ATOS President Blog 2009
Greetings all...it is time to bring me into the 21st Century!!! Or at least a little of me.
I look all over the media, my former life, and see the bloggers out there on an almost daily basis. Time to upgrade the blogging schedule, and get some news and notes out there, be it my crazy travels or interesting news about ATOS and many of our local chapter activities. Thus, we are going to generate this on a weekly basis...and will also invite your questions.
First and foremost, Happy Holidays to you all. I know all about the hue and cry about PC (political correctness), and thus, unabashedly, I also offer a very "Merry Christmas" to you all, and Happy Hannukah to our Jewish friends.
Disparate thoughts on many topics: first, congratulations to our chapter friends at the Motor City Chapter. For lo these many years now, they have operated their own theatre. Think of all our individual chapter efforts aimed at just acquiring and installing a pipe organ. And here is a chapter successfully...lately VERY successfully...operating its own theatre. Of course, they took the lead established by our sister group, DTOS with its ownership of the Senate, so owning theatres was the thing to do in Detroit.
By the way, word is that the Senate Theatre has a buyer, and the great Fisher Theatre Wurlitzer will soon be moved out of the place that had been its home for around 40 years. No official word yet on a new home for the distinctive instrument, but DTOS officials are working on it. Meanwhile, with grand cooperation from Motor City, DTOS will host its concerts on the Redford Theatre Barton until the big Wurlitzer finds a new home. Well done in terms of two differing groups getting together for the benefit of each other.
'Tis not only the season to be jolly, 'tis also the season for giving, and we offer our thanks to those who have responded to our second Annual Drive. And at the same time, we offer a reminder to those of you who can afford to do so, to double check with your financial advisors to see if a gift - large or small - to ATOS might make a difference this year on your tax returns.
During a recent trip to Atlanta, I had the opportunity to lunch with Larry-Douglas Embury, organist at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, and his annual holiday treat titled LARRY, CAROLS AND MO once again saw all the tickets snapped up almost immediately. Larry's all-star show became an instant classic, and kudos to Fox Theatre management and the Board of Directors who determined this was a great "Thank You" to the citizens of Atlanta who support the theatre. Tickets to this event are free. (And are usually gone in less than 24 hours!!!! Larry's guest list is enormous, and during lunch I watched him sadly tell two people he knows he could not get them any tickets. Such a nice problem!!)
The Fox offers us all a glimmer of hope and a peek into the future of what lies ahead for success in the theatre organ world. While we worry about our audience numbers at concerts, we see thousands every year delight when they experience theatre organ where it is presented. With a full-time, paid staff organist, the Fox in Atlanta does it right. The good news forthcoming is that another great theatre in the south, getting all dolled up like brand new, hopes to do the same thing once its pipe organ is back on line. More on exactly where, what and when as news develops.
Check elsewhere on the website to see the sparkling new web page for the Seattle area convention coming up in late-June and early-July. Our friends at the Puget Sound Chapter have organized a spectacular event. You thought we went to a lot of different theatres in Cleveland last year? Wait 'til ya see what's in store in Seattle!!! And of particular interest is the Pre-Glow trip to Spokane. Here, we will hear the Wurlitzer that really started it all at the Liberty Theatre in Seattle in 1914. The Wurlitzer hailed as the first GREAT theatre organ installation, now the centerpiece for our new chapter in eastern Washington, the First Nazarene Chapter of ATOS. Make your plans now - don't wait - it will be a wonderful event in the Pacific Northwest!!
Theatre Organ Radio listenership keeps rising, as does sponsorship interest...ALL very good news. We are happy to hear Bob Ralston's "spots" on the webcast, and the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of ATOS is also getting into the act, now airing a weekly program featuring concert highlights from past events from EMCATOS.
More Eastern Mass news: the Hanover Theatre in Worcester (Wooster!!!) boasts most of the Don Phipps Wurlitzer installed...in fact enough of it installed to offer a sneak preview of the organ during this holiday season. The organ will be heard during performances of A Christmas Carol and management is thrilled. The Main chamber is complete, and the solo chamber has about five ranks playing for this sneak preview. Don Phipps and his crew continues its labor of love, creating a first class instrument, that hopefully will also end up like the Atlanta Fox Moller, i.e. HEARD AT EVERY SHOW!!
Finally, congrats to Martin Ellis and Donna Parker for their stellar performances and success with the Indianapolis Symphony Pops Orchestra. Some 22 performances of the Pops Holiday concert found the new Mighty Wurlitzer literally front and center, to rave reviews and a most appreciative audience. That is great news. Even better news is the fact that Pops conductor, Maestro Jack Everly is reportedly absolutely enthralled with the Wurlitzer and thrilled with the organ's presence in the show.
When we are writing about the success of the Mighty Theatre Organ with a Symphony Orchestra, we KNOW that Christmas has come, and Santa left a biggie under the tree for ATOS!!! Way to go in Indy!!!
I am beginning to prepare year-end info not only for the Board of ATOS, but also for the IRS. I can't wait to see just how many flights I was on during the past 12 months visiting with you all from New England to Southern California, Florida to Minnesota, Cincinnati, St. Louis and all points in between.
More in a week!!! And then I will have a new mailbox set up for your questions!!!
Ken
Greetings all, and it has been a while since we’ve communicated in this fashion, thus, while I await the arrival of Chairman, COL. Mike Hartley at our Palm Coast, FL surrogate office - the Perkins Restaurant - for a breakfast meeting, a few updates.
First, a final reminder that Birmingham and the ALABAMA JUBILEE Regional Convention is right around the corner, and while many have signed up, I am sure many of you are planning to just head on over for the post-Thanksgiving event.
We will hear some stunning concerts. Simon Gledhill will be making his first-ever appearance at “Big Bertha,” the Alabama Theatre’s glorious Mighty Wurlitzer. And Donna Parker and Mark Herman will certainly be their best. An on-stage interview and Q & A with Pipedreams radio host Michael Barone will be most interesting. And I will have my first opportunity to see Dr. Steven Ball provide his musical magic behind a silent film.
But I must point out that several years ago, a recording was made on the Alabama Wurlitzer that was as entertaining a CD as I have ever enjoyed. Singin’ In The Bathtub was one track and the title of the recording made by Jim Riggs. And to hear Jim Riggs on a big, full-throated organ in a big theatre, much as he was featured at the Oakland Paramount and where he is now entertaining listeners at the Seattle Paramount, is a musical treat, indeed.
So, once stuffed with turkey, get to Birmingham for what should be a wonderful event.
More news from the South. New Orleans witnessed a wonderful event recently when the lights of the great Saenger Theatre marquee were lit up by Mayor Ray Nagin, and the announcement of a $38 million restoration was made public. This is a long-range project with the theatre slated for a grand re-opening in 2011.
The good news/bad news side of this story is that all media information and all discussion about the “authentic restoration of this historic landmark theatre” was devoid of any mention of a restoration of the magnificent Robert-Morton organ.
ATOS is aware of this. Local member Dr. Barry Henry, long associated with the theatre and the instrument, is working with officials to bring the organ to the forefront in the overall process of restoration. More on this story as it develops.
Meanwhile, there is news of significant new instruments coming on line. The Hilbert Circle Theatre presented its new Wurlitzer organ in a concert in October. Home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Circle's new organ was featured in performance of Saint-Saens organ symphony, and the reviews were most positive. More importantly, there are 24 December performances of a pops-style holiday musical feature, and staff organist Martin Ellis will perform at each of these open-to-the-public events. Wonderful exposure for the new organ, a great commitment from Hilbert Circle Theatre management and symphony executives as well.
A short jaunt down Interstate 74 carries one to Cincinnati where the former Albee Theatre Wurlitzer makes its debut November 28th at the Grand Ballroom of the Music Hall. Fully restored in new surroundings, the organ is magnificent. Ron Rhode will do the honors for the grand opening/dedication concert, and as the Music Hall is home to the symphony and the opera, meaning a stellar audience of music fans from across the spectrum will be in attendance.
Congratulations to Joe Hollman, President of the Ohio Valley chapter of ATOS, whose patience, dedication, and efforts (along with many in the chapter) helped create this special day. This new home creates endless possibilities for the chapter, which waited almost ten years to hear the organ play again after its removal from its previous home.
Congratulations also goes to Ron Wehmeier, organ installer extraordinaire, whose loving attention to detail during repairs, restoration and installation have helped create a spectacular sound in a new home.
Ron will present a full story on the organ and the Rhode concert event in an upcoming issue of our journal.
ATOS Theatre Organ Radio continues to post nothing short of stunning listening numbers. We began in our partnership with Steve Worthington last April. Steve’s original show was generating about 1500 listening hours per month. Since ATOS’ partnership, listening hours have grown almost exponentially.
Time Spent Listening (TSL) topped 10,000 hours in September, and will be approaching 12,000 hours for this month.
This is one of the great success stories for ATOS in its history, and along with the success of the Summer Youth Camp, this highlights two recent initiatives of the ATOS Board of Directors that offer great pride in the direction of the organization.
COL. Mike has arrived, so breakfast is on!! I shall report back on other news very soon as there is LOTS going on.
Have a great day.
Ken
To say I’ve been traveling a lot does not do the term “traveling” justice.
As I write this, I have been home now for four days...my longest stretch at home in over five weeks!!
During my 17 years broadcasting hockey games, my teams had some interesting travel schedules. It was not unusual to look at the calendar and find out the team was going to be hitting the road a lot, and traveling at odd hours.
Holiday time could be the worst. Kids out of school meant potentially bigger crowds, thus more games crammed into a tighter schedule. One year, I recall fighting through 11 games in 16 nights in nine different cities, with all-night bus rides and 4 a.m. wake-up calls to catch planes.
None of it matched my recent travels with ATOS. With a just-concluded stop at the Allen Organ Company in Macungie, PA (October 6) and the 3:30 a.m. wake-up call to return a rental car and catch my flight home to Tampa/St. Petersburg, I completed the following:
On a final personal note, I worked through the final days of the life of my Dad, Art, who passed away at the age of 91. And my sincere thanks to so many who wrote, called or contacted me and our family in response to his passing. Your kind words and thoughts are so very much appreciated.
All of this travel, all of these meetings, all of this contact, and all of this effort is aimed at our continuing desire to work more directly with our local chapters; to work diligently to continue the step-by-step process of providing more exposure for the music we love; and continue growing the relationships that we hope will provide long-term support for ATOS and the theatre organ in five, 10, and 20 years from now and beyond.
The final few days of travel found ATOS Chairman COL. Mike Hartley riding along for a meeting with First State Chapter; a concert at Dickinson; a meeting with Allen Organ officials and more.
Meanwhile, we are keenly aware of what several of you remind us about somewhat regularly. We are operating this fiscal year with a budget deficit, and the Board of Directors is at work trying to find resources and shave expenses to eliminate that deficit by the end of this fiscal year which is April 30, 2010. We have transferred our accounting process to QuickBooks, which will make Paul Van Der Molen’s job as Treasurer simpler, and make communicating the accounting process to you clearer. COL. Hartley, whose career in the Army was spent in Accounting, has reinvigorated the Finance Committee to assist Paul, and ATOS is committed to a full audit of its finances at the conclusion of this fiscal year.
Meanwhile, our new programs continue. The Touring Show holds some great promise with new productions in the planning stages despite some setbacks with the first two productions. Like so many things, this is a learning process. There are two potential shows that provide great promise, involving two partners very willing to work with ATOS.
ATOS Theatre Organ Radio continues its astounding growth. One of the measurements of the listening audience is “Time Spent Listening.” When creator Steve Worthington began this effort on his own several years ago, his original program would generate around 1500 listening hours per month (the total time people logged on were listening to his presentation). When we began our partnership last April, it did not take long for the listening hours to double to 3000 hours and beyond.
Today, ATOS Theatre Organ Radio is approaching 10,000 listening hours per month. The host for this effort is a company called Live/365, which hosts more than 7,000 programming entities. ATOS’ listenership is among the top 220 of those 7,000 + programs.
The recent trip into Pennsylvania and Delaware did allow Mike Hartley and I the opportunity to see first hand the tremendous progress being made at Macy’s/Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia. Curt Mangel and his staff have done brilliant work in restoring the Lowell Ayars Wurlitzer, with an attention to detail that I believe most of us will find mind-boggling. The console has been placed in the room on a lift. The work on chests, relays, reservoirs etc., is complete, with tremendous attention paid to “original restoration,” as per our agreement. Winding is being completed as we speak, and pipework should be in place soon. There is some hope that the organ might enjoy a “sneak preview” during a Christmas event at Macy’s. This is very exciting work, and the plans for a gala opening presentation will be announced soon.
Of all the travel I was involved with, there was one trip I could not make, and I sure wish I could have done justice to my last name, and been at two places at once.
Being involved in meetings, marketing and a concert the weekend of October 3-4 did not allow me to witness first hand the spectacularly successful event staged at the University of Oklahoma. The unveiling of the “Mini-Moller” during a weekend of concert events was beyond spectacular. Classical music, “pops” music, silent films, variety presentations, student performances and more, in front of packed audiences of appreciative attendees provided the setting for Dr. John Schwandt to show off what he and his staff have created in “Sooner-land.”
Most importantly, John was able to demonstrate his vision, “show-off” his creation, and prove that his ideas about what a new college curriculum for organ studies should be are spot on. And, he and his staff did this before a critical audience of educators, prestigious officials in the organ world, performers, critics and those who might be impressed enough to provide his ideas the serious funding needed to move forward.
While there is still much to do, John Schwandt, Clark Wilson, Bob Wilhelm, John Reister and all involved at OU deserve our most serious congratulations for “pulling it off” and “making it happen” when so many in the organ world thought this “pipe dream” was foolish.
All that is happening at the University of Oklahoma bodes very well for the future of ATOS.
I’m enjoying homelife for a whopping 9 days before the following:
I keep my bags packed, shoes shined, shirts pressed, and computer handy!!
Please be sure YOUR travel plans include Birmingham, AL for the regional in late November. Simon, Donna, Mark Herman, Jim Riggs and “Big Bertha” at the Alabama Theatre guarantee a GREAT event!! Will hope to see you there!
Take care!
Ken
Greetings all from (today, July 13) rainy St. Petersburg, FL.
I’m not sure where to begin. The convention has ended and there is a warm glow, a busy buzz, a need for a nap, and a great big smile for a most successful event on almost all fronts.
First, to ATOS Convention Planning Coordinator Mike Kinerk, our thanks for being in that post and bringing expertise in the myriad areas that demand that expertise when planning and executing the activities involved in a convention event.
More so to our friends from the Western Reserve Chapter of ATOS. It was the late 70’s when a very different group staged a regional convention in that neck of the woods. This was the chapter’s Maiden Voyage in hosting a major convention. I am sure the experience can be divided into three distinct sections: 1.) The “this is going to be great – isn’t it exciting” start-up section; 2.) the “oh my God – what have we done – how are we ever going to get through this” section, which by the way, is foremost right up until the first concerts; and 3.) the “oh my God – is it finally over – I’m exhausted – I’ll never do this again – oh it was great fun – let’s see, the next open year is 2014 - well, maybe” section, which will go on until the books are closed and everybody sighs a big sigh of relief.
Doug Powers, Tom Rathburn, Bob Moran, Jr., and all of that band of smiling and hard-working chapter members organized and executed a spectacular event. Musically, it was first-rate, and the line-up of artists stepped up to the plate and hit musical home run after home run from the Overture event right though the Encore day.
Great advance planning was in evidence as there were few serious glitches. No lost busses; no organ disasters; only one lost husband (who was quickly found – Len, get a cell phone!!!) and one glorious movie palace after another. The most fun was to see the jaw-dropping looks on faces as every day we stepped into surroundings we couldn’t imagine could be all in one part of the country.
Naturally, each convention has its challenges. Rest assured that those who filled out the survey will be heard, and that information will form the basis for a complete review of the Convention Handbook. Issues such as handicap busses and enough staff to help with them…such as “to intermission or to not intermission”…more seminars or fewer seminars…more free time or more concerts…more variety shows or strictly organ concerts…all of these will get serious discussion as Mike Kinerk, his predecessor Tim Needler, Tyler Morkin, and representatives from WRTOS and Puget Sound, plus Eastern Mass, LA and Atlanta, all sit down and offer a serious review of convention procedures in an effort to make it easier for our local chapters to host and execute an annual convention.
Meanwhile, there is a serious piece of business to attend to that has a wonderful outcome for both ATOS and the local chapter. This is a bit of a “good news/bad news” scenario. The bad news is that WRTOS did not quite complete the installation of the big Wurlitzer we had hoped to hear in the Masonic Auditorium. Not for lack of effort. The mostly-volunteer crew put in hundreds of hours in an effort to get it ready…and missed it by about six weeks or so.
The good news is that part of the financing of the project included a loan from the ATOS Endowment Fund. The rules and regulations of the Fund allow for loans under the proper circumstances. ATOS loaned WRTOS $35,000 toward the installation of the Wurlitzer, that funding to be paid back with interest based on proceeds from the convention event.
Please note the following: as per a change in policy in 2008: the split on profit and loss for an annual convention is 60% to the local chapter and 40% to ATOS. (It used to be 50/50.) In organizing the convention, events such as the Pre-Glow and After-Glow (or Overture and Encore in the case of WRTOS) are in the control of the local chapter. ATOS is not involved financially in those “outside” events. This was also the case in the very-last-minute opportunity that made the Aveni Mansion available. ATOS also does not get involved in the operation of the Record Shop. This helps the local chapter create the potential for financial success in hosting conventions. One great example – every convention that Central Indiana has hosted has been successful, and has provided the chapter the opportunity to install a new instrument, or seriously upgrade an existing instrument.
One of the major drawing cards for local chapters hosting conventions is the opportunity to earn money for the chapter. The convention is set up based on a minimum cost, then further based on a “break-even” number of attendees. Fortunately, both Indianapolis in 2008 and Cleveland this year had solid attendance numbers, allowing for profitable conventions.
WRTOS will be paying back its loan to the Endowment Fund, plus interest, as per the original agreement, and right on time. ATOS provided a valuable service to a local chapter by providing funding in the form of a major loan, from which eventually WRTOS will have a spectacular new instrument. This was done within the rules and guidelines established in the Trust document for the Endowment Fund, and it turned out to be a very good venture for both entities.
The current economic environment will perhaps dictate that the ATOS Board take a very serious look at any near-future similar activity. However, should efforts at growing the Endowment Fund succeed, this type of activity under the proper circumstances could again be good for a local chapter and for ATOS.
Enough of that…this is a blog and is supposed to be light and entertaining!!! The upcoming issue of the journal will have Robert Ridgeway’s review of the event and tons of pictures supplied by Richard Neidich and others. We are indeed producing a “highlights” double-CD recording and it will be available in mid-October, once we get the clearances from artists and all the production completed. Our thanks to Steve Worthingon who volunteered his time and skills and recorded all of the convention events for the production of the CD.
And congratulations to our award winners – those individuals who were honored by ATOS for service to the organization. Vern Bickel has done yeoman’s work for ATOS for some 30 years-plus, including serving as President, editor of Theatre Organ, board member, convention host and planner, and so much more. His return to the board three years ago helped ATOS at a time when his wise counsel and vast experience was so much needed. His name added to the Hall of Fame roster is most appropriate.
Robert Ridgeway was awarded the Ron Musselman Award for his service to ATOS, particularly in the area of recording and preserving our history. His vast collection of material will provide us an insight as to styles and a reminder as to the skills of the greats like Don Baker, Ann Leaf, Buddy Cole and so many more that will eventually become part of our treasure trove of archival material. More than that, his work at the Sanfillipo residence helped introduce theatre organ and ATOS to thousands who visited there.
Atlanta chapter’s Ron Carter was named Honorary Member for 2009 for his great efforts at the Strand Theatre in Marietta, GA, where theatre organ music (via an Allen organ) is heard by audiences in advance of the installation of a pipe organ. Ron’s work with that theatre’s board of directors has been vital in ensuring more theatre organ music will be heard in the Atlanta area, and this award is most deserved. And a big thanks to Donna Carter, Ron’s wife, for helping keep this a secret and getting Ron to the banquet! (And allowing Ron to spend so much time playing in the “theatre organ sandbox!!”)
Larry Donaldson was awarded an honor, new this year, to a Technician that has provided long and exemplary service to a particular instrument. Larry and “Big Bertha” in Birmingham are synonymous. And the hundreds of thousands of miles Larry has put on his car commuting from Macon, GA to Birmingham almost every weekend of his adult life are testimony to his devotion to that great pipe organ. We will enjoy the fruits of that labor this fall at the Birmingham regional event, and for many, many years to come.
Finally, our Organist of the Year is Chris Elliott, and this was just the right thing to do, and as it turned out, at the right time. I was reminded that Chris started playing silent films when he was just 15, and studied with Gaylord Carter, and Lyn Larsen among others. He has been at the top of his game for years, and is most deserving of joining the company of his fellow players. And the appropriateness of this award in this year is highlighted by the fact that Chris performed TWICE for this convention event – opening night providing the score for The Mark of Zorro, and later in concert with Jelani Eddington at the variety event at the Masonic Auditorium.
Congratulations to all, and our sincere thanks for doing what you do for ATOS.
There is so much more news out of the convention that I will post another blog in a week to highlight some of the other neat stuff cookin’.
Til then….
Ken
Thank heaven I packed heavy long sleeved shirts. It’s still cold in Chicago!!
Greetings from the Windy City, where I am writing this edition of the blog. I left Florida in sunshine and low 90-degree temperatures, only to land in Chicago in sunshine and low 60-degree temperatures!!! Would somebody tell Mayor Daley it’s summer! He controls everything else up here, he could certainly do something about the weather.
As I write to you we are just a couple of weeks away from the convention in the Cleveland and northeast Ohio area. I am happy to report that the convention attendance numbers are very encouraging. We were concerned about what the economy might do to overall attendance, but the splendid theatres, and the “newness” of this area, were obvious selling points to our membership, as it appears we will top 450 attendees, a spectacular number considering what might have been.
It is going to be a wonderful convention musically. And there is some very exciting news to be announced in Cleveland. No fewer than three new ventures will be announced…and perhaps as many as five. Keep an eye on this space, and the website in general for news, and of course, there will be a full report on convention activity in Theatre Organ later in the year.
Of course, for those of you who have been on the fence, there IS STILL TIME to make your plans to attend! And you can register with just a few clicks on the mouse right here on the ATOS website.
Attention to those in these chapters: Manasota, Garden State, Atlanta, Motor City and Orange County. In conjunction with your local chapter presidents and local board leadership, we have launched an initiative to bring some of your “local only” members into our ATOS family. Letters have been written to hundreds of those who have joined the local chapter, but not ATOS.
We ask our members in those chapters to “talk up” and sell ATOS, and join us in this effort to reverse the declining membership numbers. This is just one step in an effort to increase overall membership. And it is the step that makes the most sense in that those who received letters are already involved at one level. Let’s hope they see all the good things going, and join the national organization as well. Also, Dairyland chapter rounds out our top six experimental chapters in this program. Those members will receive their letters shortly.
We will take some time to evaluate the effectiveness of this effort, and proceed from there. Our sincere thanks to Tom Garver of Dairyland for taking the lead in this effort, on behalf of Board member and committee chair John Apple, and Atlanta member John McCall, who also assisted.
I am in the midst of an interesting trip. A stop in Chicago includes a visit to a grant writing and fund raising center with lots of good information on how ATOS can help itself in this area. I am performing in Indianapolis with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, and a young man named Laney Wilson. He is just 18, just out of high school, and was the third place finisher in the national Michael Feinstein Competition. This new venture sponsored by the famous pianist/crooner is basically a search for new young talent who will continue to perform music of the Great American Songbook. Young Mr. Wilson has great talent, and it will be a thrill to share the stage with him.
My last stop on the trip is in Cincinnati, where Ron Wehmeier is putting the finishing touches on the new installation of the Albee Theatre Wurlitzer in the Grand Ballroom of the Cincinnati Music Hall. The organ is owned by the Ohio Valley chapter, and offers a fresh start for this wonderful organ and a chapter that can now rally around its instrument in its new home.
So, more good news and more good stuff happening for ATOS. I look forward to seeing many of you in Cleveland. I will report back after the convention!
Ken Double
June 2009
GET ME OFF THE PHONE, AND GET ME ANOTHER DRINK!!
Yikes has it been busy!
Greetings from St. Petersburg, FL where we have not had rain in three
weeks or more. Mrs. O’Leary’s cow won’t have nuthin’ on the
guy who drops an ill-timed, still-burning cigarette butt on the side of
the road down here!
I am off to Atlanta Thursday, May 7th for more visits with officials at
the Atlanta Fox on some interesting business brewing down
there. They now have two theatre organs playing regularly for
the public. You will read all about Larry-Douglas Embury at
the Atlanta Fox Mighty Mo in the next issue of the journal.
In suburban Marietta, John McCall’s Allen organ is on loan to the
Strand Theatre, and word is the audiences are crazy for the pre-show
music, sing-a-longs, silent comedies and more. That Atlanta
Chapter has got it cookin’! Congrats to Ron Carter for his
great work at the Strand. The Allen is there ‘til the
Wurli/Morton gets finished.
Congratulations to our election winners, Donna Parker, Jack Moelmann
and Doug Powers. We say good-bye and thanks to Don Near,
whose term will end at the convention, and who will get a short respite
from national affairs before finding that time gobbled up by planning
for the 2012 Annual Convention. We also offer sincere thanks
to Susan Cole-Shaw, Bill Mollema, Don Phipps and John Ledwon for
running for the board. Most often, it is too easy for people
to simply say “No” when asked to run or to serve. But these
individuals stepped up, and at a very important time. A year
ago, there was no real election because we did not have enough
candidates. This year, we had an abundance of very good
candidates, and we thank them for participating in the leadership
process for ATOS.
We remind you about the upcoming convention. It is going to
be fun. Remember how it used to be? We could go to Detroit,
or Chicago, or New York or LA or pretty much anywhere in the 1960’s and
70’s, and most of the concerts would be staged at wonderful old
theatres. In recent years, converted warehouse space, high
schools, and who knows where else has provided the home for many of our
convention concerts. But this year in Cleveland, it’s like a
throwback to the old days. One great theatre after
another…the Akron Civic, the Canton Palace, the Mansfield Renaissance,
the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, the Palace at Playhouse Square in
downtown Cleveland (plus its three neighbors), and the handsome Masonic
Auditorium…we know you’ve got to leave the recorders at home, BUT BRING
YOUR CAMERAS!!!! It will be a great convention.
Judging by the feedback so far, many of you are really enjoying ATOS
Theatre Organ Radio on our website. It is really
exciting. The idea was reinforced by a comment made by my
friend Ray Compton (who was at last year’s convention and a guest
speaker at a seminar – he kept calling me “Kenny” – my former boss, he
is one of the very FEW who can do that and get away with it!!) who
stated that we really needed to move in this direction.
But we really should have been paying closer attention long before
Ray’s comments. Our Webmaster and web guru Tom Blackwell
works very hard for ATOS, almost daily. His input in keeping
our information updated regularly, and his monumental efforts (along
with four others on his team) at creating what we will soon experience
as our brand new website, make Tom an invaluable member of our team.
Knowing the website business as he does, and knowing that we are in the
music business, he had championed this idea for some time.
The question was, how best to achieve it?
The answer came in the form of member Steve Worthington, and his
five-year web/radio program Theatre Organ Replay. Steve had
been webcasting, paying for the space on the internet out of his own
pocket, and airing selections from his vast collection of vintage
theatre organ recordings. Steve was willing to marry with
ATOS to create a new format, thus, instead of reinventing the wheel,
ATOS partnered with Steve to create our new program, ATOS Theatre Organ
Radio. With Steve’s experience and Tom’s expertise, ATOS has
accomplished a major goal in terms of marketing its name and its music
to a potential vast new audience.
The early returns in terms of Time Spent Listening, and total listeners
has been astounding, even more than double our expectations.
And we have been heard in no fewer than 22 different countries.
This highlights what happens when creative, dedicated people tackle a
new project with a great sense of purpose. A lot more people
know about ATOS and the music of the theatre organ today because Steve
Worthington was willing to share his ideas and efforts, and Tom
Blackwell was relentless in his push that this was the right thing for
ATOS to do. It was Tom who finally approached the Board at
our meeting last January with the cost figures and put forth the formal
proposal to get this started. And who benefits? Our members,
who with a “click of the computer mouse,” can have their own radio
station playing theatre organ music all day long. Thank you,
Steve. And a big thanks to Tom!
Finally, I want to thank our friends at the St. Louis Chapter of
ATOS. First, I finally had a chance to visit that most
distinctive installation at Jack Moelmann’s house. “Wow”
might be one adjective. It is certainly
distinctive! I also had a chance to visit the City Museum,
which not only houses a thrilling Wurlitzer organ heard daily by people
visiting, but also houses an equally thrilling three-story slide that
is as heart-stopping as any roller coaster ride. (Hint: if
you plan on riding your behind all the way down the three stories, wear
dress pants. They really slide fast!!!)
Most importantly, I was provided a singular honor. Since the
death of the wonderful Stan Kann, Fox Theatre owner Mary Strauss just
could barely stand the thought of someone else playing that wonderful
organ. So, for more than six months, it sat in silent tribute
to its most famous player, save an occasional “peep” by curator Al
Hacker. For the annual “Party on the Pipes” last month, I was
honored to play a concert at the Lincoln Theatre in Belleville, and I
was asked to open the Monday morning “open console” time at the Fox by
playing two of Stan’s signature selections, It’s Today by Jerry Herman,
and Join the Circus by Cy Coleman. It marked the first time
the organ had been played in public since Stan’s untimely passing, and
it was indeed an honor and a privilege to be asked to handle this
occasion. I was genuinely moved by the reaction of the locals
from St. Louis and the staff members of the Fox Theatre who were so
emotional when hearing the organ played again, and hearing tunes so
closely associated with Stan. It was a thrill and an honor.
I also met the inimitable Kay McAbee for the first time, if you can
imagine, and what a joy. He got on that Fox console, and my
guess is that seats just under the chambers needed complete vacuuming
(Stan Kann style) after Kay blew the dust out of the
chambers!! It was great fun in St. Louis.
We had our first ever ATOS Touring Show staged at the Riviera Theatre
in North Tonawanda, NY, and although not a financial success, it was an
artistic success, with talk of what can be done in the future to make
it better. We will continue with this – very patiently – to
do all we can to make this new idea successful, both in terms of the
finances, but more importantly, in terms of introducing the theatre
organ to new audiences across the country. Discussions are
ongoing in five different cities for the touring show idea.
The phone grew out of my ear all day. This exercise has been
cathartic. I’m off to the ‘fridge. I need more
ice. ☺ Take care until next time.
Ken Double
ON THE DUSTY TRAIL
I counted dates on the calendar the other day, and once February 28th hits, it will signal the end of a 41-day stretch, of which I will have spent 32 on the road. At times, I wonder why I pay rent!
But the travel is enlightening, heartening, mostly fun, and very worthwhile. In January and February, I have had the opportunity to touch base on the following:
I also did a little count. During all this travel, I boarded at least 15 different aircraft, including rides on two “prop-jets” (didn’t think any of the major airlines – even with their puddle-hoppers – were still flying anything run by propellers!!!), and only had one minor mishap. During a change in Houston, the flight to Denver was delayed due to mechanical failure. I marvel at those who moan and groan when getting off a plane to wait for another aircraft. I mean really! Would you rather be on one that has a mechanical problem, or would you rather go up and down just like you’re supposed to??!!!!! I, for one, prefer landing properly on runways as opposed to rivers.
Congratulations are in order for our friends in Rochester, NY. They staged a weekend series of concerts in February in partnership with the AGO. The final program was presented on the Wurlitzer at the Auditorium Theatre, and was recorded for later playback on Michael Barone’s famous Pipedreams radio program heard nationwide.
Very slowly, in one small pocket after another, we find the relationship between the theatre organ fans/ATOS and our counterparts in AGO growing in a positive manner. I have often jokingly referred to our more classical-oriented friends as believing that the theatre organ is “the crazy uncle in the corner” of the pipe organ world.
Fortunately, programs such as those in Rochester and what is being planned for the closing concert at the ATOS convention (and the opening concert of the OHS convention) in Cleveland are doing much to break down barriers and open lines of communication. This is a VERY good thing.
We are all fans of a very tiny niche of the musical world. And we would be wise to do everything we can to promote all of the programming on pipe organs, not just the programs to which our own individual and particular tastes are drawn.
A final note: election ballots have been mailed. We have eight outstanding candidates running for the ATOS Board. This is quite a wonderful change from last year’s election. I encourage you to look over the ballot, vote for those you believe will best serve ATOS, and participate in our process of helping ATOS grow.
Hopefully, I will eat more meals at home, and board fewer aircraft, in March!!
‘Til next time,
Ken Double
TWO DAYS IN LAS VEGAS AND NOT ONE ONE-ARMED BANDIT!
Greetings from sunny Florida where we are several days into the New Year, and back from the ATOS Mid Year meetings that were held in Las Vegas, NV.
First, a word about why we met in Las Vegas. For two consecutive Mid-Year meetings, we met in Chicago. Now, this was convenient to my then-hockey schedule, plus, with Board and staff living in the Midwest, it was relatively convenient and a bit less expensive. But, oh those Chicago winters! Once your President was no longer encumbered by those silly hockey games, it was time to change location for our annual Winter meetings.
We chose Las Vegas for two reasons: 1.) it is far enough south to ensure decent weather, and; 2.) it is home to Phil Maloof who has one of the most amazing collections of theatre pipe organs anywhere in the world. We had the opportunity to enjoy Phil’s hospitality on Saturday evening, after our all-day Board meeting and just before the Fund Raising Committee had its meeting on Sunday.
Highlighting some of the work accomplished by the Board and staff, we received a full report from Paul VanderMolen on the state of ATOS’ finances, and although our treasury has taken a “whack” just like so much of the economy, some good fortune, prudent decision-making, and timely shifts of dollars has minimized some of the losses. We got hit, but it could have been so much worse. Our Treasurer continues to keep a watchful eye on every dollar, and we are working hard to be mindful of spending vs. income. There will be a full report published in Theatre Organ in the minutes of the meeting.
To that end, our first effort in Fund Raising, the first Annual Drive, has been a wonderful success. ATOS is fortunate to have two professionals in the fund-raising field acting as advisors and helping us proceed properly in this new arena. In terms of this type of annual fund-raising, Nancy Burton, formerly of Purdue University, indicates that our response rate of over 7% of those contacted, and our tally of more than $20,000 is a smashing success for Year One. Our heartfelt thanks to those who participated by donating to ATOS. This will be an annual effort, and knowing there are many in our midst who share our commitment and are willing to act by making donations is most gratifying, indeed.
ATOS is far along in its planning for the third annual Summer Youth Camp, and the second annual Adult Getaway. Martin Ellis now joins the Youth Camp staff, and this year’s event will be held in Phoenix, centered on the spectacular installation at the Adrian Phillips residence. The Adult Getaway will be staged in Berkeley, CA with all those wonderful Bay Area organs, and the lure of San Francisco very close by.
We welcome a new addition to the officers for ATOS, and in doing so, welcome an officer! Having changed the President’s position to paid staff, and changing the terminology for the leadership of ATOS, former Vice President Craig Peterson is now the Chairman. That left the Vice Chairman’s position open. No longer. The officer now in the office is Col. Mike Hartley, U.S. Army (retired), and he brings a wealth of financial, strategic planning, and theatre organ experience to the position. We are thrilled that Mike answered the call to first help us on the Fund Raising Committee, and then present himself for the office of Vice Chairman. He will be a great asset to ATOS, and could be a budding star! He is taking lessons from the legendary John Ferguson.
A question for you: How would you like to click on the computer, go to the ATOS site, and with another quick click, have your computer act like a radio station playing nothing but theatre organ music? Some of you have discovered the internet programs of Steve Ashley, Steve Worthington, and others. ATOS will soon be joining forces to create a channel on the internet that will be streaming theatre pipe organ music 24/7 for your listening enjoyment. This is a most exciting venture indeed.
You have been hearing about Strategic Planning, and perhaps been wondering what happened to that survey that was presented to the membership last year. The survey results are in, and there will be a full report. The results are an indication that we all might need to re-think some of our basic ideas about ATOS and its relationship with its local chapters. It was an enlightening exercise, and the leadership MUST explore the recommendations coming forth from the membership. Stay tuned for more….some of it potentially stunning….as we begin to act on the solid information gleaned from the survey. By the way, not unlike the fund raising response to the letter announcing the Annual Drive, we had more than 17% response to the survey, an astronomical figure in terms of this kind of survey. The membership responded. The membership is concerned. The membership made recommendations. And the Board is taking heed.
Finally, so you know and can make your long-range plans, ATOS Conventions are pretty well set four years out. This is great news. After Cleveland this summer, Birmingham and the Alabama chapter is hosting a regional this Fall; 2010 will find us in Seattle; 2011 will bring us to Eastern Massachusetts, and headquartered in Providence, RI; 2012 will bring us back to Southern California; and, 2013 is in the works with one grand location under consideration. Wonderful to know our upcoming conventions are set and in good hands with good partners at the local chapter level. Thanks to Mike Kinerk and his efforts as the Convention Planning Coordinator.
These are just a few of the many items that ATOS was dealing with during the Mid Year Meeting. If you are curious, we started on Friday evening at 4:30 with a meeting involving Mike Kinerk, Doug Powers, Craig Peterson and yours truly to discuss the specifics on the upcoming WRTOS/Cleveland convention. That was followed by a 6 pm meeting of the Executive Committee. Saturday morning at 8:45, we commenced the proceedings and worked pretty much straight though (save 45-minutes for lunch) until about 5:45 pm. The agenda covered more than 20 points. Saturday night after dinner it was off to Phil Maloof’s. Sunday morning at 11, we convened the first gathering of the Fund Raising Committee and discussed business until 2 pm. In addition to the committee, a half-dozen Board and staff were on hand to witness this new group in action. Many were off and running home after that. A few stayed on to enjoy Las Vegas (on their own nickel…there are stringent rules about what and what not gets reimbursed), and take in the shows, and see if their luck might help restore what the economy hath taken away!
Finally, you MUST check out the website and the material covering the Cleveland convention. When you click on “Venues,” and see all those glorious theatres, you will be amazed. If that does not get you all “goose-pimply” and fired up about coming to Cleveland for the convention, I suggest you call 9-1-1, get the ambulance there and see if you have a pulse!
It is going to be a GREAT convention!!
We shall visit in this forum again soon!!
Ken Double