ATOS News

News about ATOS and the world of Theatre Organ internationally.


Tuesday, May 5th 2015

Greetings to you all,

I am writing from lovely San Diego where I will meet with chapter officials of the Theatre Organ Society of San Diego later today, and then prepare for a Sunday concert on the Wurlitzer at Trinity Church.

The main reason for my message today is not so much what is going on with me now, but what I hope will be going on with you in July. In the next few days, you will be receiving your May-June issue of Theatre Organ, and you will find the information for our Philadelphia/Wilmington-based convention, dubbed “SOMETHING BIG!”

Thursday, April 16th 2015

An excellent news article on NBC News. Follow this link to see the video: http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/theater-organ-making-small-com...

Sunday, February 15th 2015

Hi to all, and I hope wherever you are, you are surviving the wintry weather.

I’m in Atlanta, and our immediate future forecast predicts lows in the teens, highs to barely reach 30. At least we are not shoveling out from under the many feet of snow that has devastated our friends in Chicago, Massachusetts, and all points in between and beyond.

Monday, January 26th 2015

The finest teacher of theatre organ style playing, with a list of students who rose to the highest level of concert playing, has died. John Ferguson passed away in Indianapolis Monday morning at the age of 79. He died peacefully in his sleep following some health issues.

Born in Shreveport, LA in 1935, his piano studies morphed into organ studies, and he made a name for himself playing Hammond with piano at lounges and restaurants, including the famous Stan Musial's restaurant in St. Louis.

Saturday, January 17th 2015

Do you live (and bank) outside the United States? If so, this is important news.

United States banks have begun changing the manner in which foreign checks are handled, including substantial increases in costs for processing those checks. In some cases, the new fees exceed the amount of the check!

Friday, November 21st 2014

It was an experiment that proved successful.

After many years of the popular Summer Youth Adventure, once again ATOS was asked by the adult players among our members, “Hey, where’s our program like that?”

Friday, November 21st 2014

I am home, getting ready to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends in Atlanta, and reflecting on the better part of the past 30 days spent on the road. Lots of things to reflect on, including:

  • One new Chapter (Old Dominion, Richmond VA) going strong and one potential chapter to be added
  • A pledge from people who make things happen there to renovate the Mosque organ in Richmond (now the Altria Theatre)
  • Progress on the historic Byrd Theatre Wurlitzer as work progresses and fundraising continues
Monday, November 17th 2014

As has been reported in the pages (three articles) in the current issue of Theatre Organ, and also on this ATOS website, the organization is beginning to take the first steps toward reorganization following the September retreat in St. Louis.

A recent Facebook posting offered some alarming statements, assertions and assumptions that were in error on every front. Social Media being what it is, quite a bit of commentary followed.

Wednesday, November 12th 2014

Following the ATOS retreat in September, the organization is now embarking on several tasks as it moves forward implementing the recommendations from the event. ATOS Chairman Bob Dilworth has appointed the first two committees.

Thursday, November 6th 2014

Jack Moelmann has updated the Theatre Organ Journal Index. Wanna find an article on Ann Leaf. View or download the 2015 edition here. If you appreciate Jack's work, let him know.