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************************************************************************************************************** Newsletter of the NORCAL THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY www.theatreorgans.com/norcal PO Box 625, Berkeley, CA 94701-0625 510/644-2707 June 2009 PAUL-WESLEY BOWEN Annual Picnic at San Jose Grace Baptist Church Ron Bingaman’s Home Sunday, June 14, 2009 – 1 PM NorCal’s annual picnic (with Sierra Followed by Open Console Chapter members our guests) will be held Sunday, August 23rd at Ron and orCal’s own P. W. Bowen will be at the Gay Bingaman’s beautiful home in Grass Nconsole of Grace Baptist Church’s Valley. Situated on 10 acres, the house has 3/13 Robert Morton. Originally installed a water powered Allen GW-4 with speakers in San Jose’s Liberty Theater this organ that are way above in an angled ceiling so retains its original theatre organ features. the sound comes down from above. Although a native Californian, ‘PW’ spent The festivities will start around 11 AM 30 years in Minnesota with the Dutch organ and we will eat around noon or thereafter. manufacturer, Eminent Organ Co. Known A grill will be provided for those who wish for his active hand registrations ‘PW’ is at to ‘cook out’ and coffee, tea and soft drinks home with both Theatre and Church organs. will be provided on-site. Please bring your Following the concert, members will have own dishes, silverware and food, and if 10 to 15 minute turns at open console, with desired, beer or wine. repeat turns as time permits. In addition to the organ and the on-site Grace Baptist Church is in downtown hydro-electric power house, Ron and Gay ‘P.W.’ Bowen San Jose at 484 E. San Fernando St. have 4 llamas and 3 pet chickens which you (continued on Page Three)
Lew Williams at BCT Lew then used throughout the first half of blew his stack backstage, but I wouldn’t May 3, 2009 the concert. No batteries required! But as it blame him if he did.) (review by Don Ravey) was placed on the console platform between Lew’s performance was notable for his orCal’s final public concert of the uses, it gave the appearance that CalTrans transcriptions from classical, big band, N2008-2009 season got off to a shaky was repairing pot holes on the stage! and Latin orchestral scores. I heard all the start when the theater sound system And once, unfortunately during a beautiful interplay of voices that I was familiar with refused to cooperate, depriving us of rendition of the Scherzo from Vierne’s in the original versions. And all played by our customary vocal welcome by Bill Second Symphony, the sound system’s one musician! His rhythms and tempos Schlotter and requiring our visiting artist speakers above the stage unexpectedly came were also true to the original, a quality I from Phoenix, Lew Williams, to just start to life and began hissing at the audience until much admire. playing and bring up the console lift with someone backstage was able to mute it. Alright, so much for the excitement. no introduction. I’m sure the confusion was During the intermission, the stage crew As we have come to expect from Lew somewhat distracting to Lew. was able to set up a portable amplifier Williams, we enjoyed a wide range of When Lew’s wireless microphone also system on the stage. And it worked! Lew music; as Lew said, a drawer of unmatched failed to operate, our ever-resourceful Kevin is to be complimented for maintaining his socks. King came onstage and delivered an older composure and being a good sport about . (Playlist is on Page Two) technology megaphone-like device that the technical problems. (I don’t know if he
NorCal Theatre Organ Society (NorCal TOS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Federal Employer Identification Number 23-741594-7 � State Charitable Trust No. CT 45966 � State Organization Number D-072 6636 NT20S M12 CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER EDITOR Pro Tem PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP Neal R. Wood Judson H. Owens Arthur Woodworth Frank La Fetra Janice La Fetra Gordon A. Pratt Neal R. Wood 523 Corbett Avenue 1730 Virginia St. 600 Coventry Road 3167 Falls Creek Dr. 3167 Flls Creek Dr. 15942 Via Cordoba 523 Corbett Avenue San Francisco, CA 94114 Berkeley, CA 94703 Kensington, CA 94707 San Jose, CA 95135 San Jose, CA 95135 San Lorenzo, CA 94580 San Francisco, CA 94114 415/861-7082 510/848-8714 510/524-7452 408/532-1044 408/532-1044 510/276-8102 415/861-7082 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] When emailing, include ATOS in the subject line. Otherwise, if you are unknown to the recipient’s computer, its SPAM filter may divert your mail. (Lew Williams cont. from Page One) 2 songs from Dancing Lady (Joan St. Louis Blues March – W. C. Handy PLAYLIST Crawford): Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah Up console: Heigh Ho and Everything I Have Is – G. F. Handel Begin the Beguine – Cole Porter Yours – Burton Lane Medley from The Sound of Music - First half: In The Mood – Richard Rodgers Does Your Heart Beat For Me – Joe Garland, Andy Razaf, Glenn Miller (including The Sound of Music, My Russ Morgan Intermission – Second half: Favorite Things, Do Re Mi, Edelweiss, Medley from Mary Poppins – Little Mermaid from the Disney film Climb Ev’ry Mountain) Richard & Robert Sherman – Alan Menken Encores: Harbor Lights – Jimmy Kennedy Country Road – (John Denver) Toccata from Symphony No. 5 – All That Jazz from Chicago – String of Pearls – Charles-Marie Widor John Kander Jerry Gray (Glenn Miller) As Time Goes By – Herman Hupfeld Scherzo from 2nd Symphony – Bossa Nova Medley – Louis Vierne Antonio Carlos Jobim: —Review by Don Ravey Lullaby – George Gershwin Girl From Ipanema, Lady of Spain – Tolchard Evans Wave, and Summer Samba
Berkeley High School Music Department features NorCal’s Mighty Wurlitzer
Karen Wells, Berkeley HS Music Instructor Berkeley High School Symphony Orchestra Alexander Johnson, Music Student --Neal Wood Photo t was around the middle of March Alex was a quick study. Wurlitzer and the Berkeley High School Iwhen BHS music instructor Karen The week of the concert was quickly upon Symphony. The piece was beautifully Wells Visited the NorCal work party. Ms. the music department. Alex needed more orchestrated. The final chord by the organ Wells was aware of the Wurlitzer in the practice time on the Wurlitzer, and Chris brought the house down. The audience community theatre and hoped that some was available mornings to provide support immediately stood and cheered, yelling day she could use the mighty instrument in for the organ. This was to be the first time “Encore, Encore”. one of the Berkeley High School concerts. that the high school symphony and the It was over. Chris and I were grinning ear The date for their spring concert was April organ played together. to ear. The audience and members of the 16th. The timing was right. The organ was On April 16th the audience entered the symphony crowded around the console to available, but who was going to play it? theater; most were seeing the Wurlitzer have another look. One of the students sat At the next organ work party, in walks console for the first time. I could overhear down and played a good rendition of Alfred student Alexander Johnson, a member of people mentioning that they had heard there Hitchcock’s theme song. It was a good half the Berkeley High School Symphony. His was an organ in the auditorium, but they hour of answering questions about the organ training included keyboards, piano, and had never seen it. A group gathered around until the audience was ushered out of the percussion instruments, however he had the edge of the stage, formulating the usual theatre. never played an organ. questions such as where are the speakers, The next morning, Chris and I met with Under tutelage of Chris Nichols, Alex where did the organ come from, etc. Ms. Wells’ music class. We conducted tours sat down at the BCT Wurlitzer for the The organ was to be used in the last of the organ, visiting the chambers, piano first time with the confidence of a pro. piece; Symphony No. 3 in C minor, the shelf and of course, the 32’ Diaphones (they Chris instructed him on proper seating fourth movement, Maestoso, by Camille were a big hit). The students took interest in at the organ, registration, technique, etc. Saint-Saens. Alex seated himself at the all of the aspects of the organ. Here’s hoping While the crew was working in the scene console, and waited for instruction from the that NorCal has sparked some enthusiasm shop, we could hear Alex’s attempt at conductor, Ms. Wells. As the baton came in the Mighty Wurlitzer and the music we playing the organ. As the day progressed, down, Alex played that magnificent major love to hear. some interesting sounds were beginning to chord that heralds the Maestoso. It was just —Neal Wood emanate from the auditorium. Obviously, what we were waiting to hear; the Mighty Page Two Windsheet June 2009 So what more can I say, except to thank Bob It’s De-Loverley—Cole Porter Hartzell at Harmony Wynelands, for his hos- Intermission pitality, and Ironstone Winery for the wonder- Vanessa—Wayne (Picnic continued from Page One) ful buffet dinner and their hospitality as well. I’m in the Mood for Love— Thanks go to Carol, Craig, Tom, Dave(s), and Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields the members of the Sierra Chapter for putting Medley of Julie Styne music this whole event together. Some People, Saturday Night is the Lastly, a plug for Mark’s new CD, A Kid in Loneliest Night in the Week, People, the Candy Store. Many of the songs played at Everything’s Coming Up Roses are welcome to hand feed; sometimes you Morton Madness are on this CD. I guarantee On a Little Street in Singapore— can see nearby wildlife including quail, wild you will be delighted to have this CD in your Peter De Rose & Billy Hill turkey, and lots of jack rabbits. It sounds collection. You can order Mark’s CDs at: Petite Waltz—Robert Schultz like a fun picnic! www.theatreorgancds.com Probably—Buddy Nolan Directions and many more details will (Organist at the Embassy Theatre) follow in next month’s WindSheet, but if I Cover the Waterfront— you need more information now contact Johnny Green & Edward Heyman, Ron at: [email protected] PLAYLISTS Roller Coaster Milton DeLugg Harmony Wynelands Encore MARK HERMAN Something’s Gotta Give —Johnny Mercer, Deadwood Stage – Sammy Fain/Webster at Atlanta, GA —Skylar & Shaftel Spring is Here— MORTON MADNESS Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart NEW MEMBERS —Neal Wood Brazil—Ary Barroso e welcome: espite the navigational skills of Chris When Your Lover has Gone— W Mr. Al Norman, Alamo, CA st DNichols and my total lack of sense of Einar Aaron Swan, (a November Concert 1 Timer) direction, we arrived at Harmony Wynelands Medley—Jerome Kern Mr. Burke Fox, Foresthill, CA in plenty of time to visit with all those who A Fine Romance, Yesterdays, Who?, All made the trek to Lodi. The weather was like the Things You Are, Pick Yourself Up, DONATIONS a spring day and the gardens at the winery Flying Fiddles orCal gratefully acknowledges a dona- were all abloom. Intermission Ntion from Frank & Jan La Fetra to Mark Herman began the concert with the When the Saints Go Marching In— the 2009 ATOS Youth Camp. upbeat Something’s Gotta Give, by Johnny James Milton Black & Katherine Purvis Mercer; then the audience knew they were Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Neighboring Chapters in for a treat from this young artist. I could Dot Bikini—Paul Vance & Lee Pockriss go on and describe my impression of each I Concentrate on You—Cole Porter, song, but I think that would probably bore the Medley from Broadway Melody of 1940— reader to tears. So I would like to just move Irving Berlin on and describe this, my concert experience. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, Change Mark’s music selections, and the style in Partners, When the Midnight Choo Choo which they were played, really showed off Leaves for Alabam, Doin’ What Comes the sound of these two wonderful Robert- Natur’lly, There’s No Business Like Show Carol Zerbo Mark Herman Neal Wood Morton organs. They really shine when Business Sierra Chapter Artist NorCal played as jazz instruments. To be able to My Romance—Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart hile Morton Madness is the major adapt and orchestrate music to individual or- Medley of American Patriotic Music— Wjoint concert NorCal and Sierra hold gans is almost as critical as pressing the right Anchors Away, America the Beautiful, each year, you will always find members of notes at the right time. This, Mark does quite You’re A Grand Old Flag , God Bless each chapter at the other’s concerts. In fact, well. America, Stars and Stripes Forever Sierra Chapter often busses down members Music is not only a sound experience, but to NorCal public concerts, and each Novem- it is also an emotional experience, as you are Ironstone Winery ber many NorCal members attend Sierra’s most certainly aware. I catch myself remem- Spring Fever—Rube Bloom Annual George Wright Memorial Concert. bering experiences associated with the music Stormy Weather—Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler Perhaps this year NorCal will charter a bus in times past. Music is one part of the song, Losing My Mind—Stephen Sondheim, to Sacramento for that event. lyrics the other. My impression is that Mark, Twisted—Annie Ross Sierra Chapter routinely does silent mov- along with the music he is playing, is think- Medley of Duke Ellington Music— ies with organ accompaniment—something ing about the lyrics, and is adding that impor- Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, for a number of reasons is not easily done at tant emotional content to the performance. Caravan, I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t BCT. Frank and I took our teenage grand- This concert was truly a memorable event. Good), Take the ‘A’ Train sons to see The Thief of Bagdad’and we all I wish to thank Mark for his wonderful Your Mine, You (played on the piano)— had a wonderful time. Sierra Chapter pres- performance, and I look forward to hearing Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, ents silent movies on Friday night, four times more from this talented artist. Powerhouse—Raymond Scott each year. (SierraChapterATOS.org) June 2009 Windsheet Page Three NORCAL PRESENTS UPCOMING EVENTS ATOS Summer Adult Getaway! PAUL-WESLEY BOWEN—Sunday, June 14, July 20 – 23 in Berkeley, CA 2009, 1 PM, San Jose Grace Baptist Church, . CHAIRMAN’s Followed by Open Console. (See page 1) WINDLINE onas Nordwall, with assistance from Jspecial guest instructors, including our ATOS Annual Convention—Cleveland, would like to take this opportunity to own Kevin King, will offer a four-day OH, July 1-5, 2009, “Treasures of the I thank Don Ravey for all his efforts and course on how to Play the West Coast Way. Western Reserve”. (See May/June contributions to NorCal as the Windsheet The primary organ will be NorCal’s 4/41 Theatre Organ for details) editor. Since September of 2005, Don’s Wurlitzer in the BCT, but other Bay Area ‘Ravings’ have graced the pages of the organs may be used. Because of our contract OPEN CONSOLE—Sundays— June 21, Windsheet. Don has decided to pursue other with the BCT, NorCal membership is re- July 12, August 9. (See Left) interests as he leaps into his octogenarian quired. This event is open to those over 21. years. For additional information, contact Don- NORCAL PRESENTS—July 20-23, 2009 Don’s editorials have touched on many na Parker at [email protected] or Neal Adult Summer Getaway (See Left) subjects related to Theatre Organ, from Wood (See Page One or below). whimsical to cajoling. One of my favorite NORCAL MEMBERS PICNIC—Aug. 23, articles was in the June 2007 Windsheet (See Page 1 for details) where Don discusses the very existence of Music. Is it a second universal language, NORCAL PRESENTS— earworm, a mood regulator, etc? Beyond the ‘Ravings’ column, Don has written many concert reviews as well. [I hope he finds time to continue these - Pub.] Don, your wit and wisdom will be missed, OPEN but not forgotten. We hopefully look NORCAL PRESENTS— forward to an occasional contribution to the CONSOLE Windsheet. I know that you will be spending more time at your Allen Renaissance Hosted by Theatre Organ preparing for an upcoming Chris Nichols concert, perhaps?? his is an opportunity for NorCal Notes from the Tmembers to try their hand at playing the chapter’s Wurlitzer at the Berkeley NORCAL WEBSITE Editor Pro Tem Community Theatre. When the theatre is e now have copies of the current and he very first thing I want to do as available, these sessions run from 1:00 to Wtwo previous Windsheet on our web TEditor Pro Tem is to echo Neal Wood’s 5: 00 PM. The next scheduled dates are: site—and in color! They are in .pdf format, thanks to outgoing Editor, Don Ravey. All Sundays— June 21, July 12, & August 9 which requires that your computer has a NorCal members should thank Don for Open Consoles are informal and our copy of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. his dedicated work, and I am especially genial host, Chris Nichols, ensures that We also have an up-to-date Calendar of grateful that he will continue writing his any NorCal member feels comfortable. He Events online. Be sure to visit it! excellent concert reviews, and hopefully an lends help and support to anyone who needs TheatreOrgans.com/norcal/ occasional article. it. Depending on how many members are This month I have received lots of present, each has one or more 15-minute FOR SALE material, but that won’t always be the case. sessions at the console. Rodgers 3-manual with 3 large external So I look forward to contributions as well as Important: Call the NorCal voice mail speakers. Also SH2000 Roland synthe- any comments or suggestions members may at (510) 644-2727 on that Sunday morning sizer. Late 1970’s vintage. Located in San have. Just give me a little ‘wiggle room’ as to confirm that the theatre is available. If Jose. Email for more details. I learn this job. there will be Open Console, enter via the [email protected] Jan La Fetra backstage door at 1930 Allston Way.
NORCAL THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY, Inc. q X A Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society & N ? ATOS is dedicatedr to promoting the tradition of the theatre pipe organ and public understanding and appreciation of the instrument and its music, and shall aid in any way possible the preservation of theatre organs through rehabilitation of instruments and fostering the arts of playing, building, voicing and maintenance. If you would like to join us, please call or write: Mr. Neal R. Wood at (415)861-7082