About DTOS

The Dairyland Theatre Organ Society (DTOS) is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization devoted to the preservation and promotion of the theatre pipe organ. DTOS is one of approximately 80 chapters worldwide of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS).

The theatre organ is a uniquely American art form. Designed to imitate the sounds of the orchestra, the theatre pipe organ was developed in the 1910s and 1920s by organ builders such as Wurlitzer, Kimball, and Barton. These instruments were installed by the thousands in the great "movie palaces" of the 1920s, primarily to provide musical accompaniment to the silent films of the era. With the advent of talking pictures in 1929, the instruments found a new voice and began to evolve into stand-alone solo instruments in their own right.

Many hundreds of theatre pipe organs exist in the United States and abroad today. The current generation of theatre organists continue to bring life to the art form through public concerts, silent film accompaniments, teaching, and recordings.

DTOS was established on May 30, 1969 on the birthday of noted theatre organ builder Dan Barton. On January 1, 1970, ATOS issued Charter Certificate 36 to DTOS, making it an official chapter of the international organization.

DTOS has been presenting public concerts on the theatre organs throughout the State of Wisconsin for nearly 40 years. During that time, DTOS has brought the art form of the theatre organ to literally tens of thousands of individuals from all over the world. DTOS has also hosted a regional convention and two national conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society.

Today, DTOS continues its outreach through public concerts, recordings, and education. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!