2015WinterIssue

MUSIC HALL Marks

I am humbled to be elected asthe new President of SPMH. Assomeone who grew up in this city,it is an honor to be connected toMusic Hall which hasalways been a venera-ble Cincinnati icon anda symbol of the cre-ativity in our commu-nity.

I want to start bypaying tribute to imme-diate past PresidentDon Siekmann for thestrength of his leader-ship. Don has gener-ously donated somuch of his time andtalent to SPMH. I amdelighted he will continue to playsubstantial roles on our boardoverseeing the successful MightyWurlitzer Organ Concert Seriesand being involved with SPMH’s fi-nances and investments.

I also am thankful to the Boardfor their support. You could not ask

for a better or more committedteam. Together we will strenuouslyendeavor to live SPMH’s mission –preserving, promoting, improving

and providing educa-tion about this buildingthat we love.

This is an excitingtime to be in the Over-the-Rhine. The up-coming refurbishmentof Music Hall offers anopportunity for renewaland revitalization thatwill further solidify ourarea by WashingtonPark as one of thecountry’s premier mu-sical and performing

art centers. SPMH already has played an

important role in the planning forthe renovation of Music Hall. Ourorganization has been blessedwith substantial funds from the latePatricia and Ralph Corbett, and weare pleased to let you know that,

1 MUSIC HALL Marks

SPMH - President!s Message

Peter E. Koenig

Table of Contentspage 1page 2page 3page 4page 5page 12page 14page 16

SPMH President’s Message . . . . . . SPMH Board of Directors . . . . . . .SPMH Mission Statement . . . . . . . Meet the New SPMH President . . 2015 SPMH Annual Meeting. . . . . The New Music Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . Memories of Music Hall. . . . . . . . . . Happy Holidays’ Stars. . . . . . . . . . .

Meet New Board Member . . . . Can You Top This? . . . . . . . . . . . . Corbett Tower, College of Music Thank You, Members! . . . . . . . . 2014 - 2015 SPMH Members . . About the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Acknowledgements. . . . . . . .

page 18page 19page 19page 20page 20page 25page 26

MUSIC HALL Marks 2

PresidentPeter E. Koenig

Immediate Past PresidentDonald C. Siekmann

Vice PresidentsLisa AllisonJoanne GrueterMarcella HsiungKathy JansonEd Rider

Recording SecretaryKaren McKim

TreasurerMark Weadick

DirectorsAndrew BowenMeredith DowntonMelissa GodoyMegan HallBarbara HarshmanTricia JohnsonKen JonesKen KreiderPaul MullerRamon RodriguezRosemary SchlachterSue SommerThea TjepkemaBethany Vondran

Ex Officio DirectorsPatty Beggs – Cincinnati Opera

Trey Devey – Cincinnati Symphony

Orchestra

Missie Santomo – Cincinnati Ballet

Steven Sunderman – Cincinnati May Festival

Emeritae DirectorsNorma PetersenJoyce Van Wye, - Co-Founder

Music Hall LiaisonScott Santangelo

SPMH Board of Directors 2016

www.spmhcincinnati.org.

as a result of our efforts and withour strong financial support, Cor-bett Tower will remain named Cor-bett Tower in perpetuity.

We look forward to workingclosely with the Music Hall Revital-ization Company, whose mission isto organize and lead the renovationof Music Hall and to ensure thequality of its future maintenance.SPMH also will deepen our existingrelationships with the Music Hallresident companies and the Cincin-nati Arts Association.

Additionally, SPMH will con-

tinue to thrive during the refurbish-ment period when Music Hall willbe closed. We are developing a se-ries of marketing, outreach and ed-ucational programs to keep thespirit of Music Hall alive in our com-munity.

In closing, I want to thank all ofour members whose personal ef-forts and financial contributionsallow us to continue to carry out ourmission. Your continued support ofour organization is much neededand sincerely appreciated. - Peter Koenig

3 MUSIC HALL Marks

SPMH MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall

is to preserve, promote, improve, and provide education about Music Hall,funding special projects in addition to Music Hall management’s opera-

tional and maintenance obligations, and facilitating communications among Music Hall management, owner, and tenants, in order to perpetuate Music

Hall as the premier cultural center of the Region, and as a National Historic Landmark of international significance.

2016 SPMH BOARD

1st Row from Left to right: Ed Rider, Kathy Janson, Peter Koenig, Karen McKim, Lisa Allison,2nd Row: Scott Santangelo, Marcella Hsiung, Ken Jones, Don Siekmann, Joanne Grueter, TheaTjepkema, Bethany Vondran 3rd Row: Tricia Johnson, Barbara Harshman, Steve Sunderman,Rosemary Schlachter, Meredith Downton. SPMH Board (See page 2 for complete board list)

MUSIC HALL Marks 4

Peter joined the SPMH boardin September 2007 and since thattime he has been a valuable mem-ber of the team, committed to serv-ing Music Hall in such areas asarchives and board nominations.Recently he was appointed to theMusic Hall Revitalization Companyboard as SPMH Representative.He brings a wealth of experienceto the position. His volunteer activi-ties have included the position oftrustee on the boards of the Me-morial Hall Society, CincinnatiPreservation Association, Univer-sity Club of Cincinnati and theEpiscopal Church of the Redeemerin Hyde Park.

By profession, Peter is alawyer with his firm Buechner, Haf-fer, Meyers & Koenig in downtownCincinnati. Licensed to practice inOhio, Kentucky and several federalcourts, he has over 30 years of ex-

perience in litigation. His areas ofexpertise include real estate, ad-ministrative, municipal and zoninglaw. He is actively involved with theCincinnati Bar Association and is amember of the American Bar Asso-ciation, the Ohio Bar Associationand the Kentucky Bar Association.

Educated at Ohio Universitywhere he earned a B.A. (summacum laude 1978), he earned hisJ.D. from Case Western ReserveUniversity School of Law in 1981.

Born and raised in Clifton, andhaving lived in Hyde Park for 30years, he and his wife Lucy nowreside in Eden Park. Peter hastwin children, David, a graduate ofthe U.S. Naval Academy, and Julie,a medical student at Stanford Uni-versity. In his leisure time, Peterenjoys squash, tennis, opera, the-atre, travel and reading.

Meet New SPMH PresidentPeter E. Koenig

Peter Koenig

5 MUSIC HALL Marks

The SPMH Annual Meetingwas held on Tuesday, September15th in Music Hall’s Corbett Audito-rium. A capacity crowd enjoyed acocktail/hors d’oeuvres receptionand music provided by pianist, DonHurd. Members had the opportunityto purchase tickets for “Happy Holi-days with the Mighty Wurlitzer”(December 10), and the CincinnatiFinds its Voice DVD. Twenty-six re-stored panels from the 1878 MusicHall organ screen, on view for thefirst time and temporarily installedon all walls of Corbett Tower, drewmuch interest from the group.

President Don Siekmann,called the meeting to order. Stating

the precepts of the SPMH MissionStatement, he underlined our com-mitment to Music Hall and acknowl-edged the supportive role Patriciaand Ralph Corbett played and con-tinue to play through our SPMHCorbett Endowment. Highlightingthe activities of our organizationover the past year, Don includedgrowing our membership; conser-vation projects and other fundingefforts; the distribution of MUSICHALL Marks to 4,000 readers; thewealth of timely information on thewebsite

In acknowledging the gift, Donannounced that the ownershiptransfer of the “Mighty Wurlitzer

2015 SPMH Annual Meeting

Don Siekmannn talks about the Corbetts Peter Koenig addresses SPMH members

Organ” from the Ohio Valley Chap-ter of the American Theatre OrganSociety to SPMH had been com-pleted. While speaking of the verysuccessful Wurlitzer Concert Se-ries, Don encouraged all to pur-chase tickets to the holiday concerton December 10th and noted thatthe patriotic themed May WurlitzerConcert will give the public one ofthe last opportunities to experienceMusic Hall before its closing forrenovation. The new slate of Offi-cers was presented and retiring Di-rectors William Henrich and RonWehmeier were thanked. Thea

Tjepkema was warmly welcomedto the board. Don announced thathe was stepping down as Presidentbut before turning the meeting overto newly elected President Peter E.Koenig, he emphasized his pride inSPMH, in members and directors;pride in the organization’s accom-plishments for Music Hall and hispride in Music Hall itself.

Immediately after his introduc-tion, Peter Koenig along withMegan Hall, presented Don with agift from the board—a crystal com-memoration of his more than 5years of service as President.

Peter Koenig, Don Siekmann

Roger and Pat Fry, Linda and Don Siekmann

Megan Hall, Peter Koenig present gift to Don Siekmann

MUSIC HALL Marks 6

7 MUSIC HALL Marks

Peter took the podium, conveyingenthusiasm for his new role asleader, his hopes and expectationsfor the work ahead. Emphasizingthe importance of SPMH and itshistory of support, he reiterated “wewill always be here for Music Hall.”

Andrew Bowen along withMeredith Downton shared details ofan expanded tour program, andlisted the past year achievementswith the efforts of Ramona Tous-saint. Among these were an in-crease in the number of tours andguides, development of better in-structional material for guides, cre-

ation of interest specific tours andenhanced methods of promotion.Andrew voiced his expectations forfurther improvements in the comingyear while collaborating with out-side groups to advance Music Halltours.

Kathy Janson took the micro-phone to speak for the intricatelycarved panels temporarily installedon the surrounding walls. She toldthe story of the original Music Hallorgan’s magnificent screen fromthe beginnings in 1878, the dis-mantling in the early 1970s, hermotivation for action to save the

Ed Rider

Andrew Bowen, Chuck Downton, Meredith Downton, Lisa Allison, Karen McKim, Peter Koenig

Carmon DeLeone, Linda Siekmann Mary Coyne

MUSIC HALL Marks 8panels from exclusion in the 2011renovation plans, the 2011 deci-sion by the SPMH board to under-take the rescue and restoration ofremaining panels, to the hiring of awell-known Nashville conservatorand the progress to date. She

talked of the award winning stu-dents of the carving schools ofMaster Carvers Henry and WilliamFry and Ben Pitman, the role theyplayed in the nationally acclaimedCincinnati Art-Carved FurnitureMovement, their subject matter

Mike and Kathy Janson, Steve Sunderman Nancy and Patty Wagner

John Morris Russell, Thea Tjepkema, Peter Koenig John Senhauser, Ken Kreider

Terri Kidney, Judy Prinz, Steve Loftin, Sue Sommer Ron Wehmeier, Don Siekmann

9 MUSIC HALL Marks

and most importantly, their commit-ment to volunteering their time andlabor for a gift to the people ofCincinnati in the form of this out-standing work. Kathy noted withgratitude the donations, both finan-cial and personal, as individualsand organizations have given notonly money but also many piecesand panels to SPMH for advance-ment of this project. While all pan-els on view were visually stunning,newly cleaned, repaired with brightgilding, they are in various statesof completion and will be returnedto Nashville shortly. She voiced the

SPMH desire for permanent instal-lation of these panels and thoseyet to be acquired, in a newly reno-vated Corbett Tower.

President Koenig introducedthe evening’s guest speaker,Stephen G. Leeper, President andCEO of Cincinnati Center City De-velopment Corporation (3CDC),the group appointed by the MusicHall Revitalization Co. (MHRC) asthe project’s developer. Mr. Leeperannounced that Music Hall willclose in June 2016 for the $129million construction project with anexpected reopening in fall 2017.

Jeff McClory, Peter Koenig, Kim Starbuck, Ken Jones

Dudley Taft, Don SiekmannYvette Simpson, Peter Koenig

Brian Siekmann

MUSIC HALL Marks 10Cincinnati’s Messer Constructionhas been hired as constructionmanager. Thedesign teamconsists of anumber ofcompanies.Architecturalwork will bedivided bytwo firms:Martinez &Johnson Ar-chitecturebased inWashington D.C. and PerfidoWeiskopf Wagstaff & Goettel basedin Pittsburgh. The Connecticut firm,Akustiks has been hired to pre-

serve the renowned acoustics ofSpringer Auditorium. Schuler

Shook, light-ing design-ers andtheater plan-ners of Min-neapolis;Pennoni As-sociates Inc.of Philade-phia (me-chanical,electricaland plumb-

ing consulting engineers); and THPLimited Inc. of Cincinnati (structuralengineering) complete the designteam.

Rick Pender views restored panelsRestored organ panels

Kathy Janson

Andrew Bowen and Meredith Downton

11 MUSIC HALL Marks

While unseen but necessaryimprovements to the aging infra-structure are already in progress(such as asbestos removal), muchof the work which patrons will seewill not begin until the buildingcloses. The size of Springer Audito-rium will be reduced by moving thewalls inward on theorchestra and bal-cony levels, re-sloping all threefloors (to createbetter sight-lines),and creating a“thrust’ stage onwhich the orchestrawill be seated far-ther out into thehall. At least 1,000seats will be re-moved in theprocess. The gallery walls, theproscenium arch, the coffered ceil-ing, the ceiling mural and the crys-tal chandelier will remainunchanged. There will be a newacoustical shell with specific designfor the space.

A new escalator with an adja-cent grand staircase along with twonew elevators will be constructed inthe south hall. The drop ceiling ofCorbett Tower will be removed,adding 14 feet of height, revealingthe original painted ceiling, as wellas the Elm Street windows in theirentirety. In addition to a more ac-cessible interior box office, conces-sions areas, the gift shop and coatcheck will be relocated. Restroomfacilities will be doubled.

Concerning the exterior, thebricked-up areas will be replacedwith functional windows, the rampand canopy will be removed, thefaçade will be restored and accentlighting as well as illumination ofthe rose window, will enhanceMusic Hall’s curb appeal.

New adminis-trative offices, alarger music li-brary, rehearsalhall, dressingrooms, practicerooms, sceneryand paint shopsand a new loadingdock are in the re-construction plans.

Schematicdrawings are nowin process. The

current estimated cost is $129 mil-lion ($125 million in May). Totalfunding consists of the following:$53MM in private donations;$48MM tax credits; $10MM City ofCincinnati; $6.5MM ongoing Citypledge; $5MM State of Ohio. Thisleaves an unfunded balance of$6.5MM which must be met by Jan-uary for the process to continue.Stephen ended his talk on a note ofappreciation to those in atten-dance. President Koenig thankedMr. Leeper for his time, thanked theguests and members of SPMH andstated that “We will always be herefor Music Hall.”

- Kathy Janson

Steve Leeper

MUSIC HALL Marks 12

How easy it is to think that ourlives are unique, that our experi-ences, trials and triumphs, bothendured and enjoyed are some-how singular, exceptional! As youread the following paragraphs,taken from pages long yellowed byage, think of the reopening in 2017and that we, as they, may exclaimwith shared delight.

“The remodeled Music Hallwas illuminated and thrown openfor the inspection of the public lastnight. The touch of a fairy’s wandcould not have transformed thestructure more completely. The en-tire interior has been remodeled,

the old pitch-pine walls and ceilingbeing removed and beautifully dec-orated plastering, backed up bywire lath, erected in its place.Three thousand electric lights havebeen put in, and from the center ofthe ceiling depends a magnificentchandelier containing one hundredelectric lights. In each of the fourcorners of the ceiling there is asmaller chandelier containing 60lights. Around the balcony andgallery there is a string of electriclights that has a wondrous effect,the lights being only six inchesapart and making it appear like acontinuous blaze of light. The new

The New Music Hall

New proscenium arch 1896

13 MUSIC HALL Marks

chairs are composed of mahoganyplush and are large and spacious.The ceiling has been lowered fivefeet and the auditorium floor sunka similar distance. The stage,which at present is fitted up for thecoming May Festival, has a widthof 70 feet, and 45 feet above thestage a magnificent prosceniumarch has been erected. The organhas been moved back 16 feet fromthe stage, and now occupies anentire room, the ceiling in the rearof the stage having been loweredfor this purpose 20 feet. The hallhas less seating capacity than be-fore, there being seats now for only3,300 people. The arrangement ofthe seats on the ground floor is ex-cellent, all the aisles converging to-ward the center of the stage; infact, there is not a poor seat in thehall. The dressing rooms have allbeen remodeled, and the large

rooms cut upinto smallerdressingrooms. Thereare twohandsometicket offices,both finishedin white mar-ble, and oneof the officeswill be usedfor the saleof gallerytickets only.

A smallerprosceniumarch is beingerected, to

be used when opera is given at thehall, while special doors have beencut in the rear for the admission ofscenery. The work of remodelingwas begun last October, and thecost has been $110,000 of which$65,000 the Music Hall Associationpaid, and the balance was con-tributed by 10 gentlemen, who paid$4,000 each. The work has been incharge of the Building Committee,composed of A. Howard Hinkle, H.Goepper and Henry C. Urner,whose interest in the work hasbeen second nature to them. Thiscity has reason to be proud of itsbeautiful home for music, as it hasbeen pronounced one of the fineststructures of its kind in the world.”

(Cincinnati Enquirer May 15, 1896; Courtesy ofProQuest Historical Newspapers HamiltonCounty Public Library)

New seating 1896

MUSIC HALL Marks 14

Memories of Music Hall In 1980, I spotted an employ-

ment ad in the newspaper for a re-ceptionist position for “someonewith a background in the arts.” (Ihad a Theater Arts Degree) When Icalled and heard the operator an-swer “Music Hall,” I im-mediately knew I wantedthat job. I never imag-ined that thirty five yearslater I would still beworking for the Cincin-nati Symphony and Popsin such a special venue.

As a teenager, I at-tended many concerts inMusic Hall, though mostwere not the sort thatReuben Springer wouldhave envisioned. FromPaul Revere and the Raiders to ArloGuthrie, I can still remember gazingat the chandelier and the beautifulceiling, thinking how disrespectful itwas that girls were jumping up anddown on the seats, screaming inadulation over whatever teen idolhappened to be on stage. In the latesixties, my best friend and I orderedfake press passes from a magazine.It actually worked when we man-aged to convince security that wewere representing our school news-paper and slipped backstage afterthe Herman’s Hermits concert. Wenever sighted any of that group,however, we did bump into a few ofthe musicians from one of the open-ing acts…..a little known band at the

time called “The Who”. A police offi-cer suspected we were frauds andpromptly escorted us out of thebuilding.

The upcoming renovation ofMusic Hall is very exciting, yet bit-

tersweet for me. Memo-ries come flooding backas I think about the peo-ple who have walkedthrough these doors---musicians, singers, staff,volunteers and visitorswho have played a part inits history. I don’t evenknow how to put intowords how deeply I careabout the Hall, becauseit’s not “just” a building tome. Coming inside is like

coming home. Though I’ve never encountered

any of the ghosts, I still feel thepresence of those who spent count-less hours here…..not because theyhad to, but because they wanted tobe here and took pride in it. Peoplesuch as Roger Adams, Shirley Pat-ton, Alice Poirier and Martha Wim-pey, just to name a few. Yet I’msure each of them would embracethe change.

As we embark on this greatnew adventure, what we leave be-hind is a part of ourselves. Butchange reminds us that anything ispossible and I am eagerly anticipat-ing the even more beautiful “new”Music Hall. - Judy Prinz

Judy Prinz

15 MUSIC HALL Marks

To Purchase Music Hall: Cincinnati Finds its Voice

on DVD or VHS call (513) 744-3293

All Seats Now Reserved - $25 ($20 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more)

• CincinnatiArts.org • Arnoff Center / Music Hall Ticket office• (513) 621 - Arts (2787) • Group Discount (10+): (513) 977 - 4157

The Society For The Preservation

of Music Hallpresents

Thursday, December 10, 201510:30 AM & 7:00 PM, Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom

MIGHTY WURLITZERfeaturing:

theatre-organist Jelani Eddington

Cincinnati Opera Young ArtistTyler Alessi

with special guestCincinnati Ballet

Otto M. Budig Academy

With Generous Support from Susan and Hap Castleberry

with the

Come for the Cheer, Come forthe Merriment!! Organ fans fromaround the world have heard thepowerful sounds of the MightyWurlitzer, either in its original home(the famed Albee Theatre), in theEmery Theatre or in the Music HallBallroom. The Ohio Valley Chapterof the American Theatre Organ So-ciety has gifted the Instrument toSPMH. Now that the transfer ofownership is complete, come forthe celebration! The SPMH Wurl-itzer promises to all a ‘MightyGood Time’ and ‘to All a GoodNight!!!!’

Artists who will dazzle you withtheir talents are Jelani Eddington,Tyler Alessi and the Cincinnati Bal-

let Otto M. Budig Academy.Jelani Eddington is one of the

most prominent and sought-afterartists on the concert circuit. Hehas performed nationally as wellas internationally and in 2001 wasnamed Theatre Organist of theYear. He remains the youngest-ever recipient of this prestigioushonor. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Je-lani began piano instruction at theage of four. At the age of eight, hewas introduced to the sounds ofthe Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ in-stalled in an Indianapolis restau-rant, the Paramount Music Palace.Shortly thereafter, he began classi-cal theatre organ lessons. By theage of 13, Jelani won the American

Happy Holidays! StarsMUSIC HALL Marks 16

Jelani Eddington

17 MUSIC HALL Marks

Theatre Organ Society’s YoungTheatre Organist Competition,competing against students fromthe United States, England, Aus-tralia and New Zealand. He re-mains the youngest competitorever to win this title. Jelani gradu-ated Magna Cum Laude from Indi-ana University in 1996 andreceived a Juris Doctor degreefrom the Yale School of Law in1999, after which time he practicedlaw in New York State. His exten-sive performance engagementshave taken him throughout theworld. Jelani has also distinguishedhimself as a concert pianist. Hehas produced over 30 theatreorgan albums on some of the mostdynamic instruments in the country.Jelani is no stranger to the SPMHMighty Wurlitzer Concert series,having delighted crowds with out-standing performances on previousoccasions.

Tyler Alessi is a second yearDoctoral student in Voice Perform-ance at the University of Cincin-nati’s College Conservatory ofMusic. While attending CCM, hehas performed as jailor inPoulenc’s Dialogues of theCarmelites; Escamillo in Bizet’s LeTragedie de Carmen; and Aaron in

Ricky Ian Gordon’s Morning Star.Outside of CCM Tyler has per-formed many small roles for Cincin-nati Opera including Guccio inPuccini’s Gianni Schicchi; 2ndpriest in Mozart’s The Magic Flute;the Captain in Tchaikovsky’s Eu-gene Onegin; and Marullo inVerdi’s Rigoletto. He was a mem-ber of Cincinnati Opera’s 2010-2011 Young Artist Program. Tylerearned a bachelor degree in VocalPerformance from California StateUniversity of Long Beach and hisMasters of Music from the Univer-sity of Cincinnati’s College Conser-vatory Of Music.

Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. BudigAcademy was founded in 1997 andhas built a reputation as one of thefinest programs in the nation.Taught by nationally and interna-tionally recognized faculty, Cincin-nati Ballet Academy offers acomprehensive dance educationthrough three programs: Children’sDivision, Main Division and AdultDivision as well as five differentsummer programs. The primarygoal at Cincinnati Ballet Academyis to provide excellence in technicaland artistic training and to inspire alove of dance.

To learn more about MUSIC HALL,Past, Present and Future

Visit the SPMH Websitewww.spmhcincinnati.org

MUSIC HALL Marks 18

SPMH has a tradition of at-tracting talented members of ourcommunity to serve asDirectors. It is withpleasure that thenewest member of theBoard is introduced.

Thea Tjepkemabrings a wealth of ex-perience in the areasof preservation, edu-cation, public rela-tions, managementand administration.She earned a B.F.A. inHistoric Preservation, (cum laude1990) from Savannah College ofArt and Design. In 1996 sheearned a Master of Arts Adminis-tration degree from the Universityof Akron. Thea has held numerousprofessional positions including thefollowing: preservationist at Lynd-hurst Estate, National Trust His-toric Site in New York; landmark

secretary’s aid at the LandmarksCommission of San Francisco; ed-

ucational programs in-structor for both theWayne-Gordon HouseMuseum and the Na-tional Girl Scout Centerin Savannah; docent atthe Art Museum ofSanta Cruz; museumtechnician at YosemiteNational Park Museum;education coordinatorat the William HowardTaft National Historic

Site, Cincinnati; director of gal-leries at the Savannah College ofArt and Design; and gallery man-ager of Wolf Gallery, Cincinnati.

Thea resides in Hyde Parkwith her husband, John MorrisRussell (Conductor of the Cincin-nati Pops), and their children JackRussell (15) and Alma Russell(13).

Thea Tjepkema

Meet New Board MemberThea Tjepkema

Love Music Hall?Interested in history, architecture? Take a Tour!

Seeking a rewarding volunteer experience? Become a Music Hall Tour Guide and share your enthusiasm!

For volunteering information or, to schedule a tour contact:

Ramona Toussaint: 513-744-3293 MusicHallTour@SPMHcincinnati.org

19 MUSIC HALL Marks

Can You Top This?The art of skating, especially

in the form of ‘Roller Derby’, hashad a resurgence in Cincinnati. In1910 Music Hall was proud of itsnew ‘Roller Rink’ as indicated inthe following Cincinnati Enquirerarticle dated Dec. 4th, “Music HallRink”.

The new Music Hall Rink an-nounces the engagement of Pro-fessor H. A. Simmons, one of thegreatest of all skaters, who will

give exhibitions of his skill all thisweek. His act is unique in that heperforms on stilts and transformshimself into a human top. Hecomes heralded as the skatingwonder of the world, and theCincinnati skaters will throng thenew rink to see him perform. In-dustrial nights at the new rink thisweek will be Wednesday andThursday night. (Source: ProQuest Historical Newspapers)

Corbett Tower The College of MusicIn August of 1878 a letter was

sent to Mr. Theodore Thomas ofNew York by managers of theMusic Hall Association, with the re-quest that he accept the Music Di-rectorship of the proposed Collegeof Music. The August 16, 1878issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer re-ported the following: “…It is pro-posed to establish an institution formusical education, upon the scaleof the most important of those of asimilar character in Europe… Wehave the new Music Hall, wherethe College will be held and thegreat organ offers decided attrac-tions. In this invitation we recog-nize your special fitness for a trustso important.” On August 20th, Mr. Thomas replied to ReubenSpringer, Joseph Longworth, JohnShillito and others “I acknowledge

with satisfaction the receipt of yournote of the 10th ...I accept your in-vitation.” The Stockholders of theCollege of Music met, a Board ofDirectors was elected and GeorgeWard Nichols was chosen Presi-dent with Treasurer, Rudolph Neffand Secretary, Jacob Burnet.Founded on October 14, 1878 theCollege of Music opened in MusicHall’s Dexter Hall (now CorbettTower). The room, named in honorof Julius Dexter, chairman of theMusic Hall building committee, was112 feet long, 46 feet wide and 30feet high (King’s Pocket Book ofCincinnati 1879). The College ofMusic soon outgrew its space andin 1881 an adjacent building, theOdeon, with a covered bridge toMusic Hall, was erected.

MUSIC HALL Marks 20

ACharles & Mary AbbottJim & Mary AbbottJudith H. & James R. AdamsLisa & David AllisonThe Alpaugh FoundationCarolyn B. AndersonJames & Marjorie AndersonTheresa M. AndersonAnonymousEdward & Rebecca ApfelNancy J. ApfelVicky AronoffThomas AshwellMr. Donald AubergerMary Lou Aufmann

BNancy & William Bahlman, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Carroll R. BakerIris G. BallMichael & Kimberly BaranowskiMr. & Mrs. Wayne K. BarfelsGeorge BarnardJohn F. Barrett FoundationRobert A. BauerWilliam & Kate Baumann

Beck Architecture - Donald BeckMrs. Lillian B. BeckerGeorge & Carol BeddieMrs. Patricia Beggs Drs. Leslie & Carol BenetMrs. Thomas S. BenjaminEllen A. BerghamerMary Bergstein Eileen BerkeJan Conversano BeslBruce & Barbara Best Todd BezoldDavid & Elaine Billmire Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Blum, Jr. Leon & Karen BootheKen BordwellJennifer G. and Andrew C. BowenMrs. A. S. BraudeJames & Carolyn BruckmannTrish & Rick BryanOtto M. Budig Family FoundationRichard and Roberta BullAnn J. Bunis

CCAA StaffSherry L. Caito

2014 - 2015 SPMH Members

Thank You Members!!As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the

highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." – John F. Kennedy

Together by our words best expressed in our deeds, we shall always be here for Music Hall. At this time of celebration may you all be blessed, as you have blessed

Music Hall with your support, interest and love. - Thank you, Members!

21 MUSIC HALL Marks

Deborah W. CampbellSteve & Cookie CarlsonBetty CarrollMrs. Mary E. CarrollShannon K. CarterEdward & Susan CastleberryMyra & Louis ChabutCincinnati Research &

Paranormal StudiesCincinnati Stage Employees

Local No. 5Nancy R. ClagettJames & Esther CoffeyDr. & Mrs. John & Julie CohenMr. & Mrs. Phillip T. CohenAnthony F. ColeLeland M. & Carol C. ColeJohn P. & Rosemary Connole Corbett FoundationRobin Cotton & Cindi FittonJ. Edgar & Jane G. CoxMary & Timothy CoyneStephen & Faye Crawford

DMark DaunerJoseph J. DehnerCarmon DeLeoneSally H. DessauerJay & Jackie DeWittDr. Karen DinsmorePaul Dirkes D.D.S Mrs. Rupert A. DoanWayne & Mary Jo DoeblingJean Z. DonaldsonMr. & Mrs. Charles E. Downton IIIMarjorie W. DrackettMr. & Mrs. David W. DresslerSandra & Richard DrewesSuzanne & Rick DunbarRichard B. Dusterberg

EDavid EagerHarold & Linda EberenzJanet & Joel EbersoleAnn Ellison

Mr. Charles N. Ellman

FJim & Jan Ferguson Mr. & Mrs. John W. Fischer lllKay & Barry FittesMrs. Charles FleischmannConstance S. FlodderDoris A. FluckAshley & Bobbie FordMs. Rochelle FradkinTom & Peggy FrankCarl & Terrill FreeseRita FritschTherese A. FroehleSue FriedlanderDr. & Mrs. Harry F. Fry Patricia K. Fry

GMarie GallagherKathy & Joe GanimNeil & Linda GartnerMs. Susanne E. GeierS. Bradley GillaughGary L. GilmerMary & Jack GimpelRalph GinocchioDavid N. GinsburgRenate & Jerry GlennMelissa GodoyClifford J. Goosmann & Andrea WilsonMartha A. GramssSteven & Sue GrendelWilliam E. Griess Philip GroshongBob Groszer & Donna WirthKathy GroteJoanne GrueterMarilynn R. Guertler

H - IMr. & Mrs. Richard HaberstrohPriscilla G. HaffnerSummers & Jeannette Hagerman Vincent C. & Ann HagermanBarbara & Jack Hahn

MUSIC HALL Marks 22Dr. Kelly HaleMegan HallMercedes M. HanceTom & Jan HardyJohn HarigDr. & Mrs. Morton HarshmanEmma D. HartkemeierDr. Robert & Suzanne Hasl Lenore HatfieldMichael & Judy HayesAnne P. HeldmanMr. & Mrs. John HeldmanThomas & Dawn HellerRobert & Patricia Henley Shirley HenrichWilliam E. HenrichSandra T. HitzlerMrs. Florette B. HoffheimerRuth C. HolthausBob & Dolly Holzwarth Debora HopperRuth Ann HopperMarcella Hsiung & Tony LangCarolyn Ruth Hunt Wetzel Hurst

J - KMr. & Mrs. Michael JansonTommie J. JenkinsHenry L. JenningsLinda Busken JergensJean C. JettAnn M. JohnsonMarlene R. JohnsonRobert L. JohnsonTricia & Eric JohnsonBrenda A. JonesDr. Edmund & Della JonesKen JonesRobert & Connie JonesMary Ann JordanJay & Shirley Joyce Mace Justice Michael F. KasharNancy & Bill KeatingTerry & Kathy Kessler

David A. KlingshirnEileen K. KnollmanKayley S. KnollmanKenneth & Mary Jane KnollmanLee KoehlerPeter KoenigConnie KohlsPatrick M. KorbCarol & Scott KosarkoKenneth P. and Emily KreiderMichael & Leslie KreinesCarol L. KruseTheresa M. KuhnMr. & Mrs. Lawrence H. Kyte.

LSusan LaffoonThomas & Jane Lake Frederick H. LampeSandy LaneyMs. Cynthia A. LeslieCalvin & Patricia LinnemannAdele & Thomas LippertGinger & Steve Loftin Dr. & Mrs. Edward E. LoftspringDr. Jennifer LoggieCarl & Joyce LohstrohWhitney & Phillip LongAlfonso & Mary LopezDan & Joyce LoreyJoanie & Bill Lotts Susie & Jack LouisoDr. & Mrs. Franklin LoweMr. & Mrs. Ralph LowensteinJudy LucasDr. & Mrs. Joseph T. LuttmerMary Reed Lyon

MHelene & Millard MackMarianne MagillF. I. & C. G. MahanLois & Richard ManifoldAnita & Ed MarksJudith L. MartinJ. Cromer Mashburn Family Foundation David J. Mason

23 MUSIC HALL MarksBobbie MaybrierJames & Rebecca McDermottDr. & Mrs. William McKim, Jr.Laura McMahonCharlotte McNaryGene MeltonAmy MercerSusan Sterritt MeyerJames & Sarah MichaelDeb & Jerry MillerDavid & Martha MillettM. G. MinskyGraham & Sharon MitchellDonna S. MontgomeryHerta L. MooreRegeana & Al MorganMarjorie MotchPaul MullerGeorge & Anne MusekampPatti Myers & Alan Flaherty

NTimothy S. NeedlerCharles Scott NelsonJerry & Monica NerlJanet C. NeumannChris & Tom NeyerLindsay Niklas Donald & Joan NitzCarol Norris

OJane & Ervin OberschmidtTamar & Alan OestreichMr. & Mrs. William R. OligeeFred & Leila OliverRobert & Anne Olson Mrs. Sylvia E. OsterdayMarilyn Z. Ott

PEileen Parris & Margaret GuentertMs. Lavonia F. PaytonCarol & James PearceMark & Kim PearsonGloria & Bradley PembertonRick Pender & Joan KaupMr. & Mrs. John E. Pepper, Jr.

Mrs. Norma PetersenAlice & David PhillipsMr. & Mrs. Joseph A. PichlerMr. & Mrs. John W. Plattner Timothy L. Pohlman, D.D.S.Judith & Ron Porges Barbara & Michael PorteJudith PrinzAmanda H. Prus

Q - RCliff & Debbie RadelMaribeth & Martin RaheJ. Lee RasmussenJean RatcliffJoan F. Reckseit, Ph. D.Timothy & Paulette ReedSandy & Frank ReederDavid & Marilyn ReichertKathleen ReinmannProf. Edward J. RequardtEd & Barb RiderCharles Scott Riley III FoundationLinda K. RobertsB. J. RobinsonRamon & Christina RodriguezDavid & Priya RolfesMr. & Mrs. J. David RosenbergEdward & Nancy RosenthalSolveiga RushMargene Ryberg

SSaenger Family FoundationMrs. Richard SalzerScott SantangeloMelissa SantomoDavid & Judy SavageMr. Thomas R. SchiffRosemary & Mark SchlachterStacy Sommer SchmidtMr. & Mrs. Robert J. SchmitzCharlotte & Richard SchnitzMr. & Mrs. Richard SchorrMrs. Zell SchulmanJames E. SchwabJoseph T. Schwab

MUSIC HALL Marks 24T. L. & Debra Schwartz FoundationDavid & Martha SeagramMartha SeamanMildred J. SelonickJohn & Teri Senhauser Jon & Jacqueline SeymourIldiko ShermanJulie ShifmanEleanor ShottEli Shupe & Toby RubenBrian & Julie SiekmannDonald & Linda SiekmannIrwin & Melinda SimonJim & Linda SimpsonMurray & Robin SinclaireMr. & Mrs. Paul Sittenfeld Mr. & Mrs. Gerald SkidmoreSally Skillman & Nancy McGaugheyAdrienne A. SmithGenevieve Smith & Charlotte Smith (de-ceased)William & Judith SmithSisters of the TransfigurationBill & Sue SommerRichard & Lois SpriggCherry & Bob StaabMr. J. R. (Bob) SteelmanMr. & Mrs. Thomas E. StegmanJudy & Steve SteinNancy M. StemenJulia & David Stephen Mary S. Stern Amy Stier & Jeff BrownSteven R. Sunderman

T – UDudley S. TaftThomas L. TallentireDr. & Mrs. Shiro TanakaSue ThackerJoyce Thieman & Earl RossNorman J. ThomasJames L. Thompson

Sally & Scott TiekeJanet G. ToddNydia C. TranterMr. & Mrs. James S. Trowbridge

V – W Madge VanbuskirkJoyce Van WyeRuth Ann VoetBethany A. VondranNancy C. WagnerPatricia M. WagnerDr. & Mrs. Elmer WahlJack & Leann WardJoAnn & Paul WardMr. & Mrs. Frederick D. WarrenPaula J. WattersWayne Wauligman, D. D. S.Mark & Lisa WeadickDr. James Weaver & Mary VanagsMrs. William N. Weed (Katie)Mr. Ron WehmeierIrwin & Barbara WeinbergRichard & Ervena WeingartnerPatty & Gary WelshGary & Diane WestMike & Sue WestDavid & Sandy WesterbeckFranklin H. WhiteJulie A. WhitmerGeorge & Kathy WilkinsonDr. & Mrs. James WillisMrs. Beatrice WinklerBetty Ann WolfShelby WoodStacey & Kathryn WoolleyMrs. Dorothy Wuzelbacher

X - ZJohn M. YacherMargaret YeiserDr. & Mrs. Daryl N. ZeiglerDr. Robert W. & Carol Ziegler III

Please let us know if we have duplicated, omitted or misspelled your name Call (513) 744-3293 or Admin@spmhcincinnati.org

25 MUSIC HALL Marks

About the CoverLooking up at the great build-

ing, looking down at me—struck byits immensity, yes, but also by itswarmth, its constant hospitality—and I take my photo. The ‘photos’in memories ofthose passingby and thosewho investedtheir time in en-joyments orwork endeavors,are likely as nu-merous as thestars in the sky.Doors opened in1878 with enor-mous anticipa-tion and pride inCincinnati’sMusic Hall. Theman of the daywas ReubenSpringer andwhat would hethink about thecoming renova-tion? – a puzzle.

Oh, there have been ‘revital-izations’ in the past, certainly. In1896, the Hall was changed dra-matically—proscenium arches,new seating, scaling down of theGreat Organ screen; 1913’s newcoat of paint and permanent boxseats. In the early 1920s fire is-sues and safety were of grave con-cern, and politicians demanded

that the north and south wings berazed—yet they ‘stood tall’. Patri-cia and Ralph Corbett took it uponthemselves to begin a new day forMusic Hall, one of modernization in

the late 1960s.All the while, arevived MusicHall survivedand thrived. Andthe peoplepassed by,some with majorconcerns andothers without athought, and thepeople movedon.

One of theguest speakersfor the SPMH2014 AnnualMeeting wasMurray Sin-claire, Jr., thenChair of the Cul-tural FacilitiesTask Force. At

the time, inclusion of Music Hall onthe November Tax Ballot had beendenied by the County Commission-ers. Mr. Sinclaire said “we have ahill to climb and the hope is that byyour next Annual Meeting there willbe a definitive plan.” President DonSiekmannn said “this is a puzzlewe are trying to put together andthere are many missing pieces.”

Music Hall Marks cover

MUSIC HALL Marks 26

AcknowledgementsEditor:

Kathy Janson

Contributing Writers:Peter KoenigJudy Prinz

Cover Photo and Concept:Kathy Janson

Photo Credits: Phil Groshong

Design and Layout: Creative Flair Company

Printing:Berman Printing Company

Fast forward to 2015—the goalof $129 M has nearly been met. Adesign team and other expertshave been selected and drawingsare in process. The Hall will ‘godark’ in June 2016. But little ofwhat is to come has been revealedto the public. It is a puzzle. Whenone interjects personal experience,questions abound. How will adownsized Springer Auditorium beviewed? Will the sense of awe beenhanced or will an ‘old friend’ belost in the sweeping of constructiondebris? How will treasured memo-ries coalesce with new realities?This is a puzzle.

I think about Cincinnati build-ings demolished with the 70’s waveof modernization and I cringe. Afew, I saw as a child and I antici-pated entering the doors someday.So much of Cincinnati’s ‘Gold’gone. One can research for hoursthe magnificent architecture lost.So, why does Music Hall, this 1878behemoth still stand? This is a puz-zle. And perhaps while ponderingthe puzzles (or not) collectively wedeclare that Music Hall will standas a statement of who WE were,who WE are, and who WE will be-come.

- Kathy Janson

Society for the Preservation of Music Hall

Renew your membership or join today by using the enclosed envelope.

www.spmhcincinnati.org.

- Thank You!

MUSIC HALL Marks is a Publication of

The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

www.spmhcincinnati.orgAdmin@spmhcincinnati.org