KTRV Fox 12 Organ Sounds Once Again Fill Boise's Egyptian Theatre

Organ Sounds Once Again Fill Boise's Egyptian Theatre

Boise, Idaho -- An organ rich in history -- Idaho history that is.

On Thursday night, it will be filling the Egyptian Theatre with sound once again. The Egyptian is screening a silent black and white movie Thursday night, "Wings" starring Clara Bow.

They're also bringing in a special live theater organist from Ohio.

So, forget what you think you know about organs. This instrument is more like an air powered sound effects machine and is being conducted by a master of music and sound, Clark Wilson.

The original organ was built in 1927 at a cost of $25,000 (in 1927 dollars). It hasn't been played at the Egyptian in more than 35 years.

"These are the things that made a theater organ a theater organ. Sound effects to provide a film score for silent films," said Clark Wilson, a theater organist.

This organ is so special that not just anyone can even play it, which is why they brought Wilson all the way from Ohio.

"You're the conductor and all the musicians and the arranger all rolled in to one," said Wilson.

What's most amazing is that this organ does so much more than just play pipes!

"This is the world's original synthesizer and it was a replacement, if you will, for the symphony orchestra," said Wilson.

He plays for us some of the many sounds and tones this organ can make.

Tambourine, castanets, the Chinese wood block, glockenspiel and xylophone. It can make more than just instrumental sounds.

"We've got a number of other effects that are controlled from a little panel down here, that you can't see, including the old ugehorn, the three legged horse and the bird whistle. I've had people come up to me and say, 'you know my wife and I hate organ music, but this is terrific,'" said Wilson.

Wilson also reminds us what a rare treasure we have in Boise. This organ is one of only about 40 other organs.

"This organ has a very, very rare set of tuned sleigh bells that you can play at Christmas time," he tells us as he plays Jingle Bells on the organ.

The movie "Wings" will play Thursday, March 4, at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Kiwanis. Tickets are available at the box office, but they're almost sold out.