title: American Theatre Organ Society
text: # American Theatre Organ Society
  
  The American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) is an American non-profit organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the theatre pipe organ and its musical art form.
  
  ATOS consists of regional member-chapters, and is led by democratically elected leaders. There are currently over 75 local chapters of ATOS, and membership is made up of musicians, technicians, hobbyists, educators, and others who enjoy the music of the theatre organ. The ATOS Board of Directors is the main governing body.
  
  ## History
  
  ATOS was founded as a group called the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, by Richard Simonton. Simonton was a Hollywood businessman and entrepreneur. And as a tremendous fan of theatre organ music, he arranged a gathering at his home on February 8, 1955, where he and several other organ enthusiasts founded what would later become ATOS.
  
  ## Current activities
  
  ATOS hosts an annual convention, held at various locations across the country. ATOS has outreach to young musicians, and funds several musical scholarships for youth members. ATOS sponsors an annual Young Theatre Organist Competition.
  
  ATOS sponsors ATOS Theatre Organ Radio, an internet radio station dedicated to the theatre organ. It can be streamed through the ATOS Website, 24 hours per day.
  
  