NWAS-Summer 2012.indd - Northwest Accordion Society News

Transcription

NORTHWEST ACCORDION
NEWS
 The Swan
 Frank Marocco
 Day of the Accordion
 A Surprise from North Korea
 Academy Award “Best Original Score” Won by an ACCORDIONIST!
Northwest Accordion Society
VOL. 22 NO. 2
Summer Quarter 2012
Introducing NEW models for 2012 . . .
THE “LITTLE PRO”
3/4 reed - 13 lbs
26 key – 48 bass
AM-1000 Leggera “Playing less never sounded so good!
Full size 19 ¼” keyboard
4/5 reed Tone Chambered accordion
AMAZING 23 lbs !
Northwest Accordion News
NWAS PUBLICATION PRIORITIES
Northwest Accordion News Staff
Doris Osgood............................................(503) 357-0417
[email protected]
Judith Ames .............................................(360) 254-5245
[email protected]
Colleen Halverson (Advertising) ..............(503) 484-5064
[email protected]
NW Accordion Society Officers
Bonnie Birch, President/Treasurer ................................. (206) 622-4786
Doris Osgood, Vice President/Communications............. (503) 357-0417
Judith Ames, Secretary/Technology ............................... (360) 254-5245
Advisory Board
Rick Hatley,..................................................................... (253) 288-0442
Dick Myking .................................................................... (253) 537-0136
Birgit Ages ...................................................................... (206) 368-9720
Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ........................................... (425) 828-9104
Membership:
Doris Osgood.................................................................. (503) 357-0417
[email protected]
Judith Ames ................................................................... (360) 254-5245
[email protected]
Mail letters & articles to:
5102 NE 121st Ave. #12,
Vancouver, WA 98682
Or e-mail to: [email protected]
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Advertising
Original Compositions
News from Our Members
Instructive/Technical Articles
Summaries from Regional Socials and
Events
Coming Events
Articles will be printed if received prior to the
publishing deadline. Should space be an issue,
articles will be printed in the order in which they are
submitted. All decisions regarding publication will be
made by the editors of the NWAS News.
To submit articles for publication, mail them to
the Vancouver, WA address listed. It is preferred
that articles be submitted via e-mail as attached
WORD documents or on a disc. Typed, paper copy
needs to be dark and clear to allow scanning and to
minimize errors.
Photographs sent for publication will be returned
if they are accompanied with a SASE of correct size
and adequate postage. Photographs may be sent
electronically or on disc.
To reprint articles or photographs from
magazines and newspapers, written permission
from the publisher is required. Please submit the
necessary “permission to print” with material sent.
Views in the articles and information printed are
those of the contributors and not necessarily those of
the Northwest Accordion Society or its advertisers.
ADVERTISING
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NWAS News Deadlines
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February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1
Photo-ready Advertising (with accompanying check)
for this publication may be sent to:
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or e-mail [email protected]
Inquiries, questions, suggestions, etc.
NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY
The Northwest Accordion News is a quarterly
newsletter published by the Northwest Accordion
Society for and by its members. The purpose of
the NWAS News is to unite the membership by
providing news of its members, and articles that
instruct, encourage, and promote the playing of
the accordion.
Contact Doris Osgood, 3224 B St.,
Forest Grove, OR 97116. (503) 357-0417.
E-mail: [email protected]
Is your membership renewal due?
Check your mailing label. A membership
application/renewal form is included on
the last page. Send your renewals or
change of address to:
5102 NE 121st Ave. #12
Vancouver, WA 98682
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Table of Contents
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Quarterly Update
Quarterly Update
Letter from the Editors
Composer/Arranger Zevy Zions
The Swan
Zevy Zions Has Channeled the Essence of
Genuine Accordion Classics
Frank Marocco
Academy Award “Best Original Score”
won by Accordionist!
Ask A Teacher
It’s Time to Prepare for Leavenworth
We’ve Been Waiting All Year; Leavenworth
International Accordion Celebration is HERE!
Remembering Anthony Facciuto
A Great Concert Coming to Spokane, WA
6th International Victoria Accordion Festival
LIAC Sponsors
Accordion World Loses Sylvia Marie Barber
Remembering Marc Wald
Spokane Accordion Ensemble
In Remembrance
Valerie Tognazzini “Val” Kieser
How to Take Your Accordion On the Plane
Full Slate of Events Planned for Wallace Accordion
Festival
Ideas for Accordion Artistry
Transposition
Spring Accordion Social in Forest Grove
Letters to the Editor
in Remembrance, Frank Marocco
Never Too Late to Start or Start Over Again
“Money Talk?”
Frank Marocco Accordion Event (FMAE)
By the Way –
Seattle Accordion Social
Making a Musical Memory
Tacoma Accordion Social
Welcome New Members
New Venue for the Day of the Accordion
The Portato Accordion Band and
Tango Volcado Team-up Together
Seattle Accordion Socials - 2012
A Surprise From North Korea
The World Trophy Accordion Championship
Comes to the U.S.A.
The 62nd Trophèe Mondial
Only A Memory Away
Memories of Frank Marocco
Memories of Joe Smiell
Precious Memories
Great Scot!
Accordion Events Calendar
The ATG Annual Festival
Entertainers in the Northwest
Dear Members,
This has been a rough year… Our accordion
family has lost people to whom we’ve looked for
inspiration and direction. They are so much more
missed because of the fact that they were not only
great musicians, they were teachers. By teaching they
reached us in a way that music alone couldn’t. Frank
Marocco, Joe Smeill, and Ken Olendorf brought the
accordion to people all over the world and nurtured
accordionists along the way. Carrying on without them
seems daunting. However we know that they all would
want us to continue. Recalling the music that they
played, shared, and loved is a way of honoring them.
It provides consolation for us too.
Summer is nearly here and the accordion festival
season has begun! Accordion Camp at Silver Falls,
Leavenworth, Kimberley, Wallace, Victoria, Cotati,
Edmonton, Trophy Mondiale… it’s a packed schedule!
The NWAS is focused immediately on the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration. The
workshops, concerts, competitions and general fun
are just around the corner. LIAC doesn’t just “happen”. The preparation has been going on for months. I
am especially thankful for the leadership from Bonnie
Birch in this endeavor. She’s a skilled businesswoman
and planner. The financing, insurance, contracts and
coordination take expertise like hers; we are fortunate. We especially thank all of the people who have
made financial contributions to the accordion celebration. I’m grateful for the gifts to our bursary program.
For information and updates check : www.accordioncelebration.org. Gazebo performance information is
found at: www.nwasnews.com. Festhalle Commander,
Steve Berg, Festhalle Wing-man, Rick Webber, Volunteer Commandant, Frank Bruckner, Parademeister/
competition Sergeant, Rod Miller, and I are ready to
go. See you soon in Leavenworth.
As mentioned before, we are grateful for those
who provide print music for us to share. Generally
we print original compositions. In this issue, arranger
Zevy Zions has provided a classic transcribed for the
accordion. We are fortunate to be able to share this
with our membership.
This issue is filled with information about the coming summer’s activities. Note the information about
the Trophy Mondiale and the fund raising concerts
planned in Spokane. Patricia Bartell has been working
hard for many months on this event. It’s the first time
that the Trophy Mondiale has been held in the United
States.
I would be remiss in neglecting to mention our
thanks to our regular contributors and to our faithful
Summer Quarter 2012
Composer/Arranger Zevy Zions
Letter from the Editors
Greetings!
Here we are again, packing a LOT into our quarterly
newsletter! For the first time we have 48 pages in this
publication! This is a rewarding volunteer position and
the hours we put into it add up quickly! We are thankful
for those who send their articles, advertisements,
photos, etc. by the deadline (August 1st for the Fall
issue!) This allows us to get the NWAS to you in a timely
manner. It is a challenge each time to get everything
in. We do our best, even sometimes with last-minute
submissions.
We are also grateful thank you to those who send
your dues without reminders! [Check the mailing label for
your “dues due” date.] (Membership is also a volunteer
position I have - it takes time to send out reminder
postcards to 450+ members!). As Doris mentioned, we
work full time and I am also involved in some other nonprofit organizations. I LOVE working on this Newsletter!
There are several summer Festivals, Competitions,
and Celebrations taking place this summer. Are you
going to one or more? Take your camera, please and
send us your photos and your impression/reports! We
love to hear from you. Let’s continue to make this a
wonderful newsletter!
Please continue to send us your photos, articles,
letters and advertisements. This is YOUR publication!
Judith Ames
([email protected])
advertisers. The Northwest Accordion News is in
the black. Judith, Colleen, and I have “day jobs”. This
publication is a labor of love…. heavy of “labor”… we
are gratified by your support and encouragement. My
“day job” will end July 1. After more years than I’d like
to admit, I will retire from public education. Minimally,
my work for the NWAS News is a part time job; I won’t
be without work to do! I am looking forward to a bit
less stress.
Gasoline prices are fickle. Just when I thought
they were becoming lower and more stable, the price
shot up eleven cents in one day. OUCH. I know that
everyone must take care in the spending of their
transportation dollars and I hope that your budget will
afford your attending accordion celebrations throughout the region. We need music more than ever. We
also need to stay connected. Enjoy all that you can.
Doris Osgood
[email protected]
Charles Nunzio and Zevy Zions
Zevy Zions’ musical background began when he
began to peck at the piano at four years of age. When
he was about nine years old he was given some basic
piano lessons. Zevy switched to accordion at age
eleven after his mother, who loved the instrument,
bought him a smaller sized accordion. He essentially
taught himself while standing in front of a mirror.
He became involved in the live music scene, going
through electronic accordions and keyboards, playing
solo as well as with many bands.
He returned to the accordion when he joined
Greg Wall’s "Klezmerfest". Zevy’s whole musical
world changed in 2000 when he took his instrument for repairs to the internationally known teacher,
Charles Nunzio. Nunzio started to quiz and to "challenge" Zevy. Not wanting to back down from a "test",
he began to take lessons from Nunzio, who was a
student of the legendary Pietro Frosini. Emphasis on
technique, expression and overall musicianship were
covered over that period of time. Zevy considers himself lucky to have studied with Mr. Nunzio.
Zevy has released several solo albums: "Olive
Blossoms", "Dizzy Accordion", "William Tell" and his
new CD, "Bolero Fantasia". Included in his CD's is a
potpourri of "classic" accordion solo pieces by Frosini, Nunzio, John Gart, and others from the "Golden
Age" of the accordion. There are also transcriptions
for the accordion of Classical works, as well as some
Klezmer tunes and medleys.
In this summer issue of the Northwest Accordion
News, "The Swan", the well-known movement for solo
cello from the "Carnival of the Animals" by Camille
Saint-Saëns (1835 – 1921), is offered to our members and subscribers. In this arrangement, which on
the album is titled "Accordion Swan", the accordion’s
low register plays in the cellist’s range and has a very
pleasing effect.
To listen to some clips or for information about
the CD's, sheet music, and performances, please visit
his website at: www.oliveblossoms.com.
summer Quarter 2012
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summer Quarter 2012
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Summer Quarter 2012
Zevy Zions Has Channeled the Essence
of Genuine Accordion Classics
by Jay Landers
I’m going to speak personally with you. Does the following sound familiar? You’ve grown up with your accordion. It’s the 1950’s and 60’s. The accordion is the 4th most
popular instrument among amateur musicians. Accordionists are still prevalent in dance combos, solo restaurant
venues, on TV and radio. Your accordion instruction has
included an occasional arrangement, transcription or
original work by these familiar names: Pietro Deiro, Pietro
Frosini, Charles Nunzio (and there are many others). When
I was taking lessons between 1958 and 1968, my standouts were Deiro’s transcription of Monti’s “Czardas” and
Frosini’s “Carnival of Venice” (and “The Gay Picador”). Did
I ever hear a recording of any of their music, much less
performed by the composer? NO. That just wasn’t part of
the culture of my accordion instruction. I did have a recording of Daniel Desiderio’s definitive performance of Eugene
Ettore’s “Accordion Miniatures”. I subsequently learned
that piece and won the championship in the senior division
of my accordion school in 1966. That school was Central
Conservatory of Music in Louisville, KY, one school among
five that taught the accordion as the primary instrument to
hundreds of students per week. So, “no recordings for me”,
and this went on for decades until 2002.
Do you know how that feels? Is this you? Yes. You
empathize with this. I never heard a Charles Magnante
recording until 1998, when I was befriended by someone
who had been a teacher during the “Golden Age of the
Accordion” in America, approximately the 1930’s to the mid1960’s. I’d never heard of John Molinari, “the West Coast
Magnante”, and then I heard his recordings, too. I’d heard
Anthony Galla-Rini in Louisville, but no recordings until
much later. I’d seen Palmer and Hughes in Chicago in 1962
at the American Guild of Music competition at the Morrison
Hotel, but no recordings.
It’s 2012. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first full decade
of recorded accordion music. I owe it all to some incredible
contacts and networking with some very generous and informative people devoted to the accordion’s unique culture.
The Internet has helped immensely. I attended a couple of
ATG conventions. And, then there is a person like no other
– Zevy Zions!
Right in the middle of so many recordings of contemporary accordion projects that focus on the tango, jazz, the
classics and a variety of other genres, there is a talented
and dedicated artist who has produced a series of four (4)
CD’s of recordings devoted to “classics exclusive to the accordion”, as well as Klezmer delights. This project is a tour
de force that offers up dozens of pieces of music in modern transcriptions and state of the art studio quality. Plus,
the accordions used include a Borsini “Lars Ek Nostalgic”
LMMM non-chambered and a Beltuna “Balkan Star” LMMH
– both dry tuned.
With this New Year comes “Bolero Fantasia”. The
composer of the title piece, written in 1942, was the late
Charles Nunzio – 1912-2010. This fourth volume of accordion classics is a tribute and dedication to Nunzio, with
whom Zevy studied. There are twelve (12) tracks on this
CD and the titles include:
“Pietro’s Return” – Pietro Deiro – composed in 1913
and adapted by other instruments besides the accordion. Zions is spot-on with his tempo and the single
bass note scales in the left hand while deftly playing
block chords in the right.
“Happy Thoughts” – Pietro Frosini – faithful to the
composer’s 1929 recording, Zevy conveys the singular
beauty of this waltz while gracefully covering the entire
range of the keyboard.
“Bubbles” – Frosini – the quintessential “novelty piece”
that offers the player an “etude” in omni-directional
triplets and syncopations, and the listener will want to
emulate Zions’ approach.
“Accordion Swan” – Camille Saint-Saens most recognizable melody from “Carnival of the Animals” – Zevy’s
accordion IS the cello in all of its long legato lines.
“Bolero Fantasia” – Charles Nunzio – Zions’ steady
left-hand pattern is the perfect rhythmic complement to
the intricate Fantasy melody on the keyboard.
“Accordiomania” – Frosini – Zevy states that it’s all
about being manic with the accordion, and you’ll agree
when you hear his interpretation – all in good taste, of
course.
“Klezmer Suite # 4” – (traditional, but an homage
to clarinetist Paul Pincus who was a proponent of
Klezmer music, as well a popular Broadway pit musician) – Zions’ free-rhythm improvisations are super
and this piece is a total delight.
“Vision of Love” – Carlos Curtis, arr. Frosini – Zevy’s
immaculate sustained notes and arpeggios serve to
reinforce the unmistakable character of the accordion.
“Brave Matador” – Frosini – the accordion can interpret a Paso-Doble as well as any instrument. This is
one of my personal favorites.
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“Klezmer Walk” – (traditional, but with identifications
to various Yiddisher Orchestra’s between 1915 and
1927) – Zevy has connected the accordion with this
music on all four CD’s in the series and it’s as valuable as any ethnic stamp on the instrument regarding
Celtic, Conjunto, Cajun or any other genre.
In Remembrance
Frank Marocco
“Haydn’s Serenade” – actually now attributed to a
Haydn contemporary Roman Hoffstetter – it’s found
among Hayden’s string quartets and Zevy has done a
marvelous job with his editing in this reduction for the
accordion.
“Russian Fantasie” – Frosini – Zions’ demonstrates
his ability to master the arpeggios and bellows shakes
that are the hallmark of works in Frosini’s “Master
Series”.
Is this music relevant? What do these marches, novelty tunes, classical transcriptions and Klezmer selections
offer us today? Why spend time listening or perhaps learning to play them? They’re an integral part of the accordion’s
music history. They offer a performing challenge to any
player. They help you develop a variety of techniques in
both hands. They offer the accordion plenty of opportunities
to be regarded as a legitimate instrument capable of “multiple musical personalities”, which prove it can be compelling, sonorous and completely listenable.
This new CD may be obtained through www.oliveblossoms.com or by contacting Zevy directly at kvetcher@
oliveblossoms.com.
January 2, 1931 – March 3, 2012
After a brief illness, Frank Marocco passed
away in Los Angeles, CA Saturday, March 3,
2012. He was an internationally known accordionist, respected musician, and mentor. Frank’s
artistry on the accordion was known by the
general public through his playing for the motion
picture industry.
Frank was a modest person, even when
celebrated throughout the musical world. He was
generous with his time and talent. Frank said, “Although I’ve made a comfortable living, my primary goal has never been to make a lot of money. It
has been to be the best I could possibly be. This
takes integrity, hard work, and dedication. You
must have respect for what you do.”
The Northwest Accordion Society is grieving along with Frank’s beloved wife, Anne, their
daughters and grandchildren. Your messages
of care and concern may be sent in care of :
Anne Marocco
7063 Whitaker Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Must Sell
Instruments belonging to Jim Taylor
Evaluated by Michael Arralde
Arpeggio – 120 Bass, 4/5 Reeds, $4000
Titano – 120 Bass - $700
Willing to consider offers on each
Contact: Ann Taylor
800 S State St #80
Sutherlin, OR 97479
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Summer Quarter 2012
Academy Award “Best Original Score”
won by Accordionist!
by Rita Davidson
Ask A Teacher
BY COOKSIE KRAMER A.B.C.A – L.B.C.A
MEMBER OF ATG, AAA, ABRSM (London).
Please discuss Performance Nerves.
Everyone can experience nervousness before during
and sometimes after a performance and this applies
to amateurs and professionals alike. Situations that
are most likely to cause nervousness are generally
Exams, Competitions and Solo Performances. The
buildup usually is – you don’t want to get it wrong.
We all need to build up confidence - most importantly
be prepared – be relaxed –don’t focus on the small
details - Communicate with your audience – they are
not the enemy. Remove all negative thoughts – remain calm - choose a program that will appeal to the
particular audience - don’t over extend yourself and
most essential of all, enjoy the sharing.
French composer, Ludovic Bource, was awarded
the 2012 Academy Award for the Best Original Score for
the movie, “The Artist”.This was his first time nominated
for an Academy Award. He also was the recipient of the
Best Original Score for a Motion Picture at the 69th Annual
Golden Globe Awards at the Beerly Hilton in Beverly HIlls,
CA on Sunday, January 15, 2012. Bource has already won
a European Film Award and a BAFTA (the British Academy
of Film and Television Arts). He was also named Breakout
Composer of the Year in 2011 by the International Film
Music Critic Association (IFMCA).
Bource, 41, grew up in Brittany and from the age of
eight played accordion at local dances and weddings. His
first time in the spotlight happened when he played the accordion on stage at a Bastille Day Ball in his native Brittany.
At the age of 17, he switched to the piano and studied classical piano at the conservatoire with Anne Magadur and at
18 he began to study jazz.
He has previously worked with Hazanavicius on the
director’s OSS 117 spy adventures, with “The Artist’s”
Dujardin as the secret agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath.
He has recently produced an album for his friend, French
saxophonist Pierrick Pedron.
For “The Artist”, Bource took ideas from many styles of
music including, surprisingly, Brahms’s “”Sapphic Ode” for
a theme called “Comme une rosee de largess” (Like a Dew
of Tears), used to suggest George’s melancholy, a “sort of
sensitivity and dignity”.
The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Recording was made by the Flanders Philharmonic Orchestra in
Brussels with all the resources needed to create powerful
effects: 80 musicians, including 50 string players, 4 French
horns, 4 trombones, 5 percussionists and a harpist. However, the variety of the soundtrack extends beyond the
symphonic mode, as the tap dance scenes are played to
lively big band music.
I’m thinking of taking on a few students and
teaching. I’ve been playing Accordion for 5 years.
Can you give me some advice?
Teaching is a very stimulating and rewarding profession. But you really need to know your subject
and gain the knowledge before becoming a Music
Teacher. Music Degrees are available at many Colleges. The importance is to be able to cope with any
problems, questions that may arise, be they Practical or Theoretical. Young or older students who have
passed the earlier grades cannot pass on knowledge
from the higher grades unless they have achieved
these. How would you be able to help an aspiring
student if they have desires to take higher exams, enter competitions etc if you don’t have the experience
yourself? A Music Teacher needs to be dedicated,
imaginative and artistic, and as in any profession you
need to be highly educated and specialized in your
field. Communication with your students is very important.
I consider myself a Virtuoso Teacher because of my
degrees and more importantly my 40 years of hands
on teaching experience.
I have taught many students from other ”teachers”
and have seen huge problems with fingering, reading,
bellows phrasing and even incorrect posture.
Happily I have never lost a student to another teacher
in all my years of teaching.
I am always available for questions please feel free to
phone me at 425 828 9104 or email [email protected].
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Summer Quarter 2012
It’s Time to Prepare for Leavenworth
June 14 – 17, 2012
By Doris Osgood
Scheduling has begun for public performances at the gazebo and grange in Leavenworth during the
International Accordion Celebration. Prepare Bavarian/ethnic/audience friendly music for your performances downtown. Bavarian attire would be great!
Check the web site: www.nwasnews.com for the gazebo and grange schedules. You cannot sign up on
line; you can see what opportunities are available. The competition/workshop schedules will be posted
on the celebration web site: www.accordioncelebration.org After you reference those sites, contact Doris
Osgood for times that would fit your schedule. Doris will schedule the performers and the roster will be
updated on line regularly. To sign up for performance contact: [email protected] , 503-3570417. Chairs are provided at the gazebo, but bring your own music stand if you need one. The last
date to schedule performances via email and phone will be June 11. See Doris in person in Leavenworth after that..
An army of volunteers will be needed. Contact Frank Bruckner or Bonnie Birch to indicate the times
you’d be available to work. “Frank Bruckner” <[email protected]>;”Bonnie Birch” <bonniebirch@msn.
com>
The parade will be at 12:45 PM on Saturday during the celebration. Rod Miller has listed titles on the celebration web site of music likely used during the parade. Most will be in the key of C (Edelweiss is in G).
Prepare tunes like: Happy Wanderer, Du Du, Wooden Heart, Edelweiss, Beer Barrel, and Lilli Marlene.
Come to the Festhalle about 15 minutes before parade time for a brief rehearsal and marching orders.
Everyone is welcome to join in.
Remember to check the web site for updates. The schedules are subject to change. See you in Leavenworth – June 14 – 17, 2012 – for the love of the accordion.
Jazz Eastside meets
3rd Tuesday every month 7:30 PM
at Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Bellvue, WA.
Contact Cooksie for Questions at
425-828-9104.
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We’ve Been Waiting All Year;
Leavenworth International Accordion
Celebration is HERE!
By the time this issue reaches you, the deadlines
for reduced ticket prices and competition entry have
likely come and gone. May 31 the youth bursary letters were due and June 2 the entry forms for competition were due, alone with advance ticket sales. That
doesn’t mean you’re out in the cold.
The workshops are worth the trip to Leavenworth,
in my opinion. Tickets may be purchased at the door
for only a couple of dollars more. The concerts are
expected to be outstanding; tickets are available at
the door also.
In addition to the opportunities mentioned above,
there is still room more for volunteers. Contact
Frank Bruckner, our volunteer coordinator: sqzbox@
dishmail.com or Bonnie Birch: bonniebirch@msn.
com 206-622-4786. Scheduling is under way for the
gazebo too. After June 11, all scheduling will be done
on site in Leavenworth. Until then, contact Doris Osgood: [email protected] 503-357-0417. Donating to the LIAC fund is another way to participate.
We thank those who have been so generous already
and look forward to hearing from others as well.
Don’t forget, there will be group playing at the
gazebo on Friday and Saturday afternoons at 4 PM
for all players that wish to join together. Music is
provided. Be sure to have a music stand. Also the
Roland Regional Competition will be going on. Entrants will have the opportunity to make a video under
the direction of the Roland representatives. The U.S.
winner will have the opportunity to participate in the
final competition in Rome, Italy later this year.
We will have outstanding FREE concerts at the
grange Friday and Saturday afternoons. On Friday,
Bonnie Birch, Jamie Mashler, and Charlie Brown, will
be featured and the Northwest Accordionaires will
headline Saturday’s program.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without a
parade! Leavenworth was the first to parade accordionists through the town 19 years ago in celebration.
The parade is scheduled for 12:45 PM. Everyone is
welcome and encouraged to join the group.
Thursday a free workshop will be given in the art
of “jamming”. Each evening, jams will take place at
Andrea’s Kellar and at King Ludwig’s. Dancing will be
the feature at Ludwig’s and players are encouraged to
join in to provide that music. As most know, it’s great
fun.
12
Remembering Anthony Facciuto
Anthony FACCIUTO 3-29-1918 ~ 3-4-2012
Tony peacefully passed away March 4, just shy
of his 94th birthday. As a boy of 12 he was taught to
play the accordion by maestro Giuseppe Beltramo
which led to a lifelong career as a professional
teacher, entertainer and businessman. Predeceased
by his first wife Bernie and sisters Millie Turkatte and
Rose Hetland. He leaves sisters Jean Angelestro,
Mary Gilbert and Margaret Destino; also 7 nieces and
two nephews. He leaves his wife of 28 years, Rosa
and step-sons James Logg and William (Jennifer)
Bowman and step-daughter Linda Bowman James.
He served in the 706th Tank Battalion throughout the Pacific Theater in WWII. Did volunteer work
at Providence Hospital later called Swedish Cherry
Hill Campus. He served two terms as president and
many years as a member of the Italian Club of Seattle, Inc. and also was a member of the West Side
Italian Civic Club for which he served a term as
president. He was also a member of the VFW and
American Legion.
Tony looked forward to his frequent breakfasts at
the Chelan Cafe in West Seattle where the staff and
many other customers were like family. A very kind,
gentle and compassionate man who will be missed
by all who knew him. Services to be at Howden Kennedy Funeral Home, 3909 S.W. Alaska St. in West
Seattle Saturday, March 10, 11:00 a.m.
Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery on
Monday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m. in Kent. A Celebration of Life will be held for Tony at a later date. In lieu
of flowers please send remembrances to the Hope
Heart Institute or Group Health Cooperative (GHC)
Hospice Program.
Published in The Seattle Times on March 8,
2012.
You will have the opportunity to buy FABULOUS
commemorative pins and T-shirts. Some print music
will be available for purchase plus we have vendors
with instruments new and old.
We’re ready! See you soon, for the love of the
accordion.
Summer Quarter 2012
summer Quarter 2012
13
A Great Concert Coming to Spokane,
Washington
July 16, 2012 - The Alex Meixner Band
Bing Crosby Theatre – 7:00pm
6th International
Victoria Accordion Festival
July 19-22, 2012 in Victoria, B.C.
A
Alex Meixner, a 2007 Grammy nominee, is recognized
as one of the most dynamic accordionists on the scene
today. His enthusiastic performances as a soloist and with
The Alex Meixner Band have been enjoyed by audiences
throughout the USA, as well as on tour in Canada and The
Netherlands.
As a recording artist, he has recent collaborations with
artists as diverse as renowned avant garde accordionist/
composer- Guy Klucevsek, popular Irish entertainer Seamus Kennedy, Texas indie rockers- The Krayolas and his
2007 Grammy nominated recording- “Polka FreakOut” with
Bubba Hernandez.
The live show of the Alex Meixner Band mixes all of
these musical styles in a fashion that allows traditional
music fans to enjoy and embrace the evolutions of their
music, as well as letting the hipsters groove out to the old
school music! Whether playing for concert or dance audiences, Alex and his band work hard to entertain with a fun
Quartetto Gelatto
This year, we have prepared some wonderful concerts, international competition, workshops and entertainment, including a Kids’ Corner, an Open Stage and
a Trade Show. Our headliners are internationally acclaimed ensembles and soloists: Quartetto Gelato, Trio
Voronezh, Tango Paradiso and Alexander Sevastian.
Most of our programs will be FREE for audience.
For your convenience, we have arranged a great
deal with Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre for all
participants and festival guests. Room rates will be
$105 per room, based on double occupancy (kids stay
for free), including complimentary continental buffet
breakfast, free parking, and free Internet.
To make hotel reservations, please call: 1 866
754 4040 or 250 382 4400, or click on the link www.
choicehotels.ca/cn904 and mention the code “Victoria
Accordion Festival”.
We sincerely hope that you will spend another
unforgettable weekend with us in beautiful Victoria and
join us in preparation for the Coupe Mondiale 2013, the
world’s largest accordion event, which Victoria will host
in August of 2013.
program for audiences of all ages.
“Alex does not just play the accordion, he puts his
complete heart and soul in to the task, and he manages
to do things with the accordion that you would think would
not be humanly possible, but he does it, and the result is
incredible.” - Rob Savickis, Best Polka Bands
Proceeds will go towards helping bring Trophée Mondial – World Championships for Accordion to the United
States! www.worldtrophyaccordion.org
Tickets are on sale!
Tickets can be purchased by contacting:admin@
worldtrophyaccordion.org or at the door. Be ready for some
surprises!
14
Summer Quarter 2012
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration Sponsors
www.accordioncelebration.org
Virtuoso Sponsors - $2,000 or more
Projekt Bayern
Major Sponsors - $500 or more
City of Leavenworth
Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Heidi Forchemer
John Gulbranson, in memory of Jean Gulbranson
Petosa Accordions (Co-Sponsoring Jorgen and Lena Sundeqvist)
Roland Accordions
Tempo Trend Accordions (Co-Sponsoring Jelena Milojevic)
Business Sponsors
Bavarian Village Business Association
Monarch Accordions (Co-Sponsoring Mike and Marjorie Aman)
The Taffy Shoppe/Cary Sanger
Accordion Players, Accordion Clubs, Friends of the Accordion
Katherine Allen
Paul & Judy Bria
Bonnie Birch
Frank Bruckner
Jim Brylski
Susan Culletto
Eugene Deda
Sandra Hamblin
Hugo’s Accordion Band
Geoff & Joyce Levear
Carolyn McCauley
Andy & Mary Mirkovich
Northwest Accordion Teachers Association
NWAS Socials of Forest Grove
Drs. James & Shirley O’Brien
Okanagan Accordion Club
William Ritter
Rose City Accordion Club
Murl Allen Sanders
Lou Traverso
Tualatin Valley Accordionists
Dick Volin
Michael H. Waldman
Rick & Eileen Webber
Connie Weimer (in Memory of Frank Marocco)
We truly appreciate all of the sponsors who helped to make LIAC 2011 a great success! Please give
patronage to our business sponsors and help us express our appreciation!
Virtuoso sponsors and Major sponsors will receive a prominent position on our website, magazine,
festival flyer, and information booths. IN addition, they will be thanked on stage at the Festhalle, grange
and gazebo at appropriate times.
If you are interested in donating, please send your check (made payable to Northwest Accordion Society) to NWAS/LIAC, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682
You may contribute online using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or your Bank Card.
This is processed through PayPal (you do not have to have a Paypal account to do this.) Minimum donation of $10.00 through PayPal.
summer Quarter 2012
15
16
Summer Quarter 2012
Accordion World Loses Sylvia Marie
Barber June 8,1938 - April 23, 2012
Remembering Marc Wald
Reprinted with permission of the San Francisco Accordion Club
Newsletter May 2012
To anyone attending the annual Las Vegas
International Accordion Convention, Sylvia was well known
as an accordionist, an entertainer and a comedienne, with
a sparkling and energetic personality. Sylvia succumbed to
a serious infection and passed away on April 23rd.
Sylvia was born just outside the small town of
Kendallville, Indiana. Though her family was not musical,
Sylvia remembered very much wanting to make music from
early on - not really caring on what instrument. At the age
of 4, Sylvia began piano lessons. Her father had already
determined that there was going to be an accordion player
in the family, and that it was going to be Sylvia, so at age
5, against her mother’s protests, she gave up the piano
and took up the accordion. By the age of six, she was
already performing in public, and started competing in the
local competition circuit in Indiana and surrounding states.
She decided it was time to go professional, when she was
paid by the contest judging staff to not compete (lest there
be a walk-out by the other contestants and their families).
Sylvia appeared on the Horace Heidt Show for two tours,
the Grand Old Oprey show at Buck Lake Ranch in Angola,
Indiana and the Lawrence Welk Show for a summer.
In adulthood, Sylvia set the accordion aside for about
5 years when she worked as a stewardess for United
Airlines, got married and started a family. It wasn’t long
until Sylvia realized she could earn a nice income playing
accordion and be free during the day to take care of her
son, Scott. The rest is history—throughout several moves
around the state of California, Sylvia has been teaching,
performing and entertaining on the accordion ever since.
The San Francisco Accordion club offers its deepest
sympathy to the family and friends Sylvia Barber.
“It is with great sadness that I am letting you all know that
on April 16, 2012, Marc Wald passed away suddenly due
to a heart attack at home while writing music, doing what
he loved and knew best.
We are all very sad and we will miss him more than
ever along with his Ruthie. It was exactly 1 month to the
day that Ruth passed away and Marc (dad) knew he could
not live without her. So he decided to go home and be with
Ruth and Jesus where he belongs and to have the perfect
ending to their love story,” writes Marilyn Clouston, Marc
Wald’s daughter.
Marc was a long-time member of Victoria Accordion
Club in past years and attended many of functions and
played many times, to the delight of anyone who heard him.
Marc is well-known around the music world for his very
smooth accordion style of playing with the likes of Frank
Marocco, Irv Lang, and others. See the website link below
for more details of Marc’s life. A great loss to the world of
music and the accordion community.
http://members.shaw.ca/marc_rhythm_pal/about.htm
Beautiful Ottavianelli accordion and case
5 years old, like new condition
41/120 Musette tuned
4/5 reeds
Sennheiser microphones, robust sound
Light weight, 23 lb.
$2,750
Made in Italy
Call 360-643-1193
summer Quarter 2012
17
Rick Webber (Emcee) , Rick Westrick (Guest Drummer), Kathleen Falco, Eileen Webber (President), Angie Smith, Helen Eldenburg
(Treasurer), Cheryl McGinley (Secretary), Beverley Fess (Guest Conductor), Pamela Beckstrom (Vice President), Claudia Machtemas
(Bass player), Margaret Collyer, Henry Peden, Glea Trulove (Co-Treasurer), Gordon Alexander
The Spokane Accordion Ensemble has been very busy this year under the direction of our President, and last year’s
winner of The Leavenworth Open, Eileen Webber. We are currently working on our spring concert “Dances Around The
World” to be held on June 5th 2012 7pm, at St. Mark’s Church in Spokane. Beverley Fess will once again be our guest
conductor. There will be dancers, Sammy Thomas as a soloist, and a duet or two. Rick Webber, our ever entertaining
emcee, is sure to have several surprises in store for all of us.
We are also working hard to prepare for competition in Victoria B.C. this July, with Beverley Fess as our conductor.
Our members are excited about this great opportunity and looking forward to meeting old and new friends there.
The ensemble now has a facebook page where we will be posting events and photos, please feel free to visit us
there and click the ‘like’ button to receive notifications, and leave comments or ask questions. The ensemble rehearses
weekly on Tuesday from 5:30 - 9pm. If you are interested in joining us, contact Eileen at 509-290-6858.
Cheryl A. McGinley, Secretary
In Remembrance
Valerie Tognazzini “Val” Kieser
September 21, 1937 - February 27, 2012 Oakland, CA
Valerie T. Kieser had many hobbies and talents,
including traveling, gardening, and a near fluency in
French, German and Spanish, though two of her most
prominent lifelong passions were playing accordion
and riding horses. Her love for both was expressed
not only in how proficiently she engaged in each activity, but more importantly by how much she enjoyed
sharing her gifts with others. Her warmth and joy was
palpable and infectious. If you met her you would
probably walk away feeling inspired. If you knew her
you would probably consider yourself lucky to have
such a loving spirit in your life.
After several years of courageously battling cancer, Valerie finally succumbed and passed peacefully
in her sleep in the early morning of February 27 at her
home in Oakland. She was 74 years old. Val’s passing, while not unexpected, is met with great sadness,
but also with a great sense of appreciation for a life
18
well lived.
Val performed with numerous accordion clubs,
camps and festivals, including the San Francisco Accordion Club, Accordion Chamber Ensemble (ACE),
Silicon Valley Accordion Society, the Galla-Rini Accordion Camp, and Joe Smiell’s Button Box Camp.
Val was a well-known face and friend at Piedmont Stables in the Oakland Hills. Her beloved horses
Chico (now 25 years old) and Chulo (deceased) were
among her greatest pride and joys. She was always
willing to share her experiences and expertise with
riders young and old.
Val was a graduate of Castilleja High School,
Mills College and Thunderbird School of Global
Management. She was the daughter of Elton V. and
Jean M. Tognazzini. She was the beloved wife of the
late John F. Kieser and daughter-in-law of the late
Maryolga C. Kieser. She was a resident of Oakland
for nearly 40 years.
Summer Quarter 2012
How to Take Your Accordion On the
Plane
Full slate of events planned for
Wallace Accordion Festival
By Michael Bridge
Reprinted with permission from Squezzin and Pleazin by Griff Bryan
The main difficulty with the onboard transportation
of accordions is not usually the size, it is the weight.The
airlines are rarely concerned about the size of your carry on
items as long as they will physically fit in the overhead bins.
On the other hand, the airlines fear weight because of the
potential for physical harm to a passenger (and an entailing
lawsuit) if the object were to land on them. There is a
weight restriction of 22 pounds (10kg) in NorthAmerica
that applies to every carryon item that does not have prior
approval or that is not deemed to be a «safe musical
instrument». (See the AFM website.)
What I propose is this: I have a special, dualpurpose
soft backpack case. It is unique because the zipper opens
directly around the centre of the accordion, precisely over
the line where the bellows join to the RH section. In a
45 second procedure, the bag can be completely unzipped
into two separate sections.You need only to separate the
two halves of the accordion by removing
the eight pins or screws and you are set to go.There
are special flaps on the bags which close off the bag
when in two pieces. I literally can take my instrument and
bag apart in under three minutes and put it back together in
the same. Even with my 35 pound instrument, both halves
are well under the limit, even when adding the weight of
my laptop to the bass bag. The main feature is that the
two halves can be united into one bag once your arrive at
the destination. Be careful of online purchase of “airline
transportation bags “ which are really two separate bags
that are very high quality but cannot be combined into one.
I believe that TempoTrend Music in
Victoria,B.C.imports a similar Italian-made version. Just be
sure to check that your instrument fits in each half of the
bag, in addition to the whole thing.
If you do chose to carry your instrument on board in a
one-piece backpack case, here is a reference list of some
common plane types where I know that the accordion will
or will not fit in the overhead bins, despite what the check
in desk may tell you. Good: Boeing 737, 747, 767, 777
Airbus A318,A319,A320,A321,A330,A340 Bad: Embrayer
175, 190, but, unless your instrument is extremely large,
it will fit under the seat in front of you. (Believe it or not!)
Beware of anything made by Bombardier.
All of this being said, in 100,000+ miles of air travel,
the main advice I can offer is this: be very well dressed
and be confident. Always be the first to say “hello “
when walking up to an agent; greeting them first wins them
as a friend and shows a lot of confidence. Then, hopefully
nobody will think to question you. Good luck!
When flying, be sure to verify with you airline regulations regarding musical instruments. Do not assume carryon is accepted.
For Immediate Release
WALLACE - A concert featuring international award-winning
musician Michael Bridge will kick off the 2nd annual Historic
Wallace Accordion Festival scheduled August 10-12 in the
North Idaho mining town.
The concert at 7 p.m. Friday, August 10, at the Wallace Elks Lodge will also feature Patricia Bartell’s Tango
Volcado - an ensemble of accordion, bass, piano and violin
- and an opening act by the Portatos, a youth accordion
band from Spokane. Tickets are $15 for adult general
seating, $20 for premier seating, and $10 for children ages
7-16. Children 6 and under admitted free.
Events on Saturday, August 11, will start with a 9 a.m.
Celebration Parade through the downtown. The parade
will be followed by workshops by Bridge, Bartell and other
professionals, music in the gazebo, and a street party that
includes entertainment, food vendors and a beer garden
featuring local microbrews. Among those performing at the
street party will be Johnny Vukonich, a one-man all inclusive band, and Aaron Seeman, an “over the top” comedic
accordionist best known as Duckmandu.
Back by popular demand will be polka lessons by a
local dance instructor. The Festival will conclude with a
Sunday farewell breakfast served by the local Cub Scout
pack.
Canadian musician Michael Bridge is one of the most
versatile performers of today, expertly blending the works of
great composers like Bach and Haydn with old time polkas
and waltzes, French musette, jazz standards, and pop
hits from the Beetles to present day. Although only 18, he
has performed throughout the world. As the 2011 National
Roland Digital Accordion Champion, he traveled to Italy last
October to represent Canada on the international stage
where he placed fourth in a field of 14 national champions.
He also competed last fall in Shanghai, China in the CIA
Junior World Championships, where he came in fourth out
of champions from 21 countries.
As part of his appearance in Wallace, Michael will
present two workshops. “Jamming and Improvisation” will
teach the fundamentals of improvising an accompaniment
as well as creating one’s own melodies. “Practical Technique and Special Effects” will give tips and tricks on using
one’s technique to avoid mistakes in performance. Admission to an individual workshop is $15, or $25 for the entire
day’s workshops. The entire workshop schedule will be
announced in mid-June.
For more information, visit www.wallaceaccordionfestival.com or www.wallaceidahochamber.com or call the
Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce, 208 753-7151.
summer Quarter 2012
19
Ideas for Accordion Artistry
By Gordon Kohl
Reprinted from NWAS News Spring 1997
Mechanical skill at the accordion keyboard is
indispensable for dexterity, even rhythm and adding
excitement to music expression in a song. Skills
for mastery include: note fill-ins on treble keyboard
and bass left hand, chord harmony, bellows control,
dynamics, trills, glissandos, triplets, arpeggios and
other ornamental note patterns. With these skills in
place, attention may be given to music interpretation.
Expression in accordion playing is paramount. A
smooth gradual movement of the bellows with proper
hand attack, wrist action, finger touch and even
pressure on keys will perpetuate correct phrasing and
bellow control. By applying a continual light to medium
bellow pressure, a constant even airflow moves
across the accordion reeds. This bellow skill at the
accordion produces distinct, clear, and melodic tones.
Accordionists should inter-relate the three
elements of music which include melody, rhythm, and
harmony to their music. To be more specific you may
add the following note embellishments to a song; a
counter melody to a melody, variations of rhythm to
a melody, broken chords, embellished chords, and
chord substitutions to a song’s harmony.
An awareness to meter, beat and note time
values is necessary for a good rhythm and dance
beat. The addition of both an introduction and an
ending to a song may help clarify the meter.
To sustain interest in a music piece both gradual
and sudden changes in bellow pressure are utilized.
Accents, crescendos, diminuendos, sforzandos, and
staccato/legato notes are all influenced by bellow skill.
Bellows control is in my opinion the most important
factor in developing style in music performance.
For most music styles, a gradual increase
in bellow pressure will add a crescendo to a
music phrase. This use of bellow action adds an
exciting dimension to all ballads. Since ballads are
influenced by lyrics, playing them in a cantabile
style is necessary. It is appropriate to keyboard note
passages in ballads with a smooth legato touch.
Slurs must be observed for placing bellow directional
changes.
Six normal volume levels of intensity should be
distinguishable by accordionists and all musicians.
Training one’s ear to recognize the six general
volumes for music is invaluable. These volumes are
notated on music with a set of markings from soft
to loud as follows; (pp-p-mp-mf-f- and ft). Additional
markings denoting volume levels include: (ppp- super
soft; ftf-super loud; fz-sf- or sfz-sforzando) an extreme
emphasis by bellow action directed to a note.
20
Accordion reed registers are important. The
placement of a melody in a desired keyboard octave
helps to mix melody and accompaniment. The pitch,
timbre and resonance of a sound are influenced by
reed set selection. By utilizing all the accordion reed
sets on both the right-hand keyboard and the lefthand bass/chord accompaniment, several octaves of
tones are made possible.
Ritardandos, rallentandos and ritenutos
indicate changes to a song’s tempo. The use of
tempo changes for endings and introductions,
adds a polished professional touch to any music
arrangement. When playing dance music, an
established meter and tempo must be strictly
followed. Instrumental music such as light jazz may
be followed less strictly in tempo. Certain notes may
fermata).
be lengthened with the use of a hold (
A double bass swing rhythm can be effective
in adding low tone harmonics to a song’s melody.
When the first beat’s bass note is not held the full time
value, then it may be played light and staccato. The
accented beat may be the first beat to this swing style.
When an accordionist plays a left-hand melody
line in dance time, then the right may play a
rhythmical background. The right-hand may play a
chord accompaniment with a staccato touch, or even
sustained full harmonic chords. The left-hand melody
line may be phrased and played slightly sustained
sostenuto).
In waltz rhythms a single note left-hand
obbligato part may be added to harmonize with
a right-hand melody. When a melody is written
in thirds, then an obbligato part may be added a
perfect fifth below melody, a three note harmony
arrangement results.
More ideas ...
1. Expression in accordion playing is paramount.
Smooth gradual movement of the bellows
with even arm pressure will perpetuate correct
phrasing and bellows control. By applying a
Summer Quarter 2012
continual medium pressure to the bellows, a
correct air flow across the reeds results.
2. To sustain interest in a music piece, both gradual
and sudden changes in bellows pressure are
utilized.
3. For most music styles, a gradual increase in
bellows pressure will add a crescendo to a
musical phrase. This use of bellows control adds
an exciting dimension to all ballads.
4. It is most important to play lyrical ballads, twobeat songs and most contemporary keyboard
melodies with a legato touch.
5. Ear training in recognizing intensities of volume
is encouraged. Six normal volume levels should
be distinguishable by an accordionist. These
volumes are from soft to loud: [ pp - p -mp-mf f - ff]. Additional markings that denote intensity
include: ppp super soft; flf - super loud; fz - sf - or
sfz - sforzando, extreme emphasis by bellows
action directed to a note.
6. The selection of a proper reed switch allows for
placing a note in its best octave for a desired
intensity, pitch and timbre. By utilizing all sets
of right and left hand reeds within HIS/HER
repertoire, the accordionist expands the sound
dispersion of the instrument.
7. Legato touch with bellows control of phrases is
appropriate.
8. The directional change of bellows should follow
the natural rhyme and rhythmical flow of a melody.
9. In regard to accordion bass technique, a majority
of the time a player will play with a light left hand
touch.
10. A light effortless right hand touch is attainable by
laying fingertips, each at a particular key in finger
position, and apply a slight upward and downward
wrist and finger movement. The el- bow and
shoulder are not necessary for keyboard
expression.
11. Mechanical skill on the accordion is indispensable
for adding color to music by playing fill-ins, chord
harmony, adding bellows expression, ornamental
patterns and volume control. With these skills,
personal interpretation can be given our music.
12. Be aware of musical meter. Listen to your tempo
as you perform a solo and keep it in check
always.
TRANSPOSITION
By Joe Morelli
Reprinted from NWAS News Winter 1997
Transposition, in music, is the act of changing the key
or pitch of a composition or passage.
Transposition in musical training is generally
overlooked or disregarded where accordionists are
concerned, but it is an important and necessary part of the
curriculum where other instruments are concerned and is
highly recommended. I would even suggest that it’s vital.
The art of transposing provides an avenue to a better
understanding of keyboard instruments such as our piano
accordion. Chromatic accordionists have an advantage
being that, as on our Stradella- bass system the chromatic
player is able to transpose (change keys), on the treble
side with relative ease. In short, the right hand simply
moves to a different location on the keyboard and one
merely uses the same fingering precisely (in most cases),
and now the accordionist is capable of playing in a totally
different key. I’m not suggesting here, that the chromatic
player ignore the benefits of transposi- tional studies, on
the contrary; everyone benefits.
The piano keyboard, however, presents a “physical”
problem. In looking at this keyboard one immediately
sees that all white keys are adjacent to each other while
the black keys have larger and varying spaces between
them, but in a very system- atic order. Transposing, say,
from the key of “C”, up a half tone to “C sharp, is seen to
be rather difficult, only if the business of whole-steps and
half-steps have not been considered. The interval of one
tone between the two black keys “C#” to “D#”, is exactly
the same as it is from the white keys “C” to “D” and just as
it is from the black key “D#” (or “E” flat), to the white key
“F”, regardless of whether the PHYSICAL distance appears
large or small.
A good, working knowledge and understanding of the
make-up of the chromatic scale and those of the major
and minor is essential where transposition is concerned,
but there are yet two other elements, just as important that
will assist us in learning how to transpose. One of these
is the ability to hear; moreover, it is the art of LISTENING.
The other has to do directly, with the viable, commanding
“quality” of each note of a scale and the interval between
these notes. In addition, the notes of a scale and their
respective intervals, if thoroughly under- stood, can
influence arranging and composition; they are “guide”
(sign), posts to the myriad paths that one may choose to
take while arranging, composing and even improvising, no
matter what the piece. Of course, one’s creative instincts
and imagination in arranging and composing will certainly
influence the finished product.
In order to appreciate fully what a commanding
knowledge the lowly scale can offer refer to the paper
titled “SOUNDS-ALIVE” (living sounds), plus, THE
TECHNICAL TERMS OF SCALE NOTES.
summer Quarter 2012
21
Spring Accordion Social
in Forest Grove
By Doris Osgood
You never know what 80 degrees and sun might do
to affect what people will choose to do on a Sunday afternoon. As it happens, the bright sunny day brought accordion players from near and far to Forest Grove. We had one
of the greatest socials ever, in my humble, but somewhat
biased opinion.
To avoid the “who’s on first” syndrome, I played
“Trompeten Echo” and “Twilight Time” to open the afternoon. Eighty-eight year old Vera Wendell followed with
“Sailor’s Waltz”. Ed Makovsky drove the 100 miles from
Pleasant Hill to be with us. He played “Isle of Capri”, which
he said that he learned in at age 10 in 1935, and “Springtime Polka”.
Paul and Judy Bria were up next. Judy doesn’t play
accordion but she did provide Paul assistance with the
vocal on “Kiss Me Tonight”. Paul also played “I Wanta Call
You Sweetheart”. Steve Gordon is perfecting his performance on his Roland virtual accordion. He used all of the
available affects to recreate a very authentic sounding
“Rhapsody in Blue”. I’d been nagging for some time that I’d
wanted to hear Galla Rini’s arrangement of Rhapsody and
Steve surprised me with a fabulous rendition. He concluded
with a really smooooooth “Take Five”.
Don Hirsch followed Steve with a medley of sing-along tunes; the audience joined in on que. Carlisle Chambers, a first time performer, was up next. He’d decided a
few weeks ago that he had sufficient courage to take on an
audience. He played “Fascination” and his own arrangement of “Til There Was You”. He commented that it really
wasn’t as bad as he’d expected. Ann Thompson and
Doris Osgood followed with “The Prisoners’ Chorus” and
Ann’s arrangement of “Barcarolle”. Portland’s own Leonard
Kosatka played a medley which included “Those Were The
Days”.
Allison and Emily Wheeler traveled from Roseburg
to be with us for the social. We’ve all come to look forward
to having them just to monitor their progress. The two are
growing up before our eyes and are becoming very fine
accordionists. They opened with a duet, “Apple Blossom
Waltz”, Alli played a complex arrangement of “Over The
Waves”, Emily played a rousing “12th St. Rag”, and they
22
concluded with a duet entitled “Weekend Polka”. Grandpa,
Dick Carlson, is their long distance teacher. His chest
swelled with pride as they played; he SHOULD be proud.
Allison and Emily are planning to play in Leavenworth for
the first time in June.
After a break for refreshments, the Tualatin Valley Accordionists played. The ensemble played “I Left My Heart
In San Francisco”, “Just Another Polka”, “I Remember You”,
and “Janet’s Waltz”. Participating members were: Jack
Jones, Vera Wendell, Carole Jeanne, Rosalee Sherman,
Nancy Kaye, Helen Purkerson, Connie Weimer, Ann
Thompson, Geoff Levear, Dick Carlson, Mickey Eaton, Paul Bria, Pamelajean Myers, Jeanne Olson, Don
Hirsch, Duane Navarra, and Doris Osgood.
Following the ensemble, Helen Purkerson and Dick
Carlson played the “Clarinet Polka”. This was Helen’s first
social and first time to play. She lives in St. Helens, OR and
Summer Quarter 2012
Dick is in Tillamook. They put together a really nice long
distance duet.
Pamelajean
Myers was up next
playing “Tiratomba”
and “Alpine Polka”.
She performed sans
print music and her
boisterous “groupies” gave hoots of
approval. Geoff
Levear returned from
Arizona in time to
be in Forest Grove.
He has a group of
musicians with whom
he plays regularly in
Arizona so he was
polished and ready.
He played “Heidi’s
Waltz” in preparation
for going to Leavenworth and in honor of Heidi of Andreas Kellar Restaurant.
He needed a percussionist for his second selection. Apparently it was an arrangement from his Arizona group which
featured their drummer. Emily Wheeler answered the call
to provide the “tick tock” in the “Tic Tock Polka”. They might
have to take it on the road!
served as turnist; there were 20 pages to follow. Good job,
Lisa!
John Giuliani traveled down from Renton for the day
too. Leaving King County makes him feel like he’s traveled
back to the 1890’s when he comes down here. He played
“Talk of the Town/’Deed I do” and “The Blue Skirt Waltz” on
request. He always makes it look easy.
I didn’t take specifics, but we had a number of people
that traveled over 100 miles. John was one but another was
Karen Cordell of Roseburg. Karen’s the President of the
Roseburg club;
she played “April
in Portugal” and
“Oliver Twist”.
Glenda McLean
and Laverne
Morris came with
Karen for the
afternoon. Glenda
didn’t have an
instrument, but
Laverne did and
played “Melody of
Love” and “Cuando Caliente de
Sol”.
The last performer of the day had waited all afternoon.
Not only that, she may have traveled the longest distance
Mickey Eaton was only days from his return from
weeks in Florida. He played “The Captain Calls For You”.
Next we had two first time soloists. Duane Navarra played
“Country Gardens” and Rosalee Sherman played “Souvenir Waltz”. They were followed by Kathy Grambsch, an
accomplished accordionist from Vancouver. She played
“Romeo and Juliet Overture – Fantasia”. Lisa Roeder
to play. Jeanne Dewey, President of the Medford Accordion Club, traveled from Grants Pass. She played her Roland
virtual accordion to achieve very authentic big band sounds
on “Moonlight Serenade” and “Begin the Beguine”.
I never know what to expect at a social. The people
who come always make the program and this one was
GREAT! My husband, Gary, is finishing the last days of the
opera season and wasn’t able to attend. He did fold, stuff,
summer Quarter 2012
23
lick, and mail 150 envelopes. So many others help with the
“dirty work” at the social; they step in a do what needs to
be done. Special thanks to Dick and Patti Carlson for their
managing the door, to Emily and Allison for selling 50/50
tickets, to Sue Armentrout for purchasing the refreshments
and guiding the attendant, and to Patti, Alli, and Emily for
serving. Everybody helped with room restoration and had
things whipped back into shape in no time. Thank you all.
See you in the autumn – a little earlier in October.
To avoid a conflict with the Trophy Mondiale weekend,
the autumn social will be October 14. See you then,
just for the fun of it.
Duane Navarra playing for the first time at Forest Grove.
Letters to the Editor
Dear NWAS,
I have just received my spring NW accordion news...I so
look forward to each...even when it isn’t due I am anxious
for it to arrive! I have planned to write/call you ever since
last year when I read that Bill Pierce had died. Do you know
what he died of and do you know who took over his business? I used to be his student (for a very short time) and
purchased a very nice accordion from him. I was very distressed when I realized he was gone and I hadn’t learned it
for several months.
I had cancer surgery 5 years ago and will finish my
medications in July. I have not been able to practice so
much in the last 5 years but I am looking forward to getting
back into it with a vengence at that time. It will take time to
build up to a good practice but I am looking forward to it.
Thank you for the wonderful job you all do on our publication. I read it from cover to cover as soon as I receive it!
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Donetta Foehl, Vancouver, WA
Dear NWAS,
I must be an optimist – as I will be 85 on Sept. 3rd! [He
renewed for FIVE years!]
Karl Kment, Redmond, OR
Dear NWAS,
My check is enclosed for 2 year patron membership and a
donation for the Leavenworth Bursary fund.
Thank you for all you do for the accordion community.
Sincerely,
Allen Sanders, Seattle, WA
Dear NWAS,
I am so sorry this is late. I don’t want to miss an issue! See
you in Leavenworth,
Helen Eldenberg, Spokane, WA
Dear NWAS,
Thank you for all the wonderful work you are doing for
the accordion and us players. I am enclosing my dues
for 2 years.
Thanks again,
Richard Svensson, Seattle, WA
Dear NWAS, Thanks for your Great NW Accordion
News Magazine.
Nick Strizic, Ocean Shores, WA
Doris Osgood and Carlisle Chambers - 1st time player at the
Forest Grove Social
24
Dear NWAS,
I enjoy reading your news letters. Keep up the good
work.
Sincerely,
Dan Desiderio, Media, PA
Summer Quarter 2012
In Remembrance, Frank Marocco
Frank Marocco, shown in 2000, worked with Henry Mancini,
John Williams, Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein, Michel Legrand
and dozens of others. (Los Angeles Times)
By Don Heckman, Special to the Los Angeles Times
March 6, 2012
Frank Marocco, a rare jazz accordionist, a first-call
studio musician and one of the most recorded accordion
players in the world, has died. He was 81.
Marocco died Saturday at his home in the San Fernando Valley, after having been hospitalized at CedarsSinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for complications following hip replacement surgery, according to his daughter
Cynthia.
Marocco’s wide-ranging career embraced every genre
of music. His accordion can be heard on hundreds of movie
soundtracks, recordings, musical theater, television series
and specials, commercials, video games and theme park
music. The film, television and recording composers he’s
worked with include Henry Mancini, John Williams, Quincy
Jones, Elmer Bernstein, Michel Legrand and dozens of
others.
But Marocco was always quick to describe jazz as his
passion.
The accordion has almost never been viewed as a
principal jazz instrument and was often reviled by jazz
musicians as something appropriate only for German beer
gardens and Argentine nightclubs. But Marocco spent a
lifetime disputing the limitations of that view, bringing jazz
authenticity to the many groups he began leading while still
a teenager.
“Since I grew up listening to people like Zoot Sims and
Charlie Parker, I play accordion like a jazz horn player, with
horn-like lines,” Marocco told The Times in 2000.
He also applied his rich compositional skills to the
sounds, the timbres and the harmonic textures he drew
out of the accordion, banishing such dismissive labels as
“squeeze box” and “organ grinder.”
As many critics and musicians observed, Marocco
was a gifted musical artist who simply happened to play an
unusual instrument.
“Frank’s playing,” said guitarist Larry Koonse, who
worked frequently with Marocco, most recently on his latest CD, “was always so lyrical, warm and full of the kind
of harmonic richness that just invited you to step in and
participate in the beauty of the moment. There were no
equals on his instrument. And the warmth he exhibited in
his playing was mirrored by the kindness he exhibited as a
human being.”
Frank L. Marocco was born Jan. 2, 1931, in Joliet, Ill.,
the eldest of six children, with a sister and four brothers.
Growing up in the town of Waukegan, he began to take
accordion lessons at age 7. He later added piano, clarinet,
music theory and composition to his interests.
At 17 he was awarded a first-place prize in a Chicago
music contest, winning a guest appearance at Soldiers
Field with the Chicago Pops Orchestra, performing Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu on the accordion. For the next
few years, he worked with a trio in the Midwest, where he
met his future wife, Anne, in South Bend, Ind.
In 1959, the couple moved to Los Angeles, where Marocco formed another band, concentrating on appearances
in nightclubs and hotels in Las Vegas and Palm Springs.
By the mid-’60s, he had become well established as a
studio player, valued for his technique as well as his versatility. The range of his hundreds of film score appearances
reaches from such assignments as playing one of the two
accordion parts in Maurice Jarre’s 1965 orchestral score for
“Dr. Zhivago” to the more recent “Pirates of the Caribbean”
pictures, for which he played accordion, bass accordion
and musette.
His pop-oriented highlights included participation in
the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” album and Tracy Chapman’s
“Crossroads.”
Marocco was also a busy composer, publishing study
books for the accordion, as well as collections of his own
diverse songs and compositions. Gifted with a wry sense
of humor ,he often gave whimsical titles to his own works,
among them “Bossame Mucho,” “Road to Marocco,” “I Got
Rh-Rh-Rhythm” and “Samba de Van Nuys.”
The Frank Marocco Accordion Event, directed by Marocco, was held annually in Mesa, Ariz., bringing together
accordionists from across the U.S. and Canada for three
days of accordion-related seminars, rehearsals and performance.
Marocco received a Lifetime Achievement Award from
the American Accordionists’ Assn. in 2006. He was nominated eight years in a row for the Recording Academy’s
Most Valuable Player Award, receiving the Award in 1985
summer Quarter 2012
25
Never Too Late
to Start or Start Over Again
In all my years of playing experience I have yet to have
someone come up to me and say, “I studied music when I was
younger and I am glad that I quit doing it”. NEVER!
It is always a version of the following, “I took music lessons
when I was younger but I quit and I am sorry that I did not
continue. I wish I could play now even if just for my own
enjoyment.”
I tell them the same thing each and every time. If you ever
played an instrument, you never lose the ability to play again,
just as when you learn to ride a bicycle you never forget how
to ride it again no matter how many years have passed by.
The three most common reasons given for not beginning to
play again are:
1. I’ll never be able to play as well as I once did.
2. I don’t have the time.
3. I no longer have my instrument.
The rebuttal to those three perceived objections:
1. Don’t expect to pick up your instrument and play well
the pieces that you were able to play well when you
stopped playing. That’s not going to happen. Start
again with the basics and patiently work your way
back up just as you would to regain your physical condition if it is not what it was when you were younger.
You wouldn’t try to start by duplicating the physical
feats that you were able to do when you were in peak
condition. A person will be amazed at how much of
their ability will come back in just a short amount of
practice time.
2. Because you already have experience and more
knowledge stored away than you may realize, you
don’t need a lot of time to rekindle your abilities.
Practice for a half an hour every day or every other
day for a couple of weeks and you will be amazed
at how much your ability is going to quickly return if
you start back with the basics.
3. Borrow, rent or buy an instrument.
Regarding, “I am now too old to learn to play an instrument”.
WRONG!
Frank Vena took his first lesson from me when he was 80.
Frank just wanted to learn those traditional Italian songs that
he loved. He took lessons from me for 3 years before he
passed away. He gave me great joy by virtue of his enthusiasm for learning and the pleasure he radiated whenever he
played one of those Italian songs.
Just think about starting at the age you are now and how much
you could accomplish, God willing, by the time you reached
Frank’s age. I learned a wonderful lesson from Frank Vena
that I am pleased to be able to share with you.
Andy Mirkovich
and 1986. And he was inducted into the Accordion Hall of
Fame in Vicenza, Italy, in 2000.
Marocco is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anne; his
daughters Cynthia, Venetia and Lisa; and eight grandchildren.
26
“Money Talk?”
By Gary Osgood
That’s what you’d normally expect in the pages of The
Wall Street Journal, but did you catch a recent edition’s
article called “Wunnerful, Wunnerful”? I didn’t think so. Well,
let me tell you what you missed.
Ken Emerson authored this article reviewing a new
book, Squeeze This!, by one Marion Jacobson. Emerson
describes her as one holding a PhD. in music and ethnomusicology. From such a person you’d expect much.
However, Emerson’s article leaves me disappointed. His
disjointed and rambling prose fails to enchant and does not
included much information that is new to readers, such as
you and me, who have been active in the accordion world.
It is difficult to discern whether Emerson’s article
contains his own thoughts or those of Jacobson whose new
tome is supposed to be the subject of his article. Familiar
names, such as Dick Contino and Larwence Welk appear,
but what’s new in that? The best part of this book may be
the many pictures of accordions and performers.
If you want to read the book and form your own opinion, try the library. I didn’t see anything that justifies parting
with thirty bucks. A better choice would be The Golden Age
of the Accordion by Ronald Flynn, Edward Davison and Edward Chavez. Since the title of my article is “Money Talk,”
now you have my $.02 worth.
While we are considering books, let me tell you about
a splendid one I just finished reading. If you wonder, as I
do, about the powerful attraction and power that music has
to and for us, you should read Music, The Brain, and Ecstasy. Don’t worry, it’s suitable for family entertainment. Author
Robert Jourdain offers a powerful and captivating account,
even to non-musicians, about the magical powers of music.
And plenty of special
anecdotes are included to
maintain a reader’s enthusiasm. For example, did
ACCORDION
you know that composer
George Frideric Handel
WOODWIND
so detested hearing notes
* * *
that didn’t belong together
that he would not enter
REPAIR
an auditorium prior to
TUNING
a concert until after the
orchestra had tuned itself?
SALES
Read the book for many
RENTALS
other similar items.
Meanwhile, keep
INSTRUCTION
squeezin’ (or listenin’ like
* * *
me.)
Bell & Reed
A Smile is
Contagious and
FREE! Give it away
and watch it come
back to you!
Summer Quarter 2012
www.bellandreed.com
tel (206) 696-9054
115 Prefontaine Pl S (401)
Seattle, WA 98104
by appointment
Frank Marocco Accordion Event (FMAE): An Amazing Time in Mesa, Arizona
by Rita Davidson
The FMAE event took place at the Arizona Golf
Resort from February 16-20th in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Fifty accordionists from around the world gathered
to share the music composed/arranged by accordionists Frank Marocco, Stas Venglevski, Joan Sommers,
Amy Jo Sawyer, Peter DiGiovanni, and Judy Starr.
Those attending came from 14 states, 2 Canadian provinces, and Italy. Unfortunately, due to illness,
Frank Marocco was unable to attend. His colleague,
noted accordionist Stas Venglevski, assumed the role
of FMAE Orchestra Conductor, soloist, Workshop
Presenter plus more!
Everyone enjoyed the full orchestra rehearsals,
sectional rehearsals, workshops, demonstrations, and
evening concerts. It was a friendly atmosphere where
one could feel comfortable playing together. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were times of seeing old friends
and cultivating new accordion friendships while being
entertained by the attendees who ranged in age from
15 year old Canadian accordionist, Emmanuel Gasser, up to 90+! No one cared how old anyone was.
The emphasis was on playing together and sharing
musical experiences.
Thursday evening featured a wonderful concert
by duet partners, Stas Venglevski and internationally
renowned domra and mandolin player, Mischa Litvin,
followed by participant performances. Friday evening
also featured participant performances.
Workshop presenters included:
Elke Ahrenholz from Italy
Jana Maas: “The Best Things I Learned at Camp”
Lenny Feldmann: “How to Stroll”
“Teaching the Accordion Using Skype” with Vladimir Mollov presenting a lesson.
Master teacher, Llmar Kuljus, was available for
lessons.
Stas Venglevski composed a beautiful orchestral
piece, “ Memories of Joe”, to honor the memory of
accordionist, Joe Smiell, who recently passed away.
Its World Premiere was performed at the Saturday
evening concert by 11 FMAE participants, who had
played under Joe’s baton over the years.
On the final Sunday evening concert, attended
by about 400 people, the accordion was presented in
many unique combinations. Domra virtuoso, Mischa
Ltivin, played a concerto with the FMAE orchestra.
Judy Starr performed Mozart’s “Oboe Concerto in C”.
(see article in this months news). 2010 AAA Virtuoso
Champion Gabe Hall-Rodrigues with Ocotrillo members Sean Brogan, and Wes Anderson entertained.
They were joined by jazz artists John Simkus and
Frank Petrilli. Stas Venglevski took the stage with
them and all were entranced by the four superb accordionists with Wes on drums and Sean on bass.
Stas Venglevski and Mischa Litvin delighted all
with their lively duets. Several soloists including Jana
Maas and Emmanuel Gasser also performed.
Special thanks goes to FMAE organizers Joan
and Dan Grauman (picture above right) whose excellent organisation and enthusiastic dedication resulted
in all being happy and busy from morning until night
either playing, listening to, talking about and learning
our favorite instrument….. the accordion!
For further information: Joangrauman@verizon.
net
summer Quarter 2012
27
By the Way –
432-8215. September 27 – 30.
from Doris Osgood
June isn’t just National Dairy Month. June is National
Accordion Awareness Month! This is of particular interest to all of us. In the Pacific Northwest, the focus on the
accordion begins in earnest with accordion camp at Silver
Falls followed immediately by the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration. We are all doing our part to bring
the accordion to the attention of those that have forgotten
or don’t know of its unique potential.
Doris Osgood introduces the accordion to her grandchildren,
Landon and Diane.
Classical accordionist, Horace Lazzari of Walla Walla, WA
has had serious health issues recently. At the time of this
writing he has regained some strength and will continue
further evaluation. Jeannette is very concerned, of course.
As many recall, Horace was the Treasurer for the NWAS
for many years. He and Jeannette together preserved our
treasury and our membership roster. It was his stewardship that secured the solvent position we enjoy today. We
all wish him well and hope that he feels better soon.
In the May issue of the Smithsonian, there was an interesting piece about acoustic music and the musical events
that occur in the Northeast. Of particular interest was the
highlight of a boy, Tor Stumo, age 13, who was prominently
pictured playing his accordion on the street “in harmony
with Great Barrington’s acoustic music tradition.”
The Alpenfest is returning to Wallowa County Oregon in
September. The Swiss/Bavarian had a 33 year run before
the organizers got tired of putting it on and dropped the
festival in 2008. But, people have missed it and realized
that is was good for their tourism based economy. In the
past the Alpenfest took place exclusively at and around the
century-old Edelweiss Inn, a onetime dance hall and roller
rink beside the Mount Howard Tramway near the south
shore of Wallowa Lake. September’s revival will include
events there and in the towns of Enterprise and Joseph.
The event will have music, dancing, blowing the Alpenhorn, Swiss/Bavarian cuisine, handmade bratwurst and
mugs of special Bavarian beer crafted by Terminal Gravity
Brewery in Enterprise. Also there will be yodeling, crafts
and a screening of “The Sound of Music”. I can’t think of a
more beautiful place to be in early autumn. For information
check: oregonalpenfest.blogspot.com or call Wolf @ 541-
28
A friend has shared articles with me recently that have
highlighted young people in North Korea playing the piano
accordion. The World Day of the Accordion found hundreds of very young North Koreans, synchronized in their
playing. It was a charming photo.
Nancy Kaye of Columbia City, OR wrote of her memories
of Sylvia Marie Barber. “When I lived in Castle Rock,
she would come up from California and spend a week or
so with me from time to time. I also went to California and
stayed with her twice. We lost touch in the last few years.
I always meant to reconnect, but life got in the way. Sylvia
Marie was a special friend. She was an encourager and
helped me when I was getting back into the accordion. She
was an accomplished accordionist. Once she and I were
at John Bonica's studio and she played several songs that
John recorded. He asked her to play them again, but only
he and I knew he was recording over what she just played.
We then listened - it sounded like only one accordion. She
had played the songs IDENTICALLY both times. She was
a great lady. She also had an interesting growing up life,
kind of like Galla- Rini's - in that she was a child prodigy in
music and played everywhere. I will miss her.”
Corky Bennett keeps busy; he writes,
“ As some of you know, I also produce national
events through my company, CB Productions, Inc.
We are now finalizing details for "Accordion Heroes" this June in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and our
"Great American Polkafest" in October in Reno. We
are also thinking about doing a big guitar festival
in Santa Fe this August and a possible Accordion
cruise in February. All of our projects can be seen at
www.cbproductions.net.
In addition to all of this, I have been a busy boy writing books. My autobiography, The Life & Times of
Leighton Wiley Brumble (my real name) is on sale at
www.amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download. Also at Amazon is The Beauty of Imperfection,
The Dick Contino Story. My very first novel, "Murder
at the Polo Lounge" is out now, as well. This book
has been very well received! I also teach the accordion and piano on Tuesdays and Thursdays to anyone who is serious about learning, and I'm always
busy writing music charts for different artists.”
The Origin of The Polka
Taken from the Fraternal Herald, April 15, 2012
The origin of the Polka goes back to 1830 in the town of
Kostelec-Bohemia. A young girl named Anicka Chadimova
taught her master’s children how to sing and dance and
invented her own dance in 2/4 time. Soon the village heard
about this, including the village teacher Josef Neruda.
He was the first to write the tune down in music and call
the dance Pulka, which means half of 4/4 time. Soon the
Pulka was known as Polka, which we know it as today. Its
popularity was introduced to Prague in about 1835 and in
Summer Quarter 2012
1839 was brought to Vienna by the musical band of Prague
Sharpshooters, a military group.
The music and dance met with extraordinary acceptance.
In 1840, it was received with tremendous applause at the
Odeon Theatre in Paris and was soon a favorite dance at
the private and public balls. The Polka spread rapidly into
every country of Europe and is now popular all over the
world. It was brought to America by the immigrants. It has
survived many other dances and is still popular today, 174
years after its invention. The polka tempo is used by Czech
composers, other nationalities, Webster’s New World
Dictionary of the American Language says: “Polka-Czech
Pulka-fast dance for couples, developed in Bohemia in the
early 19th century.”
As often is the case, Anicka Chadimova did not benefit in
any way from her dance step. After an unhappy marriage,
she died a pauper. Teacher, Josef Neruda, was also unhappy and during the night of April 8, 1876, was murdered
in his home.
THE BEER BARREL POLKA
The Beer Barrel Polka comes from a Czech love song by
Jaromir Vejvoda, of Zbraslav, Czechoslovakia name Skoda
Lasky. The words to Skoda Lasky are of a sad love song.
The Beer Barrel Polka was brought to England by Czechoslovak airmen and with translated lyrics, became General
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s favorite melody. He had the author
come to England to thank him personally for the morale
building effect of the song.
We send our sincere apologies to our dear friend, Dick
Myking. His feature in our last issue had a few errors.
Dick has only four children not five and his wife’s name is
Marlene rather than Marleen. We were able to make the
corrections in our “on line” version of the magazine, but the
hard copies were already mailed.
Though he’s not an accordion player, Nick Heiting is well
known to the accordion community in the greater Seattle
area. He’s a fine guitar player and regularly plays with
the Bonnie Birch Trio. What many don’t know is that he’s
played as a volunteer at the inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at
Highlight Medical Center’s Specialty
Campus in Tukwila for the past 15
years. “Music reaches dementia
patients in a way that language
can’t,” Nick said, in a recent feature
article entitled, The Sound of Healing from Highline’s magazine, “Live
Health” spring 2012. At the Highline
facility music volunteers visit regularly. Along with Nick’s guitar, there are harpists, pianists,
and flutists. Nick is a longtime professional musician and
former schoolteacher. He’s logged more than 500 hours
playing at Highline. “It’s been really rewarding,” he said.
Music therapy is an old notion revisited. According to the
American Music Therapy Association, the idea of music as
a healing influence is in the writings of Aristotle and Plato.
After both WWI and WWII it gained traction when commu-
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summer Quarter 2012
29
nity musicians went to hospitals around the country to play
for veterans suffering physical and emotional traumas. The
patients showed noticeable improvements.
lived most of the history. The review in the Wall Street Journal, which we could not reprint because of copyright issues,
didn’t do it justice, in my opinion. Take a look yourself.
It’s so exciting to know that a prestigious, international accordion competition will be held in Spokane, Washington
in October. Under the leadership of Patricia Bartell the
Trophy Mondiale will be held for the first time in the United
States. Patricia has a lot of responsibility and is charged
with raising a daunting amount of money for the event.
Check www.worldtrophyaccordion.org. Details will be coming soon.
Just confirmed. The 20th Annual International Leavenworth Accordion Celebration will be June 20 - 23, 2013.
It’s time to begin planning for your summer. The 19th
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration will
be June 14 – 17, 2012. The workshops and concerts are
nearly finalized; it’s going to be exciting. Note the changes
and adjustments for this year. There is a slight change to
the age requirements for the Variety competition categories. Also the bursary program for competitors age 18 and
younger begins this year. The NWAS is on its own to make
the event happen. We need your support and participation
more than ever. I hope to see you there for the love of the
accordion.
Just out, a comprehensive book on accordion by Marion
Jacobson, a music scholar, Squeeze This! A Cultural
History of the Accordion (University of Illinois Press ,
2012) is receiving rave reviews. I saw a copy just today and
can concur that it will be worth the effort. The book is well
written and infomative. It’s especially good for those new to
the accordion. It is very interesting to those of us who have
Remember to submit your articles and other information to
our magazine address: NWAS News 5102 NE 121st Ave
Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682
Check the web site, www.nwasnews.com for current events
and updates.
Celebration 2012
A Music Festival for the entire family
Join us in Leavenworth, Washington
June 14 – 17, 2012
The Cotati Accordion Festival
NON-PROFIT — MULTI-GENERATIONAL — MULTI-CULTURAL — MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA — BENEFITS LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS
9:30 am to 8:00 pm - La Plaza Park in Cotati, CA
AUGUST 18 & 19 2012
TH
Featuring the Legendary
TH
· Santiago Jiminez & Chris Rybak
· The Mad Maggies · BlackEyed Dempseys
Dick Contino
· Alicia Baker · The Sansa & Shiri Show
“The Accordion Man”
Performing both Saturday and Sunday
· Gator Beat · Chervona · MotorDude
Zydeco · Copper Box · Kazamoze
· Big Lou’s Dance Party · Tatiana Semichasnaya · The Great Morgani
· Steve Albini · The Golden State Accordion Club Band · Steve Balich Sr.
Polka Band · Amber Lee Baker · Circus Finelli · Accordion Babes Showcase
· Polkacide · The Wild Catahoulas · THAT Damned Band · Chuck Berger
· Jim Gilman · Mark St. Mary · Marjorie’s Future Stars and SO MUCH MORE!
is a non-profit organization with all
proceeds donated to youth groups in our
community. To date we have contributed
over $320,000 to these volunteer groups.
Visit www.cotatifest.com for more information on the
groups we support.
30
Tickets available at all three Oliver’s Market locations The Last Record Store in Santa Rosa - People’s Music in Sebastopol
$17 each day (advanced sale $15) Kids under 15 free
or $25 for both days .Call 888-559-2576 for tickets
or visit website at www.cotatifest.com or order on line.
707-664-0444 P.O. Box 809, Cotati, CA 94931
Summer Quarter 2012
· Workshops
· Movies
· Dance Instruction
· Polka Dance Party
· Lady-of-Spain-a-Ring
· Cajun Dance Party
· Food, Arts, Craft Booths
BOOTHS &
ADVERTISING
707-585-2910
KIDS 15
AND UNDER
FREE
WITH ADULT
Volker Financial
& Insurance Services
Seattle Accordion Social
By Marjorie Rombauer
February 13, 2012
Tonight we were back in the pleasant Swedish Cultural
Center setting, with a stellar program featuring several
numbers of Scandinavian origin.
Brenda Bard began with waltzes, “An Old Scandinavian Waltz,” a Norwegian waltz called
Holmenkollen Waltz
and “Springtime in
Sweden,” followed
by two lively polkas,
Jämtgubben and
Fiskargubben.
Brenda says she
owes her knowledge of Scandinavian music to her
Mother. What a nice
heritage – and she
plays it so well.
Einar Tapio
started with La Petite Valse. He said
he learned it when
he was young, but
I think he has since
added some things,
including bellows
shaking. Then he
played “Dizzy Fingers,” indicating that
he was putting into
practice what he always tells students:
Practice scales and
more scales. His
third number was Grieg’s “Norwegian Dance No. 2,” which
was delicate to bombastic. Next he played a traditional
rheinlander, Fante-Nils, and concluded with Yvette Horner’s
“Caprice.”
Toby
Hanson, the
host for Seattle
socials for many
years, was back
with us to play a
lively program.
He first played
what he said
he thought was
the “Stockholm”
hambo. I know
it as the “IngaLill Mazurka,” but under either title, it’s fun music to listen
to – particularly when Toby plays it. Next he played “Lady
of Spain” as fast as I have ever heard it played. Then he
played music from a Youtube performance at a sedate
tempo, and concluded with three waltzes – a Finnish waltz,
the French waltz “Indifference” and “Champagne Waltz.”
Toby adds interesting embellishments to the numbers he
plays, but particularly to the last waltz.
Next, Bonnie Birch entertained us with more music by
the Norwegianborn Edvard
Grieg, first a
polka and then
“From the Hall
of
the Mountain
King.” The latter
featured some
heavy tromping
about by the
King that became increasingly frantic.
Nick Heating
then joined her
to recognize
Valentine’s Day
with “My Little
Valentine,” featuring Nick’s singing and Bonnie’s dramatic
accordion accompaniment.
Jon Persson, home from cruising, came with two of
his instruments.
He began his
program playing
his Tonaveri free
bass, which can
also be converted
to the traditional
stradella bass.
A stradella has
left-hand combinations of single
notes and pre-set
chords, while
the free bass
left-hand keyboard consists
of several octaves of chromatically-arranged single notes,
like a piano. As a warm-up, he played the “Hey!” polka
and then an inspirational Swedish number called “The Old
Song of the Meadow,” written in 1950 and based on an old
Swedish melody. He followed that with an Art Van Damme
arrangement of the 1930s ballad, “Once in a While.” Then
he switched to his second instrument, the bandoneon, an
instrument commonly used in South America that has been
called an elaborate concertina. Appropriately, he first played
an Argentine tango on it. Then, it being almost Valentine’s
day, he played an extended arrangement of romantic music
from “The Phantom of the Opera,” full of deep bass notes
that rumbled in the heart. He concluded with Piadora. an
Argentine milonga.
summer Quarter 2012
31
March 12, 2012
Back at the West Seattle Senior Center this month,
Phil Ages took us on a journey through the traditional
music of the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland and
France, playing
first on an old
Hohner, musettetuned, button box.
He began with
“The Circus” and a
lively heel-toe
dance featuring
traditional melodies more than
100 years old.
Next he played a
waltz with some
tricky passages
that required
many quick in-and-out bellows changes, then, a schottische
and a mazurka. Then he switched to a smaller button box
with higher reeds but nice, full tones, especially with treble
chords. It’s clear, beautiful high tones were particularly
pleasing for his final mazurka.
Popular Dick Myking played “I Don’t Know Why,” and
then “Five Foot Two”
with a lot of verve.
Then a special treat
as Dick was joined by
his son Mark, home
from the seas. They
played the moving
“A Closer Walk with
Thee.” Dick began
with a straight rendition of it, while Mark
played with a jazzy
beat, and they played
together with the
contrasting styles.
Then they played “Don’t Get Around Much Any More.” Mark
continued alone, playing Zydeco style (“Aye, Aye, Aye”) and
a Cajun waltz.
Another special
treat came when Jamie Maschler played
solo. She was playing
a new accordion – a
Giulietti with a beautiful, powerful tone.
Jamie graduated from
Cornish last year, and
she is now teaching
accordion and piano
as well as playing
professionally. I find
my notes pretty much
indecipherable (I was
listening intensely), so I will only briefly summarize her pro-
32
gram – a tango, a dramatic number, and a Piazzolla tango.
Then she sang along with the accordion for a number (yes,
she sings very well too), and concluded with a number that
demonstrated her playful side.
John Giuliani played medleys of popular music next,
including “‘Deed I Do” and “Talk of the Town,” but I failed
to write down the names of others. Suffice to say that he
played in his usual relaxed and entertaining way and I
enjoyed it.
Bonnie Birch concluded the program. She began
with an Irish medley that included “Andrea’s Waltz” (minor
key followed by light-hearted staccato), two jigs, “Danny
Boy,” and another jig. She continued a musical journey with
an Italian medley, the French “A Man and a Woman” and
music from Carmen, and a Spanish tango.
April 9, 2012
Birgit organized the
program for this evening
at the Swedish Cultural
Center and very enjoyable it was.
Lee Wright began
the program, playing
a variety of numbers
in great style. First he
played the Godfather
medley arranged by
Frank Morocco, followed
by the Weavers’ song,
Tzena Tzena Tzena (a
welcome revival). Next, a
tango, Per Una Cabeza,
(“True Lies,” “Scent of a
Woman”). In a quick change of , he played Achtung Los
Polka, then a mellow Paloma Blanca. He concluded with a
sizzling performance of “Bugler’s Holiday.”
Dick Svensson and Bjarne Jacobson then took the
stage with their accordions. They began with two waltzes,
Livet I Finnskogarna (Swedish) and Lokkerren (Norwegian). Then unexpected music from two Scandinavians
– “Never on Sunday” (Hasapiko, Greece) and “Zorba’s
Dance” (Greece). Then the always amusing“pancake”
music with lyrics by Dick: “Café Polka” (pancake polka) and
“In Heaven There May Be Pancakes.” A very entertaining
program.
Summer Quarter 2012
Making a Musical Memory
David
Locke played
next, and he was
in top form. He
was playing his
Diamond accordion, which had
the perfect sound
for this program.
He began with a
classical arrangement of “Sands
of Time” and
“Stranger in Paradise.” Then he
played a series of
his arrangements
of popular ballads, “Call Me Irresponsible,” “Call Me,” “All
the Things You Are,” “I Love You,” “Fly Me to the Moon,”
and “I Wish You Love.” He concluded with “Carioca.”
Murl Allen Sanders topped off the program with his
distinctive arrangements, beginning with “Can’t Have One
Without the Other.” A particular hit was his parody on “April
Showers,” which he sang – “Though April tax time may
come around ----- ” After a lively jig (Irish?), he concluded
with two songs that he composed. The lyrics for the first
included, “All the things you see in the night don’t seem
to satisfy the soul.” For the final number, his “I Have the
Blues,” he added his harmonica and played up a storm
along with his accordion.
Is your NWAS membership due for renewal?
Check the label on the back page! You can also
request a PDF instead of or in addition to a hard
copy!
By Murl Allen Sanders
On Thursday April 26, 2012, I had the opportunity
to play accordion with the chamber orchestra Alarm Will
Sound in concert at Seattle’s Town Hall. The program notes
describe the group: “Alarm Will Sound is a 20 member
band committed to innovative performances and recordings
of today’s music.” Most members of the group are graduates of Eastman in Rochester NY. They have premiered
compositions by contemporary composers John Adams
and Steve Reich among many others. There are several
composers in the group as well. Alarm Will Sound is one of
the most influential ensembles of young people in contemporary classical music working today. They have played
around the world and the USA and this was their first performance in Seattle.
It was an exciting night of music by John Adams, The
Beatles, Aphex Twin and Alarm Will Sound’s own composers Stefan Freund and Matt Marks. The accordion was part
of two pieces so I was able to enjoy the rest of the concert.
The virtuoso playing of the orchestra members and the energetic conducting of music director Alan Pierson made for
a joyous, sometimes raucous and beautiful performance. It
was a pleasure to play a small part in the ensemble.
I happened to get the call through a referral from Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Alarm Will Sound’s regular accordionist, who also doubles on viola, was unavailable for
the Seattle performance. My role was small, but essential
and the most demanding aspect of my part was waiting for
cues in the complicated scores with ever-changing textures
and time signatures. The first rehearsal was personally
terrifying but I felt much better after consulting with the
conductor about giving me more cues. In the end, my part
came off well and it was completely exhilarating to play with
such fine, well-rehearsed musicians.
20th Annual
International
Leavenworth
Accordion
Celebration
June 20 - 23,
2013
Mark your
calendars NOW!
summer Quarter 2012
33
Tacoma Accordion Social
Submitted by Eloise Adair
Our February Accordion Social met on the 9th and we
had 46 in attendance. Before our program began we had a
jam session with Dick Myking, Rick Hatley, Dennis Perry
and Michael Barbarossa. They played very good but I
missed the name of the first ones but they did “Halsa Dem
Darhemma”, “Livet I Finnskogarna” and “Snow Waltz”.
Our program began with Michael Barbarossa playing
“That’s Amore”, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and
“Sharpshooters March” Then Michael put his accordion
down and played “Stardust” on the piano. Our next player
was another young man Max Marshall and he played
“Cielito Lindo”, “Emperor’s Waltz”, “Fascination” and
“Waltzing Cuckoo”.
Next we had some older players, Bob Westland
was next playing “Together Again”, “The Great Pretender”
and “City Lights”. Dennis Perry was up next playing
“Liechtensteiner Polka”, “Cruising Down the River” and
“I’ve Got a Wife”. There was a little change in the music as
Diane Crews sang “Workin’’ On a Groovy Thing”.
David Emter played his diatonic accordion. He began
with “Waltzing In the Moonlight”, “Polka Village” and “Praha
Polka”. Our last player was Randall Tron playing “Melody
of Love”, “Can I Have This Dance?” “Hey, Why Don’t You
Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song”
and ended our program with “Blue Skirt Waltz”.
8 March 2012
We had 45 attending our March social and six players
signed up to play. Rick Hatley signed up to play first so
he started a little early since not to many were there at 7
p.m.. but soon we had 45. Rick played “I’ll Take You Home
Again, Kathleen”, “Believe Me With All Those Endearing
Young Charms”, “County Circle Dance” “Country Hey! The
Durham Reel”, “The Last Rose of Summer”, “The Little
Shamrock” and “ “My Wild Irish Rose”.
Our next performer was Bob Westlund playing “Wild
Irish Rose”, “Peggy O’Neil” and “Sweet Phyllis”, Then
Charlie Brown played “Begin the Beguine”, “Summertime
In Venice” and “Aldela” which he also sang. Eloise Adair
then played “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover”,
“Springtime In Sweden” by Jim Howerton and “Polka Dot
Polka” that she wrote. We then had a break and Lynn
Debbie Grassman’s
Country Stitches
Featuring garments styled in
Traditional German flavor
See our booth at Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Swanson played the piano while we enjoyed treats. We
also sang Happy Birthday to Dick Volin.
After the break Dennis Perry played some Irish
music, “MacNamara’s Band”, “Irish Washerwoman Jig” and
“Wasn’t That A Party”. Next Dick Myking played “Styrmans
Vals”, “I Don’t Know Why”, “Five Foot Two” and “My Wild
Irish Rose”. Everyone enjoyed Charlie Brown so he picked
up his accordion and played “Poinseattle”, “Let’s Dance
The Polka”, “Volare” and “Danny Boy”.
12 April 2012
We had 55 attending our April social. Our first
performers were Sherrie Stinson on the ukulele and
Randall Tron on accordion. They played “Hawaiian
Wedding Song”, “Tiny Bubbles” and “Hawaiian War Chant”
as a medley. Then they played “Memories Are Made of
This”. Then we had another duet, Edith Barrett and Jim
Leonhard both on accordion. They played “Whispering
Hope”, “Elmer’s Tune” and “Tinker Polka”. Next we heard
Bob Westlund playing “Together Again”, “Sweet Phyllis
Waltz” and “Mariachin Waltz”.
Lou Traverso was up next playing “Cella Contata”,
“Del Sole” and “AI’s Polka Medley”. Sherrie Stinson was
next but this time she played her accordion. She played
“Buttons and Bows” and sang a little and then played “Mr.
Sandman”. Annie Liedtke was next and she showed
us her two concertinas, one was made in Germany and
the other in England. She used the English one playing
“Rondeau Tendre”, “Gigle” and “Rondeau”.
The Ard’ Am Polka Band was next Rick Hatley
played the accordion and Sean T. played the tuba on
“Give Me My Heart Back”, “Janet’s Waltz” and “Mushroom
Waltz”. Charlie Brown was up next playing “Begin the
Beguine”, “Sleep Walk” and “La Campagnola”. Then we
heard Dennis Perry playing “My Heart Will Go On”, “Peter
Cottontail” and “April in Paris”. Our last performer was
David Emter playing “Till We Meet” waltz “Bonnie’s Theme”
waltz and “Peak-A-Boo” waltz.
Welcome New Members
Beverly R. Arralde, Yakima, WA
John Bannan, Ilwaco, WA
Keith Berry, Renton, WA
Lenny Luzzi, Kirkland, WA
John Martin, Hurst, TX
Jeanne Olson, Cornelius, OR
Ginger Purdy, Caldwell, ID
Betty Westby, Spanaway, WA
Remember, you are welcome to give gift memberships! The membership form is on the last page of
this publication.
Custom orders 503-845-6204
34
Summer Quarter 2012
New Venue for the
Day of the Accordion
Doris Osgood
With the renovation of the Seattle Center, the
annual Day of the Accordion found a new home at the
Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. I’m still sorting out my
feelings about the new location. Tradition and continuity are important to me; making a “change” felt odd.
We are all acquainted with the cavernous quality of the Center House. The acoustics on the main
stage aren’t great. However the stage is prominent
and visible from all angles in the room. The upstairs
rooms offer excellent places for performance and
workshops. The large eclectic crowds we had been
used to are different now. With the elimination of the
arcade area, the Center is transforming itself. The
pop corn, cotton candy, and kewpie dolls around the
perimeter of the Center House are a thing of the past.
From the beginning of the day at the mall, there
was an audience at the main stage area. The stage
was at the intersection of main shopping aisles; you
couldn’t miss it! The audience grew as the day progressed and responded with gusto as each performer
played. Some onlookers appeared to stay for the entire day. The food court was convenient and offered
a variety of interesting and tasty morsels. There were
no franchise outlets so the foods were unique.
For those who were performing or teaching in
the anti-rooms near the stage area, the quality of
the site was less desirable. They seemed hidden,
though they were actually only a few paces away.
The acoustics were poor and the audience migrated
minimally from the main area into the smaller rooms.
Those who were accustomed to large audiences for
the “rising stars” and workshops felt a bit disappointed.
The professional players that provided OUTSTANDING entertainment on the main stage were
pleased with the site and the intimacy that was there
by design. Without question, the music was well
received. The audience was vastly different than
the one we’d come to know at the downtown Center
venue. I noticed more people from Eastern Europe,
Russia, India, and Pakistan. The food court options
reflected the ethnic diversity of the audience.
My job at DOTA is always to provide information.
Unlike the Center, I had little contact with people that
weren’t part of the accordion community already. My
info table was prime for enjoying the music on stage
so I had a great time!
If the Crossroads site is used again, having “rising stars” play on the main stage would seem more
appropriate, especially prior to the headliners later
in the afternoon. They need an audience. With
some thought and after having some experience, the
Crossroads could be better used. The Center House
schedule may not suit Crossroads. Slight changes
may make the place ideal. The key word is “change”.
As with most things, change must happen to energize
and motivate people to maintain their interest in the
accordion and to introduce and integrate a new generation of players.
summer Quarter 2012
Primo Basso
Rod & Einar Duo
Bonnie Birch Trio
Jamie Maschler
35
Our thanks go to Henri Larose for these pictures
taken at the Day of the Accordion
Folkvoice Band
NW Accordionaires Band
36
Happy Hans Band
Accordion Bonanza
Accordion Bonanza
Murl Allen Sanders Trio
Summer Quarter 2012
The Portato Accordion Band and Tango
Volcado Team-up Together
A Fundraising Concert to Support the 2012 Trophée
Mondial
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
August 28, 2012 at the Bing Crosby Theatre – 7:00pm
For Sale
Diamond Accordion
Kings Crown
MIDI Bass with settings
$5000
This is a real workhourse set-up with amp and
MIDI controller
Contact Bob Otto
208-585-3091
For Sale
Hohner Alpina Mark 4
It is not amplified but has the action and
sound of a button box. Beautifully crafted and
bought from the Factory in Germany.
The inlays and woodworking are from a master craftsman.
$4000
Contact Bob Otto
208-585-3091
With five Accordions, one bass and one drummer, the
Portatos | Accordion Band have brought a new awareness
for the young people that the accordion is both modern and
“cool.” Their mission to prove that has already had huge
success in the Spokane area. Ages 11-24, this tight knit
group has fun working together, playing hard, and walking
together on stage ready to put on a show!
“It is a pure joy for me to work with this group. They
enjoy each other, know how to have fun and there is never
a dull moment with them! As their teacher, I’ve especially
enjoyed watching each of them grow to another level of
skill not only in their musicianship but also in their leadership ability, their creativity and watching how each one has
stepped up to the plate to meet any challenge. I’m very
proud of them.” – Patricia Bartell
Sharing the same concert night with the Portatos |
Accordion Band is Tango Volcado. This combination will
prove to be a super concert night.
For those who haven’t heard of Tango Volcado, they
are a quartet of talented and established musicians who
work and teach in and around the Spokane, Washington
area. The musicians are Kendall Feeney on piano, Eugene
Jablonsky on bass, Tana Bachman-Bland on violin and
Patricia Bartell on accordion. You can read their bios on the
website: www.tangovolcado.com.
We are excited to announce that Tango Volcado will
be one of the featured guests on Opening Night, October
23rd, 2012 for the Trophée Mondial – World Championships
for Accordion. Come get a sneak preview of what will take
place.
Tickets will be sold at the door. $20 per ticket - $15 for
seniors and students with I.D.
August 28, 2012 at the Bing Crosby Theatre – 7:00pm
Proceeds will go towards helping bring Trophée Mondial – World Championships for Accordion to the United
States! www.worldtrophyaccordion.org
summer Quarter 2012
37
Seattle Accordion Socials - 2012
2nd Monday of the month, music: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- - be there early
West Seattle Senior Center (WSSC)
4217 S.W. Oregon Street Seattle, WA 98116
Phone: (206) 932-4044
Contact: John Giuliani (425) 255-2121 Birgit Ages
(206) 368-9720
Backup: Bonnie Birch (206) 622-4786 Cost: $5
Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 Phone:
(206) 283-1090
Contact: Birgit Ages (206) 368-9720
Backup: Bonnie Birch (206) 622-4786 Laura Gardner
(206) 328-6552 Cost: $5
Jan. 9 – WSSC Feb. 13 – Swedish CC
Feb. 25 (Sat) - Day of the Accordion at the Crossroads Mall, Bellevue, WA
Mar 12 – WSSC Apr. 9 - Swedish CC May 14 –
WSSC June 11 - Swedish CC
June 14 - 17 - Leavenworth International Accordion
Celebration
July, Aug. – off Sept. 10 – WSSC Oct. 8 – WSSC
Nov. 12 - Swedish CC Dec. 10 -WSSC
Piano and Piano Accordion
Lessons on the Eastside
1. Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ABCA.
LBCA (London). Music Examiner &
Registered Teacher with Royal Schools
and Trinity College London has limited vacancies for Piano and or Piano
Accordion Lessons from Beginners to
Master Classes. Please phone 425 828
9104 or email lionel.kramer@comcast.
net.
2. Would you like to play in an Accordion
Orchestra? Junior to Advanced. No
charge – original Music arrangements.
Fun Social get together.
Call Cooksie 425 828 9104
Email [email protected].
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38
Summer Quarter 2012
A Surprise From North Korea
Summary by Doris Osgood
Recently a reporter with the Associated Press
described an “A-ha Moment”. Upon a visit to Pyongyang, North Korea, the reporter saw five teenagers in
school uniforms holding accordions! On the wall behind them was a giant painting of the secret mountain
hideout of their nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung. Small
red stickers on their instruments marked them as gifts
from Kim Jong Il. What may have come as a larger
surprise was the music the young players produced.
As many You Tube viewers now know, the music
wasn’t a “somber ode” to either of the late leaders,
but a pop tune called, “Take on Me”. The music was
recorded in December and immediately challenged
the world preconception of North Korea. What’s even
more interesting is that most North Koreans don’t
have access to YouTube because of tight government
restrictions.
The seventeen year old lead accordionist said
that the students study in the morning and then practice the accordion in the afternoon. Their music had
been recorded by Norwegian artist Morten Traavik.
He remarked that most people find it a revelation that
North Koreans open up and play Western pop music
with such great joy. Traavik invited the ensemble to an
arts festival this spring in Kirkenes, on Norway’s Arctic
border with Russia.
As the group performed, 250 Norwegian border
guards holding colored flipboards created a smallscale version of the giant human mosaics performed
at the Arirang “mass games’ in Pyongyang – but with
polar bears and reindeer herders. This was the first
trip abroad for these students. One fifteen year old
said that the audience was “greatly impressed and
marveled at us, saying that young schoolchildren play
the accordions very well. The boy went on to say that
“at that time, I once again felt proud, and confident
in myself, as a student of ‘army-first’ (North) Korea.”
These were words used to describe late leader Kim
John Il’s military-focused rule.
The school at which the accordionists study is
called Kumsong School; it is one of North Korea’s
most famous institutes for the arts and sciences. Students are selected from cities and villages across the
nation to study, one accordion instructor explained.
The school is located not far from the cottage where
Kim Il Sung was born.
Young accordionists, once isolated, are now an
Internet sensation!
Come Study in
Fairbanks, Alaska
In the Land of the Midnight Sun
July 15 – 29, 2012
Music · Dance · Visual Arts
Literary/Theatre Arts
Culinary Arts · Healing Arts
2012 Accordion Guest Artists
Shelia Lee, piano accordion
Peggy Mueller, button box
www.fsaf.org
907-474-8869
FSAF is supported in part by the NEA, ASCA, and Fairbanks Arts Association/City of Fairbanks regrant. FSAF is in partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
summer Quarter 2012
39
The World Trophy Accordion
Championship Comes to the U.S.A.
The 62nd Trophèe Mondial - One of the Most Prestigious International Accordion Competitions in the
World
Spokane WASHINGTON, U.S.A. - The World Trophy
Accordion organization and Able To Play Studio will present
the 62nd Trophée Mondial at the Bing Crosby Theater, Oct.
23-27, 2012. This prestigious competition will bring the
best and the brightest of the accordion world to the United
States for the first time, for an exciting week of grueling
mastery of technique and sound.
Candidates from Bosnia, China, New Zealand, France,
Italy, Russia have already confirmed their participation in
the 2012 Trophée Mondial. With only a few months to go,
the excitement for this years’ championship is growing.
Opening Concert and Ceremony will take place at the
Martin Woldson Fox Theatre. The Spokane Symphony,
under the direction of Conductor Eckart Preu, will perform
and welcome the 2012 Trophée Mondial along with many of
the City Officials of Spokane. Other highlights will include
the presentation of the United States Flag, a new work for
Accordion and Orchestra that will be premiered by the Spokane Symphony with World Accordion Champion from New
Zealand: Grayson Masefield.
To be notified of registration details, ticket sales,
schedule, or other upcoming events related to the 2012
Trophée Mondial or to volunteer, please subscribe to the
"E-mail Updates" on the website www.worldtrophyaccordion.org
The 2012 Trophée Mondial Souvenir Program Book
is underway. If you would like space in the book to feature
your company, accordion club, association, orchestra, studio or any other business, please email: [email protected]
Other pre-events related to the 2012 Trophée Mondial
include:
The Alex Meixner Band - July 16, 2012 - Bing Crosby
Theatre - 7:00pm.
The Portato | Accordion Band and Tango Volcado August 28, 2012 - Bing Crosby Theatre - 7:00pm
Come help us celebrate!
The Victoria Accordion Club is 10 years old!
**Join us for our special
Oktoberfest anniversary
celebration**
Saturday,
October 13, 2012
in beautiful Victoria, BC
Canada
details on our website:
www.victoriaaccordionclub.com
40
Summer Quart
Quarter 2012
Only A Memory Away
Memories of Frank Marocco
By Sundi O’Mara
Jack Emblow and Frank Morocco at London Accordion Festival
December 2001
Leroy Arthur Dalbeck was a beloved husband
and father and very dedicated to his family and his
accordion until the time of his passing away from
this earth on February 4, 2012. He was born July
25, 1935 in Wakefield, Michigan and filled his life
full of faith, humor and music. He worked hard to
provide a living for his wife, Gabriela, and family.
At one time he farmed in the Midwest to provide
a home for his family. But then he decided to
move to the west coast and left the farm, animals,
furniture in someone else’s care. His children
remembered they could not take any of their toys,
sleighs, ice skates or clothes. There was room
to move only the bare necessities for the family
of 5 children, mom and dad. Upon arriving at the
west coast, dad opened the trunk of the car, and
low and behold there was Leroy’s accordion -- a
bare necessity? Of course! Well Leroy played
that accordion throughout his life. He was always
willing to play for others, and he had a special
style of his own that made people happy. That
is what Leroy was all about- making his family,
friends and others happy.l That is the legacy he
left.
Like many others, it was hard to believe that the
great Frank Marocco passed away March 3, 2012.
I’ve been recalling my memories of him.
I met Frank Marocco at the London Accordion
Festival in 2001. He played with Jack Emblow during
“Jazz After Hours” on a borrowed accordion while I
participated in the orchestra. We reminisced about the
festival over the years.
Frank was at Las Vegas Accordion Convention
three times, and I was there in 2002. Frank accepted
the Lifetime Achievement Award for Anthony GallaRini, received the Honorary Conductor Award in 2010,
gave workshops, and performed. Frank performed at
Anthony Galla-Rini’s 99th birthday and 100th birthday
celebration. He played “There Will Never be Another
You” at both occasions. He acknowledged Myron Floren then too; they were my two idols.
I went to Frank Marocco Accordion Event in
2008, played in the orchestra with Frank’s conducting.
I never dreamed I would hear a jazz accordionist play
the Slovenian polka, “Bod Moja.” Come to find out, he
was just trying out an accordion!
Jazz was Frank’s favorite but he played other
types of music. When I heard accordion playing in
movies I could brag by saying “I know the accordion
player.”
I believe Frank Marocco was welcomed by St.
Peter as he joined other great accordionists like Anthony Galla-Rini, Myron Floren, Art Van Damme and
some of the other great ones.
Yes, Frank Marocco as the song says” There will
Never be Another You.”
summer Quarter 2012
41
Memories of Joe Smiell
By Sundi O’Mara
For Sale
At Galla-Rini Accordion Camp - Sundi with Joe Smiell
Tonaveri MIDI Accordion
Model 1000
Imported and sold by Joe Spano
(Only 5 Tonaver MIDI accordions
made)
Rhinestone grille.
13+Master/9 switches
When I read Joe Smiell passed away January
31, 2012, memories of Joe came to mind. I met Joe in
1990 at a polka festival featuring Slovenian style music in Pueblo, Colorado. A few years later Joe started
going to Galla-Rini Camp in Oregon. One evening Mr.
Galla-Rini told Joe of how he’d met Frankie Yankovic.
Joe also gave workshops in the afternoons, sometimes played solos during camp dances and concerts,
and in the French Quarter where there was music,
eating, drinking and good. Once, I fell asleep. Joe
said, “That’s a sin,” when somebody told him. Yes,
Joe Smiell had a sense of humor and always had a
smile.
We both learned that we liked AVSENIK music.
So at one concert Joe played “Proti Jutru” which
means “Toward Morning” in Slovenian composed by
Slavko Avsenik as an encore. He played accordion
Alpine style. Joe made a camp history that time. I
always played Avsenik tunes during my camp years.
In 2005 Joe took over the Galla-Rini Camp Ensemble. He was asked by Anthony Galla-Rini. Like
Anthony Galla-Rini, Joe Smiell arranged music and
his exercises were like songs. He told me that he
didn’t like boring exercises. I agreed!
St. Peter welcomed Joe Smiell to heaven and I
believe Joe is conducting an angel accordion orchestra and buttonbox
camps. Joe Smiell
will be missed.
May his arrangements be played
for years to come.
Joe Smiell playing in
the French Quarter at
Galla-Rini Camp.
42
$4700
Arralde Accordion Co.
24204 - 132nd Ave. SE
Kent, WA 98042
(253) 639-7000
GUERRINI “Special” Model - 120 bass, 41
treble, 4/5 reeds with musette tuning (LMMM),
9/5 switches with master. Black with beautiful rhinestone inlays and Eagle on grille.
Red bellows, air tight. 19 1/4” keyboard, 25
lbs. Brand new case and straps. This won’t
last long, so call now. $3,200 425-330-7132
(Ron)
Summer Quarter 2012
Precious Memories
Thank you so much for sending me the radio interview with
Frank. It makes my heart swell as well as ache to hear
him. We were together on five different events where we
each played. He was always such a kind, humble man,
and the greatest player. His bass work was so integrated
and voiced with the harmony of each song. He played the
accordion like a fine jazz pianist.
I remember being with him in Dallas some years ago where
we were both performing for the National Accordion Festival. We were in a room outside the ballroom where the
stage was. I had my accordion on warming up and he said,
“Jan, you shouldn’t walk to the stage with that accordion
on. Save your strength for the performance. Let Jay carry
your instrument to the stage”. That advice doesn’t seem
profound, but I was impressed that he would bother to
counsel in his sincere way. I have other memories of his
humor, sincerity, and philosophy.
We have lost a wonderful man who was an accordion
master.
Sincerely,
Janet Todd
Great Scot!
Gary Blair is a globe-trotting accordionist. This
winter he performed in Dubai and in India. He wrote,
“We played at the Jumerai beach hotel for the
Caledonian society. Scotland’s first minister Alex
Salmond was present. The program also featured
the Dubai pipe band. A wonderful city and turned out
a great gig. We then went on to play in Delhi India
which was quite an experience!!”
Before his “event” in the desert, Frank gave workshops and
concerts while at the accordion camp in Silver Falls, OR. It
was the opportunity of a life time for many campers. At the
conclusion of the camp Geoff Levear had scheduled another concert in Portland. I wouldn’t have missed it for the
world! When we walked into the building, there was obvious strain on the faces that greeted us. Gary Blair Sr. and
Gary Jr. were in the room near the wall along which was a
series of bath towels laid end to end. ALL of Frank’s bass
mechanism was carefully laid out in order on the towels.
In loading up from camp, Frank set his instrument in last in
the back of a station wagon, near the hatch. When the car
arrived at the concert site, it was parked on a slight incline.
When Frank opened the hatch to extract his instrument, the
accordion rolled out on the pavement. The onlookers were
aghast… People were scurrying and offering help. An accordion technician from California had been a camper and
immediately set to working the problem. It was a problem
indeed. The bass had collapsed! At first the technician
thought he could restore the instrument and that Frank
could use it for the program. When I next saw Frank, he
was sitting along the wall at the room’s entry drinking a cup
of water. He was calm. He said to me, “Things happen.”
He went on to play his program on a BORROWED accordion. It was a thrill to hear him play and to appreciate his
command of the instrument and the music. Grace under
fire….
Doris
Change of Address?
Please contact NWAS when you have a change of
address - email [email protected] or send
a note to NWAS, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682
summer Quarter 2012
43
Accordion Events Calendar
By Doris Osgood
[email protected]
NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS
SEATTLE, WA
2nd Monday monthly: June 11, no meeting July/Aug.
resume Sept. 10 Contact: John Giuliani 425-255-2121 or
Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 Back up contact: Bonnie Birch 206-6224786. Music 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. *note changes of venue in
this issue.
TACOMA, WA
2nd Thursday monthly:, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13
Lutheran Church 121st & Park Ave. across from PLU Library
7:00 – 9:30 PM contact: Dick Myking 253-537-0136
FOREST GROVE, OR
4th Sundays April and October. Forest Grove Community
Center, 2037 Douglas St. Forest Grove, OR. 1:30 PM –
5:00 PM. Contact: Doris Osgood 503-357-0417.
[email protected] * October 14, 2012
schedule change to resolve conflict with Trophy Mondiale
ACCORDION CLUB OF CENTRAL OREGON
BEND, OR
2ND Saturday Monthly, noon – 2 PM Aspen Ridge Retirement Home 1010 NW Purcell Blvd, Bend Members provide
entertainment one Sunday monthly also. Contacts: Lillian Jones, 541-536-1531 [email protected] or Karl
Kment, 541-548-0495 [email protected]
ACCORDION JAM IN SANDY
SANDY, OR
4th Saturday monthly noon – 4 PM meet at Shorty’s Corner
Café 2 miles East of Sandy, OR on Hwy 26. Bring accordion, music, stand, and snack to share. Coffee provided. All
players welcome. Contact Andy Jorgensen 503-668-3917
or 503-975-2380.
ACCORDION CLUB OF ROSEBURG
ROSEBURG, OR
3rd Monday monthly 6:30, 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg
Pres. Karen Cordell 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg, OR
97471 541-784-1911 [email protected]
ACCORDION CLUB OF VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER, B.C.
www.meetup.com/Accordion-Club-of-Vancouver
contact: Haike Kingma, [email protected]
ACCORDION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SOCIETY
SANTA BARBARA, CA
2nd Sunday monthly 1 – 3 PM Vale Verde Retirement Theatre 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA
AIMS P.O. Box 4511 Santa Barbara, CA 93140
Info: Heinz Trick 805-685-2260
www.santabarbaraaccordions.com
BROOKINGS ACCORDION CLUB
44
BROOKINGS, OR
4th Sat. monthly 2-4 PM, Evergreen Federal S&L, 850
Chetco Ave. Brookings, OR, Pres. Cami Meccia 541-469807
EASTSIDE JAZZ
Bellevue, WA
3rd Tuesday monthly, Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 7:30 PM
beginning January 2012. Contact: Cooksie Kramer 425828-9104
EMERALD VALLEY ACCORDION CLUB
EUGENE, OR
1st Monday monthly: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Veterans’ Memorial
Bldg. 1626 Willamette St. Secretary Linda Gunn 541-7266330 [email protected] V.P. Lou Marzano Social
time 6 PM, business 6:45 PM
FAIRBANKS ACCORDION CLUB
FAIRBANKS, AK
Mondays weekly 6 – 8 PM Pioneers Home, open to all free
reed instruments. Contact: Christine Upton 907-457-3392
FIVE VALLEY ACCORDION ASSOCIATION MONTANA
5VAA Jams are 1- 5 Pm
Pres. Helen Brady 370-8452
[email protected]
March 11, Rustic Hut, Florence
March 25, Jokers Wild, Missoula
April 22, Eagles, Hamilton
May 13, Jokers Wild, Missoula
May 25 -- 27 Joint Camp out with NW at Long Pine
Montana – NW Accordion Association
Contact Roger Wagner 406- 862-2436
all NWAA Jams 2 – 6 PM
March 18, Eagles, Kalispell
April 1, Elks, Polson
April 15, Eagles, Kalispell
May 6, Elks, Polson
May 20, Eagles, Kalispell
Montana – Great Falls Accordion Players
Jams are 1 PM – 5 PM
April 15 – Moose
May 20 – Eagles
June 10 – Elks
July 15 - Moose
Contact Pat Sharp for info: 406-452-4546
HUGO’S ACCORDION BAND
MT. VERNON, WA
2nd and 4th Monday monthly 6:00- 9:00 PM
President, Duane Stowe 16580 Peterson Rd Burlington,
WA 98233 360-757-4826 [email protected]
HOUSTON BAY AREA ACCORDION CLUB
HOUSTON, TX
2ND Wednesday monthly 5 – 9 PM Joe Brikha, Pres
[email protected] www.bayareaaccordionclub.com
MEDFORD ACCORDION CLUB
Summer Quarter 2012
MEDFORD, OR
4th Monday monthly 7 - 9 PM: Central Point Senior Center
123 N. 2nd St, Central Point, OR Jeannette Dewey, Pres.
1029 SE Rogue Dr. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-471-7455
OKANAGAN ACCORDION CLUB
KELOWNA, BC
Tuesdays weekly Sept. – May, Senior Center on Richter
Info contact: Rod Miller 250-317-9088, Lela Bourne
[email protected]
ROGUE RIVER ACCORDION CLUB
ROGUE RIVER, OR
1st Wednesday monthly. 7 PM Council Chambers Rogue
River City Hall, 133 Broadway St. Rogue River, OR. Pres.
Margot Turrell 206 Creekside Grants Pass, OR 97526 541479-9409 [email protected]
ROSE CITY ACCORDION CLUB
PORTLAND, OR
3rd Saturday monthly. 1 – 5 PM Milwaukie Public Safety
Bldg, SE 32nd & Harrison, Milwaukie, OR.
* meeting in September 4th Sat.(Sept.24)
Pres. Steve Knapke 503-612-8381 email: squeezebox21@
comcast.net
www.rosecityaccordionclub.org
SEQUIM ACCORDION SOCIAL
SEQUIM, WA
2nd Sunday, Odd numbered months, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Sequim Senior Center next meeting September 11 contact:
Jeannie Berg- [email protected]
SIERRA NEVADA ACCORDIONS
RENO, NV
John Covarelli, Pres. 775-848-3777, sqeezebox2@gmail.
com
SPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLE
SPOKANE, WA
weekly rehearsals 6- 9 PM Eileen Webber, Pres. 509-2906858 [email protected]
SPOKANE AND INLAND NORTHWEST ACC. CLUB
SPOKANE, WA
4th Monday monthly, 1520 W. 3rd and Maple in Spokane, at
the Global Credit Union Bldg. Exit #280 off I-90.
6 – 9 PM, $3. at the door
TUALATIN VALLEY ACCORDIONISTS
FOREST GROVE, OR
1st Sat. monthly 10 AM – 1 PM Forest Grove Library Pacific
Ave. Contact: Paul and Judy Bria 503-591-0504 pjbria@
aol.com
YUMA ACCORDION CLUB
Yuma, AZ
every Tuesday, November - March at the Yuma Food Bank
at 2404 E 24th Street, Yuma, AZ
President, Coreen Bergholm @ [email protected] or
Ginger Purdy @ [email protected]
VICTORIA ACCORDION CLUB
VICTORIA, B.C. CANADA
1st Sunday Monthly 2:30 PM, Victoria Edelweiss Club
108 Niagra St., James Bay District Victoria, BC
Contact: John 250-386-7282 or 250-477-3098
www.bcaccordion.ca
BUTTON BOX CAMPS JULY AND SEPT
for information contact: Joseph Smiell Jr. 812 Bantry Way
Benica, CA 94510
RCAC ACCORDION CAMP- SILVER FALLS CONFERENCE CENTER June 10 - 15, 2012 near Sublimity, OR.
Camp treasurer: Marlene Meissner 503-463-9909 [email protected]
LEAVENWORTH INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CELEBRATION June 14 - 17, 2012 Leavenworth, WA. www.
accordioncelebration.org www.nwasnews.com
KIMBERLEY OLD TIME ACCORDION COMPETITION
KIMBERLEY, BC
July 9 - 14 , 2012, www.kiotac.ca 1-888-4KIOTAC or 250427-7318
VICTORIA ACCORDION FESTIVAL
Victoria, British Columbia July 19-22 , 2012
www.bcaccordion.ca 1-778-433-8700
FAIRBANKS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
July 15 - 29, 2012 on the campus of U. of Alaska
Fairbanks. www.fsaf.org contact 907-474-8869
FUNDRAISING CONCERTS IN SPOKANE
July 16 with the Alex Meixner Band
August 28 Portato Accordion Band/Tango Volcado
both programs @ Bing Crosby Theatre Spokane
ACCORDION CELEBRATION – Historic Wallace
Wallace, ID August 10 - 11, 2012 Michael Bridge and
Patricia Bartell featured performers
www.wallaceIdahoChamber.com
COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVAL
Cotati, CA August 18 -19 , 2012 Featuring Dick Contino
www.cotatifest.com
COUPE MONDIALE
August 21 – 25, Spoleto, Italy
ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA
EDMONTON, ALBERTA September 28 - 30, 2012
www.edmontonaccordion.com
INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTION
Las Vegas, NV, Sept. 24 - 27 2012 Mardi Gras Style at the
Gold Coast Hotel, Las Vegas
USA: 1-800-472-1695 outside USA: 1-801-486-1695
[email protected]
ALPENFEST
Alpenfest Sept. 27-30 Wallowa County, OR,
Oregon's Little Switzerland – spotlighting The Polkatones
and Swiss yodeler Lisa Ward. Also featuring the Alpine Art,
Antique and Craft Oregon Fair, shopping in Enterprise,
summer Quarter 2012
45
Joseph and at Wallowa Lake and street musicians
throughout the weekend. Details: oregonalpenfest.com or
541-432-0209.
Entertainers in the Northwest
Submit your public performance schedules to Doris Osgood 3224 B St.
Forest Grove, OR 97116 [email protected]
Alpiners USA
TROPHY MONDIALE
October 23 – 27, 2012 Spokane, WA Bing Crosby
Theatre www.worldtrophyaccordion.org
www.alpinerusa.com with Joe Domitrowich
Juan Barco – Band
Contact: 23091 23rd Ave. W. Brier, WA 98036
425-775-8150; cell 206-356-1878
Corky Bennett
The ATG Annual Festival
The Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) proudly announces that the 2012
ATG Festival will be held from July 25-29, 2012
at the Hyatt Lisle, 1400 Coporetum Drive in Lisle,
(Chicago) Illinois. Mark your calendars.
Hotel Telephone: (630) 852-1234 ;Reservations: 1-888-421-1442 (mention the ATG for
special convention rate, available until July 8,
2012) Hotel includes complimentary Breakfast
buffet for all guests, complimentary Wifi in all
rooms, Free Parking, transportation to the train
offering frequent service to Downtown Chicago
and complimentary pickup and drop-off (times to
be arranged) to Oh’are or Midway Airports.
Convention Hotel Rates : Single Occupancy
$99.00 plus tax; Double Occupancy $109.00 plus
tax; Triple Occupancy $114.00 plus tax; Quadruple Occupancy $119.00 plus tax.
Wednesdays at Polo Lounge, Fridays w/ 9th St. Band
Reno Senior Center, Saturdays at Bavarian World
website: www.corkybennett.com
email: [email protected]
775-287-2050
Bonnie Birch
Website: bonniebirch.com
For scheduling information: write 1107 1st Ave.
#1003 Seattle, WA 98101.
206-622-4786, email: [email protected]
Chuck Berger
Accordion Repair and Public Performance
For information call: 503-254-0996
[email protected]
Charlie Brown
Contact: [email protected] hm 253-857-6557
cell 253-376-5487
Frank Calapristi
Winter schedule at King Ludwig’s, Wed, Thurs. Sun.
nights; tour groups as needed
For scheduling information write PO Box 1057
Leavenworth, WA 98826 509-548-0155
[email protected]
Gary Dahl
Celebration 2013
For scheduling information write 509 Valley Ave. NE
#5 Puyallup, WA 98372
Phone/fax 253-770-9492
[email protected]; www.accordions.com/
garydahl; www.beltuna.com
Tom Demski (Mr. Flash)
For scheduling information write: 518 9th St. SW
Puyallup, WA 98371 253-840-9277
[email protected]
Folk Voice Band
For scheduling: Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 folkvoice@
folkvoiceband.com; http://folkvoiceband.com
Happy Hans’ Music Hans Rainer, Jr.
A Music Festival for the entire family
Join us in Leavenworth, Washington
June 20 - 23, 2013
For the love of the accordion
46
June 9 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PM
June 17 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 3 – 7 PM
July 7 Miner’s Day Black Diamond, WA 12 – 4 PM
July 13 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PM
July 29 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 3 – 7 PM
Aug. 4 Benson Barn North Bend, WA 1 – 5 PM
Aug. 11 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 6 – 10 PM
Summer Quarter 2012
Aug. 19 Berliner Pub Renton, WA 3 – 7 PM
Sept. 21 Maple Valley Oktoberfest 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Sept. 28 – 30 Berliner Pub Renton, WA
For scheduling information write Hans Rainer, Jr.
24613 231st Ave. SE Maple Valley, WA 98038
425-413-6562 [email protected] WWW.
HAPPYHANSMUSIC.COM
Little Bohemian Band
Check web site for details.
For scheduling contact: Gene Sadowsky
541-990-3109
email:[email protected] www.
littlebohemianband.com 802 NW Quarry Rd. Albany,
OR 97321
Greg Meier
July 5 – July 16 Baurenhaus Kimberley, B.C. 5 PM to
close
Sept. 13 – 16 Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Sept. 21 – 23 Oaks Park Oktoberfest Portland, OR
Sept. 28 – 29 Prost Oktobefest
Sept. 30 Astoria Oktoberferst 3 – 8 PM
Fri/Sat. evenings Mt. Angel Sausage Co. Restaurant.
For scheduling information write: 38572 Park Ave.
Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-7002. Fax 503-668-1058
[email protected]
Andy Mirkovich
May 14 – NWAS Social West Seattle
Full schedule private engagements
Master Classes by appointment: 425-451-1256
Murl Allen Sanders
May 30 Bellevue Jazz Festival
June 10 – 14 RCAC Accordion Camp Silver Falls, OR
Full schedule private engagements, regular
performances in synagogue and church, composing,
and teaching. For scheduling information write:
[email protected] PO Box 30553 Seattle, WA
98113, 206-781-8196
Lyle Schaefer
band, and 1928, a classic jazz band.
For scheduling information contact: Toby Hanson
11123 216th St. E Graham, WA 98338 253-875-8580
[email protected]
http://smilinscandivanians.com
Dennis Schadduck
China Jade Restaurant 87th & Greenwood Ave. N
Seattle Sunday nights.
Joe Szabo
Fri – Sat. 6:30 – 9:30 PM Nonna Emilia’s Ristorante
Aloha, OR
For scheduling information: 13484 SW Devonshire Dr.
Beaverton, OR 97005 503-641-2313
Syl’s Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band (WA)
Syl’s Arizona Dance Band and Polka Band
June 2 Swedish Cultural Center Seattle, WA 2 – 5 PM
June 17 Midsummer Dance Vasa Park Hall Bellevue,
WA 4 – 6 PM, 7 – 9 PM
Sept 22 Sons of Norway Bothel, WA 8 – 11;30 PM
Oct. 6 Sons of Norway Bothel, WA 8 – 11:30 PM
Full schedule in Mesa and Apache Junction, AZ
(Jan.- April, Nov. Arizona Schedule, 480-357-2585)
For scheduling: Sylvia Jorgensen, WA contact: 253845-9321, cell 253-678-7682
[email protected], www.fjordsong.com
SVEA Trio
Svea Trio- Richard Svensson and Bjarne Jacobsen
206-523-3245, [email protected]
www.winwins.com/sveatrio/
NW Accordionaires
Contact: Cooksie Kramer 425-828-9104
Most of our professional players keep their current and
updated performance schedules on their web sites.
Advance scheduling is difficult and often fluid. Consult
the contact information and web addresses for up to date
information. Support them when you can.
For scheduling information write: 10523-63rd St. Ct E
#61, Puyallup, WA 98372 (253) 848-0778.
Sam’s Variety Gems
Sam Pecorilla: home 541-847-2282, cell 541-3219088
Smilin’ Scandinavians
June 22 Folk Dance Swedish Club Seattle, WA 8 –
10:30 PM
July 11 Des Moines Beach Park Concert 5 – 6:30 PM
July 17 Shoreline Parks Concert Hamlin Park noon – 1
PM
July 28 Finn Fest Naselle-Grays River High School
6 – 10 PM
Aug. 19 Mercer Island Parks Concert Mercerdale Park
7 – 8:30 PM
Toby also has regular gigs also with Jangles, a
Western Swing band, Cowgirl’s Dream, an Americana
The Chester Pietka Scholarships are
available for young accordionists. Young people
ages 18 and under, taking lessons from a recognized
teacher, or wishing to do so, may submit a written
request for scholarship funds for the purpose of
taking lessons. Requests are to be submitted to Doris
Osgood, 3224 B St., Forest Grove, OR 97116 or e-mail
[email protected].
In addition to giving personal information,
students are to share their interest and their goals for
playing the accordion. These scholarships are open
to the young people within the Pacific Northwest, not
just the greater Portland area.
summer Quarter 2012
47
5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12
Vancouver, WA 98682
www.nwasnews.com
Membership Application
All funds in U.S. Currency
Membership Type:
Regular Membership
North America
U.S. - $20.00
New Membership
Renewal
Student Membership
Age 18 and Under
U.S. $15/year
Patron Membership
$35/year U.S. funds
Canada $20/year (US funds)
Canada - $25 (U.S. Funds)
Outside North America
$35 (U.S. Funds)
Gift Membership from:
Name:
(Please Print)
Street Address:
City:
State:
Telephone: (
Zip:
Country:
)
E-mail Address:
(This will be used for INTERNAL to NWAS only and will not be sold or distributed elsewhere)
I would like to receive the _____Electronic version (PDF) _____Hard copy ____Both types
Please mail to: Northwest Accordion Society, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682.
Include SASE (Self Addressed STAMPED Envelope) for membership card
All funds in U.S. Currency
48
Summer Quarter 2012
5102 NE 121st Ave., Unit 12
Vancouver, WA 98682-6164
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BRB
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Current Members
Your membership renewal date is specified on the mailing label. Please assist our volunteer
staff by sending in your renewal form before that date.
Change of Address
To avoid delay and extra cost, send address changes to the above address, or email as soon
as possible. There is a $5 charge to resend undeliverable issues.
New Members
We encourage all individuals interested in supporting, playing, and/or promoting the
accordion to become members.
Membership forms are inside the back cover.
NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY
Membership
5102 NE 121st Ave., Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682-6164
www.nwasnews.com

NWAS-Summer 2012.indd - Northwest Accordion Society News

Transcription

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