The Dairyland Theatre Organ Society (DTOS) is a non-profit organization established under section 501(c)(3) that is committed to preserving and promoting the theatre pipe organ in Wisconsin. DTOS is one of about 80 chapters worldwide of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS).
Our History
DTOS was founded on May 30, 1969, the birthday of renowned Wisconsin theatre organ builder Dan Barton. On January 1, 1970, ATOS gave Charter Certificate 36 to DTOS, officially recognizing it as a chapter of the international organization.
For more than 50 years, DTOS has organized public concerts featuring theatre organs across Wisconsin, sharing this unique art form with tens of thousands of people from around the world. Additionally, we have hosted one regional convention and three national conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society.
For more than 50 years, DTOS has organized public concerts featuring theatre organs across Wisconsin, sharing this unique art form with tens of thousands of people from around the world. Additionally, we have hosted one regional convention and three national conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society.
The Theatre Organ Tradition
The theatre organ is a unique art form that originated in the United States before being adapted abroad.
Developed in the 1910s and 1920s by organ builders such as Wurlitzer, Kimball, and Barton, the theatre pipe organ was designed to replicate the sounds of an orchestra. Thousands of these instruments were installed in the grand movie palaces of the 1920s to provide musical accompaniment for silent films.
With the introduction of talking pictures in 1929, the theatre organ transformed into a standalone solo instrument. Today, hundreds of theatre pipe organs can be found in the United States and around the world. A new generation of theatre organists is revitalizing the art form through public concerts, silent film accompaniments, teaching, and recordings.
Developed in the 1910s and 1920s by organ builders such as Wurlitzer, Kimball, and Barton, the theatre pipe organ was designed to replicate the sounds of an orchestra. Thousands of these instruments were installed in the grand movie palaces of the 1920s to provide musical accompaniment for silent films.
With the introduction of talking pictures in 1929, the theatre organ transformed into a standalone solo instrument. Today, hundreds of theatre pipe organs can be found in the United States and around the world. A new generation of theatre organists is revitalizing the art form through public concerts, silent film accompaniments, teaching, and recordings.
Our Mission Today
DTOS is actively engaged in outreach through public concerts, recordings, and educational programs. We look forward to welcoming you to our next event! If you enjoy what we offer, consider becoming a member. You don’t need to own or play a theater organ to join; many of our members simply appreciate the unique sound of these instruments, played in various styles, even if they don’t play themselves.
If you haven't heard a theater organ before, check out the ATOS Theater Organ Radio Stream!
If you haven't heard a theater organ before, check out the ATOS Theater Organ Radio Stream!