Welcome to the New York Theatre Organ Society
The New York Theatre Organ Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization furthering the appreciation, preservation and use of the Theatre Pipe Organs of yesteryear. NYTOS serves New York City and its five boroughs as well as Long Island and Lower NY State. NYTOS owns and maintains 4 organs in their region and maintains 3 organs such as the Brooklyn Paramount (LIU) Wurlitzer
Latest News!
- New events added - Open Console, Silent Films and Concerts - visit the events page
- July August Horseshoe Newsletter now ONLINE!
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What's a Theatre Organ?
A Theatre Pipe Organ differs from a traditional church or classical organ in that its special sound effects and orchestral voices were designed specifically to accompany silent movies of the 1920's.
During the heyday of silent movies, most theatres of any size boasted a theatre pipe organ. The pipes were located in chambers high up in the front of the theatre, usually found on either side of the stage and covered with decorative screens. An immense blower produced the massive amounts of air required to cause the many pipes to "speak," and it was this large quantity of moving air that made listening to the booming theatre pipe organ in a large cavernous theatre an experience unmatched by
even the most sophisticated speaker systems of today. As movies changed to "talkies" in 1929, the organs soon became unnecessary. Many were lost to fire, flood, vandalism, and neglect. Just a very few today remain in their original homes-The Brooklyn Paramount Wurlitzer is one of those, and as such, has genuine historical significance. For the past 43 years, it has been lovingly maintained by members of the New York Theatre Organ Society.
Join New York Theatre Organ Society!
*Help to preserve Theatre Pipe Organs of yesteryear!
*Stay abreast of upcoming Theatre Pipe Organ concerts & Silent Movies.
*Participate in organ crawls, socials, picnics, tours and other events.
*Receive "The Horseshoe" - a bi-monthly newsletter.
*Get discounted admission to theatre pipe organ concerts and events.
*You're invited to join New York Theatre Organ Society. A regular membership is just $20 per year. You will receive membership card, the latest NYTOS Horseshoe newsletter, and immediately begin enjoying all the benefits of membership! Click here to Join