Little River Studio Wurlitzer

Miller Theatre Wurlitzer Organ
In Residence at Little River Studio!
Wichita's Miller Theatre opened in May, 1922, surely the grandest in the state, and a house that would be unsurpassed today, were it still standing. Designed by the Chicago firm of Rapp & Rapp, the theatre echoed the "opera house" style for which the firm was famous. In later years Rapp & Rapp designed the New York (Times Square) Paramount Theatre, the Brooklyn Paramount, the Chicago Uptown, and numerous other well-known venues. Their earlier Chicago Theatre and the Brooklyn Paramount (which became the Long Island University Gymnasium) are still standing.

Installation
For the accompaniment of silent films as well as musical presentations (both solo and with orchestra), an organ was specified for the Miller: Wurlitzer's opus 515, one of 2,238 constructed by the most famous builder of theatre organs in the world. Of modest proportions, the Miller Wurlitzer nonetheless boasted three manuals and 11 ranks, unified to 96 stops and augmented by numerous percussion's. The pipe chambers were located three stories above the main floor behind decorative grilles. The console was finished naturally (to highlight the mahogany used in its construction) and sat stationary in the center of the orchestra pit. At some point after "talking" pictures had become common the console was moved to the left corner of the pit and was redecorated in white and gold.
Farewell, For Now
In 1970, the Miller was sold to Fourth National Bank and slated for demolition to make way for a parking garage. Despite its uncertain future, the Wurlitzer remained playable until the end, and enjoyed a final performance on March 27, 1970, when Gaylord Carter accompanied the Harold Lloyd film Safety Last. The next morning members of Wichita Theatre Organ, Inc. (formed in 1966 and which by then owned and was repairing the Wichita Wurlitzer) removed the Miller Organ to storage.
New Life!
In 1981 a private residence was offered as a permanent home for the Miller organ and plans for its restoration and installation were begun. On Saturday evening March 8, 1997, the dream of once again playing the Miller Theatre Wurlitzer in a concert setting was realized. Renowned professional theatre organist Lyn Larsen masterfully brought forth the charm of the instrument that had been silent of almost 30 years.
The Future
The Miller Wurlitzer installation is intended to compliment the New York Paramount Wurlitzer, but in a more intimate setting for smaller gatherings. An additional goal was to give freer access to people interested in pursuing the art of theatre organ performance. The Miller organ will be made readily available for rehearsal and recordings, and a concert series is being planned. The organ has almost doubled in size, and now comprises 19 ranks unified to 212 stops. The original console has been ebonized, with a modified form of pneumatic stop-key control. A Uniflex(TM) multiplex relay system now links the console to the windchests, incorporating programmable combination action with record and playback features. A great deal of time has been spent regulating the pipes to produce a clear, bright and colorful ensemble with beautiful solo voices. The sound was not buried or emasculated; the organ pipes are at shutter levels, the chamber is shallow, and the tone clear and clean. The specification is the work of Michael Coup in conjunction with Ed Zollman. The actual installation work was accomplished by Ed Zollman and Patti Simon-Zollman of Zollman Pipe Organ Service, Wichita, KS, with some initial assistance from John Grunow. Together the Zollmans installed and wired the new relays. Michael and Ed completed the on-site tonal finishing.

It has been over 25 years since the Miller Wurlitzer last played. To hear it come alive again is to witness a rebirth of a musical legacy for the city of Wichita.