2010 Frank Marocco Accordion Event

FMAE event directors: Joan & Dan Grauman
Music Director and conductor: Frank Marocco
Assistant Music Director: Stas Venglevski
Technical Support/Photography: Bruce Lawrie

2010 Frank Marocco Accordion Event Is a Huge Success

by Lynn Ewing

FMAE Orchestra 2010

In January, 50 accordionists attended the Frank Marocco Accordion Event which was held at the Dobson Ranch Inn in Mesa Arizona. This event is popular enough that 38 accordionists were left on the waiting list and the concert on Sunday evening was standing room only, with over 300 people trying to find a place in the hall!

What makes an event like this so enthusiastically attended?

Frank Marocco, FMAE Music Director and conductor playing for appreciative attendees

Important, I think, is the camaraderie which occurs when accordionists who range in ability from learner to world class professionals all come together for a common purpose. The orchestra played 8 pieces this year, from a wide variety of arrangers.

Evening informal jam session: (L to R): Peter DiGiovanni, Lee Paulson,
JoAnn and John Pankow, Diane Blais (behind Lee),
Joan Grauman and saxophonist/accordionist/MC Gwyn Lister

Jazz great, Frank Marocco, who is the Musical Director and Conductor of the event, arranged “Star Spangled Banner”, “Por Una Cabeza”, “Slaughter on 10th Avenue”, and “Adios Nonino”.

FMAE Orchestra 2010

Assistant Music Director,Stas Venglevski arranged two pieces by famed Russian composer Georgy Sviridov, “Troika”, and “Valse”. We were treated to a beautiful original piece, “Juntos”, composed and arranged by Amy Jo Sawyer, and ended with a rousing Galla-Rini arrangement of “God Bless America”.

The Orchestra was ably supported by college students Wes Anderson on Percussion and Sean Brogan on String Bass, not to mention the fine bass accordion work provided by John Simkus from Chicago.

Highlights also included workshops led by:
Elke Ahrenholz (accordion building and repair)
Rita Davidson (the music of Eugene Ettore)
Gabriel Hall-Rodrigues (Music Therapy for all Ages)
Frank Marocco (creating chords in the left hand).

The terrific Connecticut five, “Vitality”, named for their teacher, Bob Vitale.
(L to R) Kathy DiCocco, Karen Buccitti, Frank Marocco, Bob Vitale, Judy Sehnal and Marilyn O’Neil

Our youngest player was 11 year old Lisa Breccia, who arrived with her mom, Elke Ahrenholz, from Castelfidardo Italy, and we were also delighted to have college student Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, who took up the accordion after hearing our concert last year.

International dinner table: (L to R) Elke Ahrenholz and her daughter Lisa Breccia (Castelfidardo, Italy),
Rita Davidson (New Jersey), Joan and Dan Grauman (Maryland), Wes Anderson,
Sean Brogan and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues (Arizona), Gail Campanella (California).

Mornings were devoted to orchestra rehearsal, and afternoons to workshops, master classes, and section rehearsals. We had some fabulous workshops, including one by Elke Ahrenholz, the Victoria Accordion representative, one by Frank himself on Creating Additional Chords with the left hand, and one from Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, a music therapy major, on “Music Therapy, my accordion and Me”. Lunches and dinners were filled with music from players who generously contributed their talents for our enjoyment, and in the evenings, we had wonderful music of all kinds.

Many thanks to Bruce Lawrie for the photos on this page.

Evening highlights included featured performances by the guest artists in attendance, as well as performances from a wide spectrum of players. Stas Venglevski brought the house down with his brilliant and tender solos, and we were also privileged to hear from the “Vitality” Accordion Quintet, Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, and Lisa Breccia.

We were thrilled to hear wonderful music from Frank Marocco himself, Father Joe Baccellieri, John Simkus, Amy Jo Sawyer and other fine players including a number of Frank Marocco’s students, and others who played in various constellations. Rita Davidson, the editor of the website www.AccordionUsa.com gave us a rare treat by playing a mini concert of seldom heard works by Eugene Ettore, her teacher and mentor.

Stas Venglevski and his wife, Roza Borisova, and Frank Marocco

Last but not least, Stas brought his wife, professional cellist Roza Borisova, who brought tears to our eyes with her virtuosity. She and Stas truly make beautiful music together.

Joan and Dan Grauman, the camp organizers, did everything possible to ensure the camp ran smoothly and was an outstanding experience of learning, listening, performing, and connecting with new and old friends who share our passion for our beloved instrument. These wonderful memories will remain with us forever!