Event: Remember the Paramount: The Next Generation

June 18, 2024 | For immediate release Contact: Sara Galer, Vice President of Marketing & Communications sgaler@indianapolissymphony.org 317-262-1100 ext. 2373 or 317-514-0387 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association and the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Society to present "Remember the Paramount—the Next Generation" Wurlitzer theatre organ concert on October 20 Featuring the historic Wurlitzer theatre organ, organist Justin Stahl, emcee Ken Double, and the Pike High School Jazz Ensemble 2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2024 Pricing: $35/Adult 18 & under with ID, free Purchase tickets Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association (ISOA) and the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (CICATOS) proudly announce their theatre organ fundraiser “Remember the Paramount—the Next Generation.” On Sunday October 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Hilbert Circle Theatre, ISOA and CICATOS will present “Remember the Paramount—the Next Generation.” This concert—the third in a series of fundraisers highlighting the capabilities of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s "Mighty Wurlitzer" theatre organ—will feature Indianapolis theatre organist Justin Stahl and will introduce Pike High School’s Jazz Ensemble. First generation Paramount Music Palace organist Ken Double will serve as master of ceremonies and may even take a turn at the keyboard. Featured artist Justin Stahl grew up going to the Paramount Music Palace (PMP) listening and “learning” from the original organists Bill Vlasak, Donna Parker, Ken Double, and Dwight Thomas after discovering a Bill Vlasak/Donna Parker album in his great-grandfather’s record collection and learning that the PMP was on the east side of Indianapolis. Justin recalls his first and subsequent trips to the PMP, “ I’ll never forget turning the corner of the long hallway. It was perfect timing as the organist was just beginning the next set. A low rumble of the bass pipes intoned an experience of music I’ll never forget. The whole building shook. The lights came on, the console started rising, and I became instantly hooked.. . . so began recurring requests to return. Each time I sat at the closest table to the Mighty Wurlitzer so that I could observe the organist operate this amazing machine. I vowed over and over again that I would learn how to play it someday, and the rest, as they say is history.” Mr. Stahl, a professional keyboardist and theatre organist who has played the Mighty Wurlitzer for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration for eleven years, will treat us to traditional theatre organ standards, entertain us with a silent film to remind us of the original purpose of the theatre pipe organ/unit orchestra, and collaborate with the Pike Jazz Ensemble on arrangements that showcase the organ’s capabilities and highlight the students’ talent. The Pike High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Aaron Burkhart is a talented group of musicians who meet as a class every school day as well as after school rehearsals. Jazz Ensemble 1 is a traditional big band that can also split into different small combos. Jazz 1 participates in festivals, community events and competitions throughout Indiana. Several Pike Jazz musicians have received outstanding soloist awards at festivals and several graduates of Pike Jazz are studying music at the collegiate level. Justin’s solo performance will include a tribute to the Sherman brothers with music from Mary Poppins and other popular Disney fare, Dave Brubeck's "It’s a Raggy Waltz," and his signature arrangement of "AFRICA." As our program concludes, the Pike Jazz Ensemble will join Justin on stage to delight us with renditions of the "Cantina Theme" from Star Wars, Glen Miller’s "Moonlight Serenade," and Elton John’s "I'm Still Standing." Proceeds from “Remember the Paramount—the Next Generation” will support ISOA’s Side-by-Side educational program that offers high school students an opportunity to perform side-by-side with ISO counterparts during a featured concert. CICATOS proceeds will help fund the continued superb functioning and upkeep of the ISO’s Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. The performance begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2024. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office. About Justin Stahl Justin Stahl is a native of Beech Grove, Ind. Beginning at age five with the encouragement of his great-grandfather, Justin was mostly self-taught in piano and organ. His passion for music has reached many venues that have included accompanying for several choral departments, directing church music, playing for community theatre, and serving for over twenty-one years in the Indiana Army National Guard's 38th Infantry Division Band. Justin has entertained thousands of patrons of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in the last eleven productions of their annual AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, playing the 3/24 Wurlitzer installed at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Theatre organ has always been a passion of Justin's and has taken him to performance venues across the U.S. and Australia. A graduate of Marian University with a bachelor's degree in piano performance, Justin serves as a choral director for Pike High School in Indianapolis. His approach and philosophy include the continued promotion of the theatre organ by using a wide base of musical genres. About CICATOS The Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of an unique American art form—the theatre pipe organ and its music. The objectives of the Central Indiana Chapter and the American Theatre Organ Society are to preserve, maintain, restore and promote the surviving theatre pipe organs from the 1920s and 30s, as well as to install restored theatre organs in other suitable venues in Central Indiana. This effort also promotes the use, understanding and enjoyment of these unique instruments by today's generation as well as future generations. Our members include musicians, organ builders, technicians and a diverse group of enthusiasts of all ages—all devoted to the preservation and continued enjoyment of an instrument we believe to be a national treasure. Learn more about CICATOS at www.cicatos.org. About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association Now in its 87th year, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association is a team of more than 400 volunteers who work tirelessly to support the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra throughout the year. The ISOA is an integral part of the ISO’s mission to engage the central Indiana community around symphonic music and music education. The ISOA’s work supports the Community Health Network Discovery Concert Series; the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest in which talented musicians under age 18 compete for an opportunity to appear with the ISO; and Symphony in Color. The ISOA also supports the Side-by-Side Concert, which allows students to play alongside an orchestra member in a live concert, as well as the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. Learn more about ISOA. About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the IU Health Plans Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit the ISO website. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: M, W-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tues. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and 2 hours before each performance 317-639-4300 This email was sent to pbutwin@indy.rr.com Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, 32 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States Unsubscribe