Reed Block - Accordion Lover`s Society

APRIL 2008
EDITION
MONTHLY
NEWSLETTER
Harold J. Estok Founder
ALSI and REED BLOCK
President:
Kjell Holmes
858-453-5486
Volume 14
Issue 4
April 2008
Presidents Emeriti:
Harold Estok (Founder)
Ron Griffin
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Editor/Secretary:
Helen Estok Schoell
619-584-4970
Treasurer:
Vicki Eriqat
619-563-5586
Ensemble Director:
Vicki Eriqat
619-563-5586
Newsletter/Webmaster:
Bob Page
760-451-3641
Inside this issue:
By Kjell Holmes
President’s
Message
1
General
Information
2
Happiness at ALSI 3-4
Credits
4
Playing Around
4
Birthday Tribute
5
Accordion
Instructors
5
Committees
5
CD Review
6-7
Piano Accordion
History
8
Workshop Flyer
9
In March, at our regular
meeting, it appeared as though
we would have a small turnout
and a limited number of players.
The mystery player, Bob Warner, who normally plays accordion until the meeting start
time at 1 pm, was asked to play
several more tunes. As Bob
continued to entertain, to my
pleasant surprise more and
more players began to arrive. It
became a very full afternoon
with many players participating.
After coffee break, Joe
DiGiacinto played a mini showcase for us. We had a good
number of attendees for the
grand jam. We played many
Irish Tunes and others from our
jam book until almost 5 pm.
Everyone enjoyed the jam very
much. I received several appreciative comments about the jam.
We wish to thank Vicki Eriqat
for a well organized and directed jam. Yours truly didn’t
leave Bailey Hall until after 6 pm
and it turned out to be a fun
afternoon for all of us. Thanks
to all accordion players who
participated and all others who
attended to make our meeting
such a great success.
We also received very good
feedback from residents of Mt
Miguel Covenant Village about
our players who entertain as
Café Players in the various venues at the Village.
As you will see elsewhere
in our Newsletter, at our April
Meeting The Swamp Critters
will do a showcase for us. They
are a local group with an accordion player and violin player.
They play Good-Time Danceable, Louisiana style Cajun Zydeco music. I am sure everyone
will enjoy their showcase.
As in past years, our May
meeting will again be on the first
Sunday instead of the second
Sunday because of Mothers Day.
Therefore, save May 4th for our
May ALSI Meeting.
Hope to see you all on
April 13th when The Swamp
Critters Perform. —
Coming in August!
A Concert by Frank Marocco
Showcase Flyer
10
Calendar
11
Frank will present an exciting and varied program of
original compositions and arrangements of many
genres of accordion music. His styling, technique
and musical genius is appreciated by all accordion
enthusiasts.
August 10, 2008 @ 2;00 pm At Bailey Hall,
Mt. Miguel Covenant Village
325 Kempton Ave.
Spring Valley, California
Page 2
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
ALSI MEMBERSHIP AND NEWSLETTER GENERAL INFORMATION
MEMBERSHIPS: for the calendar year, January to December, are $25.00 U.S.A., $26 Canada, $27.00
for International delivery. Make check or money order payable to ALSI and send to: Helen Estok
Schoell, at P.O. Box 151357 San Diego, CA 92175. The REED BLOCK is published once each month
for delivery to members prior to the next meeting. (Meetings are the second Sunday of each month). Your
input to the REED BLOCK is invited and should be submitted to Helen Estok Schoell or email to Bob Page at
webmaster@accordion -club-sandiego.org
DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise indicated, all articles were written by the Editor. Unless so stated, no
article is to be construed as an endorsement. Articles not written by the Editor may contain comments
that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor. If you disagree with anything in The REED BLOCK,
please let us know in writing.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO RECORDING ARTISTS: If you have an audio/video tape cassette you would
like reviewed and written up in The REED BLOCK, please send us a professional copy and a short biography
of the artist; include names, date and places to the ALSI address above. Please include the price of the item
including shipping and handling. If you want the package returned after the review please include return
postage with the package.
CUT-OFF DATE: All contributors to The REED BLOCK please note: all material is due two weeks before the next meeting, accordingly the due date for the May 2008 issue is April 21, 2008. This includes
all items such as articles, upcoming events, playing around, accordion workshops, advertisements and ensemble schedules. Please make sure your material is received, in writing or email, no later than that date.
Please submit your input to Helen Estok Schoell (at above ALSI address) or email to Bob Page at webmaster@accordion -club-sandiego.org. Thank you for your cooperation.
ADVERTISEMENTS: Members may place one small ad per year at no charge, business cards are $6/per
issue or $60/per year, quarter-page is $15/per issue, half -page is $25/per issue, full -page is $50/per issue,
one -page event flyer is $25/per issue. Cost is doubled for ads placed by non -members. (All ads must be
accordion related).
MEETINGS: The club normally meets at 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. on the second Sunday of each month at the Mt
Miguel Covenant Village, 325 Kempton Ave, Spring Valley, CA (Next Meeting: Sunday, April 13th).
ALSI MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Dues for the year 2008:
U.S.A. $25.00, Canada $26.00 and International delivery $27.00
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: ALSI
Name: ______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________________
E-mail: _______________________________________________________
Mail in care of: Helen Estok Schoell, P.O. Box 151357, San Diego, CA
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page 3
HAPPINESS AT ALSI
March 9, 2008
by Sharon Marotte
We were blessed with a
beautiful day for our March
meeting, even though Daylight Savings Time left some
of us a little sleepy!! Joe Di
Giacinto played outside on
the patio to warm up the
reeds on Kjell’s accordion,
then Kjell played his accordion to greet folks when we
arrived. It always sounds
good to hear accordion
music when we arrive at
Bailey Hall.
Bob Warner was the
Mystery Player for the day –
he played his Concerto with
the bells and whistles effects
to the enjoyment of the
folks who arrived early.
Bob played a lot of favorites
and played the Polka Train
to Vegas polka which
prompted Kjell and Erika
Baier to dance in the back
of the room. What fun we
had! Kjell Holmes was the
MC for the day. The cafeteria player was Linda Hibbert, Brandel was Al
Cerutti, Jerry Odling and
Vicki Eriqat played at Crider
1 & 2. I’m sure the residents of the Village appreciate our music.
1. Al Cerutti was our
first player with a medley of
songs, Beautiful Ohio, The
West, a Nest and You,
Mexicali Rose and Ah Marie.
He also played La Spagnola.
Terri and Al Cerutti will be
leaving to go back to Canada until November. We
have appreciated Al and his
playing, especially at different places in the Village.
Have a safe journey, Al and
Terri – see you in the fall!
2. What a great surprise
to have Harold Johnston
join us at ALSI. His friends,
the Aldrich’s, brought him.
Harold has been a member
of ALSI since before the
Civil War – ha ha ha – not
quite that long. He was
dressed in his ALSI cap, blue
floral print Hawaiian shirt
and white pants. He looked
great! Harold played several songs on his white accordion and we sang along –
Pretty Baby, Sidewalks of
New York, In My Merry
Oldsmobile, When You
Wore a Tulip and Tip Toe
Thru the Tulips. We want
to see Harold again real
soon!!
3. In keeping with the
Irish theme, Sharon Marotte, played Gentle Maiden
with a medley of folk songs,
a couple of jigs - Irish
Washer Woman with Diamond Jubilee. Sharon ended
with a Mazurka entitled Antoinetta. She did a pretty
good job!
4. Russell Camp played
several beautiful songs in
the spiritual vein. We al-
ways enjoy his playing. A
medley - All Hail the Power,
All Hail Immanuel and
Crown Him. Russell also
played How Great Thou Art
and The Holy City. He has
been working on the piece,
The Holy City, for awhile
and did a great job. He explained the meaning and
story of the song which was
interesting.
Kjell had us all give a big
Norwegian cheer – Hip Hip
Horray (3 times) for Helen
Estok Schoell and Bob Page
for a great job each month
on the production of the
REED BLOCK.
5. Bob Page was our
next entertainer. We loved
his music note suspenders!
He played My Wild Irish
Rose, which was printed in
the last Reed Block - 12th
Street Rag, which was challenging with great bass
work– There’s Something
About That Name and September Song, which was
Bob’s own arrangement.
What a talent – we are so
glad he plays the accordion!
6. Vicki Eriqat deserves
a prize for being the best
dressed person for St Patrick’s Day. She was quite
green with a green hat,
green blouse, and green
necklace. She looked great!
Her songs were Crazy, Tennessee Waltz and Danny
Boy.
Vicki arranged the
Tennessee Waltz in two
parts for the Polka Dots,
which has been played at
several gigs already. She
also sang along with each
song. Great job, Vicki!!
Kjell had us all sing
(continued on next page)
“We were
blessed with a
beautiful day
for our March
meeting, even
though Daylight
Savings Time
left some of us
a little sleepy!!”
Page 4
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
(continued from prior page)
Happy Birthday to Chuck Fabatz and Vicki Eriqat. Vicki
accompanied us while we sang. We had our lunch/snack
break out on the patio. The tables looked festive with
green tablecloths and lots of food. We enjoyed a beautiful
day at Mt Miguel, snacking and visiting with our friends.
We gathered back inside Bailey Hall and Kjell talked
about upcoming events. Our big excitement is the )August
concert with Frank Marocco. Other events will be listed in
the REED BLOCK.
7. Al Jacobs played Irish tunes with lots of requests:
When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Irish Washer Woman, Molly
Malone, My Wild Irish Rose, a Jig, Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral,
Rose of Tralee, a Little Bit of Heaven, When You’re Smil-
ing, McNamara’s Band and Danny Boy. Al can play anything that is requested of him!! Good job, AL!!
8. Joe Di Gincinto finished out the day with a lot of easy
listening music. The one song that is remembered was
Somewhere My Love, along with lots of other good tunes.
Joe can sit and play, one song after another.
Vicki Eriqat directed the Jam Session with nine (9) players. We had a good time with some audience participation. We played some of the Irish tunes from the Jam
books and other requested songs. Harold Johnston joined
us for the jam and we hope he returns to our club meetings. —
CREDITS
“What a blessing
you all are. We are
so fortunate to
have supportive,
generous, and
thoughtful ALSI
members.”
By Helen Estok Schoell
To my great benefit and
appreciation, Lenetta Barrett called me in advance
and offered to help as Hostess for our March 9th meeting. She also informed me
that she would bring sandwiches for our refreshment
break time. The large tray of
sandwiches was absolutely
delicious!
Ardith Birdsell volunteered that day to help
Merle Williams and RusLenetta. They both did a sell Camp had everything
wonderful, thorough job of set up and ready for our
setting the tables, serving ALSI meeting.
goodies, cleaning up and
putting things away.
What a blessing you all
are. We are so fortunate to
Members as usual outdid have supportive, generous,
themselves. Thank you to and thoughtful ALSI memthose who brought soup, bers. God bless you all and
salads, cookies, and cakes. I look forward to seeing you
Everything was scrumptious. on April 13th. —
PLAYING AROUND
Joe Di Giacinto
Kjell Holmes
“Please share your
upcoming events
as to date, time
and location of
public appear-
Thursday & Saturday
nights, at 6 –9pm at
Bell’Agio Restaurant,
Santo Rd and Clairemont Mesa Blvd in Tierrasanta, call 858-2688984.
Lake Cuyamaca
Restaurant,
5-8 pm, Fridays, April 4
and May 2.
The first Friday of the
month.
ances. Please submit these, in writ-
Louis Fanucchi
Howard Kantorowski
ing, complying
with the cut-off
date, to
Helen Estok
Schoell or Bob
Page.”
Tuesday nights, 7-3010:00 pm, The Prado
Restaurant (Balboa
Park) with “Hot Club of
San Diego”.
Sunday, May 4 in The
Adams Ave. Roots Festival in San Diego at 12
& 2 pm.
Sunday, May 18, at 12 & 1 pm, In The
Sicilian Festival at Little Italy in San Diego.
Will be conducting High
School Student Orchestra
in “Bye Bye Birdie” on June
18, 19 & 20 at 7 pm and
June 21 at 2 pm and 7 pm
at The Performing Arts
Center at The Salvation
Army Ray & Joan Kroc
Corps Community Center
located at 6845 Universtiy Ave., San Diego.
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page 5
BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE FOR SAM COSTABILE
One of our distinguished members,
Sam Costabile recently celebrated his
90th birthday. Although he doesn’t
play the accordion, he has repaired or
sold instruments to many of Southern
California accordion aficionados. His
reputation for excellence has spread
mainly by word of mouth over the
years.
These days Sam says his age is
starting to keep him from tackling the
difficult repair jobs, but he always has
two or three accordions in his work
room (garage). Tending to aging instruments is not something that he has
done his entire life. Although his father played the accordion, Sam does
not. He is very interested in music,
and has a great appreciation for musical artistry, but his soul belongs to the
accordion.
For many years Sam worked in
Foundries. After a heart attack, Sam
began building and selling fishing
equipment.
While visiting various
garage sales, he found an accordion
which soon found a home in his workshop. He knew enough about accordions to know that the Guerinni he
just purchased was in good shape.
After selling this instrument for a
profit he saw a new interest emerging
that has led him in the following years
on a new and rewarding career of
repairing and selling accordions.
Soon enough Sam was finding
plenty of used accordions. But many
of them needed help. He taught himself, but that only went so far. At that
time, the mid 80’s, the Universal Accordion Company was located close
to Sam’s home in Hacienda Heights.
Sam stopped in one day to see what it
was all about. He ran into a gentle-
man named Reno who handled repairs for the company. They got to
know each other and over the years
Reno showed Sam how to tackle
the ugly, messy jobs. Sam said the
greatest compliment he has ever
had came from Reno one day when
Reno told him, “You’re the master
now”.
When Sam was asked which
accordion brands were his favorites
he responded with Sonola’s from
the 50’s & 60’s (the great SS models), Giulietti (he had great respect
for Mr. Giulietti who never compromised on quality) and today he
considers the Bugari Armando hard
to beat
Our best wishes to Sam on his
90th year! —
(excerpted from Accordionaire’s Newsletter)
Accordion
Gordon Kohl
Lou Fanucchi
Tiina Zein
Chula Vista, CA
619-427-4344
San Diego, CA
619-948-3774
Ramona, CA
760-787-1525
Tom Baxter
Al Jacobs
San Diego, CA
619-239-7967
Santee, CA
619-562-6701
Gloria Ensign
Spring Valley, CA
619-465-0543
Instructors
COMMITTEES
“To help to get
PICNIC COMMITTEE
OKTOBER FEST
BALBOA PARK
HERITAGE DAY
November 9th
more members
Committee Chair
Lou Fanucchi
Committee Members
Erin Quinn
Gordon Kohl
Heritage Flags
Sharon Marotte
Heritage Photographer
Sharon Marotte
Food Coordinator
Helen Schoell
Kitchen Helpers
involved in club
June 8th
October 12th
Master of Ceremonies
Bob Warner
Manager Tickets
Helen Schoell
Manager Raffle
Helen Schoell
Power Supply
Merle Williams
Chief Cook
Jack Marotte
2nd Cook
Merle Williams
Master of Ceremonies
Program Lineup Manager
Sun Awnings
Jerry Odling
City Permits
Burch Ertle
Power Supply
Merle Williams
Manager of Chairs
activities we have
organized a
committee
approach to
running and
managing the
club.”
Page 6
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
ACCORDION CD REVIEW
“BACK TO THE FUTURE”
LOU FANUCCHI, ACCORDION ARTIST
By Bob Warner
Louis FanucchI’s “BACK TO THE FUTURE” release of a two-disc collection of his personal recording
history is indeed a trip from the past into the future.
Here you will find everything from avante garde jazz,
classical Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Tchaikin, Bach and
Galla Rini, novelty numbers, Astor Piazzolla tangos,
Gershwin, pop tunes, concerto suite for accordion,
sonata for accordion mixed in with recording studio
sessions and live performances. You can follow Lou’s
musical career from 1985 through to the present,
2007. Some of his output consists of solo, other is
with a hot modern ensemble.
DISC 1
ON FIRE
FANUCCHI’S 5th
SPAIN
RHAPSODY IN BLUE
BLUE BOSSA
LIBERTANGO
ADIOS NONINO
BLUE MOON
QUANDO, QUANDO, QUANDO
(HEY BABY) QUE PASO
DISC 2
LA CAMPANELLA
FREYLEKHS #1
CONCERTO #2 (THEME/ RACHMANINOV)
JOLLY CABALLERO
DAKOTA POLKA
BEGIN THE BEGUINE
DARK EYES
INTRODUZIONE FUGA (FUGAZZA)
TOCCATA AND FUGUE IN D MINOR (BACH)
CONCERT SUITE FOR ACCORDION
PRELUDE (TCHAIKIN)
SONATA IN D MINOR (GALLA RINI)
I have listened to these two discs many, many times,
both in my car and on my hi-fi system. Each time I have
heard something new and appealing in this prodigious output. There is the impeccable technique, the innovative arrangements, great interpretations and use of the entire
instrument. The bass side is never ignored by Lou Fanucchi
as you will see while listening to these great performances.
In essence it is a sampling of Lou’s musical life. He has been
and is one of our best performing accordion professionals
and this output simply adds an exclamation point to all of
the work in his performances throughout these years. His
versatility is impressive because he is able to handle any
thing from the hot, angular rhythms of “ON FIRE” and
“FANUCCHI’S 5 th to the exquisitely performed “LA CAMPANELLA”, “RHAPSODY IN BLUE” or the “CONCERT
SUITE” and “SONATA.” Top that off with his singing and
accompanying in “QUANDO, QUANDO, QUANDO” and
“(HEY BABY) QUE PASO” and you get some idea of the
depth and breadth of his talent.
So start out with DISC 1 and “ON FIRE” followed by
“FANUCCHI’S 5th”, “SPAIN” and “BLUE BOSSA”. Structurally these rhythms are difficult to play with their syncopated off the beat nature and fast tempo. Listen to the fast
paced rhythms of the accordion accompanied by bass and
drums. The crisp bass and treble chording gets your attention immediately. These are jazz numbers elevated to virtuoso levels. In listening to “RHAPSODY IN BLUE” I was
struck by the accuracy of the transcription to accordion.
All of the original composition is played flawlessly. Piazzolla’s “LIBERTANGO” and “ADIOS NONINO” played
live locally at LESTAT’S is only a small sampling of Lou’s
Piazzolla repertoire. The combination of accordion and
violin with bass and drums is a different but very pleasing
ensemble grouping.
The last three tracks on the disc, “BLUE MOON,
(continued on next page)
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page 7
ACCORDION CD REVIEW (continued)
(continued from prior page)
“QUANDO, QUANDO,
QUANDO” and “(HEY BABY) QUE
PASO” are played in a highly entertaining pop style. Lou works in
some really neat TEX-MEX accordion in the last two.
DISC 2 which begins with “LA
CAMPANELLA” is an impeccably
executed virtuoso piece transcribed
for accordion. I have heard this
piece played by some of the top
European accordionists. Lou’s presentation is right up there with the
very best. This attractive piece highlights his technical and interpretive
skills. I never get tired of listening to
it. “FREYLEKHS #1 is a surprisingly
interesting piece which starts out
almost as a dirge and then eventually resolves into a dance tempo. It
sounds highly suitable to the accordion and, again it is a virtuoso prese nta t ion . RACHMANINO V’ s
“CONCERTO #2 THEME” is a
beautiful, pleasing transcription for
the accordion. True, it does not
have the percussive ring of a piano
but the accordion does due justice to
the soaring theme and rigorously performed runs.
TRACKS 4, 5, and 6, “JOLLY CABALLERO”, “DAKOTA POLKA” and
“BEGIN THE BEGUINE” are the result of a live performance with Myron
Floren. This was two professionals
enjoying what they do best, play the
accordion and they played well. Ignore
the live recording ambience. Listen to
the music. “DARK EYES”, a Charles
Magnante arrangement, is a perennial
favorite. It takes this simple folk melody and changes it to a virtuoso piece
flawlessly played by Lou.
“INTRODUZIONE FUGA” may take
a little patience in listening as it is decidedly modern in structure. However, it is a tour de force in technique
and interpretation of such a differently
constructed composition. It sounds
difficult and is difficult. I found it quite
interesting and more so with each
listening. BACH’S “TOCCATA AND
FUGUE IN D MINOR” is a virtuoso
piece that finds itself in every top accordionists repertoire. You will hear
the essence of the organ in this performance as it is played immaculately
by Lou. It is a big dramatic, sound with
delicate passages interspersed
throughout.
The last two tracks, 11 and 12,
“PRELUDE (TCHAIKIN)”, “SONATA
IN D MINOR (GALLA RINI)” are
truly great classical pieces for accordion. The required the very highest
level of artistry and technique to be
performed as Lou did. What you hear
is clean, accurate playing with authority and superlative expressiveness. It
takes a lot of work and study to
achieve this level of competence.
These two discs should be an addition to every accordionists music library. I think even the public at large
would be interested in the material
presented here. I have enjoyed listening to these discs immensely. Get the
collection. You will hear music you
did not know could be played on the
accordion. And when you get through
listening, I think you will say to yourself - WOW! —
— Drum Machine For Sale —
Zoom Rhythm Trak RT-123
Lightweight — compact dimensions approximately 6 x 7 1/2 inches
297 Preset patterns — 99 User patterns (Empty banks for your personal use)
Self-Lit Pads and Keys 80 — Drum Kits including Percussion and SFX — 25 Bass Programs
Will sell for $100 (originally cost over $240)
Still in original box with easy to read instructions.
CALL 1-909-862-9759
ALSI Website:
www.accordion-club-sandiego.org
PHONE: (206)632-2700 FAX: (206)632-2733
E-MAIL: [email protected]
INTERNET: www.petosa.com
Page 8
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
PIANO ACCORDION HISTORY
A Brief History of the
Excelsior Accordion
Manufacturing Co.
by Tom Bruno
One cold winter evening this past
December, my day ended and I came
home from a busy day of work in my
shop. As I relaxed on my living-room
sofa, I started thinking of an article I
could write for my friends in the San
Francisco Accordion Club. I thought
that it might be interesting for accordion lovers and especially those who
own Excelsior accordions to read a
brief overview of the history of the
Excelsior Accordion Company in the
United States. Since so much time
has passed since its inception, there
seem to be many misconceptions
regarding the facts of its history and
those associated with its development. Since Excelsior accordions are
my specialty, I would like to share
the research that I have gleaned over
the years, and feel confident that my
facts are accurate. So here goes!
In the early 1920's there were several immigrants from Castelfidardo,
Italy who settled in the area around
New York City. They were: Egisto
Pancotti, Roberto Pancotti, and Archimedes Pancotti. They were three
brothers with a dream and a desire to
build accordions. Along with the
three brothers came the two Bugari
brothers (reed makers). The Bugaris
were cousins to the Pancottis (most
families from Castelfidardo are related to each other in one way or another, the present owner/operator of
Italo-American Accordion Co. in
Chicago is actually a cousin of Egisto
Pancotti).
Upon arrival in the USA, the Pancottis and Bugaris were not in a position that they were able to start their
own company, so they began to work
for E. Galizi & Brothers Accordion
Manufacturers, 215 Canal Street in
NY City. Well, the Galizis were not
accordion builders at all — they
were bootleggers! They formed the
accordion company so that they
could launder their illegally-gotten
money through it.
The Galizis knew nothing about
accordion building, so they hired the
Pancotti brothers to construct the
treble and bass shells (framework)
and mechanisms, and the Bugari
brothers to make the reeds. The Pancottis and Bugaris were master accordion builders, having learned
their craft at a very young age in
Italy. Butti (the bellow maker) was
hired to manufacture the bellows.
Galizi also had many assistants and
helpers who worked under these
principal gentlemen in the factory
on Canal St.
Eventually the Pancotti and Bugari brothers saved up enough
money, to make it possible to
achieve their ultimate dream: building their own accordion in their own
factory! Thus, Excelsior was
founded in 1924. Along with Egisto,
Roberto and Archimedes Pancotti,
the two Bugari brothers and Butti
(the bellow-maker) left Galizi. Excelsior had the wisdom of using
Charles Magnante, Pietro Frosini
and Pietro Deiro as key marketing
tools in their endeavor, which contributed to making them very successful. Many innovations, such as
wider black treble keys (and slightly
wider white keys), were brought
about because of recommendations
given by Charles Magnante. Many
standard specifications we see today
in accordion manufacture were developed by Excelsior.
Egisto Pancotti had two sons,
Mario and Edward. Mario studied
business in college, and Edward
studied engineering. When the two
brothers came of age, they took over
operations in the factory. This occurred in the 1950's, A photo from
an Excelsior Symphony Grand Citation brochure shows a picture of the
two brothers with their father,
Egisto (see photo). Mario handled
the business side of the company,
and Edward was in the design/
manufacturing end of it Roberto
Pancotti left Excelsior in the late
1940's to start the Pancordion Accordion Company.
Many welt-known "accordion
people" worked there. Among Pancordion's craftsmen were John and
Angelo Magnante (Charles Magnante's brothers), Natale Giufridda
(Pietro Frosini's brother), and others whose names bear historical
importance hi the accordion world.
(Incidentally, Natale Giufridda was
a bass machine wizard, and he
made the bass machines at Excelsior. Charles Magnante's brothers
also worked at Excelsior.)
Archimedes Pancotti founded
the Acme Accordion Co. located at
43 West 16th Street in New York
City. A 1940 program for a concert
by the Miconi Accordion Band as
well as Andy Arcari, and Mario
Mosti shows an advertisement inside the cover for the Acme accordion. It states: "Built and Supervised by T. Bugari—A. Pancotti—
Master Craftsmen of the Accordion." —
(excerpted from the San Francisco
Accordion Club Newsletter)
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page 9
Page 10
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Coming in April
A Showcase by
Billy Lee &
The Swamp Critters
They specialize in danceable,
good-time, Louisiana-style
Cajun and Zydeco music.
April 13th, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
At Bailey Hall, Mt. Miguel Covenant Village
325 Kempton Ave. Spring Valley, California
Admittance is: $4 for members, $5 for non-members.
Call 619-584-4970 or 858-453-5486 for more information.
Sponsored by ALSI Accordion Club in San Diego.
Volume 14
Issue 4
Page 11
CALENDAR
A very
Happy Birthday
and best wishes
to those of you born
in April:
April 13
4/1
4/19
4/22
4/22
4/26
4/27
Kjell Holmes
Ted Hill
Fred Ferino
Gordon Nyhus
Ronald Wisley
Millie Hansen
Showcase with the
Swamp Critters
May 4
Meeting TBA
June 8
Annual Picnic
July 13
Meeting TBA
August 10
Concert with
Frank Marocco
September 14 Showcase with
Howard Kantorowski
October 12 OctoberFest
November 9 Heritage Day
December 14 Meeting TBA
Happy Anniversary
May your lives always be happy and filled with
precious times to remember. For couples
married in April:
Burch and Elke Ertle— April 10th
Joseph and Frances Colombo— April 28th
UPCOMING ACCORDION EVENTS
ACCORDION WORKSHOP
April 21. Gordon Kohl will hold his monthly workshop
starting at 6 pm. Note the new meeting location in Tierrasanta. (See flyer on page 9). Lesson will include Continental European music from Italy, Spain, Portugal, France,
Austria and Germany. Workshop will be held at
Bell’Agio Restaurant, Santo Rd and Clairemont Mesa Blvd
in Tierrasanta. Cost: $20 and $8 for non-student guest.
For further information, call Gordon Kohl at 619427-4344.
ROSE CITY ACCORDION CAMP
June 1 –5, 2008 At Silver Falls, Oregon.
Contact Steve Knapke at 503-521-9140.
KIMBERLY OLD TIME ACCORDION CHAMPIONSHIPS July 7 - 12, 2008. Contact P.O. Box 473
Kimberly, B.C. V1A 3B9 or e-mail [email protected]
GALLA-RINI ACCORDION CAMP
July 27 – Aug 1, 2008 At Dominican University in San
Rafael. Contact Marian Kelly at 650-854-1896 or at
[email protected].
FRANK MAROCCO CONCERT
August 10, 2008. This special concert will be held at the
Mt. Miguel Covenant Village at 2:00 pm.
COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVAL
August 23 and 24, 2008. Details will follow.
INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION
CONVENTION Sept. 29—Oct. 2,2008.
Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact 800-472-1695 for more
information.
ALSI
Statement Of
Purpose:



Monthly Newsletter
ALSI is San Diego’s
forum for appreciating and performing
accordion music,
including the MIDI
electronic accordion
We welcome members who enjoy listening to or playing
accordion music.
We have an accordion ensemble group,
monthly meetings,
local concerts featuring local and internationally famous performers, an annual
picnic and a monthly
newsletter.
“Celebrating over 100 Years of the Piano Accordion in America”
The REED BLOCK
c/o Helen Estok Schoell
P.O. Box 151357
San Diego, CA 92175
Phone: 858-453-5486
[email protected]
APRIL 2008
EDITION
We are on
the Web:
www.accord
ion-clubsandiego.org