named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Concert Series
Annual series of eight concerts from September through May featuring theater organ performances, with free admission for members and guests.
Open Console Program
Monthly events allowing members to practice and perform on theater pipe organs at venues like the Eisenhart Auditorium and First Universalist Church.
RTOS Blower Newsletter
Monthly publication keeping members informed about events, performances, and organizational news.
YouTube Channel
Online platform hosting recordings of performances and events to extend access beyond live audiences.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
-
Classical and Chamber Music Performances 2 activities
- Hosting Open Console events for organ playing accessHosts monthly Open Console events that provide RTOS members with scheduled access to theater pipe organs for playing practice, including at alternative venues such as First Universalist Church and West Herr Auditorium during maintenance or repair periods of the primary organ. These events support learning and engagement with the theater organ.
- Organizing member social and educational eventsOffers members access to bus tours and special social events as part of its programming to foster community engagement and deepen appreciation of theater organ culture.
-
-
Digital Music and Performance Archiving 1 activity
- Maintaining digital and social media platformsMakes selected portions of RTOS programs available on its YouTube channel and maintains a Facebook page to share information about Rochester-area events and broader theater organ activities, enhancing public outreach and engagement.
-
-
Membership Program Administration 1 activity
- Managing membership enrollment and communicationOffers online and mail-based membership registration and payment processing, communicates with members via email to reduce costs, and provides incentives such as event admission coupons for joining the email list.
-
-
Specialized Research Library Access 1 activity
- Operating a lending library for theater organ materialsOperates a lending library available at each concert, offering theater organ recordings, sheet music, books, and magazines to members, supporting education and appreciation of the instrument and its repertoire.
-
-
Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Presenting theater organ concerts and concert seasonPresents an annual concert season featuring theater organ performances, including eight programs from September through May, with free admission for members, their spouses, minor children, and guests. The concerts are part of efforts to promote understanding of the theater organ and its musical tradition.
-
-
Historic Theater and Arts Venue Preservation 1 activity
- Preserving and promoting the Wurlitzer theater organPreserves and presents the Eisenhart Wurlitzer and other theater organs as part of Rochester, NY’s musical heritage, including restoration efforts and public access during events, to promote the preservation of the instrument’s sound and memorabilia.
-
-
Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Publishing and distributing the RTOS Blower newsletterProduces and publishes a monthly newsletter titled 'The Blower' to inform members about Society activities, upcoming performance events, and other news, with past issues made available online for viewing and download.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$45K
Contributions & grants$28K61%
Program service revenue$5K11%
Investment income$13K28%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$87K
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead21%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$628K
Cash$307K
Investments$0
Liabilities$0
Net assets$628K
Liquid reserves42.3 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +2.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 7
- BRIAN VOLKMAR — DIRECTOR
- GARY BRUMBAUGH — DIRECTOR
- GREG SPRING — DIRECTOR
- RICHARD NEIDICH — PAST PRESIDENT
- SHAWN GORDON — DIRECTOR
- TED MCWHARF — DIRECTOR
- TIM WAGNER — DIRECTOR
relationships · 13
Who they work with
- ATOS Partner — Hosting the 2026 ATOS Convention from July 6-10, 2026.
- Auditorium Theatre Partner — Occasionally hosts RTOS Open Console events when the 4/23 Wurlitzer is available.
- Dan Schultz Partner — Provider of additional information for the RTOS Story.
- Don Hall Partner — Provider of additional information for the RTOS Story.
- Facebook Partner — Maintains a Facebook page to share information about local and national theatre organ events
- First Universalist Church Partner — Provides venue space for RTOS Open Console events during the repair period of the Eisenhart Wurlitzer.
- Ken Wilson Partner — RTOS Membership Secretary who handles membership inquiries.
- Lloyd Klos Partner — Author of material included in the RTOS Story.
- Richard Neidich Partner — Provider of additional information for the RTOS Story.
- Rochester Museum & Science Center Partner — Hosts RTOS Open Console events at its Eisenhart Auditorium.
- Russ Shaner Partner — Editor of the updated and expanded version of the RTOS Story.
- West Herr Auditorium Partner — Hosts RTOS Open Console events as an alternative location.
- YouTube Partner — Hosts selected RTOS event performances and live programs on its YouTube channel
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Preservation Through Restoration 310 orgsmethodology: cultural-preservation-through-restorationBy restoring and preserving theater organs, their sounds, and related memorabilia, the organization sustains the cultural heritage of the theater organ because physical and sonic authenticity enables historical continuity and public connection to the art form.shared approach: Community-Engaged Preservation →
- Hands-On Learning Access 148 orgsmethodology: hands-on_learning_accessBy providing direct, hands-on access to theater pipe organs for learners, the organization supports skill development and musical growth because experiential practice is essential to mastering the instrument.shared approach: Accessible Arts Engagement →
- Public Education Through Performance and Discussion 148 orgsmethodology: public-education-through-performance-and-discussionBy offering public concerts, educational instruction, technical discussions, recordings, and tours, the organization increases public understanding of the theater organ and its musical tradition because experiential and interactive learning deepens engagement and knowledge retention.shared approach: Accessible Arts Engagement →
- Community-Driven Preservation 26 orgsmethodology: community-driven_preservationBy engaging volunteers and the local community in the preservation and presentation of a historic Wurlitzer pipe organ, the organization ensures long-term stewardship because collective ownership and participation strengthen commitment to cultural sustainability.