News about ATOS and the world of Theatre Organ internationally.
Fall is arriving. Here are some notes regarding the theatre organ related to ATOS and its activities.
As many members are aware, September begins the programming year for many Chapters and affiliated organizations. If you have not visited the ATOS Events List, please check here:
Having listened to the students’ praises for young organist programs, I asked the SYA instructors if I might see for myself what the students experience. I was warmly invited to attend the 2017 program in Chicago. The invitation turned into an assignment as a volunteer chaperone for the entire week.
Several distinguished ATOS members were recognized at the 2017 awards ceremony at the convention in Tampa.
A STATEMENT FROM BOB DILWORTH,
DICKINSON THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY
By now, via a story originally distributed by the Associated Press, and subsequently various outlets of print, TV and social media, many of our good friends in the world of the theatre organ are aware that DTOS, the Dickinson Theatre Organ Society in Wilmington, DE, has been a victim of some financial foul play.
As I am writing to you, ATOS begins a new fiscal year. Let’s take a quick look back at a few actions and then look to the future as we move ahead.
Tampa, Florida is the site of the 2017 annual ATOS convention, featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer in the beautiful Tampa Theatre. The main convention will run July 3 - 6. Two ENCORE events take place on July 7 & 8.
Alex Jones was named overall winner of the 2017 Youth Theatre Organ Competition, after performing with the other finalists at the 2017 ATOS National Convention in Florida.
Originally from London, Alex is currently studying for a Masters in Organ Performance Literature at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York in the studio of Prof. Edoardo Bellotti.
Jerry Nagano (na-GA-no, not NA-ga-no) was born and raised in the Los Angeles area where he began his musical training at age ten. From the very beginning the movies played a major role in his musical life. It was because of attending a silent movie show accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer that Jerry took an interest in the organ.
The 2017 Convention in Tampa, Florida has now concluded. Hundreds of ATOS members enjoyied a week filled with wonderful music and musicians. Read daily updates here, and see what all the excitement is about. Reports and photos by Richard Neidich.
The first phase of the project to digitize more than 60 years of the American Theatre Organ Journal begins with the Oklahoma University's Thousands Strong crowd-funding campaign: Help OU Students Preserve the History of American Organs!
