Board of Directors Election 2025
Get to Know Us
The following five candidates are running for election to the NYTOS Board of Directors serving 2026-2028.
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*incumbant
Benjamin Helton
Hi! I'm Benjamin Helton, a 20-year-old Political Science, Economics, and Jazz Piano Performance dual-degree student at The New School. I am a musical person who plays piano, organ, and double bass, while also pursuing several other roles. I currently support the musical arts through piano teaching and technical work. I am also an advocate for youth involvement with theatre organ as a Board Member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) and Central Indiana Chapter of ATOS—preserving our musical heritage for future generations.
Questions
Why are you interested in serving on the NYTOS board?
From a young age, I have been deeply involved in the arts, particularly in theatre organ music. I have been honored to work alongside many of the leading organists of our day, as well as many of the top organ-affiliated group leaders. These experiences empowered me to become a Board Member of ATOS as well as Second Vice President of CICATOS. My time on these boards have proven my ability to increase online presence, youth and general membership, and board accessibility. I hope to bring my skillset and experience to NYTOS in order to help grow membership, financial backing, and online presence to ensure that New Yorkers and visitors alike are able to experience the thrill and joy of the theatre pipe organ for generations to come.
What challenge do you think NYTOS faces in the next 1–2 years?
As with many arts organizations, and theatre organ-affiliated groups in particular, I expect NYTOS will face the continual challenge of declining membership—particularly among younger generations. This is a challenge that can be difficult to address, but it must be done in order to ensure the future success of the organization. My experience on both the ATOS and CICATOS boards have allowed me to help combat this issue directly.
As I see it, the issue of declining membership and minimal youth involvement must be solved by increasing online presence through social media (Ex. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) without alienating existing members, whose support—both membership and financial backing—are needed to ensure the lasting viability of NYTOS. If elected to the NYTOS board, I would work to increase online presence through strategic and planned posts while also trying to aid in the development of theatre organ-centered programs that would be appealing to a wide audience.
What skills, experience, or perspectives would you bring as a NYTOS Board Member?
I currently attend The New School, where I am pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in Politics and Jazz Piano Performance. At school, I work in several roles, one of which is Piano Technician at The New School's College of Performing Arts and Mannes School of Music, tuning and maintaining numerous pianos campus-wide under the senior technician.
From a young age, I've been deeply passionate about music, playing piano, pipe organ, and double bass. I teach piano through Tian Song Musical Arts in Brooklyn and my Pitch Perfect Piano Studio, helping students of all ages and levels achieve recognition, including prestigious competition awards and ABRSM distinctions.
Actively engaged in community and social causes, I serve as Second Vice-President of the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society and as a Board Member and Youth Representative to the Board of the American Theatre Organ Society. As a member of these organizations as well as the Automated Musical Instrument Collectors' Association, I am firmly focused on preserving and promoting these art forms. I'm also a Protest Monitor with the New York Civil Liberties Union and a committee member with the New Student Worker's Union (NewSWU) at The New School, advocating for student employees' rights and safe working conditions.
My high school years involved leadership roles, including Principal Bassist in the Center Grove High School Symphonic Orchestra and achievements in Business Professionals of America and Model United Nations.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can benefit the NYTOS team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your important work.
Grant Chapman
I've been professionally involved with theatre organs since the 1980s. I've been involved with NYTOS since 2007.
Questions
Why are you interested in serving on the NYTOS board?
The organization needs volunteers who are willing to invest in future leaders.
What challenge do you think NYTOS faces in the next 1–2 years?
Growing the future of the organization.
What skills, experience, or perspectives would you bring as a NYTOS Board Member?
Prior experience includes technical expertise and serving as the Secretary of the Corporation.
Joe Amato
I love pipe organs. I have worked on the LIU organ on and off since the mid-1980s and have been the crew chief there since 2012. Also have some work on other NYTOS organs when asked, and have been a member of the board for many years.
Questions
Why are you interested in serving on the NYTOS board?
To help in the planning of our goals.
What challenge do you think NYTOS faces in the next 1–2 years?
Membership and concerts
What skills, experience, or perspectives would you bring as a NYTOS Board Member?
Over the years, I have used my experience with Wurlitzer organs and others many times. I have also made my views know at board meetings for discussion.
John Vanderlee
Since joining NYTOS in 1983, I have served as both vice chairman and chairman, leading major initiatives to advance theatre organ music. Notably, I managed the restoration of the Bardavon Wurlitzer and facilitated organ installations at Bardavon, Hyde Park School District, St. Anthony’s High School, and St. George’s Theater, raising significant funds and organizing volunteers. My efforts have supported NYTOS through sustained fundraising, effective project management, and public outreach programs like the “road organ.” I foster teamwork, ensure members feel valued, and cultivate partnerships with groups such as the American Guild of Organists. Now retired, I dedicate my time to NYTOS, supporting its mission and strengthening its role in education and the musical community.
Questions
Why are you interested in serving on the NYTOS board?
To continue efforts initiated in the past, and looking forward to new challenges. Build relationships with other organizations.
What challenge do you think NYTOS faces in the next 1–2 years?
Scarcity of funding, a rapidly changing musical landscape. Retaining members.
What skills, experience, or perspectives would you bring as a NYTOS Board Member?
Fundraising, concert/show production, technical, and musical knowledge. While preserving the past, NYTOS must make itself relevant to the present and the future.
Nick Myers
I am currently serving as the chairman of NYTOS. The last six years, I have been restoring the Wonder Morton pipe organ at the United Palace, which has begun playing the last few months. I still have much work to do, but I believe this will become one of the most important organs for NYTOS and create a beacon for new members.
Questions
Why are you interested in serving on the NYTOS board?
I have been on the board for over ten years now and I am interested in keeping this amazing organization going toward a more sustainable future.
What challenge do you think NYTOS faces in the next 1–2 years?
Its relevance with newer audiences, and it's sustainability.
What skills, experience, or perspectives would you bring as a NYTOS Board Member?
I am a professional organ mechanic and builder. I also have some experience in social media and website maintenance.