The Page Organ Project at Stephenson High School
Brief History
In 1992, a meeting was held between the officials of DeKalb County School Systems which included the Superintendent, Dr. James Hallford and the Atlanta ATOS board. Thanks to the initiation and planning of AC/ATOS board member, Jack Sandow, the school system agreed to make building modifications to a 500 seat theatre in the new Stephenson High School being built near Stone Mountain. AC/ATOS requested chamber space, an organ pit, organ console storage area, blower accommodations, electrical and wind conduits. Jack Sandow, who soon became the project leader after the initial meeting, worked closely with Beers Construction Company and District Engineer, Bob Cox to make sure all details were adhered to.
The changes to the original construction plan came with added expense to the DeKalb School System. Upon realizing this, the Atlanta Chapter felt it was their turn to put forth a positive gesture; so as a measure of goodwill, introduction, and organ education, several members of the Atlanta Chapter escorted three DeKalb school officials; the Principal elect (Faye Smith), district engineer (Bob Cox), and district music director (Dr. Earlene Brasher) to Dickinson High School in Wilmington, Delaware to hear international organist Simon Gledhill in concert. This took place January 8, 1996. Flying into Philadelphia, the entourage made a quick stop at Hect's Department Store downtown (now renamed Lord & Taylor) to hear the famed Wanamaker Grand Court Organ before heading to the school for the concert. Upon returning from this trip, everyone had a better understanding of what AC/ATOS and the DeKalb School System could expect after this Page organ installation. Stehpenson High School opened in the Fall of 1996.
Check out these progress photos
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