Why we LOVE the theatre pipe organ... "Mighty Mo" at Atlanta's Fox Theatre
The one-man band. A thrilling sound that sends chills down your spine. Mighty theatre organs are some of the most versatile musical instruments. Designed to accompany the silent films of the 1920s, they can effectively play a myriad of music styles. From Gershwin to Sousa and Stravinsky to the Beatles, there's almost nothing they can't tackle. And nothing is better for accompanying Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd, or the other greats of silent cinema!
Click here to read more about us and the theatre pipe organ. All the bells and whistles...
These instruments were only made, with few exceptions, in the 1920s. Since that time, enthusiasts have flatly refused to let the theatre organ leave the limelight. George Wright sold millions of "HiFi" records in the 1950s that ignited a new generation of theatre organ fans, and the American Theatre Organ Society has nourished a continued commitment towards presenting great organists on great organs, hosting educational camps and programs, and offering a unique network of individuals passionate about the many aspects of the theatre organ: musical, technical, and more!
Click here to see a list of our upcoming events. We hope you'll join us! |
Latest News
Atlanta Plays Host to Summer Youth Adventure...
Ten years ago, the American Theatre Organ Society launched what was called The Summer Youth Adventure (SYA). This much-talked about experiment began with a dozen or so young people attending a camp-like week-long environment in the Chicago area. Instructors Jonas Nordwall, Donna Parker, and Jelani Eddington headed the teaching staff, and the experiment was a spectacular success.
Now in Year 11, the SYA is coming to Atlanta. Those three instructors have been joined by Martin Ellis and Christian Elliott as a five-person core teaching group, usually assisted by one add-on. Ken Double will fill that role in Atlanta. The 4/22 Grande Page organ will be the primary teaching instrument, with trips to the Fox Theatre, the Alabama Theatre, and a stop at the Burud residence providing the young players opportunities to play all kinds of organs. For more information on the program, or the Friday night concert on July 20th, check out July's newsletter. Silent Comedy Shorts Return to the Strand...
It's the funniest afternoon of the year as the Silent Comedy Shorts return to the Strand Theatre in Marietta on September 9. From Harold Lloyd to Buster Keaton, each film is accompanied by a different organist on the Mighty Allen GW-IV theatre organ. Check out our events page for more information on this and other upcoming presentations.
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