertaining evening. Many fa­ greeted him. As beautiful colored atre's lighting and scenic effects. views of the Ohio were screened, Den­ vorable comments were heard from CARRIE NELSON the audience. nis began his program with the appro­ On March 19 and 20 Charlie Ba­ priate "Beautiful Ohio." Amid loud logh will play for us at the Thomaston approbation he turned with a ''WEL­ Opera House. For tickets and infor­ COME TO BABSON DREAM THE­ mation contact Concert Tickets, P .0. ATRE" greeting and stated that his Box 426, Seymour, Connecticut program would be an introduction to 06483. Telephone 203/888-9696. the 1920' s use of the organ in movie W. F. POWERS houses. Wonderful music of Berlin, Kern, H.N. Brown and others was played with great accuracy and feel­ DAIRYLAND Babson College, Wellesley ing, utilizing the organ's resources to Milwaukee the hilt. Lightning-fast registration 617 /244-4136 or 617 /754-1508 414/463-2365 or 414/771-8522 changes, second-touch use, pistons, Fred Hermes opened his home and The principal order of business at toe studs, all carefully enhanced his "Basement Theatre" to DTOS mem­ our October Babson meeting was ac­ program. Dick Johnson and crew bers and invited guests for his annual ceptance of the Nominating Commit­ added much to the mood changes Halloween program in October. Fred tee's slate of 1983 chapter officers. with lighting effects. Community himself accompanied the full-length Our afternoon's artist, member Dr. sing-along time with Dennis' vintage version of The Phantom of the Opera Jonathan Kleefield, always makes and humorous slides was a great hit. on his five-manual Wurlitzer. A our Wurlitzer speak with authority. For the Halloween season, the best standing-room-only crowd enjoyed His opening few bars of Bach's "Toc­ Laurel and Hardy comedy we have the classic film and special effects on cata in D" modulated into "Who," seen in years, Habeas Corpus, was the Brenograph, not to mention the and then a fine contrasting variety of screened with truly expert accompani­ Halloween treats after the program. marches, movie themes and old fa- ment.

38 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 After intermission, Dennis paid ministration for the coming year. He Our next meeting will see the elec­ tribute to one of the greatest theatre presented Ginny Vanore with a brass tion of officers for the coming year. organists, the late Reginald Foort, trumpet for ten years of dedicated ser­ Hopefully, our organ might be play­ with Foort's arrangement of the vice as editor of the chapter news­ able by that time. The whole town is "Poet and Peasant Overture," which letter, Pedals and Pipes. interested, and our chairman is work­ served to introduce a musical trip Meanwhile, quick progress is being ing closely with the theatre officials around the world. His audiences were made as work crews have been formed on the many phases of its installation. "up" in all ways as they applauded at the former Broadway Theatre in Oh! to see it come from the pit in this most talented organist, so Dennis North Bergen and at the Asbury Park sound! Dream on, fellow members. reciprocated with two tunes from Convention Hall. More details of the DOROTHY STANDLEY Kern's Roberta. Dennis James gave progress at these installations will be us two most memorable concerts presented in future chapter notes. showing his thoroughness in attention ED BAYKOWSKI to detail, musicianship, knowledge of AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY his instrument, programming and Land O' Lakes Chapter showmanship. We all left with a GULF COAST warm glow and Dennis won many Pensacola friends for himself and for theatre 904/433-4683 - St. Paul pipe organ. Isn't that what it's all 715/262-5086 or 612/771-1771 about? Chairman Tom He~ms is through ST AN LEY C. GAR ISS with his studies and is now back at the Our chapter has never been so busy helm of our chapter. - one concert after another! Once B.D. Rhea, M.D., is still bee-busy again we had the privilege of hearing on his construction of the reproduc­ the magnificent 3/ 13 Robert-Morton <;ARDEN STATE tion of the Wonder Morton. He is up pipe organ at the Powderhorn Park THEATRE to the stage of putting in the electric Baptist Church in Minneapolis when switches on the stop tabs. Sure looks Paul-Wesley Bowen played for us on ORGAN good! August 29. SOCIETY. INC. If you think building a console is Labor Day weekend found about simple, please stop and consider. twenty LOLTOS members attending Now, you would think to build a pipe another of Bobby Schmidt's famous New Jersey organ you would start with pipes. music festivals at his Indian Hills 609/888-0909 or 201/891-1588 Right? Wrong! One of our starting Resort in Wisconsin. The guest artist goals was the purchase of a blower. was none other than Lyn Larsen On September 26, the Garden State Sound simple? No way! To begin headlining the programs for three Chapter proudly presented Robin with, the blower was in Abilene, evenings. We enjoyed his charm and Richmond, one of Britain's few re­ Texas, in the basement of a small col­ easy rapport with his audience in such maining "original" theatre organists. lege. We heard of the availability of close, intimate surroundings, and we Prior to the concert, Mr. Richmond the blower, and the size and price feel that we really got to know him. was greeted at the airport by Program suited us. This necessitated a trip to Others participating in the programs: Chairman Michael Cipolletti and Abilene, garnering workers from the Dr. Kerry Grippe from the University member Joe Vanore. Unsure as to local unemployment bureau to help, of Iowa thrilled us with his artistry at how Mr. Richmond would be able to renting a U-Haul and pulling the the grand piano; Arma Neff, 93 years recognize them, they secured the whole thing back to Pensacola behind young, received a standing ovation assistance of a couple of Tibia pipes the car. Some job! Then, to add to all for her violin solos accompanied by and carried them into the airport. The this, heat of 117 °. Well, we got home Lyn Larsen at the organ; Sylvia Hart­ result was instant recognition. with the blower, and the workers at man, a multi-talented young lady Mr. Richmond has performed for the Saenger Theatre helped off-load from Minneapolis, played her beauti­ U.S. audiences during three previous the thing into the basement of the the­ ful harp and sang several numbers ac­ tours. He is one of the few singing the­ atre where it will blow. You would companied by Lyn at the organ. atre organists who publicly do so. His think that after dismantling and pull­ Sylvia also plays piano and organ. We concert stylings were thoroughly en­ ing the whole thing all those miles, the all felt fortunate, indeed, to hear such joyed by all in attendance. This writer rest would be simple. Forget that. In beautiful music in such surroundings. particularly enjoyed the Edvard Grieg the Law of Murphy, nothing is sim­ On September 10 Lyn Larsen ap­ selections so rarely heard in perfor­ ple. Sometimes he runs over into peared in concert at the World The­ mance on theatre pipe organs. ATOS work, too. Murphy, I mean. atre in downtown St. Paul. Bobby October 22, the Trenton War Me­ After the almost thousand-mile odys­ Schmidt again brought his Rodgers morial was the scene for the installa­ sey, the blower sat three inches from 340 from the resort and Lyn, of tion of new officers, the annual ban­ its connecting point with no way to course, was much at home at the or­ quet, and a superb concert by Ralph connect it to the shaft. To the rescue gan after playing the previous week­ Ringstad who has delighted audiences came Tom's father with a portable end for the f es ti val. at the U.S. Military Academy's lifting mechanism which lifted the About fifty LOL TOS members Moller and the sorely missed Suburbi­ behemoth motor the necessary three traveled in separate cars on October an Restaurant's Wurlitzer. Chairman inches, and now it is home! Twenty­ 10 to Spring Valley where Mike Erie, Jack Moelmann addressed the mem­ five horsepower motors are heavy - our own vice-chairman, played a de­ bers and outlined the goals of the ad- in case you need to get one this week. lightful concert of familiar tunes on

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 39 the 2/ 8 Wurlitzer situated in the loft l\1ichad Living~ton, Eleanor Call. ence, the compet1t1on adjudicators of the enchanting barn owned by Dr. Madalyn Traun, Laura Nichols and were Dr. Joanna Frazer with both Roland and Marilyn Matson. Cheryl Wittala. classical and theatre organ apprecia­ On October 22 Rob Calcaterra, or­ VERNA MA E WIL ON tion; Frank Fowler who heads the re­ ganist at Radio City Music Hall, nowned Hill, Norman and Beard or­ played at the World Theatre on the gan company which earlier built the Rodgers 340, courtesy of Bobby LONDON & SOUTH brilliant Christie theatre organs; and Schmidt. Arma Neff, in a cameo ap­ OF ENGLAND good friend and cl)apter member pearance, played her violin accompa­ 8956-32369 or 1-788-8791 Dennis James, who was in London nied by Rob at the organ. There was a for a major silent film festival at the silent movie and a sing-along which Our fifth "Young Theatre Organ­ Dominion Theatre in London's Tot­ made a thoroughly enjoyable concert. ist of the Year" Competition, held tenham Court Road. As usual, Len Cedarhurst, a beautiful historic this year at the Granada Harrow in Rawle acted as chairman. mansion in Cottage Grove which is northwest London and featuring the the home of "Goldie," the giant sparkling 3/8 Wurlitzer of 1937 vin­ After a truly first-rate playing pro­ Wurlitzer, was the scene of our an­ tage, was an outstanding success, gram, we enjoyed an exciting nual election meeting on November drawing a record 12 entrants from 20-minute interlude played by last 19, preceded by a dinner and followed various parts of the country. year's winner, exceptionally talented by a concert by Harvey Gustafson, With ages ranging from 12 to 16, Rodney Pooley, while the adjudica­ well-known Twin Cities organist. the lineup had .an equal mix of boys tors retired to finish their assess­ Another concert at the World The­ and girls and an exceptionally fine men ts. The winner was stylish atre, held on November 26, featured cross-section of theatre organ favor­ 15-year-old John Barlow of Gomer­ Paul-Wesley Bowen at the Rodgers ites in the two free choices allocated to sal, West Yorkshire. In second place and five wonderfully talented singers each competitor. These were comple­ was 14-year-old Helen Kaye of nearby in a program of tunes from Broadway mented by one set piece, "Charles­ Berry Brow. Both John and Helen shows, a truly delightful musical ton.'' have been greatly encouraged by John treat. The guest singers were Dr. Before a very appreciative audi- Whitely of the '3Js' Leisure Centre at

Young Organist of the Year competitors, with winners seated on the bench, L to R: Rodney Pooley, 1981 winner, hands over the chain of office to 1982 winner , John Bar- 3rd place , Jeffrey Solman, 16; 1st place , John Barlow, 15; 2nd place , Helen Kaye, 14. low . London Chapter chairman looks on . (John Sharp photo) (John Sharp photo)

Marquee of theatre where Young Organist of the Year Competition was held on No- "ATOS 82" proudly displayed in front of organ grilles for competition . Note also spe- vember 21, 1982. (John Sharp photo) cial bench with "ATOS." (John Sharp photo)

40 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 Reginald Porter Brown, who passed away August 12, 1982. A favorite organist on all our safaris , was most often described as " the organist with four hands." He was a brilliant musician who will be greatly missed at Southampton Guild Hall. USA visitors Fifteen -year-old Jennifer Candea made her debut at the Barton organ in Ann Arbor's rated him the "tops ." · (John Sharp photo) Michigan Theatre in October . (Bo Hanley photo)

Gomersal, which houses the 3/ l 0 pressive concert engagements. 15 at the Redford Theatre. Members Compton formerly in the Gaumont Sadly, 1982 ended on a somber viewed numerous photographs, pub­ Cinema, Doncaster, and proving the note with the passing of the uniquely licity posters and other memorabilia importance of regular access to such talented veteran organist Reginald from the early years of the chapter on an installation. In third place was Porter Brown (conventioneers will re­ display in the lobby. Following intro­ 16-year-old Geoffrey Solman from member his scintillating perfor­ ductory remarks by Marge Muethel, Sidcup in Kent in his third competi­ mances at Southampton Guildhall in Don Lockwood spoke from the stage tion, and now playing regular "live" 1976 and 1980). However, we take and, to the accompaniment of Lou interludes each Friday night at the re­ comfort that his special talents have Behm at the organ, recounted several cently restored 3/6 Compton in the been captured on numerous LP rec­ remembrances from the early years of State Cinema, Grays in southeast ords, including some from his tour of the chapter which was formed at the Essex. Australia a few years back, and a re­ home of Al and Betty Mason on Oc­ John Barlow collected £ 50 cash, production of his only 78 disc which tober 15, 1964. The birthday celebra­ as well as the now prestigious silver in­ he cut at the Regal Walton-on­ tion was co-chaired by Marge Mue­ scribed "Chain of Office." With a Thames Compton around 1943, just thel and Virginia Duerr. second prize of £25, third prize of issued in a new compilation. Gaylord Carter's program at the £ 15 and all other competitors receiv­ NORMAN BARFIELD Redford Theatre on October 16 ing £ 5 each, all twelve received LP marked his twelfth silent film presen­ records from Amberlee Records, Jo­ tation for our chapter. Gaylord, who anna Frazer, Frank Fowler, and Den­ this year celebrates his sixtieth year in nis James, together with other hand­ show business, accompanied The some supportive gifts. General with dramatically appropri­ As usual, good chapter friend Aud­ ate film scoring. rey Williams of South Wales brought On October 30, two busloads of along three fine young pupils to com­ chapter members journeyed to Kala­ pete, together with a wagon load of mazoo to attend a benefit concert by fervent supporters. Father Jim Miller at the State The­ Encouraging various similar com­ atre, where local enthusiasts are seek­ petitions in other parts of the UK, and ing support to save the atmospheric now, we are happy to see, in the USA, movie house and its Barton theatre our "YOY" is a well-established fea­ Detroit pipe organ. ture of our annual calendar. More­ 313/537-1133 Our annual membership meeting over, with around 40 young organists Twenty chapter organists played was held at the Redford Theatre on grouped around our chapter and the during our two-day garage sale at the November 7 and featured a catered enthusiastic support of their families Redford Theatre the first weekend in dinner in the lobby. Gerald Muethel and friends, we are pleased to be lay­ October. Proceeds from the very suc­ was heard at the Barton during the so­ ing a firm foundation for the continu­ cessful event will go toward the pur­ cial hour; Lou Behm played dinner ation of our chosen pleasure. Several chase of the theatre. music, and Mike Kwitt was featured of them are now employed in the or­ The eighteenth birthday of Motor at the organ following the meal. gan business and are also booking im- City Chapter was celebrated October We presented young Tony O'Brien

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 41 in his musical debut at the Royal Oak ter. Fifty-four years later, both were Theatre on November 12. Magician alive and well when Rex Koury united Jeff Hobson and member Nancy them in a Richard Rogers medley dur­ Candea, as a clown-mime, also ap­ ing his October IO concert. peared and were accompanied by Every composer's melody seems to Tony at the organ. be vibrantly alive when Mr. Koury In a surprise presentation following performs it, and this Wurlitzer has intermission, Don Lockwood awarded seldom sounded better. Throughout a plaque to Mert Harris in apprecia­ his program he displayed a great tion of his loving maintenance and knowledge of orchestration in imagi­ restoration of the Royal Oak Barton native registrations which never once over the past 14 years. A plaque was gave a sameness of sound to the or­ also awarded to Marion Cook, who gan. He has an effective technique for could not be present, in recognition of making great use of counter-melodies her efforts to preserve the Royal Oak without lessening the rhythmic force Barton organ by purchasing the in­ he is employing. These elements, strument and then donating it to our combined with a keen, sensitive musi­ chapter, thus assuring the future of cianship, made listening to a very or­ the organ in the theatre. chestral "Rhapsody in Blue" and se­ The artist for our September Sec­ lections from Annie and Music Man ond Sunday program at the Michigan most enjoyable. Theatre in Ann Arbor was Barry A lighter side of Rex Koury was evi­ Rindhage from Saginaw. In October, denced when he presented a silent fifteen-year-old Jennifer Candea ap­ movie without the movie and with peared in her first program at the very definite un-silent sound. He Michigan's 3/13 Barton. Norm Keat­ made the Wurlitzer tell the story, as ing, who has played in night club he did when he led us back to the dance bands, was our Fourth Sunday Golden Days of radio by way of mon­ organist at the Royal Oak Theatre in taging many famous themes of that September. Appearing at the Royal era. This concert was proof positive Oak's 3/16 Barton in October was that the American Theatre Organ So­ Don Jenks. An open console session ciety was right on target when they attracted members and local residents made Rex Koury their Organist of the to the Punch and Judy Theatre on Oc­ Year. tober 3, and provided an opportunity MARLIN SWING for many to try their hands at the 2/6 Wurlitzer. Magician Jeff Hobson , clown -mime Nancy Candea Upcoming programs include Den­ and organist Tony O'Brien after Tony 's program at . cf/Vor-Cal nis James accompanying Broken the Royal Oak Theatre in November . " Blossoms at the Redford Theatre on (Ray Van Steenkiste photo) CJ'heatre March 5. Eddie Weaver will be ac­ . Orgaq companying Haunted Spooks at the NEW YORK New York Society Royal Oak Theatre on April 9, and ' Lee Erwin will play accompaniment 201/573-9567 or 201/ 473-0559 San Francisco Bay Area for The Thief of Bagdad at the Red­ In 1928, Present Arms opened on -415/589-6683 or 415/524-7452 ford Theatre on May 20, 21. For more Broadway, and the Brooklyn Para­ information write: Motor City The­ mount made its debut on Flatbush Larry Yannucci played for Nor-Cal atre Organ Society, 17360 Lahser Avenue. There remains one gem from on October I 7 at the Empress Theatre Road, Detroit, Michigan 48219, or each: "You Took Advantage of Me" in Vallejo. Member Bill Elliott is the phone (313) 537-1133. from the first, and the glorious­ owner of the theatre and its Style D, DON LOCKWOOD sounding 4/26 Wurlitzer from the lat- 2/ 6 Wurlitzer Opus 952. The organ

Magazine Problems? DAVIID If you are not receiving your magazines, write to: ATOS Membership Secretary HAMTil7rON P.O. Box 3487 F G L.ISH TH FJ\TR F i\ D Irving, Texas 75061 RFCORDIN G OR Gi\ NtS·t For back issues and binders, write to: ATOS Back Issues & Binders Represented in U.S. by: Llomac Enterpri ses 1393 Don Carlos Court 2341 Kings Countr y, Irvin g, Texa s 75062 Chula Vista, California 92010 214-256-2619 / 2743

42 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 Larry Vannucci at the Empress Theatre Wurlitzer, ValleJo, California . ( Rudy Frey photo) Facade of the Empress Theatre, Vallejo, California. (Ed Mullins photo)

was originally installed in the Gaiety under expression and the percussions of Hayes, Middlesex, England. Al­ Theatre in Santa Maria, California. It are to the right side of the pipe cham­ though not related to famed British was removed in 1965 and installed in ber and are exposed. Future plans in­ organist Reginald Dixon whose name the home of Claire Shipley who was clude enlarging the instrument to is a household word in England, later married to Larry Vann ucci, so eleven ranks. Pauline Dixon is a rising young star. Larry was quite familiar with the in­ Yannucci mentioned the small size She was the winner of the first Young strument and was able to bring the of the organ, but said he was "gonna Theatre Organist of the Year compe­ most beautiful sounds from it. attempt it anyway," when he played tition sponsored by the London and The organ passed through two other Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance," South of England Chapter in 1978. home installations before William G. proving himself the master of this in­ When she played the 4/23 Wurlitzer Elliott acquired it for his little gem of strument. It was a most enjoyable at the Capn's Galley Pizza & Pipes in a theatre. The Empress was originally concert for all who attended. Follow­ Redwood City, she showed us why built in 1911 as a vaudeville house and ing the concert, Chairman Rudy Frey she was selected. was known as the Crest and as the presented the slide show that was seen Before opening with "Everything's Senator. It operated through the si­ at the Detroit convention promoting Coming Up Roses," Pauline thanked lent fi.lm and depression eras. It was the 1983 ATOS Convention which pizzeria owner Bob Paterson for all redecorated in the forties in the beau­ will be hosted by Nor-Cal. the kindness he showed her during her tiful Fox West Coast style, also November 21 our concert artist was visit. This is Pauline's fifth trip to the known as the "Skouras plumes and nineteen-year-old Miss Pauline Dixon United States. She is a great devotee swags style.'' The house was closed of the late Buddy Cole, and her recent between 1965 and 1980. The Elliott visit to his grave in Forest Lawn was family of Vallejo purchased the house an emotional experience. She also in 1980 and completely restored it at THEATREORGAN visited Cole's organ which is now in­ great expense. An organ had never CLASSIFIEDADS stalled in Campbell, California. Her GET RESULTS! been installed in the house, so cham­ program was highlighted with several TRY ONE bers were built behind the screen up­ Cole arrangements of which her stairs from the console. The pipes are "Autumn in New York" was note

~f~,1~, ...,,,~:t~,·~'!'"~11~!~1,~'!'"~11~'!'"~11~!~~11~~ ~~ ,- ·1 f = l ~ ~ 1 t ~ RESTAURANT and COCKTAIL LOUNGE ~ 17/2 /J7) / 't l :::LJanna ua~ ~ 3/ 17 WURLITZER ~ i Th eatr e Pipe Organ = ~ Artists Management j i Belvedere Av e. FRANK CIMMINO j_ P.O . BOX 19367 • INDIANAPOLIS , IN 46219 l, W anaque, New Jersey 07465 ~ (317) 894-1879 ~ (201) 835-3903 Organist ~{~ll~~$>""IN:):.,_~11N:):.,_~1!N:)_i~IIN:).j_~•IN:).j_~•1~ll~J~

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 43 perfect. She is developing a nice style of her own as well, which was evi­ denced in the variety of her numbers. Mrs. Audrey Dixon said that her daughter practices from five to . even hours every day. Pauline regrets that there aren't very many theatre organs available for practice in England. We know the feeling, Pauline! We hope your dream of having your very own pipe organ comes true. It was delightful to have such a lovely young lady play for us, which is a first for Nor-Cal, and we look for­ ward to hearing more from her. ED MULi.i S

Pauline Dixon at the Capn's Galley Wurlitzer, Redwood City, California. (Rudy Frey photo)

ticularly for someone of her youth. both enjoyable and the desired stimu ­ Announcing each of her selections, lus to expand our membership. It she revealed her professionalism and turned out well in all respects. her natural warm personality. Her Planning for the Fr. Miller concert program, which began with a spirited began in earnest as soon as we re­ "Bumble Boogie," included a Don turned from Detroit. The choice of in­ Baker arrangement of "Limehouse strument was simple as we have only Blues" and, in a more contemporary one theatre organ in an auditorium of vein, a medley from Annie and the sufficient size to support a public con­ Dallas-Fort Worth beautiful theme from Ice Castles. Her cert; the 2/ 15 Wicks in the Scottish 214/256-2743 or 214/233-7108 appealing music howed a depth of Rite Temple in downtown Dallas. Ar­ The recent activities of North Texas feeling and a warm regard for har­ rangements were quickly made for Chapter were designed to further the mony as well as a telling influence joint sponsorship of this event, and goals of ATOS as expressed at the De­ from her teacher. We hope that our proceeds will support organ mainte­ troit convention: to encourage talented grateful applause and sincere stand­ nance activities of both organiza­ young organists in their playing the­ ing ovation will provide encourage­ tions. atre organ and to build membership ment to this talented young woman in The Scottish Rite Temple in Dallas and participation in ATOS. August her musical career. We hope to hear is an imposing edifice of classic arch­ 15 the chapter members met in the her again. itecture, richly appointed with marble lovely home of FX and Barbara Chairman Bob McGillivray began and bronze and recently refurbished Coronado for the first meeting fol­ planning our chapter's membership to its 1920's splendor. The auditori­ lowing the convention. Program expansion while still at the Detroit um, when new, had a much larger Chairman Ted Thompson introduced convention. He called a caucus of the pipe organ installed; however, in the a very talented young organist, Miss NTC officers and members in sup­ forties when it became popular to do Luz Oralla. Luz, a senior this year at por t of his plan to invite Father Jim so, an electronic organ was pur­ Ursiline Academy, is an outstanding Miller to play an October concert in chased. The pipe organ fell into disre­ student of Mr. Charles Evans. Dallas. He got enthusiastic support pair and was removed. Pipe chamber Miss Oralla exhibited an unusual and the invitation was given. It was space was used for storage, so when degree of composure as well as excep­ expected that the presentation of Fr. the building was restored a smaller or­ tional musical accomplishment, par- Miller in a public concert would be gan was cho en to replace the origi-

BARBARA SELLERS a new experience in theatre organ concerts SPRINGDALE MUSIC PALACE For Concerr lnformarion and Availability 400 York Haven Road Richard J . Sklenar Springdale, Ohio 45246 3051 N . Clark, Chicago, Illinois 60657 (513) 671-0437 (312) 248-5744 or 525 -8658 Exit #41 off of 1-275

44 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 While many people contributed to hopes on receptive interest from de­ the success of this effort, Chairman velopers of several structures now be­ Bob McGillivray gave special thanks ing planned. In the meantime, work to Lorena McKee who handled most continues on refurbishing the instru­ of the arrangements, including adver­ ment, looking forward to that won­ tising and ticket sales. Special credit derous day when it assumes its destiny also goes to Fred Garrett and Dick as the center of theatre organ presen­ Cooper who provided transportation tations for the North Texas area. for Fr. Miller, as well as assured that IRVING LIGHT the Wicks behaved properly for the concert. We now proudly count Fr. Miller in our NTC membership. Say­ .,. ing that he found us Texans to be OHIO warm and friendly and dedicated VALLEY ATOSers, he wanted to be one of us. CHAPTER He wrote his check for 1983 dues and received his membership card in NTCATOS. We love you, Father Luz Oralla, young organist who played August 15 Jim. concert for North Texas Chapter . Finding a proper and permanent (Irving Light photo) home for our chapter's 4/22 Robert­ nal. This organ, built in 1925 for an Il­ Morton Wonder organ continues to Cincinnati linois theatre, was later used in a be a prime concern and activity of 513/221-3387 or 513/ 471-2965 church. When the church decided to NTC officers and members. Much The October 22 concert by Bob trade it in to Wicks for a larger organ, searching has not yet resulted in suc­ Ralston at Cincinnati's Emery The­ it was brought back to the Wicks fac­ cess. Existing facilities in this area atre, sponsored by Ohio Valley Chap­ tory. There the instrument, built by have not proved adequate for this in­ ter, was a success. Ralston played to a the father of the current Mr. Wicks, strument. We are now pinning our fairly full house. His varied program was prepared for its new home. This included a couple of numbers on an work included expansion to fifteen on-stage piano and was well per­ ranks from its original eight. formed, although perhaps a bit too Our choice of Fr. Jim Miller for talky. It was, however, quite obvi­ our October 8 concert could not have ously enjoyed by everyone, judging been better. His love, contagious fun from the applause. and laughter and his exciting music Ralston arrived in Cincinnati a few completely charmed his audience of days before his performance to get ac­ ATOS and Scottish Rite members quainted with the organ. OVC's 3/26 and friends. During intermission and Wurlitzer, rescued from the now ex­ following the concert, the lobby tinct RKO Albee Theatre and com­ ATOS desk was kept busy recording pletely rebuilt in the Emery Theatre, names for concert notices, providing has been maintained and enlarged ATOS information and applications, from its original 19 ranks by a very and receiving unsolicited praise of capable organ crew headed by Father Jim and his music. A number "Tote" Pratt. of people said they had "never heard Ralston highly praised the organ to that organ sound so good," and the audience during his concert. OVC asked to be notified of future con­ members Ken Aultz and Rich Kersting certs. We expect to gain many new keep the organ in tune. Ralston him­ Lorena McKee joins Fr. Miller on stage to accept chapter members as a result of this gratitude of members for her work. self, and Pratt spent some of the last concert. (Irving Light photo) available hours touching up the tun-

Dan Sein.er ORGANIST-PIANIST

"Many good wishes for your career. (I) TomWibbels God-Speed! You are a supervirtuoso that commands musical sensitivity with nuance." Theatve01rganist LUCIANO PAVAROTTI 1983- 1984 oncerl>i > • (:!Jc))07l)---J.00/ (?14) 596-5024

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 45 ing of a few pipes the day of the con­ was held at Rieger's Barn, where we to the California Bay area from Indi­ cert, a chore requiring Pratt to climb heard a 3/41 Moller / Estey cla sic or­ ana but Paul did not have his new ad­ about in the pipe chamber , aggravat­ gan with built-in player action which dress or phone number. However, af­ ing his leg condition, putting him in was rather neat. Some of us visited ter much time and expensive tele­ bed and forcing him to miss the con­ Mickey and John Gogle's home after­ phone sleuthing he finally · reached cert. Too bad, for it was a good con­ wards to see, hear and play their Bill and got him to play this concert. cert, and the organ sounded really three-manual Kimball. A chapter din­ Bill Langford has an extensive super! Ralston seemed to use every ner meeting at the Fireside Ristorante background in radio, TV, recording, key on the organ and every item on was followed by a concert by member and as a touring artist for Hammond the toy counter. Rodney Barbour on the Schantz at and Gulbransen. He was for I 8 years One small thing that detracted College Hill Presbyterian Church. at Ye Olde Pizza Joynt in Hayward, somewhat from its being a really first­ CiORDON COR ELL California, the first pizza organ in the class presentation was the absence of world. Although he had played a a printed program of any kind. Thi . great many pipe organs over the writer feels that, even without a Ii ting OREGON years, this was his first time at a Kim­ of selections scheduled to be heard, a ball. His great satisfaction with this program giving information about Portland fine instrument was evidenced in his the organ, the theatre, the society and 503/244-2141 or 503/253-6874 inspired playing throughout the con­ the all-important various credits is When the organist scheduled for cert. very desirable. Apparently the public our November 6 meeting at Benson Bill's generous program included felt so, too, considering the great High School was unable to appear, it an elaborate and sensitive arrange­ number of requests for a program. was necessary to quickly find a com­ ment of "Autumn Leaves" and a The Ohio Valley Chapter, in a petent replacement. Our thanks to clever music lesson skit with the piano 100% volunteer operation, presents board member Paul Quarino, whose and Clarinet. His artistic use of the double-feature classic films nearly perseverance and ingenuity enabled Kimball's gorgeous Strings, Tibias every Friday, Saturday and Sunday him to engage famous organist Bill and Vox was enhanced by the superb evening at the Emery Theatre unless Langford. Bill had just moved back acoustics of this auditorium. preempted by other events scheduled Thanks to Bill Langford for a won­ by the owner, the University of Cin­ derful concert and to Benson High for cinnati. A chapter member organi t, the use of the organ. Our chapter is from a staff of about a dozen willing also grateful to our maintenance crew to perform, play for half an hour and especially to Paul Quarino for while the movie patrons arrive as well bringing this super musician to us. as during an intermission between BUD ABEL features. Admis ion for the entire evening is only $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children under twelve, a PUGETSOUND bargain by any measure these days. Seattle The hard-working volunteers of 206/852-2011 or 206/631-1669 OVC-ATOS are proud to be con­ October was home tours for Puget stantly exposing the public to theatre Sound, beginning at Bert and Georgia pipe organ and its wonderful music in Lobberegt's home in Issaquah. Don this way. Myers played a fine program on the Other recent OVC activities have Lobberegt instrument. This was fol­ included a Big Band concert with Bill lowed by open console. The Lobber­ Walters' band on stage following a egts have a very interesting home with showing of Orchestra Wives, which the organ pipes installed horizontally featured the Glenn Miller band. Gene Bill Langford seemed to enjoy himself as much as the above a burlap ceiling in the living Oregon Chapter enjoyed him, at the November con­ Wilson provided the organ music be­ cert at the Benson High School Kimball organ in Port­ room. Many of us enjoyed a tour of forehand. Our membership meeting land. (ClaudeNeufferphoto) their museum which houses many old ' ~@Pa4 ' "theatre organ . .. par excellence" ' don wallace artist"s management CONCERTS ' 2736 hollyridge drive • hollywood. ca . 90068 • (213) 465-1090 27200 Parkview #114 Warren, Ml 48092 (313) 574-0128 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,~

46 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 quite exciting for the quad cities. The Cinephiles held their national conven­ tion at the Blackhawk Hotel in Dav­ enport, Iowa. Three days of continu­ ous movies and silent films of famous actors and actresses were shown. The hotel was equipped with an Allen the­ atre organ and a piano, each in sep­ arate rooms with films going in both Joms at the same time. The highlight of the convention was at the Capitol Theatre on Satur­ day afternoon. All gathered to watch Poor Lil/le Rich Girl and My Bes! Girl, starring Mary Pickford, accom­ Dick Schrum at Calvary Temple , Seattle . (Christine Pndephoto) panied by Bob Vaughn on the organ. Bob is from San Francisco and nor­ player pianos and musical machines, mally plays weekly at the Avenue as well as an antique car collect ion. Theatre. The organ, a 3/ 12 Wicks, We then traveled to Pearl Nelson\, was in fine tune, and Bob played a where Pearl played her magnificent great accompaniment to the films. Rodgers organ for us. I especially en­ The crowd of close to 1,000 gave Bob joyed her version of "Tea for Two." a standing ovation. After dinner at a restaurant in BOB /\D/\\IS Kent, we continued to the home of our chairman, Jack Becvar, where RED RIVER Dianne Whipple gave us a fine pro­ Fargo gram on the Wurlitzer there. We also 218/287-2671 or 218/236-9217 enjoyed Jack's demonstration of the Davenport player piano and organ using player­ Silent movie night at the Fargo piano rolls. 309/793-1451 or 319/359-5620 Theatre, November 4, was a total suc­ In November we were fortunate to cess with a completely full house and have Ron Rhode in concert at A chapter meeting was held at the a wonderful show. A very cold eve­ Seattle's Paramount Theatre. His Butterworth Center in Moline, Illi­ ning did not deter the crowd, and we performance showed excellent train­ nois, on August 27. There were twelve had to turn people away for lack of ing as he played a variety of classical members at the social who enjoyed seats. Lance Johnson began the pro­ and popular music. Of special note the beautiful furnishings of a turn-of­ gram on the 3/9 Wurlitzer with an es­ was his rendition of a medley of song's t he-century home. The home has pecially interesting jungle number, from The King and I. Extra thanks to three grand pianos and a 3/ 16 Stanke "Quiet Village," while exotic bird Don Myers, Mike Wallace, Genni pipe organ which is also playable by a calls were heard through the house Whitting, Jack Becvar, Bob White Moller roll-player mechanism. sound system. We made use of the and Brian lngoldsby for their work on Mark Spangler was our guest artist. stage for a special presentation of the 20-rank Wurlitzer at the Para­ He played several popular tunes and l 920's costumes belonging to Marg mount. It sounds great! demonstrated the roll-player, after Scott of Fargo. From formal evening In December we will have our usual which he was joined by Martin Leon dress to lingerie, nine models paraded Christmas party using our own organ at the grand piano. This was a great to organ music and commentary. at the Haller Lake Community Club. surprise for all members, and all had a Two of the models also sang, the real Best wishes for a Happy New Year to good time listening. Such hidden tal­ highlight being "My Heart Belongs to all. ent is . ometimes found by accident. Daddy," by a model in flapper dress. CHRISTINF PRll)I · Labor Day weekend proved to be The Keystone Cops were not far away GEORGEWRIGHT PARAMOUNTORGAN PREMIERE OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA KARL WARNER MANAGEMENT RECORDED LIVE 6842 E. VIRGINIA AVENUE 45 MINUTES NOV. 7, 1981 $10 USA SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85257 17 SELECTIONS $12 CANADA (602) 946-6892 GREAT ALBUM POSTPAID Featured at Organ Stop Pizza - 2250 W. Southern, Mesa, Arizona BANDARECORDS P. 0. BOX392• OXNARD,CA• 93032

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 47 and "raided" the place when the la'.-it one has stomped around in the cham­ son, a featured organist at the Denver model appeared in lingerie. Following ber where they were, so they should be Organ Grinder restaurant. We even intermission we saw the delightful in brand new shape except for some had on stage one of those giant Bos­ comedy Ir, with Clara Bow, scored by dust that will be removed later on. endorfer Imperial grand pianos which Lance. A new feature this time was a The organ is being readied for instal­ Bob Ralston played for us. Ladies reception desk in the lobby for per­ lation out in Littleton, Colorado, in a were up dancing on the stage with sons interested in membership and newly acquired building for the per­ Bob while Roy played, and, needless our concert mailing list to sign up. forming arts. Our "mouthpiece" to say, a grand time was had by all. A children's film series of Saturday (lawyer, to you genteel folk) is work­ Pikes Peak Chapter was responsible matinees has been very well attended ing out the details of the paperwork, for this concert. Thanks, guys! It was thi . fall, and the kids have really en­ and the crew is working with the con­ a grand evening. joyed the organ prologues. Mean­ struction people on building the In September we had Ray Young while, we are working downstairs in chamber and storage of the console entertain us at the Paramount, a fine the dressing room area on our music on a dolly platform. As soon as the in­ program of oldies that we had almost library. stallation starts we will have photo­ forgotten about. Then on Halloween Again this year, we will provide graphs and more information on it. the Paramount hosted a party with free noon-hour Christmas organ con­ The Aladdin Theatre 3/ 12 Wicks Jeff Weiler from Cedar Rapids, certs at the theatre beginning Decem­ suffered a great accident on Novem­ Iowa, playing the old silent Phantom ber 13. ber 6. Now that it is a live musical of the Opera. Jeff scored the movie For our 1983 project, we voted to stage theatre, a great many changes himself and it was just like the old make a record on the Mighty Wurlit­ and additions are being made back­ days. Wonderful performance with zer at the Fargo Theatre with selec­ stage and throughout the building. plenty of partying afterward. tions by severa l of our members. On November 6 an electrician, need­ We understand that sometime in SO IA CARLSON ing more power cables for the stage April we will be having Hector Oli­ lighting, ran two heavy cables from vera in concert at our Denver Para­ the old projection booth down mount The.atre, so if any of you through a ventilator tunnel under the travelers are out this way, come see us ROCKY MOUNTAIN house to backstage, where he drilled a and hear Hector. Denver three-inch hole in the stage floor, FRA K R. GANDY 303/343-3930 or 303/233-4716 which is six or eight inches of concrete This has been a good year for us. under the wooden floor and - you We have had some wonderful con­ guessed it - chopped off 380 wires ST. LOUIS certs and entertainment. Our present going to the relays in both chambers. Missouri group of officers and committee peo­ The dirty deed was not discovered un­ 314/863-2318 or 314/742-2385 ple have again done a great job. til, as usual, every work morning we Here are some details on the St. Our meeting was held in the stor­ turn on the organ to check things, and Louis Fox Theatre which has under­ age/work room where #3 and #4 we really found one. It will take some gone a $2 million renovation since be­ crews are working on our club's 2/6 time to ring out the break because the ing purchased by St. Louis redevel­ - Wurlitzer brought up from Alamosa, cable only had two color-coded wires oper Leon Strauss and Associates in Colorado. The woodwork is done, - black and tan. Good luck to our 1981. The Fox is the keystone of the the combination action air lines have crew! plan to rejuvenate the Grand Avenue been un-smashed, and re-leathering is In October we guided tours, a total entertainment district, which includes just about completed. The pedal of about 130 people, through the Powell Symphony Hall, the Beau board looks like it had just come from Denver Paramount Theatre. They all Arts Center and the Lynn Theatre, an the factory. Of course, it is still all received the grand inspection tour old vaudeville house. apart while the finishing touches are and a demonstration of the Mighty Leon Strauss' wife, Mary, an art put on. The pipes, we understand, are Wurlitzer. On October 16 we had Bob historian, supervised the task of re­ in perfect condition as this was the Ralston at the Paramount in concert. furbishing the theatre. She directed first move for them since being in­ A great night, indeed. The other con­ an army of electricians, plumbers and stalled in the Alamosa Theatre. No sole was played by our own Roy Han- other craftsmen. 7300 yards of new

~~~~ 0fP<{J~. · Father <@UNIQUE THEATRE~ ORGAN CONCERTS JamesMiller & SILENTFILMS "Father Jim" Appearing at DYNAMIC 40 l Davis St. (~~, MUSIC MANAGEMENT 9107 Emerald Grove Avenue Fenton, Ml 48430 a~~ ~"~ Lakeside, California 92040 (313) 629-5400 Pontiac, Ml (714) 561-2269

48 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 carpeting duplicating the original installed in the Fair Oak s Community is typical in this era of funding short­ were installed. 4000 yards of fabric Club House. After having blower ages, the school district has neither were used to reupholster the 4503 problems that would fill a book, the money for renovation or maintenance seats which were removed from the Wurlitzer was finally brought on line nor faculty who can play it. The auditorium, refinished and replaced. by a very determined Hal Wilmunder school principal, however, was in­ Mary hired chapter member Marlin the Friday morning before the Sun­ spired by Gary's performance and, Mackley to repair the 4/ 36 Wurlitzer , day concert. with some ATOS expertise and assis­ which had suffered from neglect and Being blind and having a limited tance, the situation with the Grant damage. Hometown organist / come­ amount of practice time on an instru­ High Wurlitzer may improve. dian Stan Kann returned to the Fox ment she had never played should RANDY WARWI CK last September to inaugurate the have handicapped Miss Carley. This renovated theatre. He played the or­ young lady was not handicapped! gan before each performance of the Came Sunday afternoon with a near SOONER STATE Broadway musical, Barnum, and overflow crowd of over 400, and both provided the accompaniment for two con soles on stage with tabs brailled, Tulsa silent film classics, The Eagle, star­ Candi Carley cut loose into a concert 918/742-8693 or 918/437-2146 ring Rudolph Valentino and Lon filled with a vibrant, rhythmic gusto October found members of Sooner Chaney's Phanton of the Opera. Stan that mu st be heard to be appreciated. State Chapter at Bill Roberts' Piano was Fox house organist from 1952 to All told and heard, it was a wonder­ Store in Tulsa for a pep-rally meeting 1974. ful, rousing, inspirational afternoon. for the Rob Calcaterra concert on Oc­ A variety of big-name Las Vegas­ Sierra member Gary Konas played tober 23. At that time we were given style entertainment ha s been sched­ a very fine concert on the Grant High name tags and posters, and encour­ uled to play the Fox. The theatre is School 4/22 Wurlitzer as the final aged to talk up the concert wherever also the winter home of the St. Louis event in the school's October 24 Fif­ we could. Municipal Opera which presents top tieth Anniversary celebration. Over The big day arrived! Rob had the Broadway shows. half of the 600 in attendance were afternoon to get acquainted with the ROY FECHT ER alumni who had not heard the organ two organs in Christ Chapel on the since their "Grant days" and who · Oral Roberts University campus, then were enthusia stic about Gary' s play­ had all of thirty minutes to sleep after SIERRA ing groups of selections from each a hectic flight from Minneapolis be­ Sacramento decade of the school's history. fore dazzling us with his perfor­ 916/726-5132 or 916/332-2837 This Wurlitzer is nice to play from mance. On November 7, Sierra Chapter in its near-new (1975) con sole; however, The installation at ORU is unique, co-spon sor ship with J. Nelson Organ the year s of little maintenance and no a 4/21 Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ Co., pre sented Candi Carley at the major work on the pipes and chests operating by a multiplex system Allen 456 and the now 2/ 11 Wurlitzer are taking their toll on the sound. As rather than a conventional cable, and DENNISJAMES ResidentOrganist for the OhioTheatre ELECTRIC "The audience rose as one to give this bn'lliant organist EXPRESSIVEPERCUSSIONS a genuine standing ovation, one that was richly deserved . James clearly is an en thusiast in love with the organ." - The Whig-Standard , Kingston, Ontario For Pipe or Electronic Organs "I cannot remember hearing a performance that was so me ticulously prepared, so expert ly designed, Operates from under key contacts. so skillfully presen ted. It was, in the most literal sense of the wo rd, impecca ble. " Full concert instruments, marimbas, vibraharps, - Citizen J ournal, Columbus , Ohio orchestral bells, xylophones, and pianos, NOW BOOKING 1983 APPEARANCES in 2' and 4' stops. Only manufacturer of such instruments in USA.

Call Collect (217-422-3247) for order acceptance or write: cvhlcymiller, a.a.g.o . dii1,~~I~,~I PERSONAL REPRESENTATI V E INSTRUMENTS East Coast : West Coast: NCOIPOIAflD Mr . William Perrotta TI D Associates 211 W . 56th Street Mr . Don Creswell Suite 18M 3328 Brittan Ave . New York, N.Y. 10019 San Carlos, Ca. 94070 DECATURINSTRUMENTS • 1014 E.Olive Street (212) 580-9286 (415) 592-7296 Decatur, Illinois 62526

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 49 a more than I 00-rank clas ical tracker end, Lee contributed more than any­ organ built by the Phelps Organ one can know, perseverence in the l'heat re Or~an W unt .\cl~ Company. The classical organ has its face of seemingly insurmountable ob­ ca:T Kl ·:s1·1,1'S own console, and is also playable stacles, time, ideas, arrangement , 'l'r~, One from the Wurlitzer console. compromises, countless telephone Rob's music reflected his classical calls, enthusiasm - you name it! training, as evidenced by the precision There aren't enough words to de­ ley of silent movie "chase" music, the with which he played. His theatre or­ scribe his behind-the-scene activities, artist accompanied Harold Lloyd's gan style was all his own, and his se­ the trips to ORU for conferences with classic Safety Last. This exceptionally lect ions ranged from "Mairzy mus ic department officials, trips to funny film showcased Gaylord's im­ Doats" to a beautiful "What I Did nearly all the Tulsa music stores to pressive talent at using the theatre or­ for Love," from Chorus Line. Two distribute posters, and Herculean ef­ gan for its original purpose. classical selections on the tracker were forts to get publicity. He gave time for Western Reserve Chapter was tremendous! His show-stopper, how­ a talk on tape with Ed Dumit of proud to present Bill Tabor in concert ever, was Widor's "Toccata" from KWGS, to be presented as a radio in­ at our 3/ I 3 Wurlitzer on October 30. his Symphony No. 5 played on both terview, and he persuaded Marty Pitt­ Bill, a chapter member, opened with organs from the Wurlitzer console, man of the Tulsa Advisor to run "Barcelona," followed by a Wizard something that, to Rob's knowledge, Rob's picture with a story. He spent of Oz medley. After many other fa­ had never been done before. That hours making arrangements with vorites, he closed the first half with an particular piece of music can only be ORU. Two days before the concert enjoyable sing-along. After intermis­ described as breathtakingly stupen­ the program master copy was ready, sion Bill accompanied Buster dous, and on those two organs, but still not printed. Lee persuaded Keaton's Cops to the delight of the played by Rob Calcaterra, it was ab­ his friend, Jerry Lysinger, to donate audience. He then honored WBBG, a solutely magnificent! the copies we needed! Lee, we salute local Big Band radio station, with a Many people contributed to the you! 1940's medley. His finale was an in­ succes of this concert: the staff of the Our November meeting was held at spiring "How Great Thou Art." Fine Arts Music department at ORU; Cen tral Assembly of God Church. Many WRTOS members attended organ technician Walt Gaber, also We had twelve new people present, a the business meeting held at the Lo­ from ORU; Phil Judkins and Hervey direct result of our "interest" coupon rain Palace Theatre. The meeting was Barbour, who assisted with transpor­ attached to the Rob Calcaterra con­ preceded by member Paul Kamas at tation and were on hand at Rob's re­ cert program, and we gained seven the Wurlitzer console. Paul's pro­ hearsal; Harlan Judkins, Phil's new family memberships to Sooner gram started off with a nostalgic brother from Tennessee, who was our State Chapter. The program was "Forgotten Melody" and concluded Emcee; John Barhydt and Harry open console on the 4/ 14 Robert­ with a rousing version of "Under The Rassmussen who arranged publicity; Morton formerly housed in Tulsa's Double Eagle." and Jerry Lysinger, who donated the Downtown Rialto Theatre. Several of Our November meeting and elec­ printing of our programs. And, of our new members surprised us with tion of officers was held at the Cleve­ course, the entire concert would not their considerable talent, and we're land Grays' Armory, and was fol­ have been possible without all the looking forward to hearing more lowed by open console. November 28 people who contributed the funds for from them. saw the decoration of Grays' Armory Rob's fee. Because it is university DOROTHY SMITH with two eighteen-foot trees in pre­ policy not to charge admission to paration for our annual Christmas events in Christ Chapel, this was the party. After the decorating, the WESTERN RESERVE way we decided to cover the costs, and workers rewarded themselves with a the concert was presented to Tulsans Cleveland potluck dinner accompanied by some at no charge to them. 216/933-2272 open console artistry. This concert owes its success to one Many WRTOS members attended Preparations are now underway other person, Chairman Lee Smith. the Gaylord Carter concert October 9 for two upcoming concerts: February From its beginning as an "impossible at the Akron Civic Theatre. After an 26, Cleveland Grays will present dream" to the standing ovation at its interesting program including a med- Jonas Nordwall at the 3/ 13 Wurlit-

Flicker Fingers Presentations The Organ and the Silent Screen IT'S OUT! S11IIGoing Strong

OUR COMPLETE 68+ PAGE CATALOG ILLUSTRATED WITH CURRENT PRICE DATA! Ga)llord SEND $4.25 TODAY

ARNDT ORGAN SUPPLY COMPANY 1018 LORENZ DRIVE - BOX 129 Carter 1371 Paseo del Mar • San Pedro, California 90731 ANKENY, IOWA 50021 (213) 831-6360

50 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1983 zer, and Wes tern Reserve Chapter will present Larry Ferrari at the Wur­ litzer on April 30. Tickets are avail­ able from Cleveland Gray s for Jona s Nordwall, or WRTOS, Inc., for Larry Ferrari, 1234 Bolivar Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. They are $4.50 for general admission and $5.00 for reserved balcony. JIM SH E PH E RD ilfl WOLVERINE CHAPTER ~ of the American Theatre Organ Society Central & Lower Michigan 517/793-5418 or 616/364-0354 A fine crowd of Wolverine Chapter members and others gathered on Oc­ tober 17 at the Pied Piper Pizza Ped­ dler to hear Lance Luce and Karl Cole Rick Moore at Theater Organ Pizza & Pipes in Pontiac. perform on the Mighty Wurlitzer. It is always a pleasure to listen to such member s gathered to hear Rick were tastefully chosen for their appeal talent. As it was Karl's last day as Moore play the Barton pipe organ at to theatre organ buffs. Rick's playing staff organist at the Pied Piper, many Theater Organ Pizza & Pipes in Pon­ is very plea sant, and we thank him for went there to hear him for that final tiac. Rick is relatively new to this providing us with such an enjoyable time and to give him a good send-off musical staff, having come there from listening experience. to his new position as head organist at his recent position as staff organist at We thank the owners of both of the new Springdale Music Palace in the Lansing (Okemos) Roaring 20's these pizza restaurants, Henry Hunt Springdale, Ohio (near Cincinnati). Pizza restaurant. Rick has also played and Ken Saliba of Pied Piper Pizza We all wish Karl the best of success at Pasquale's Pipe Organ Pizza in In­ Peddler and Gary Montgomery and there. We understand that Ken Saliba dianapolis. H.C. Scott of Theater Organ Pizza & will now be playing at Pied Piper Before Theater Organ Pizza & Pipes, for so kindly allowing us to along with Lance. Pipes opened for business that day, have chapter meetings in their restau­ On November 17, a small, but very Rick played a short program just for rants. Their support is much appreci­ appreciative, audience of our chapter our group, and his musical selections ated. MAX AND CAROL BROWN □

Voted ... ~LTSTRONY "Fifth most unusual restaurant - 1981" by Restaurant News Magazine featured at the ORGAN STOP PIZZA Phoenix, Arizona INDIANAPOLIS' MOST Mr . Strony's Latest Recording "MUNDELEIN 1980" UNUSUALRESTAURANT 1savailable through the above address at $8.00 postpaid

For concert information write or call Walt Strony Productions P.O Box 4281 • Scottsdale, Arizona 85261 • (602) 998-5611 MUIIC VALAC~ FAMILY PIZZA RESTAURANT ~ & ICE CREAM PARLOUR === featuring the Mighty WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ

t=rank. Cimmino Presenting UO,._,._A VAl2tZl=l2 • 131LL VLA§AtZ l?alph l?inastad at the console Theatre Organists Concert Dates Available

100 SARATOGA SQUARE WAYNE, N .J 07470 • PHONE : 201 839 -8540 7560 OLD TRAILS RD. • INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46219

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 51 CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR SALE FOR SALE Rates: 20¢ per word 2/ 5Wurlitzer, 1928style 150. Full Tibia, scroll­ Two (2) authentic reproductions, 60 yr. old DBBdlinss: styled console, Trumpet, re-leathered, excel ­ Wurlitzer mechanical drawings, 18" x 24" ea. Oct . 10 for Nov ./ Dec . lent condition, original and un-cut. Playing. Suitable for framing. Cross section manual Dec . 10forJan ./ Feb . Extras. Otter or trade for? Write 9005 S.E. chests; key-pipe wiring. $12.00 pr . Amart Feb . 10 for Mar .I Apr . 82nd St ., Portland, Oregon 97266 . Studios, P .0. Box 29905, Richmond, Virginia Apr . 10 for May /June 23229-0905. June 10 for July /Aug . Two Wurlitzer relays, 3-10 and 3-11, large Aug. 10 for Sept ./ Oct . scale Vibraphone, d .c. generator; miles of or­ Moving Sale : 1968 Baldwin electric organ, gan cable; Pizzicato action ; Piano magnet ac­ Model 48-H , double manual, pre-sets, full Send Copy To: tion and more . G. T . Merriken, 2141 Briggs ATOS Advertising pedal keyboard. Walnut church case, very Chaney Road , Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 . 1839 Weeg Way good condition. $1,800 . Also late 1800' s Story Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 3/ 11 Barton . One large scale Xylophone, one and Clark parlor pump organ. Needs minor re­ smaller Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Harp, two pairs . $150. Doris Ray, 28059 Elba Dr ., Grosse NOTE: The first ten words toy counters, Bass Drum and Cymbal unit, 16' lie, Michigan 48138 . (313) 676-5466. of each ad are Wurlitzer Diaphone . Robert Roppolo , P.O. FREE to members! Box 21, Lyons , Illinois 60534. (312) 442-5694 . Karg WT -12 chromatic tuner . Seven octave visual tuning range on lighted V-U meter: Wurlitzer Cloisonne lapel pin / tie tack. Minia ­ TakeAdvantage of this Privilege! C,II-C8 11. Five octave aural tuning : C2 II-C1 II. ture replica of the console identification plate. Emits two volumes. Full calibration . Quartz $4.00 each + .50 postage . Jim Boutell, 31716 crystal. One pound. Includes case, batteries, Staman, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48018. FOR SALE AC adaptor, earphone, stand . Introductory Rodgers 33-E theatre organ, walnut finish, ex­ Offer $135 ppd . ($230 list) . Song of the Sea Conn 650 theatre organ . 3 manuals . 32 note cellent condition, one owner. Five speaker Dulcimers , 118 Ledgelawn, Bar Harbor , pedals . Leslie 251 and Leslie 700 external cabi­ units : two FM-13 -50, one each: RW -2, RL-1, Maine 04609 . (207) 288-5653 . nets , 4 sets of Conn pipes. Well maintained, RW -3; home entertainment center. $18,000 excellent for home or church - $4,995 .00. plus shipping. L.W. Clark, 233 Melody Lane, Wurlitzer chests (all kinds), relays / switch ­ Atlanta, Georgia . (404) 428-4809 after 6:00 Orinda, California 94563 . stacks, Trumpet (D), Dulciana, Gottfried p.m. Tibia, 16' Kimball Lieblich Gedeckt w / chest, Conn Artist, 32 pedal AGO, transistorized 25 chimes . Charles Fleck, 318 O'Donnell Lane, generators, good condition, $2,500; 2-73 note Wurlitzer 3-man console. Rebuilt and refin ­ Cinnaminson, New Jersey 08077. (609) sets Conn transistorized generators w / power ished. $5,500.00 firm FOB, Lexington, Ken­ 665-5110 (till midnight). tucky . Send SASE for info. to Carlton B. supply; 45-Reisner 15-contact relays; 15-ac­ Smith, 3704 N. Pennsylvania St. 113, ln­ tion magnets ; offer. Herb Killinger, 6820 Gulbransen Rialto II organ . 3 ½ years old . Ex­ rfo:mapolis, Indiana 46205 . Avenida Cala, Rohnert Park, California 94928 . cellent condition. Asking $5,500 . Dick Hill, 71 (707) 792-1094. Granite Street, Medfield, Massachusetts Wurlitzer 2/7 Style SX , 1927. Excellent play ­ Wurlitzer 2/ 5 theatre pipe organ, offsets , with 02052. (617) 359-4128 . ing condition. Single phase Spencer blower. Harp and Chimes . Best offer on organ or com­ Come play it in our home . Price $10,500 . ponents. Bernie Davies, 141 Wellman Line , 2/ 5 Wurlitzer theatre organ, Style E console, Twomey, (203) 649-9783 . Melvin, Michigan 48454 . (313) 387-3497. Glockenspiel, Xylophone, single phase blower, extra Wurlitzer relay for expansion. Make offer to George Brown, 1734 Poplar , Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. (208) 734-1822 .

Kimball theatre pipe organ 2m / 8r; unrebuilt toy counter , 37n Harp, mitered for a 9 ft. ceil­ ing. Now playing in home. $5,000 . James Grebe, 3167 S. Jefferson , St. Louis, Missouri 63118. (314) 776-7117.

Theatre organ parts; pipes , chests, percus ­ sions, etc . Send SASE to Carlton B. Smith , 3704 N. Pennsylvania St . 113,Indianapolis, In­ diana 46205 .

Devtronix "Paramount" 3 manual console ATOS JULY 1983 (Wurlitzer Scroll), matching bench and pedal 28th ANNUAL S M T W T F S board. Finished in antique white by Devtronix . CONVENTION Two double & one single touch keyboards in­ .... ·cw stalled . Following unmounted parts included : SAN FRANCISCO Two exp & 1 crescendo pedals, 164 dual mag BAY AREA stop switches, 32 mag pedal switches, 38 pre­ CJ?WWWl4151sset & one Sfd pistons, 164 authentic Wurlitzer JULY 1-5 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 tabs (engraved), 14 Wurlitzer tags, 13 stori rail 24 ENCORE - JULY 6 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 separators, red felt . Stop list, drawings, photos, etc . $6,500 (present value $10,000). Call (617) 356-5693 evenings & weekends.

52 THEATRE ORGAN JANUARY / FEBRUARY 1983 FOR SALE FOR SALE AD SPACE SIZES Rodgers custom 340 theatre organ: 10 rank, Wurlitzer 3 manual console rebuilt and refin­ AVAILABLE three manual, 21 capture pistons, five trems, ished $5,500.00. Also other organ parts and Width Height second touch, Pizz, Great Sostenuto, main percussions. Carlton 8. Smith, 3704 N. Penn­ Full Page (Bleed) ...... 8½" 11" and solo swell, Crescendo, Szfortzando, sylvania St., #3 Indianapolis, Indiana 46205. Full Page (Regular) .... 71/e" 9¾'~ metal bar Glock, Chimes, toy counter, (317) 926-1466. % Horizontal (3 col.). . . . 71/e" 6½" $26,900. Tone cabinets, 1000 watt audio sys­ Orchestral Oboe, 61 pipes, 8" w.p. Crated to %Vertical (2col.) ...... 4%" 93/4 " tem extra and negotiable. (303) 495-3559. ship. $200. Eleanor Weaver, 664 Litchfield ½ Horizontal (3 col.). . . . 71/e" 47/a" Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. Three manual, Turnpike, Bethany, Connecticut 06525. (203) ½ Vertical (2col.) ...... 4%" 73/e" 10 rank (Opus 1745) complete as installed in 393-1669. %Horizontal (3col.) .... 71/e" 3¼" the American Theatre in Roanoke, Virginia in %Horizontal (2col.) .... 4%" 47/a" Wurlitzer 2/6. Pipework in mint condition. 1927. Absolutely mint condition. Console %Vertical (1 col.) ...... 21/e" 9¾" Needs releathering. Blower with new motor & ¼ Horizontal (3 col.) . . . . 71/" 2%" (double bolster) beautifully refinished in new fans. Extra factory regulator for Tibia. 8 brown mahogany & gold. Up & playing well in ¼ Horizontal (2 col.) . . . . 4%" 3%" Horseshoe console in oak with Wurlitzer private home. Easy first floor removal. Simple ¼ Vertical (1 col.) ...... 21/e" 7¼" medallions . Asking price $10,000 or best offer. re-installation with re-usable plastic winding & *¼ Special ...... 3½" 41/e" Contact: Rev. Joseph J. Grabys, 695 Fifth Durst aluminum flanges. Instrument has had 1/eHorizontal (2 col.) . . . . 4%" 23/e" Avenue, Watervliet, New York 12189. excellent care since new and no changes ex­ 1/eVertical (1 col.) ...... 21/8 " 47/a" cept substantial releathering, Tibia mutation MISCELLANEOUS 1/8 Horizontal (2 col.) .... 4%" 17/a" 1/eVertical ( 1 col.) ...... 21/e" 3¾" stops, new Reisner couplers, cleaning & new Philadelphia theatre organist member of Local Professional Ads ...... 3½" 2" orange shellac, increased unification, new key 77 American Federation of Musicians wants *¼ Special size limited to tops, re-plating of nickel parts. Ranks include: manager to arrange concert tours. Can leave Professional Card pages. Tibia, Kinura, Orch. Oboe, Vox, Tuba (16'), Philadelphia by 12:00 midnight Friday (travel­ Clarinet, Diapason (16'), Flute (16'), Violin, ing time must return by 2:00 p.m., Monday). Camera-ready copy is requested as the publi­ Violin Celeste. Percussions include: Glock, Write Jerry Allen, 510 W. Tabor Road, Phila­ cation is printed offset. Typesetting, photo Xylo, Chimes, Tuned Sleigh Bells, Chryso­ reproduction, layout, proofing, cropping, re­ delphia, Pennsylvania 19120. (215) 329-2921. versing, bleed layout and any other mechani­ glott, Traps & Full Toy Counter. Organ has Any information/history of San Francisco Or­ cal costs requested by the advertiser or agen­ five rebuilt tremulants. Purchase also includes cy will be charged by the publisher at nominal pheum 4/22 Robert-Morton. Newspaper clip­ rates. volumes of color photos (in-theatre installa­ pings, photos, articles, Tiny James record, tion) and original correspondence with Ru­ etc. Please state price and write Dale Haskin, ADVERTISING RATES dolph Wurlitzer Co. plus tape of last in-theatre 9005 SE 82nd St., Portland, Oregon 97266. Black & White, one time performance. This outstanding, original Front Cover - not sold Simplified study of theatre organ (theory, har­ "Mighty Wurlitzer" belongs to an entertainer Fourth Cover ...... $275.00 and was recently featured on C 8 S television in mony, registration) by cassette tape with ac­ lnsidefrontcover ...... 245.00 a PM Magazine segment. It has also been re­ tive concert artist. Write or call Rosa Rio, 130 Inside back cover ...... 245.00 corded in a well-received recording series. Will Mill Street, Huntington, Connecticut 06484, Page...... 220.00 consider outright sale or long-term performing (203) 929-1652. Everything's Coming up Rosa, % Page ...... 150.00 engagement/instrument lease with restau­ stereo LP 4/26 organ, $6.50 postpaid. ½ Page (Horiz. or Vert.) ...... 135.00 1/ Page (Horiz. or Vert.) ...... 99.00 rant. Call (612) 934-2500 for price and details. 3 RECORDS ¼ Page (Horiz., Vert. 3/9 Marr & Colton, good playing condition. "A Na lie album is always a musical event" or Special) ...... 82.50 Offers considered. See description, page 61, ( British & American reviews). New: Road to 1/8 Page(Horiz.orVert.) ...... 71.50 1/ Page(Horiz.orVert.) ...... 66.00 July-August THEATRE ORGAN. Eleanor Wichita, $9.00. Two stunning albums still 8 Column inch ...... 22.00 Weaver, 664 Litchfield Turnpike, Bethany, available: Show Business, ( Rochester, Wurlit­ Connecticut 06525. (203) 393-1669. zer) $8.50. Only One Billy Na/le, (Wichita Wur­ FOUR-COLOR Full Page ...... Net 550.00 litzer) $9.00 (now in second pressing). Billy Wurlitzer Relay 4-20 with piano and pizzicato. Bleed: Bleed accepted for full page Very good condition. $3,750. California Bay Nalle Music, 400 West Central Avenue, Suite advertisement only. Area. 8. Atwood, (415) 897-0694 evenings, 2205, Wichita, Kansas 67203. Special positions available at 15% (415) 543-9360 days. Cinema Organ Encores Presents Buddy Cole, above space rate. Organ pipe facade, exquisite quarter-sawn Deroy Vol. #39. Personally tour his 3/27 Wur­ PROFESSIONAL CARDS golden oak with 11 metal unvoiced pipes in the litzer/ Robert-Morton rank by rank, Side #1; 3 ½ " Wide x 2" High 6 Issue Contract ...... $75.00 center and oak lattice grilles on the sides. Cir­ reverse: "Serenade in Blue," "I Get the 2 Issue Trial ...... 35.00 ca 1942. Full size 12' 4" high x 10' 9" wide or Blues," "Caravan," "Peanut Vendor," "One ( Payment must accompany order.) could be only 95" high if you left the mantle off Morning in May." Stereo $7.00 postpaid, CLASSIFIED: the bottom. Disassembles into six sections in Stanley C. Garniss, 35 Union Street, North 20 cents per word per insertion. less than an hour all of which fit into an 8' pick­ Easton, Massachusetts 02356. Minimum $2.00. up truck. Museum quality, asking $1,900.00. Collection of 26 Crawford 78's. $100 or best Color photo available. D. Fehrman, 1490 MECHANICAL offer. Dave Junct,en, 280 E. Del Mar #311, REQUIREMENTS: Overhill Road, Golden, Colorado 80401. (303) Pasadena, California 91101. Trim size ...... 8½" x 11" 233-7795. 1 WANTED Gutter Margins ...... 1/,8 Top & Bottom Margins ...... % Broken sets of Musette. I have 40; many miss­ 1 For 1983 Outside Margins ...... 1/,8 ing. Wanted 12 reeds & boots, 8-CC for Bleed: Add 1/e" to top, bottom and lt,s San Francisco French Horn. Will try "anything." Wanted: outside margins for trim. Keep reading Wurlitzer Tibia pipes C (#25) and C# (#26). material at least¼" inside the trim. Morton 2-manual console, refinished oak, Wanted: Orchestra Oboe, brass ranks, 16' Page: 71/e"x 93/4" wired to Wurlitzer 5-rank relay, low pressure Post Horn (octave). Will pay top price. Will Bleed 8½" x 11" blower, $400.00. (206) 455-9432. 624 - 131st consider complete organ. Write P. 0. Box (without allowance for trim) N.E., Bellevue, Washington 98005. 66261, Portland, Oregon 97266.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 53 r y ars, a a e oo as een an mva ua e resource for professional musicians. Containing melody Youdon·t have line, lyrics and chords, fake books have saved many a performer when asked to play a song he didn't know. to be a performer Whether you're a professional or amateur musician, or you just play for your own enjoyment, THE PERFORMER'S to enioythe Performer~ COMPLETEFAKE BOOK is a must for your music collection. This handsome hardcover book is bursting with 613 CompleteFake Book! wonderful hit songs from all categories of music. Melody, lyrics and guitar chord frames are provided for each song. And, to make locating your favorite tunes easier, all songs are indexed in three convenient ways: OVER 600 SONGS • ALPHABETICALLY • CATEGORICALLY AT JUSTPENNIES PER SONG! • BY NAME OF COMPOSER/LYRICIST

Just take a look at the wide variety of song categories presented: Paul McCartney Hits • Christmas Songs • Blues/ Dixieland/ Jazz • Standard Favorites • Special Requests & Novelty Tunes • Popular and Contem­ porary Songs • Hits Of The so's • Country • Elton John Hits • Broadway Show Music • Mac Davis Hits • Motion Picture Themes • Buddy Holly Hits • Big Band Songs • Hits ByThe Four Seasons • MANY,MANY MORE!

Herc's just a sampling of the super song selection: ByThe Time I Get To Phoenix • That'll Be The Day • Listen To What The Man Said • Ebony And Ivory • Autumn Leaves • Rock-A-By Your Baby With A Dixie Melody • Midnight Cowboy • It's Hard To Be Humble • Basin Street Blues • Tenderly • Up, Up And Away • Arrow Through Me • Fi'v~eFoot Two, Eyes Of Blue • Modern Girl • Hello, Dolly! • Silly Love Songs • I Just Fall In Love Again • What Are We Doin' In Love? • Sherry • The Man That Got Away • Hey, Look Me Over • Peggy Sue • Mr. Sandman • Ghost Riders In The Sky • Band On The Run • Young At Heart • Sentimental Journey • Put On A Happy Face • Stormy Weather • Linda • Making Love • Uncle Albert And Admiral Halsey • The Christmas Song ( Chestnuts Roastjng On An Open Fire) •MorningTrain (9 To 5) •Somebody Bad Stole De Wedding Bell • Somebody's Knockin' • Summer Nights • If He Walked Into My Life • What I Did For Love • Tomorrow • Mame • Let 'Em In • Empty Garden • We Need A Little Christmas •I'm Sitting On Top OfTheWorld •Memory• Tuxedo Junction • Endless Love • Take It Away • Through The Years. ·

Please send me THE PERFORMER'SCOMPLETE FAKE BOOK.

□ Check or money order for $21.95 enclosed payable to A complete alphabetical songlist containing HAL LEONARD PUBLISHINGCORPORATION . This includes all 613 songs included in THE PERFORMER'S $2.00 postage / handling. COMPLETEFAKE BOOK is available FREE □ Please charge to my credit card account : OF CHARGE.Order #90500056 . □ Master Charge □ Visa □ American Express Acct. Number ______._xp. Date __ _ _ Send To: (Name) ______Address ______Examine THE PERFORMER'SCOMPLETE FAKE City______state ____ Zip __ _ _ BOOK for 30 days, and if you are not com­ Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery . pletely satisfied, we'll be happy to send you a complete refund. That's how sure we are that you'll be completely delighted with "~HAL LEONARDPUBLISHING CORPORATION this boo ! 8112 West Bluemound Road • Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53213 Dept. TO AND IT'LL SOUND LIKE IT LOOKS

The Allen System of Digital Tone Generation gives you the sound behind the appearance. We have made digital recordings of actual organ pipes. Data from these recordings is stored inside your Allen Digital Computer Organ. You get the sound - like it looks!

D Send literature D BEACHAM 620 Record (Enclose $4.00 Check or Money Order ) Name------­ ... for sound reasons Address ------Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062 City------State ___ Zip ______( 215) 966-2202 Allen Organ Company, Dept. TO 183 Macungie, PA 18062 COPYRIGHT © 1982

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1983 THEATRE ORGAN 55 ,lfflffllP ••••••

I .. ■ II_ 1111• ~ --11 ~ ■ ■_ ■

It plays like a theatre pipe organ ... only easier It soundslike a theatrepipe organ ... and then some The new Conn653 3-ManualDeluxe Theatre Organ Take the traditional sounds, effects and beauty of a theatre pipe organ, combine them with the brightest and newest audible features of modern technology ... coupled with Conn's Individual Tone Oscillators (ITO) ... and you have an instrument designed to appeal to the accomplished or novice organist. The splendid new Conn 653 Deluxe Theatre Organ has arrived.

Sit back and listen to the richness of the 653: • Lively crisp reeds, lush pure tibias (16 ' through I ' with 4 muta­ • A 32-note concave A.G.O. and R.C.O. pedal clavier tions) , warm theatre strings , enhanced by the authentic-quality • A cancel kick switch for the trems , or as a sustain for the piano diapason tone. and portamento of the Tuned Percussion guitar • Ethereal celestes from separate tone generators • lntramanual and pedal couplers • Instrumental realism from the trombone , clarinet, saxophone , • The 10-key transposer trumpet , jazz brass and accordion voices in the all -new • Conn's exclusive Extra Player section Orchestral Section • Two distinct vox humanas See ... and play ... the beautiful new • A 32' Contra Bourdon pedal stop Conn 653 Deluxe Theatre Organ at your • A Tuned Percussion Section that produces piano , harpsichord , society piano, guitar , vibes, glock , chrysoglott, chimes, perc 4' , Conn Keyboards dealer. repeating mandolin , marimba and banjo at the touch of a stop key on the second stop rail • Toy counter effects-wood block , castanets, tambourine , etc. • 5 tremolos plus tremolo accent • Whisper-to-full-organ with separate Crescendo pedal • Crescendo pedal indicator light • Quick clearing stop keys • 8 capture pistons that you can preset Conn Keyboards , Inc. • 350 Randy Road • 16 factory presets Carol Stream, Illinois 60187 • (312) 653-4330