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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Late News: Linda Soley Reed Retires After 10 years as AAA President, New President Mary Tokarski
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Joan Cochran Sommers Voted CIA Honorary Member Award - Austria
AAA Faithe Deffner Accordion Competition, $20,000 First Prize
16th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention in June 2015
Free Postage, Super Value Christmas Gifts Books
Acclarion Concert, December 6th in Detroit
New CD By Stas Venglevski and Joan C. Sommers
Don Lipovac Inducted into Hall of Fame, 51st Thanksgiving Polka Weekend
Copper Box Releases New CD
New eBook Released, Traditional Polish Carols Arranged by Gary Dahl
Accordion Babes Revue
Potomac Accordion Ensemble and WMAS Present Holiday Concerts
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
FROM START TO “ FINNISH”
Mario Pedone and Nick Ballarini Run Accordion Clinic
Dr. William Schimmel Releases New Downloadable Single
Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA) Holiday Concert
Chapter 14 Released, 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP)
Review of Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert
Coupe Mondiale 2014 USA Participant Nathan Chapetan - Austria
Coupe Mondiale 2014 Canadian Participant Emmanuel Gasser - Austria
Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra in Concert on Dec. 6
Paul Creston 'Songs' CD Showcases his Seldom Heard Vocal Works
Rob Reich at Brooklyn Accordion Club
Future events |
Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano in 2015 LIAA Performance
2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concerts
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 It is December! Holiday Shopping! Not enough time to do everything!It is very important to devote time to practicing, performing, and attending accordion concerts and events. What to do? Save tons of time shopping for your accordion enthusiasts by looking at the many unique things that Accordions Worldwide advertisers have to offer you: instruments, books, DVD's, CD's, sheet music and much more. It is very easy to order from Accordions Worldwide and MusicForAccordion.com Click, Choose, Pay…….. and off you go to an accordion event! What could be better than that? Happy Holidays from your USA Editor! With this publication I am beginning my seventh year as National Editor of the USA news and still loving every minute of it! Having retired almost two years ago from teaching music in the West Orange, NJ public school system (where I played the accordion for my classes every day!), I am happy to be involved in accordion activities. It is a fantastic privilege for me as National Editor to meet, hear, and have contact with so many talented accordionists/musicians. A huge thank you to Harley Jones, Worldwide Editor for his continuing patience and assistance. Please continue to send your comments and ideas to me: Ritabelll@aol.com |
Late News: Linda Soley Reed Retires After 10 years as AAA President, New President Mary Tokarskiby Rita Barnea |
  Late News: On December 9, 2014, the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) honored President Linda Soley Reed for her devoted years from 2004 to 2014 as AAA President. During her presidency, the AAA sponsored annual festivals, special concerts, competitions, seminars and other events. Among the many highlights of her presidency, the AAA hosted with the Accordionists & Teachers Guild (ATG) the 2007 Coupe Mondiale in Washington DC. On behalf of the AAA, Mary Tokarski presented Linda Soley Reed with a special gift. Each of the board members present read their personal tributes to her which will be compiled into a book. Linda was very moved by these tributes. Incoming AAA President Mary Tokarski told the AAA meeting: "What an honor it is to be chosen to serve as President of a prestigious organization like the American Accordionists’ Association. I am so happy to have this opportunity to serve our members, and promote our beloved instrument for the next two years. The AAA is like a second “home” to me . . . as a young girl I remember the frequent trips to competitions, concerts and workshops, meeting all the accordion “giants” of the day, and simply “growing up AAA”. As I progressed with my music (in many ways because of my AAA experiences), my plans for my music and my life expanded. All those dreams have now come true for me . . . the last “dream” was someday becoming President of this wonderful association! We have some very exciting things happening at AAA in 2015. In early October, we will honor my dear friend Carmen Carrozza with a special Memorial Concert, Dinner and Competition. The event will take place at the Doubletree Hilton in Tarrytown, New York – right in Carmen’s home territory. In conjunction with our annual Festival in July, the inaugural Faithe Deffner Memorial Competition will take place, with awards totaling $25,000! The awards are outstanding, and the qualifications assure that the best accordionists from around the globe will be in attendance. The AAA Festival is once again being held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in historic Alexandria, Virginia from July 8-12, 2015, with workshops, concerts and competitions, each with a special focus and learning opportunity for us all. We hope to see YOU there! Requirements and information for all the events will be available on the AAA website at www.ameraccord.com. Again, I am honored to be serving as AAA President for the next term, and look forward to working together with the accordion community to expand and enhance the accordion here in the United States." The new slate of officers consists of: Mary Tokarski -President Linda Reed -First Vice President Joe Ciccone -Second Vice President Frank Busso -Sr. Treasurer Bob McMahan -Secretary. For further information: ameraccord1938@gmail.com |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Joan Cochran Sommers Voted CIA Honorary Member Award - Austriaby Harley Jones |
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 At the 2014 Coupe Mondiale in Salzburg, the 132nd CIA International General Assembly of Delegates Congress unanimously voted that Joan Cochran Sommers (USA) be a CIA Honorary Member. Joan Sommers spoke: "Thank you very much for this great honor, which I accept with sincere pride and great humility. One of the greatest gifts my mother and father gave me was to purchase an accordion and enroll me in lessons to learn how to play it. I loved the instrument and eventually earned the right to compete in the Coupe Mondiale competitions held in Brighton, England (1955) and again in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland (1956). It was there that I began making friends from all over the world. I learned that I really wanted to be a teacher. Luckily, I had many very outstanding students who also eventually earned the right to represent their country in the Coupe Mondiale. And during those years I began serving in various positions representing both the Accordionists and Teachers Guild (USA) and the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes. I thank each one of you, my very dear accordion friends, for this great honor. I love all of you!" The delegates responded with a standing ovation to thank Joan Sommers for an incredible life of music and so many years of superb service to the accordion community. The CIA presented Joan Sommers with a book (prepared by Alison Worthington) profiling her life as a contestant from 1955 (picture left) and 1956, through to today. She was a competitor, teacher of competitors, Coupe Mondiale Organiser, Executive Officer, Delegate, Jury Member and more recently founded the World Accordion Orchestra which just celebrated its eighth edition. Joan retired from the Executive Committee at the Salzburg Congress after 60 years of CIA activities. The Honorary Member Certificate was presented to Joan Sommers at the Saturday night Coupe Mondiale Prize Giving. Joan Sommers spoke: "I found out that the delegates had voted this in and I had many tears..... I can tell you, that I accept this with real humility, its a wonderful honor. I am eager to keep my hand in the accordion world, they're the best friends, you can't beat an accordion friend, they are your best friends. I urge all of the young people here to stay with the accordion, there are many ways you can stay in music without being a concert artist. You can do many things with music and it will be the love of your life. Thank you so much." Heartfelt huge applause followed. |
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AAA Faithe Deffner Accordion Competition, $20,000 First Prizeby Harley Jones |
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 The Faithe Deffner International Accordion Competition is being sponsored in honor of Faithe Deffner, who passed away in June 2014. This competition will be held as part of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2015 Festival in Alexandra, 8-12 July, and a big feature is the USD$20,000 cash 1st prize, USD$3,000 2nd prize and USD$2,000 3rd prize. Requirements include: Maximum age: 32 as of date of July 8, 2015 Test Piece: Herricks Road composed by Karen Fremar Classical Segment: 10 minutes required selection being one mvt from Divertimento composed by Viatcheslav Semionov plus one or more selections in classical, baroque or romantic style. Both Herricks Road and Divertimento were composed in honor of Faithe Deffner. The competition also includes a Entertainment Segment: 10 minutes with 2 or more selections of differing styles. Full details of the Faithe Deffner International Accordion Competition and entry form at: 2015Deffner.pdf Information about the 2015 AAA festival at: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) |
16th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention in June 2015by Paul Pasquali Event Organizer |
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 Celebrate with the Stars – a Summer Solstice Celebration – FREE GIFT OFFER!The 16th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention will be June 22-25, 2015 at the Gold Coast Hotel located at 4000 West Flamingo Blvd., in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year we celebrate the return to a summer event with the theme “Summer Solstice”. Notable this year is nearly a complete new line up of accordion stars to help us celebrate! Two-time Grammy Award winning Riders in the Sky (Nashville, TN) is set to open the event on Monday evening, June 22. Grayson Masefield (Zurich, Switzerland, picture right), five-time world champion and the first person to have won both the Virtuoso Entertainment and Concert Coupe Mondiale categories of the prestigious Coupe Mondiale (CIA) in the same year, will be performing Tuesday evening. View Videos at: MasefieldVideo Also set for Tuesday evening, Mary Tokarski (Northford, CT), our 2015 Honorary Director will be performing. The famous group EUROPA (Orlando, FL) will be performing Wednesday evening plus the legendary Joey Miskulin will appear. Thursday evening will feature the 8th installment of the Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the esteemed Joan Cochran Sommers. Another new headliner will be Luciano Testani from Montreal, Canada. Completing the lineup of stars are Paul Betken (Phoenix, AZ), Jerry Cigler (Chicago, IL), Gina Brannelli, Gordon Kohl, Stas Venglevski, plus our friend from Las Vegas, the comedian Pete Barbutti! Registration fee for the event includes 7 superb Las Vegas banquet meals with concerts plus over 40 workshops and master classes taught by top experts. Check out special invitation pricing valid thru December and if you register by December 10 receive a FREE Thank You Gift special edition t-shirt (the t-shirt will be included in your registration packet at the event). See our website AccordionStars.com for complete pricing options, or call +1 801-486-1695 for personal assistance and to get your free gift. Special group room rates are only $36/$44 (Deluxe/Premium) per room Sunday thru Thursday nights (weekend nights $78/$99 a night) and special lowered resort fee of only $9.99 with group block (resort fee off block $12.99) a night per room – but you must use group code ACCORD5 to get these lowest guaranteed rates. Rates valid until the block fills or until May 22, 2015. The Gold Coast has cautioned that the hotel will fill rapidly this year. Recommended stays -- check in before 3PM Monday, June 22 and check out Friday morning, June 26, 2015. If you are interested in attending you may register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact the Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 486-1695, email paul@accordioninfo.com, or mail - LVAC, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. Please Note - Book early to assure your $36 room (plus resort fee) rate or premium room only $44 (plus resort fee) with the Gold Coast by calling them directly at 1-888-402-6278 (outside the USA +1 702-367-7111) and telling them you are with the Accordion Convention with group code ACCORDN5 or visit our website www.AccordionStars.com and click on HOTEL. Las Vegas International Accordion Convention 1760 South 450 West Salt Lake City, UT Phone: +1 801-486-1695 email: info@AccordionStars.com website: AccordionStars.com |
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Free Postage, Super Value Christmas Gifts Booksby MusicForAccordion.com |
 Accordion Christmas Gift ideas for friends and family at: 2014Christmas IdeasFree Postage until 20th December ONLY make the following books SUPER value for a Christmas Gift. Free Postage Special: The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog benetouxen00). A quality book about accordion repairs, tuning etc. that is very popular indeed. In English and French. Comprendre et Reparer Votre Accordeon (catalog benetouxfr00). Free Postage Special: Sounding Out The Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog bthierryen). A very quality book that cares of the sounding and tuning up your accordion. In English and French. L’Accordeon & SA Diversite Sonore (catalog bthierryfr). Free Postage Special: SPECIAL: FREE POSTAGE Robaccord Publications: A Pictorial History by Rob Howard fully illustrated throughout with over 300 colour photographs, each with information, plus interesting articles. Only Euro 12.00 (or the US$ equivalent) plus postage. Vintage Accordions - Vintage Accordions by Rob Howard is a unique and very popular book - a beautifully illustrated all-colour history of the accordion, in its various forms, with over 300 pictures of instruments. An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments by Rob Howard, an unique books that suits new learner of the accordion instrument. It also have An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 2 by Rob Howard, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 3 by Rob Howard, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 4 by Rob Howard. These Christmas gift ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers. Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,248 eSheet pieces, 300 CD/DVD’s, 1,702 eTracks recordings, 833 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from: 2014Christmas Ideas |
Acclarion Concert, December 6th in Detroitby Rita Barnea |
 Video of AcclarionAcclarion will perform at Art House on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 4:PM. Acclarion, Canada’s premier accordion and clarinet ensemble, is giving classical music a makeover! Since 2003, with virtuosic flare and entertaining banter, accordionist David Carovillano and clarinetist Becky Sajo-Carovillano have charmed audiences with their unique arrangements of classical masterpieces, sultry tangos, popular folk tunes and original compositions in concerts that are fun for all ages. In 2004, they recorded their debut self-titled album, featuring works by Handel, Faure and Puccini, as well as original compositions by David Carovillano, Charles Cozens and Walter Buczynski. This concert will feature works by Schubert, Mozart, Puccini, Carovillano, Handel, Faure and Cozens. It is a perfect way to begin your Saturday evening. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Cost: $35.00 U.S. per person Advance registration is required Doors open at 3:30 PM Concert begins promptly at 4:00 PM Late-comers cannot be accommodated Art House is in historic Brush Park at 59 Alfred Street, Detroit Concert will take place on the third floor. Art House is a historic residence and is not handicapped accessible. |
New CD By Stas Venglevski and Joan C. Sommersby Kevin Friedrich |
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| 'Awakening' is a new CD by Stas Venglevski and Joan C. Sommers highlighting Stas's new compositions for accordion duo and accordion ensemble. Composing has always been of interest to Stas who finds it challenging and an adventure. "Every piece I write leads me to the next quest of an unfinished story. The album is melodic as melody is the root of the story. From an early age, I was influenced by the beautiful Russian folk songs and the stirring Soviet songs for the masses with their rich melodies." writes Stas. In addition to Joan C. Sommers, John Simkus (bass accordion) John Babbitt (bass) and Michael Lorenz (drums) performed on a few of the pieces. Stas has released numerous CDs over the years, and this is the second recording made in duo with Joan C. Sommers. The tracks on the new CD include: 1. Languid Night of Desire, 2. Awakening, 3. Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, 4. Invention in a Minor, 5. Invention in D Major, 6. Triplicity Trio, 7. Anticipation, 8. Lenny, The Cordeen Man, 9. Memoirs, 10. Cocktail Party, 11. Butterfly Swing and 12. "Hey" Polka. For more information, please visit www.stasv.com |
Don Lipovac Inducted into Hall of Fame, 51st Thanksgiving Polka Weekendby Rita Barnea |
 The Thanksgiving Polka Weekend, incorporating the Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show, took place from Thursday November 27th until Saturday 29th at the Cleveland Downtown Marriot Hotel, Key Center, Cleveland, Ohio.Popular accordionist Don Lipovac (April 3, 1935 - April 26, 2014) was inducted posthumously to the Polka Hall of Fame. Don Lipovac was America's champion accordion player in 1958 and went on to lead the best-known polka orchestra in the Kansas City area.He wrote and arranged more than 500 songs and taught two generations of accordion and tamburitza students. Don Lipovac was once described as a "cultural treasure" by the Kansas Art Council and was voted by the membership and board of the Polka Hall of Fame for his lifetime of musical achievement. The event involved three days of dancing with top Cleveland-Style and Slovenian polka bands and performers from Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada. Performers included the Polka Band of the Year, the Frank Stanger Orchestra, Walter Ostanek, Nashville’s Joey Miskulin of Riders in the Sky, Alex Meixner, Mike Schneider and TV’s Chardon Polka Band. Other featured artists included: Frank Svet, Frank Moravcik, Fairport Jammers, Bob Kravos, Linda Lee Brown, Klancnik & Friends, Ralph Turek, Skovenski Band, Fritz’s Polka Band, Dale Bucar, Rob DeBlander, Button Box Divas, Fred Ziwich, Mike Luteran, and Patty C & The Guys. For the first time, the Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show was staged in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel on Saturday November 29th. The Gala 27th Annual Awards Show was the high point of the three-day Thanksgiving Polka Party Weekend hosted by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum at the Marriott. Two long-time musicians were inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame: musician and WINT radio host Denny Bucar, of Euclid, Ohio, and the late accordionist and bandleader Don Lipovac of Kansas City. For further information email: Polkashop@aol.com |
Copper Box Releases New CDby Rita Barnea |
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 Copper Box performs in Neenah, WI for outdoor concert at Shattuck Park. Irish Jig was written by Danny Jerabek (accordionist for Copper Box). Michelle Jerabek (guitar), Kevin Junemann (bass), Jason Van Ryzin (drums).Popular regional touring and recording band, Copper Box, recently released their new CD, "After the Rain". Fronted by accordion master Danny Jerabek, Fox Valley-based Copper Box dances in the crossroads of polka, Zydeco, blues, Tex-Mex and rock. Its songbook ranges from Bela Fleck to Bonnie Raitt to Los Lobos, along with the song that earned the band notoriety throughout the area, its ramped-up, polka-ized version of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.” Jerabek has been able to feature the accordion in a diverse range of music, but it’s no novelty act. Danny Jerabek (accordion, keys, vocals, cornet, sousaphone, etc.) and his wife, Michelle (Thull) Jerabek (bari saxophone, vocals, guitar, washboard, etc.) both started performing with their family on stage at an early age. Once in their teens, they crossed paths again and eventually realized they were meant to be together. They started writing songs and formed a band and the rest is history! The current line up includes the highly regarded talents of Drew Hicks (bass, guitar) and Jason Van Ryzin (drums and percussion). Danny Jerabek was given an accordion from his grandfather at age 9 and taught himself how to play it. Inspired by Steve (Esteban) Jordan, “the Jimi Hendrix of Tejano Accordion” he began to “rock out” and improvise –thinking a little more, “outside the box.” He has been featured at the International Accordion Festival in San Antonio, TX and the National Accordion Festival in Houston, TX and the Cotati Accordion Festival in Cotati, CA, and has been featured on national TV. For over 12 years the band has been pushing to keep this band on the road with the help of family, friends and fans. Copper Box has performed small, intimate shows to large, main stage festivals nationwide with artist such as: The Little River Band, Buckwheat Zydeco, Little Feat, Little Big Town, Peter Frampton, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lou Gramm, Marcia Ball, C.J. Chenier, Brave Combo, Terrance Simien, W.C. Clark, The Doobie Brothers, Los Lonely Boys, and REO Speedwagon. Copper Box has received the following awards: -Americana Artist of the Year 2012, 2009 (WAMI) -Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year 2011 & 2010 (Danny Jerabek) (WAMI) -People’s Choice 2009 (WAMI) -Band of the Year 2002 (WPHF) Coverville Podcast commented….“Out of all the cover songs I’ve heard, I’ve never had so much feedback from our listeners of your remake of The Pink Floyd Polka (Comfortably Numb),” which just scratches the surface of Copper Box. As one music journalist commented, "(Copper Box)...as refreshing as a cool spring breeze blowing new life into a stuffy room...worth checking out!" Wisconsin Blues Society describes Copper Box as “…one of the favorites of the Fox Valley Blues Festival 2004. This hot Zydeco Swamp/Blues Rock outfit with a great baritone and tenor sax gal and a hot accordion man. This group cooks and swings with some of the best Zydeco-influenced groups I’ve seen anywhere in the country.” From Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI to Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA to Cotati Accordion Festival in Cotati, CA to the International Accordion Festival in San Antonio, TX, we are sure to catch your ears listening, your feet tapping and your spirit lifted at a Copper Box show! Future performances include: In December: Sun, 7th 2:00 PM Wausau, WI Holiday Sunday Dance Party The Great Dane - Wausau Fri, Dec.12th 8:30 PM Oshkosh, WI Algoma Club's Holiday Show Algoma Club Fri Dec.19th, 20th 8:00 PM Bowler, WI North Star Casino Fri, Dec.26th 8:00 PM Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Holiday Dance Party Shank Hall Sat, Dec. 27th 9:00 PM Green Bay, WI Jimmy Seas' Holiday Extravaganza! January 8, 2015 12:00 PM Manitowoc, WI Wenzel's Perfect World Fri, Jan. 16th, 17th 7:00 PM Oconomowoc, WI Cabaret Cafe Series Oconomowoc Arts Center Sat, Jan. 24th 4:00 PM Bessemer, MI Blackjack Ski Resort For further information: info@copperboxband.com Phone: 920-203-1889 |
New eBook Released, Traditional Polish Carols Arranged by Gary Dahlby Rita Barnea |
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 Gary Dahl has released a new eBook titled "Traditional Polish Carols" which he has arranged in collaboration with Fr. Boleslaw Zadora, advisor. The book contains 28 Polish titles and you can see samples of many pieces at Catalog: DH07-eBeBook means that the book is emailed to you. Purchase online for only USD$16.50 or Euro equivalent at: DH07-eB This eBook Traditional Polish Carols is Collection #7 in a series of eBooks by Gary Dahl that have proved to be very popular: DH01-eB - Latin Spectacular! Collection #1- eBook DH02-eB - Favourite French Standards Collection #2 - eBook DH03-eB - The American Songbook Collection #3- eBook DH04-eB - Favourite Waltzes and Polkas Collection #4 - eBook DH05-eB - Easy Listening Variety Collection #5 - eBook DH06-eB - Easy Listening Variety Collection #6 - eBook DH07-eB - Traditional Polish Polkas Collection #7 - eBook There is a special for clients wanting to purchase all 7 eBooks at: DH01-07eB Gary Dahl is widely known as a virtuoso accordionist as well as a composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator, with an extensive background in music theory, composition and harmony. Gary has now developed an impressive body of work including hundreds of individual arrangements and more than a dozen books currently in publication by Mel Bay Publications. As a recognized teacher, Gary provides specialized training for all levels of students. Gary's students have won national and state competitions as well as achieving professional status. Lessons are available via computer MP3 for students worldwide. Gary currently performs as a single for private functions. The Gary Dahl trio plus vocalist performed regularly at private clubs, hotels and the lounge circuit from 1960 through 1991. Gary is a graduate of the University of Washington specializing in composition and theory and is a former commercial corporate pilot, flight instructor and corporate sales manager. Numerous requests from students and friends searching for HIGH LEVEL PROFESSIONAL ACCORDION ARRANGEMENTS inspired Gary Dahl to create a library over the last 15 years with the following goals: - Creativity, good taste, harmonically/melodically correct. - Music with a sensible degree of difficulty, such that any additional difficulty would not improve the overall sound of the arrangement. - Guaranteed audience appeal and playing enjoyment. - Utilizing the orchestral capabilities of the accordion. - Music that will excite and challenge intermediate through professional. See page 2 for .pdf samples For further information: www.accordions.com/garydahl/ |
Accordion Babes Revueby Rita Barnea |
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 You are invited to a delightful night featuring "Accordions and The Women Who Love Them!" starring accordionistas from the 2015 Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar.The event takes place on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 8:PM: Where: Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 Cost: $20/advance, $25/day of show Info: (510) 865-5060 Featured artists include: Jet Black Pearl with Charles Moselle (beat box cabaret), Tara Linda with Fistful of Stars (Tex-Mex/tortilla western), and Renee de la Prade with Whiskey and Women (cajun, Irish folk, punk). These sexy sirens of the squeezebox have wild songs to sing and tales to tell! Come spend a little time with the Accordion Babes and prepare to be amused, astonished and inspired. On the winds of the bellows, you will travel the world, through waltzes, polkas, folk shanties, rancheras, and jigs- through cajun, Tex-Mex, gypsy rock, punk, and hip hop cabaret. The beautiful, spunky women that grace the stage and the Pin-up calendar are more than just babes; they are super talented independent artists with wit, soul, and passion.Sassy, sensual and always entertaining, the Accordion Babes Revue shows sell out. Please get your tickets well-in advance; it is always painful to turn our friends away. C'era Una Volta is offering a special prix fixe dinner for Accordion Babes ticket holders including an entree plus garden salad and delectable dessert -- just $20! Call 510.769.4828 to make reservations for no later than 6:30 PM. Jet Black Pearl the fabulous Accordion Diva from the port of Amsterdam has performed on more than a thousand stages all over Europe and the West Coast, singing, rapping and beat boxing about slugs in love, criminal gurus and hallucinating butterflies. ‘A formidable force of music, and truly has to be seen to be believed’ (Three Weeks, Edinburgh Fringe Festival). See her photo in article on 2015 Calendar. This year at Rhythmix Cultural Works, Jet Black Pearl is proud to be accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Charles Moselle, a true master in the art of beat boxing, keyboards, saxophone and flute. Charles Moselle is a multi-instrumentalist (piano, saxophones, flutes, drums,) and composer, known for his unusual vocal stylings and bizarre theatrical characterizations (mongolian beatboxing, zombie operettas,etc.). He attended Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and California Institute of the Arts. Charles has performed with Robin Williams, Stan Getz, Frank Sinatra Jr., Bobby McFerrin, Stanley Clarke, Eddie Henderson, and many others. What do you get when you blend a honey-voiced, squeezebox songstress (Tara Linda) with a wild, drumming guitarist (Rafael Herrera)? “Torch songs to light the border." -Sound Roots, World Music Review Tex-Americana artist, Tara Linda (accordion, bass, ukulele), dug her heels deeper into Southwestern soil to serve up more festive fair with her new band called Fistful of Stars.Tara and Rafael play acoustic border serenades with a tortilla western twist; fresh, fun takes on traditional Latin favorites; plus a plethora of new cumbias, haupangos, rancheras, polkas, and wildwest tunes that will make you forget which side of the border you’re on! Fistful of Stars offers lots of original music between this songwriting duo: stellar vocal harmonies, dancing energy, and bilingual vocals alongside bass, trumpet, and percussion. Whiskey and Women is an all-woman trio featuring not one but TWO accordion babes! Renee de la Prade and Joan Wilson Rueter will perform alongside Rosemary Steffy flaunting accordions, fiddles, drums, foot stomps, bluesy harmonies, and a hip-shaking show to get people on their feet. Whisky and Women play cajun music, old time, rocking Irish folk songs, and upbeat originals inspired by everything from country to punk, all with plenty of spirit. The ladies are just back from another European tour, and celebrating the release of their new CD "Medicine for the Blues." for further information: info@rhythmix.org |
Potomac Accordion Ensemble and WMAS Present Holiday Concertsby Rita Barnea |
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| The Potomac Accordion Ensemble will play holiday music at Dublin Roasters Coffeehouse on Sat., Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 pm. It will be their 4th year playing seasonal music at this beautiful venue! Hope to see you there! Dublin Roaster Coffee, 1780 N. Market St., Frederick, MD. 21701 If you want to hear a 26 accordion Holiday Orchestra plus solos, duos, groups, great food and ambiance, join the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society’s 12th annual Holiday Concert at Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, Virginia on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2:30 PM. Both of these events are free and open to the public. Joan Grauman is music director for both events. For more information: Joangrauman@verizon.net |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Stas Venglevski Performs with the Chicago Symphony Orchestraby Rita Barnea |
  Stas Venglevski performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Richard Kaufman (photo on right) at its “Pixar In Concert Series” which features 14 iconic Pixar films on November 28, 29 and 30, 2014.A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian Bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer and a Teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of "Concerto No. 2" by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of "Bayan and Beyond", composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced numerous recordings including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. Stas Venglevski founded Accordion XXI Century Series in 2010 so that the Midwest audiences can experience the amazing range of the Accordion and Bayan by bringing gifted artists from all over the world. In a concert setting, these gifted musicians share their skills and cultures to provide the audience with a unique musical experience. The performances feature the Accordion or Bayan in solo presentation and, when possible, in concert with other instruments. In 2015, Stas Venglevski will be a featured artist at the 16th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, the Rose City Accordion Club Annual Accordion Camp, Milwaukee Lakefront Concert Series, Spring Creek Church Monthly Concert Series. For further information:stas@stasv.com |
FROM START TO “ FINNISH”by Anita Siarkowsi |
 The accordion is truly an international instrument. This was very evident at the October 26th gathering of the Connecticut Accordion Association. The very talented Ed Hendela from Long Pond, Pennsylvania was the featured guest artist. He captivated the audience with his varied repertoire. His solo performance, reflective of his Scandinavian and German heritage - was even more interesting and meaningful, given Ed’s background of every song selection – from start to “FINNISH”. Following Ed’s performance, Anita and Bob Siarkowski joined Ed on their accordions, the trio pleasantly surprising the accordion lovers with Octoberfest themed selections. Ed Hendela has been listening to Scandinavian music in his home since he was a little boy. His Uncle Armas played accordion, and at family gatherings, the accordion was always a prominent addition to the festivities. Ed began his lessons at the Kearny Conservatory of Music (later became the National Conservatory of Music) under Bruno Amato, Alfonso Veltri, and Patsy Veltri. He began his professional career, playing a New Years Eve party for a Vasa group in New Jersey when he was 16. Many gigs followed. Ed leaned on the preparation of his music teachers, who stressed the importance of chord structure in learning many dance tunes from fake books for American gigs, along with exercise books that stressed finger dexterity that he leaned upon for polkas and ethnic songs. Ed played Scandinavian music at New Jersey Vasa Home Park in Budd Lake, NJ for many years, with Joe Hendrickson, one of Paul Whiteman's former drummers, as "the Norsemen." Ed used his Cordovox to add bass, accordion, and organ to complete the orchestra sound. The duo then played for 15 months at Kjellman's Viking Inn, Stanhope, NJ, playing music of the 1930's and 40's while Ed was in college. Ed began playing Finnish music in the early 1980s after moving from NJ to Connecticut with his US Government engineering job. He played at Aura Hall in Voluntown, CT, at the Finnish American Club in Canterbury, CT, Sovettaja Park in Rutland, MA, Saima Park in Fitchburg, MA, and the Finnish Halls in Lake Worth, and Lantana, Florida. He still plays in Florida for those clubs each winter! Since those early days, Ed has teamed up with the Sveriges Cult Band (Swedish Culture Band) from Sweden. The band performed 2 shows each day for several Octobers at the Norsk Hostfest, Minot, ND, and at the 2002 Klondike Days in Edmonton, Alberta, where they performed 2 shows daily for the 14-day event. He most recently has performed for the Ambassador of Finland for a private party at her residence and at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC in May, 2014. Hendela is a regular performer within the Scandinavian community, playing for Sons of Norway convention in Albany the past June, for Sweden Day at the Svea Club in Kensington, CT, for Midsommar events at Vasa Park, Budd Lake, NJ and the Finnish Community of the Delaware Valley, and the annual Scandinavian Festival each Labor Day Sunday in Budd Lake, New Jersey. |
Mario Pedone and Nick Ballarini Run Accordion Clinicby Rita Barnea |
  Professional accordionists Mario Pedone and Nick Ballarini join forces to run their Texas Accordion Clinic at the TBarM Ranch, New Braunfels, Texas from December 11th to 15th. The Accordion Clinic includes concerts, solo performances daily, study groups/bands of 4-6 players, ballroom dancing, group lessons, workshops, jam sessions, and the guest appearance of Tony Lovello. Topics will include: Embellishments, Technique, Computer Music/Writing, Bellows Technique ‘A la Tony Lovello’, Delivering Your Message, Fake Books, and Harmonizing. For more details see article in the November USA news. For further information email: Ballarini@sbcglobal.net |
Dr. William Schimmel Releases New Downloadable Singleby Rita Barnea |
 William Schimmel's Concerto Bullo, a single movement punk concerto in the Italian Classic Style, is a available for DOWNLOAD on CD Baby. It is performed by Erica Marie Mancini, a Brooklyn based artist who has studied accordion with Dr. Schimmel as she pursued her degree in Sociology and Musicology from New York University's Gallitan School of Individualised Study. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA) Holiday Concertby Rita Barnea |
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| The Connecticut Accordion Association will present their annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 2:PM at the Blackstone Memorial Library,758 Main St., Branford, CT The conductor will be AAA President Linda Soley-Reed. The concert will feature an accordion orchestra of over 20 performers. The group has performed in and out of state including some of the finest musicians in the accordion world. Come, listen, and be charmed by this beautiful instrument. Members of the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra: First Row, left to right: Mary Tokarski, Julie Cardona, Marilyn O'Neil Second Row, left to right: Art Piel, Karen Buccitti, Ginger Grider, Dorothy Gondek, Michael Dran. Third Row, left to right: Dennis Maxfield, Mark Schaarschmidt, Steve Balog, Bob Czarneki, Art Daigle, Fred Schwinger, Don Gerundo, Bob Vitale (bass accordion), Ralph Corbo (bass guitar), and Conductor, Linda Soley Reed. Missing from photo:Sandy Zera, Kathy Di Cocco, Mary Mascolo, Gerry Hertel, Walter Ziemba, Pam D'Angelo, Will Comer, Peter Peluso, Ken Reed. Donations are graciously accepted This concert replaces the November and December meetings of the Connecticut Accordion Association. To RSVP or obtain additional information, call (203) 272-1202. Immediately following the concert, the CAA Holiday Party will take place at 4:30PM at Pompeo’s Restaurant, 485 West Main St., Branford, CT. For reservations and information, please call: (203) 488-3384 Dinner served Family Style: Menu: Italian bread, stuffed breads, salad, pasta, rolled eggplant, sausage & peppers, chicken, potatoes, roast beef, dessert, coffee/tea Tickets: Adults:$25.00 Children (3-12yrs.): $12.00 Reserve and prepay by December 1, 2014. RSVP: Marilyn O'Neil (203) 272-1202 For more information: caa@ctaccordion.com Mail checks made payable to CAA to: Marilyn O'Neil 1025 Marion Rd. Cheshire, CT |
Chapter 14 Released, 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP)by Harley Jones |
  The latest chapter is titled: "The Great Imposters: Back Pain From Other Sources".This exciting eBook is being published chapter by chapter, with about one chapter being released each month. Released chapters to date are: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms Chapter 4 - The Shoulder Chapter 5 - The Amazing Brain and What It Does For You Chapter 6 - The Elbow Chapter 7 - The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered Chapter 8 - The Elbow Revisited Chapter 9 - Wrist and Fingers Chapter 10 - Caring for our Ten Precious Digits Chapter 11 - Low Back Pain Chapter 12 - So You Have Low Back Pain ...... What Can You Do? Chapter 13 - Back Pain, The More Serious Symptoms Chapter 14 - The Great Imposters: Back Pain From Other Sources There will be a minimum of 24 chapters, 14 chapters released so far. Special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase: John Bonica |
Review of Accordion Pops Orchestra Concertby Anita Siarkowsi |
  Accordion Pop's Orchestra presents a "Memorial tribute to Carmen Carrozza" Performed at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, November 2nd, 2014."Jolly Caballero" (Havard Svensrud soloist) Video by Dean Ratzin On November 2, 2014, the Accordion Pops Orchestra entertained at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in West Hampton, New Jersey -in tribute to world renowned accordionist, Carmen Carrozza. The concert was fabulous! So much talent! Al Terzo conducted the 33 piece orchestra. Lenny Feldmann served as Commentator and Master of Ceremonies. Dan Desiderio, long time leader of the NJ Pops, was guest conductor, who was really happy to be up on that podium again, and felt right at home. The orchestra members loved having Dan there too! Havard Svensrud from Scandinavia was guest accordion soloist. Accordion champion, Lou Coppola strolled and performed with the Stereo Strings. Rosemarie Cavanaugh, orchestra member and hostess, assembled a fantastic display of Carmen Carrozza memorabilia, and even made chocolate candy accordion favors for all of the dinner guests – including Anita and Bob Siarkowski from Plantsville, Connecticut. The food and the service were great. The entertainment was wonderful. A goodtime was had by all 150 people in attendance! Photo I.D (Left to Right)....... Dan Desiderio, Rosemarie Cavanaugh, plus AAA Accordion Champions Beverly Kurnow Roberts and Lou Coppola. Photo of Conductor Al Terzo |
Coupe Mondiale 2014 USA Participant Nathan Chapetan - Austriaby Rita Barnea |
Round II
| Congratulations to Nathan Chapetan from Middletown, CT. for representing the USA to the 2014 Coupe Mondiale in Salzburg, Austria. He competed in the Junior Virtuoso Entertainment Round I on Thursday October 30th and in Round II on Friday, October 31st. 14 year old Nathan Chapeton studies accordion with ATG and American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Board Member and well known concert accordionist, Mary Tokarski. Nathan also plays the guitar and loves entertaining, playing at local events and regularly participates at church events with his accordion. Nathan's plans for the future definitely include music and the accordion. He hopes to apprentice in Italy to become involved with accordion construction and repair, and desires to have an integral part of the accordion's future here in the U.S. Program Round I: V. Subitsky Omaggio ad Astor Piazzolla T. Gerov Midnight Fantasy Program Round II: A. Piazzolla Adios Nonino T. Gerov Roller Coaster |
Coupe Mondiale 2014 Canadian Participant Emmanuel Gasser - Austriaby Rita Barnea |
Round II
| Congratulations to 18 year old accordionist, composer Emmanuel Gasser from Canada who participated in the 2014 Junior (under 18 years) Coupe Mondiale in Austria. His program on October 29, 2014 consisted of: Program Round I: F. Angelis Soliloque J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue G Major BWV 884 V. Semyonov Don Rhapsody Round II arr. V. Semyonov Four pieces from Renaissance: Greensleeves, Canarios A. Beloshitsky Spanish Suite: Bailaora V. Solotaryov Sonata No. 2, Movs. 2, 3 |
Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra in Concert on Dec. 6by Rita Barnea |
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| The Camden Count Library System presents the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra on Saturday, Dec.6, 2014 at 3:PM at the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library, 15 MacArthur Boulevard, Westmont, New Jersey. The Camden County Library System continues to present local artists and perfuming ensembles of a high caliber with the presentation of the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra. Founded in 1960, the WPAO is under the direction of its founder, Stanley Darrow. The WPAO has performed varied programs both nationally and internationally. Included in the concert will be works covering many genres of musical literature. Some of the compositions are: "Palladio"- Karl Jenkins "Devil's Dance - J. Hellmesberger "L'Arlesienne (Suite #2)" - G. Bizet "St. Paul's Suite" - G. Holst "Balkan Impressions" - G. Mohr "Choral and Rock Out" - Ted Huggens "Iphegenie in Aulis" - C. Gluck Included in this program will be the "Concerto in A" by Pietro Deiro Sr. Featured soloist is Pennsauken resident and orchestra member, Annette Marinelli. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra should inquire about the audition process. For further information: Joanna Darrow - 856-854-6628 acmeaccordionschoolmusikgarten@verizon.net William G. Rohrer Library - 856-854-2752 |
Paul Creston 'Songs' CD Showcases his Seldom Heard Vocal Worksby Kevin Friedrich |
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 Picture right: The late AAA Board member Elsie Bennett with Paul Creston.Accordionist Joan C. Sommers recently took part in a recording project to showcase some seldom heard works of the late Paul Creston (1906-1985). The recording project also involved Rebecca Sherburn (soprano), Patricia Higdon (piano), Karen Kushner (piano) and the UMKC Conservatory Chamber Orchestra conducted by Robert Olson. The CD Paul Creston 'Songs' is available at amazon.com and other online resources. Paul Creston was one of America's most important and influential composers of the mid-20th century. He earned ample attention for his orchestral compositions, but his songs many of which are unpublished, remain little known. This new recording 'Songs' offers a wide introduction to Creston's vocal music, bringing to light pieces for solo voice that have languished in obscurity. Soprano Rebecca Sherburn is an active chamber musician, having been featured by the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group and the New York New Music Group. Her scholarly work has been published by the NATS Journal of Singing and the ACDA Choral Journal. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Ms. Sherburn is on the faculty at Chapman University. Prior to this appointment she was at the University of Missouri Kansas City where she received an excellence in teaching award. Tracks for the CD include: 1. Three Songs, Op. 46 2. Nocturne, Op. 83 3. La Lettre, Op. 59 4. Song of Joys, Op. 63 5. Cantilena from Sadhana, Op. 11 6. Bird of the Wilderness, Op. 2 7. Thanatopses - Four Songs to Death, Op. 7 8. Ave Maria, Op. 52 9. Psalm 23, Op. 37 10. The Lamb to the lambs, Op. 47 11. Dance Variations for Voice & Orchestra, Op. 30 12. French Canadian Folk Songs (with Joan Cochran Sommers) 13. Lullaby 14. It's So Fantastic 15. My Love For You Thanks to the efforts of Monica Slomski, a UMKC Graduate and US Champion accordionist who did her Doctoral Dissertation on Paul Creston, the extensive Paul Creston Collection was donated to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) by Louise Creston, Paul's wife, in 1987. The strength of the collection lies in the over 300 manuscript scores. The collection contains 102 of Creston's 121 works with opus numbers, and many of his works without opus numbers, including radio, film and television scores and also contains 154 published scores, some of which are permanently out of print. Another strength of the collection is the professional correspondence. In handling correspondence, Creston always typed a letter, copied it, signed it, mailed the signed copy to the recipient, and kept the original unsigned letter for his records. Thus the correspondence contains all of the letters, telegrams, and postcards sent to and from Creston. Paul Creston was born Giuseppe Guttovergi on October 10, 1906, in New York City to Italian immigrant parents, Gaspare Guttovergi and Carmela Collura. At age eight, he began taking piano lessons and teaching himself how to play his brother's violin. Creston also pursued an interest in literature, writing his first poem at age twelve, and starting a novel a year later. Because of poor family finances, Creston's formal education ended after two and one-half years of high school. During high school, he was nicknamed "Cress" after a character he portrayed in a play. Later in life, he lengthened this name to Creston, chose Paul for a first name, and legally changed his name to Paul Creston in 1944. Creston worked at various businesses, banks, and insurance companies to pay for organ and piano lessons, while studying English, foreign languages, mysticism, music composition, and orchestration on his own. Although Creston had been composing as a diversion or part-time since age eight, his development as composer increased during the 1920s until 1932, when he finally decided to choose composition as his career. Creston learned how to improvise by working as a theater organist from 1926-1929, and eventually became the organist at St. Malachy's Church in New York City from 1934 to 1967. In July of 1927, Creston married a dancer, Louise Gotto (1903-1989), who influenced Creston in his ideas on rhythm and dance. His first premiere was in 1933 with the incidental music to a play Iron Flowers. The Crestons' first child, Paul Julian, survived only six weeks and was buried on the Crestons' tenth wedding anniversary, July 1, 1937. But on Thanksgiving Day, 1938, the Crestons were blessed with a healthy boy, Joel Anthony, and four years later, they had their third child, Timothy. The success of Creston's early compositions created many new opportunities for him. From 1944 to 1950, Creston conducted a quartet on the radio program, The Hour of Faith, which aired each Sunday morning. Creston also worked as a composition instructor at over fourteen colleges and universities between the years of 1940 and 1962. In 1960, Creston received a U.S. State Department grant as an American specialist, which enabled him to lecture about American music for over a month in Turkey and Israel. He served as Professor of Composition and Orchestration at New York College of Music between 1963 and 1967, and in 1968, he became artist-in-residence at Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, Washington. During this time, he appeared as guest conductor and lecturer at many colleges and universities across the country. In 1975, he retired from Central Washington State College and moved to Rancho Bernardo, California, which lies on the outskirts of San Diego. Creston wrote 120 compositions with opus numbers including piano pieces, songs, chamber music for various instruments, choral works, symphonic band works, and over 35 orchestral works including six symphonies. He is especially recognized for his contributions to the literature of neglected instruments such as the marimba, trombone, harp, accordion, and saxophone. His works have been widely performed by major orchestras and performing artists. In an orchestral survey prepared by Robert Sabin in the late 1950s, Creston and Aaron Copland shared first place in regard to the number of orchestra compositions and their performances by major American symphony orchestras. Thanks to the efforts of the late Elsie Bennett, Paul Creston was commissioned by the American Accordionists' Association to compose several pieces including: -Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra -Embryo Suite -Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra -Prelude and Dance Among Creston's awards and honors are two Guggenheim Fellowships (1938, 1939), New York Music Critics’ Circle Award (1943), Citation of Merit from the National Association for American Composers and Conductors (1941), the Music Award of the American Academy of Arts and Letters (1943), and the Citation of Honor from the National Catholic Music Educators Association (1956). Paul Creston was diagnosed with cancer in 1984, and passed away on August 24, 1985. |
Rob Reich at Brooklyn Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
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| The Brooklyn Accordion Club will feature Rob Reich on Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 2-4:PM at 61 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY. From 3-4:PM Rob will present a participatory workshop "Jazz Improvisation and Ensemble Playing". Rob Reich is an acclaimed accordionist, pianist, and composer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A talented instrumentalist and an inventive composer, Rob is steeped in many traditions. In addition to being a versatile solo performer, Rob can be heard playing with many top notch ensembles. He is a member of Tin Hat, Gaucho and The Nice Guy Trio, and freelances with many other Bay Area bands. Rob graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Oberlin Conservatory. As a composer, Rob has strong fundamentals; stylistic breadth; and an original, irreverent voice. Most recently, he was commissioned by David Herrera Performance Company to produce music for "The Stranger, part 1"; a 40-minute dance performance which was premiered in April 2013. Rob is composer / music director for Circus Bella, and in 2011 released a Kickstarter-funded CD of original music for a 10-piece band. In 2010, Rob was commissioned by the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival to compose "Sidewalks and Alleys", performed and recorded on this CD by the Nice Guy Trio and an all-star string quartet. Rob has written music for various collaborative projects ranging from this tune for a sexy double trapeze act, the score to a beautiful dance film noir, to this silly song about shoes. If you are interested in performing between 2-3:PM please email the Brooklyn Accordion Club: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com B.Y.O.I. Bring your own instruments. Everyone (all level plus instrument) is welcome to participate. |
Future events |
2015 Accordion Eventsby Rita Barnea |
| Here is a partial list of accordion conventions and festivals taking place in the USA in 2015. Mark your calendars and plan a wonderful musical vacation for you and your family. March 4-8 National Accordion Convention, Plano, Texas June 18-21 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 22 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention July 8-12 AAA (American Accordionists' Association) Festival, Alexandria, Virginia July 22-25 ATG, (Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International), Lisle, Chicago, Illinois August 22-23 Cotati Accordion Festival, California September 12 International Accordion Festival, San Antonio, Texas See the January USA News for more extensive information. |
Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano in 2015 LIAA Performanceby Rita Barnea |
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| Accordionists Manny Corallo and Frank Toscanp will be the featured guest artist at the Long Island Accordion Alliance meeting on January 7, 2015 at 6:PM. Composer, arranger and music editor Manny Corallo started at age four playing the drums and soon switched to the accordion. Manny took lessons from his father’s accordion teacher – Frank Toscano! As Manny says, it was at first a father son-bonding thing to both play the accordion. But soon Manny had a lifelong love affair with music. At age 13 he also began piano lessons with Frank and has gone on to compose and arrange music, first for commercials, and then he began arranging for various artists. Manny then had a chance to score a children’s cartoon, which led him to scoring music for the movie "Pokemon". Manny has gone on to score and arrange music for many projects including recordings and live productions. Manny attributes his success to a great music education from Frank Toscano and is very proud of his musical relationship with Frank and Angelo Di Pippo as the Accordion Kings. Please see the following site for more information on Manny: www.musicforaccordion.com/inform/mcorallo/ Frank Toscano has made music his entire life. For more than 47 years Frank has been a music educator and professional musician. For over four decades Frank has headed the “Frank Toscano School of Music”. Born & raised in New York, Frank came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa & never dreamed that it would become the passion of his life! Frank’s passion is both education and performing. Frank is an accomplished pianist, accordionist and jazz artist who has performed with many artists. He can be heard on many recordings of other artists too numerous to mention. You can hear Frank on his recording “Accordion to Frank” as well as on the Accordion King’s new release. Recently, Frank, along with Manny Corallo, joined Angelo Di Pippo to form the acclaimed group, Accordion Kings. To contact Frank: Frank@franktoscano.com The event takes place at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY. Call 631-261-6344 for reservations. For more information: dkarcic10@verizon.net |
2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concertsby William Schimmel |
 Be sure to mark your calendar for the2015 American Accordionists' Association Master Class and Concert Series with Dr. William Schimmel as Moderator/Curator.chock full o’ learnin’! a few items to drink in - OR CHEW ON! - or eliminate bill’s reality suite no 2:! 1. the enjoyer 2. everybody thinks it’s windy 3. the owl I thought i knew! wist! in all the old in between spaces ideals bra bra brasil ssiere in your eyes thankYOU Peter Gabriel (double passacaglia) love and rage klezbach bachianas argentinas mini brandenburg (faux) toccata and fugue in d minor a bach sandwich a.bach reality noah’s arch liszt’s hungarian reality (regards enescu) four obereks vonweber’a conzertstuck expedited concertante originale sullivan vs gilbert scoreggia de la fuga (fart of the fugue) it was Dr Schimmel’s former mentor, Dr. Jacob C Neupauer who used to urge us TO: “dIp our cups into the pool of knowledge” creating a New Power! It was Tammy in Tammy in the Bachelor (the movie) who expressed to a college chum that her head was exploding from “all that learnin’ “ and that’s exactly how we feel at the Seminars! Our heads explode like the old hootie owl hoots! and Hurricane Tammy - well, you know what I mean SO... (thank you again Peter Gabriel) here’s your chance to “dip your cup into the pool of knowledge” let it overflow and come back for more and more and more we know the virtue of less - but ........? (shoulder shrug/hands up) perhaps not too much or too little .......? Nahhh! - too much It’s our 21st smash year at The Seminars and we look forward to: Dates: August 7, 8 and 9, 2015 Place: Tenri Cultural Institute - 43A West 13th St - between 5 and 6th Aves Times:Master classes at 3 PM - Concerts at 7 PM For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |