Breaking News
WE GOT CDs
The Western Reserve Theatre Organ Society has produced a CD to raise funds to complete the installation of our 4/28 Wurlitzer at the PAC Auditorium. Check out the details HERE
and
WE GOT PIPES & A CONSOLE
It took a long time, but we are have finished installing chests. Now we are finishing the installation of windlines, electronics and pipes in the chambers of the PAC. Click HERE to see details and photos of our recent progress.
and
WE GOT INTERNET RADIO
Click HERE to activate the ATOS radio station of continuous theatre organ music.
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Greetings:
As President of The Western Reserve Theatre Organ Society, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website! WRTOS is a chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), and we were founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1962 with 29 charter members. Since that time our enrollment has grown to over 100. We are a tax exempt, non-profit, (501 c-3) educational corporation in the State of Ohio. Our mission is to further the use and understanding of the theatre pipe organ and its music; to strive to support and promote the few remaining instruments in the land of the Western Reserve – 18 counties mostly in and around the northeastern Ohio area. Education for our members and the general public is our hallmark.
The theatre pipe organ is a true American Art Form and is distinctly different than church organs and symphonic organs. They were originally installed in movie theatres to duplicate all the sounds of an orchestra, but required only one musician. Initially they accompanied silent movies, and after the introduction of the "talkies" were used for music before and after the movie.
WRTOS is becoming one of the leading chapters in ATOS, due to no small part to the dedication and contributions of our growing membership. Our PAC Wurlitzer project is a large undertaking done strictly on a volunteer basis and entirely for the purpose of keeping alive a historic and wonderfully unique part of America’s musical past. WRTOS is a group of theatre organ enthusiasts and supporters on the move!
Our most exciting news is that the 2009 ATOS national convention is currently under way right here in Cleveland - having started on June 30th. It will feature the many in-theatre organs of our Western Reserve district - a truly unique experience. Check out the details here - 2009 ATOS Convention .
Armory Concert Series
Each spring and fall (usually April/May and September/October), WRTOS produces a theatre organ program. We engage an internationally known professional artist who puts the Armory Wurlitzer through extraordinary musical paces to the delight of our audiences from all over northeast Ohio and beyond. Ticket prices are quite reasonable, and advance purchase discounts are available along with group discounts as well. Contact Bob to sign up for our mailing list. Click HERE for information about upcoming events.
Please tour our site to see the exciting and fun things we are up to. And don’t forget to visit our membership page and our “How You Can Help” link! I hope to see you at one of our events. Come, join the fun and satisfaction in keeping this American musical art form alive and thriving!
Doug Powers
WRTOS President
