As we approach the end of an incredible year for our organization, I want to personally thank you for being a part of our journey. By December 31st, we will have participated in eighteen events, with half of those showing significant audience growth. Notably, we have seen growing success at the Lafayette Theater, where all our hosted events have been profitable. Additionally, we are welcoming new members at a rate of two per month! We hope we can continue to see growth at double that rate. 

 

NYTOS has been diligently working to rebuild relationships with partnering venues that were affected by the pandemic, ownership changes, or outdated agreements. I’m pleased to report that we have successfully restored most of these partnerships and are committed to continuing this effort. For instance, we have been invited back to the Hempstead House in Sands Point, and we are actively collaborating with Live Nation and Long Island University to establish a new relationship and revive the Wurlitzer at the Brooklyn Paramount. 

 

Our current flagship project remains the restoration of the Wonder Morton organ at United Palace. This past September, we were thrilled to hear the first sounds from the chamber in years. We are using this project as a blueprint for future partnerships and organ restoration initiatives, and we are grateful to our partners at United Palace for their unwavering dedication to completing this project and to the American Theatre Organ Society for assisting the project with two foundation grants. 

 

Looking ahead, we are planning an ambitious 2025 season that builds upon this year’s growth. We will showcase organs you may not have seen or heard from in some time, such as the Middletown Paramount, while also offering new events in the region. We are excited about the potential for continued audience growth as we present classic silent films, concerts, and open console sessions.

 

To maintain this momentum into 2025, I kindly ask you to consider financially supporting NYTOS before the year ends. Your contributions will help us cover essential day-to-day expenses, events, and restoration projects. Membership dues only account for a small portion of what it takes to deliver quality programs and maintain our organs. To support us, please visit www.nytos.org/donate to give in a way that you find comfortable.

 

Thank you once again for your support over the years. NYTOS would not be what it is today without the dedication of our members. The future of our organization is bright, and I hope you share in that sentiment. As always, please let me know how I can assist you, and I welcome your thoughts.
 

Nick Myers, Chairman

New York Theatre Organ Society