PIANO -- Ben Model accompanies silent films live on either piano or organ.  The piano is the sound most associated with silent films and most venues have a an instrument, either upright or grand.  In some cases where a theater or auditorium does not have an instrument, a digital keyboard can be arranged for, either locally or through Ben. 

ORGAN -- A much fuller, richer sound, one more typically heard in movie theaters during the silent era, is that of the theatre organ.  This is the sound heard today in restored movie palaces in certain areas of the country (such as the Egyptian, in Boise, Idaho, shown on this site's home page).  Church organs are suitable as well; many churches have hosted showings of DeMille's King of Kings ('27) or Halloween programs like Phantom of the Opera ('25) or Nosferatu ('22).

If you'd like to have theatre organ accompaniment for your show, there are two options to bring the real Wurlitzer sound to your venue.  One is to use a digital theatre organ, which may be rented for a show and delivered to your theater or auditorium, such as the console from Allen Organs shown on the right. 

MIDITZER™ -- The other is a cost-effective alternative to a rented theater organ console -- a virtual theatre organ called the Miditzer (shown left, in performance at Wesleyan University).   The Miditzer computer program runs on a laptop connected to a portable keyboard+pedals set-up.  The audio is run from the laptop through your house sound system.  It's a quick and simple set-up...within 15 minutes it's like someone installed a Wurlitzer in your theater!  E-mail for more info.

ORCHESTRA -- Ben has composed orchestral scores for four short comedies which are suitable for either an adult professional ensemble or a strong high school orchestra.  Click on the "orchestral scores" button above for film and score rental information.