Russ Peck

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Russ began piano studies in San Diego in 1965. After studying for about seven years, he heard and fell in love with the sound of the popular Hammond organ. Following much cajoling, Russ's parents purchased a Hammond in 1972, thereafter ending the quietness of their home forever!

In 1974, Russ and three high school colleagues formed a band specializing in popular music of the Twenties through the Fifties, appropriately called “The Young Oldtimers.” In an era of electric guitars and loud drums, The Young Oldtimers found more work than they had time for. The Elks clubs, weddings and a host of other venues kept these kids in pocket money throughout their high school years. In addition, all were members of the marching and concert bands (in which Russ played percussion) and the stage band (with Russ sitting in on the piano).

College beckoned and with it came the end of The Young Oldtimers. Attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, Russ studied classical pipe organ (under a scholarship) with Stanley R. Plummer. His piano and percussion study continued through membership in all of the college bands and orchestras. In the meantime, Russ encountered his first theatre pipe organ and was immediately taken with its unique sound. Although strictly a classical instructor, Professor Plummer could be persuaded to rip off down and dirty versions of big band favorites, much to Russ's delight!

Having found “his instrument,” Russ joined the American Theatre Organ Society, San Diego Chapter in 1980, after earning a BA in Psychology at Whitman. Working with the Wurlitzer pipe organ in the California Theatre, Russ honed his craft, both at the console and in the pipe chamber taking part in organ maintenance and presenting silent movie concerts. In addition, he functioned as the projectionist whenever not at the console.

Russ is firmly rooted in San Diego, his house being home to a 1925 Robert-Morton theatre pipe organ, a Hammond RT-3 concert organ, a piano, several accordions, guitars and percussion instruments and loads of other fun musical junk on which he prepares his performances and scores silent films. Russ also helped to install (and he aids in the maintenance of) the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ located at Trinity facilities in Spring Valley. Performances on this instrument as well as on the Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park, the organ in Copley Symphony Hall, substitute church work and private venues keep Russ in the public eye.

Working by day as a sound and video engineer (most recently with singer Patti Page), collecting and restoring old electronic equipment (especially Heathkit), operating a ham radio station (KG6CLA), photography and numerous other pursuits help keep Russ off the streets and out of trouble! His parents, a sister and a niece also reside in the San Diego area.