The memorial service forrenowned Jazz AccordionistFrank Marocco, aged 81, whopassed away on March 3, 2012was held on Saturday, March24, 2012 in Northridge, CA.To hear sound files of thespeeches and musical offer-ings, please visitwww.frankmarocco.net/memorial

Frank Marocco's wide-rang-ing career embraced everygenre of music, but his passionwas jazz.

Born in Illinois, FrankMarocco’s musical careerbegan in Chicago where, at theage of 17, he won a nationalmusic contest, performing hiswinning solo with the ChicagoPops Orchestra, playing before

several thousand people in Sol-dier’s Field. He spent the nextfew years travelling all overthe USA with various groups,playing accordion at hotels andclubs in Las Vegas, LakeTahoe and Palm Springs.While touring in the Midwest,he met his future wife, Anne,in South Bend, Indiana, andthey eventually moved to theWest Coast, and settled in LosAngeles.

After a period as the pianistwith the Les Brown swingband, Frank worked with BobHope, playing accordion, bothon TV and on worldwide toursentertaining U.S. forces. Healso worked with Frank Sina-tra, Dinah Shore, Doris Day,Harry Connick, Jr., Liza

Minelli, Ray Connif, BurtBacharach, Dolly Parton,Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash,John Denver, Glenn Campbell,Dudley Moore, Sophia Loren,Bob Newhart, George Burns,and many more.

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association MAY 2012

Here’s What’sHappening atAAA in 2012

JULY 11-15AAA Annual Festival

Sheraton City CenterBaltimore, Maryland

Workshops • ExhibitsConcerts • Competition

Guest Artist:Stas Venglevski

Coordinators: Frank Busso,Mary Tokarski

and Linda Reed

JULY 27-29Master Class and Concert

Series – The SeminarsRedemption: The Radar –

Off the RadarTenri Cultural Institute

43A W13th Street, NYCModerator/Curator:

Dr. William Schimmel

SEPTEMBER 8Noon to 5:00 pm

Valtaro CelebrationWine tasting, dinner

and dancingMagnanini Farm Winery

172 Strawridge Rd. Wallkill, NY

Chairman: Mario TaccaJoin us as we pay tribute to

the Magnanini Family fortheir continued support of

live accordion music!

My sincerest thanks to you all, for your positive support and feedback on the firstissue of the AAA Newsletter that was published in March.

As we move through the year, I think we are all excited by the diverse and excitingarray of accordion activities that are happening on a constant basis from Coast to Coast.Thank you for taking the time to share these events with our membership, by sendingus your news stories and pictures.

I look forward to hearing from you over the coming weeks as you offer your news items for ourupcoming publications.

Sincerely, KevinKevin Friedrich – AAA Newsletter Editor

From the Editor

Frank Marocco Memorial Service Soundtrack Available Online

continued on page 2

The Frank Busso, Jr. Triofrom Washington, D.C. willappear with Kansas City basedVivant! on the Fremar Founda-tion for Accordion Arts"Music & Merlot" Concert onJune 23, 2012.

The Busso Trio are all activeduty servicemen in the U.S.Air Force and perform regu-larly in Washington, D.C. andthroughout the United Statesas members of the U.S. AirForce Strings. They regularlyperform at the White House,the Capitol, and at high proto-col functions for visiting headsof state. AAA Board of Direc-tor, Technical Sergeant Frank

Busso, Jr. is the son of a well-known accordionist andteacher Frank Busso, Sr. fromStaten Island, New York.Frank’s trio members also in-clude violinist, MSgt. HenryTyszler, and bassist, MSgt.

William Hones. In their off-duty time, they perform to-gether as the Frank Busso, Jr.Trio, playing a wide repertoireof music that includes classi-cal, popular, continental,

Frank Busso, Jr. Trio to Perform in Kansas City

continued on page 2

AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATION

NewsletterNewsletter

Frank Marocco recorded over500 soundtracks for films andtelevision in Hollywood. Hismovie credits include “Grease,““Pirates of the Caribbean,““The Muppet Movie,” “TheBlues Brothers,” “The LionKing,” “Beauty & the Beast,”“Doctor Zhivago,” “Rocky 3,”“Schindler’s List” and “TheGodfather,” to name just a few.He also recorded with artists asdiverse as Madonna, PinkFloyd, The Beach Boys, andLuciano Pavarotti.

Widely respected throughoutthe accordion world, Frank’sgreat musicality and dazzlingtechnique were much admiredwherever he performed, and hiswarm personality endeared himto audiences, and all who methim.

The recipient of numerousawards, Frank received theAAA Lifetime Achievement

Award in 2006 and was nomi-nated eight years in a row forthe Recording Academy's MostValuable Player Award, receiv-ing the Award in 1985 and1986. In 2000, he was inductedinto the Accordion Hall ofFame in Vicenza, Italy.

Frank Marocco is survived byhis wife of 60 years, Anne, hisdaughters, Cynthia, Venetia andLisa, and eight grandchildren.■

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 2 MAY 2012

Season 11 “American Idol”contestant Elise Testonecaught the eye of accordionistsfrom across the USA and as faraway as New Zealand, wherethe show is broadcast the fol-lowing day, when she sangBilly Joel's "Vienna" with onlya pianist and accordionist onstage with her.

Sean “P Diddy” Combsjoined Jimmy Iovine to mentorcontestants who were requiredto select songs from Billy Joelfor their performance. Bothwere concerned that Testone’schoice of “Vienna,” a song thatonly hardcore Billy Joel fans

know, was a bad move. How-ever, all were proven wrong,and in the words of a writer atthe Hollywood Reporter, “sheabsolutely nailed it, completewith the sultry, bluesy, jazzy,late-night cigarettes and boozedelivery that the song de-mands. I loved the accordion,loved the hair, the dress, thedelivery - all of it!”

Elise earned a standing ova-tion from all three judges, andmany subsequent reports onthe show complimented her onher use of the accordion asmusical backing in her per-formance. ■

Dominic Karcic and Bruce Reed (Tenor) in Concert

“American Idol” Contestant Features AccordionistFrank Marocco, continued from page 1

Broadway, bluegrass and patri-otic works.

The concert will be inKansas City on Saturday, June23rd at 7 p.m., at All SoulsUnitarian - Bragg Auditorium.Also appearing in the concertare the concert hosts Vivant!,as well as other guest artistsincluding Melody Stroth,piano, and Ronda Adams,

electric violin/viola, who willperform new works that fea-ture the accordion. Doorsopen at 6:30 pm for cocktailsand viewing of antique accor-dions and other exhibits. Do-nations accepted at the door.For additional information,please visit www.FremarFoun-dation.com and click on Music& Merlot. ■

Busso Trio, continued from page 1

The Avanti Society pre-sented an outstanding af-ternoon of musicfeaturing “GreatMelodies from SunnyItaly” on March 25th atthe Long Beach PublicLibrary featuring accor-dionist and AAA BoardMember Dominic Karcicand Tenor Bruce Reed.

Dominic attended New York College of Music where he earned aBachelor of Music degree and continued his education at the CityUniversity of New York (CUNY) where he received his Master’sDegree in Music. He has always played professionally in the NewYork area and continues to do so today.

His love for the Valtaro Musette music was instilled in himthrough his years of study with noted accordionist Peter Spagnoli. Inrecent years he has been involved in the preservation and documen-tation of this particular musical style. He collaborated in writing abiographical article on the life and career of accordionist John“Scudlein” Brugnoli (founder of the Valtaro Musette Orchestra) andhas continued writing articles about Valtaro Musette music.

The Concert featured works by Bixio, Denza, Modugno, Puccini,Travajoli and Verdi. ■

This spring and summer willfeature a diverse array of activi-ties at the Harrington ARTSCenter, reports events organizerHelmi Strahl Harrington, Ph.D.,who serves as Curator for therenowned A World of Accor-dions Museum and Lead In-structor at theAccordion-concertina Repairand Technicians' School, lo-cated at 1401 Belknap Street inSuperior, WI.

Anthony Bukoski read shortstories from his “local color”books: “Between Trains andNorth of the Port.” Bukoski isa Pulitzer Prize winning authorwhose works are listed atwww.wewantedtobewriters.com. A rave review can be foundin the Star Tribune, January 29,2012, Variety section, frontpage. Bukoski’s writings arestrongly influenced by Polishand popular tunes from his fa-ther’s accordion repertory, sim-ulated between the readings byHelmi Harrington. The accor-dion, now preserved in A World

of Accordions Museum,prompted his meeting Harring-ton and her husband and in-spired segments of his shortstories.

Renowned accordionist MaryTokarski will be the featuredartist on May 1 at 7 pm. Admis-sion is $15.00 per person. Marywas the USA’s representative atthe prestigious Coupe Mondi-ale, has performed with majororchestras of the world, and ison concert tour throughout theMidwest. In 2004, her ‘K’ Triopresented the first formal con-cert during Grand Reopeningcelebrations of A World of Ac-cordions Museum, then newlyrelocated in Superior.

Ronny Setnicker of Biwabikwill appear on June 16, at 3 pm.Admission $15.00 per person.Setnicker is well known asSlovenian specialist on diatonicaccordions. A featured per-former of long-standing, Set-nicker was pictured onIronworld USA’s billboard andhas been recorded with his

Harrington ARTS Center Activities

continued on page 3

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 3 MAY 2012

daughters Shelby and Susan(CD: “Tradition”). The Set-nickers are popular entertain-ers who have made severalappearances at this venue.Additional featured performerswill be Rob Dingmann (Min-neapolis), Paul Vargason, andHelmi Harrington.

Accordion Concertina MusicStudios Band will perform ona float in Superior’s Fourth ofJuly Parade. This is the thirdyear in which performers fromSuperior, Duluth, Foxboro,Two Harbors, La Pointe,Burnsville and Fergus Falls

(MN), and Austin (TX) join forthe celebration. The Band willrepeat its performance at Carl-ton County Historical Society.

Alex Meixner and his Bandwill be presented in concert onJuly 5 at 6 pm. Advance ticketpurchase at $20.00 per personis recommended. Meixner hasreached star status amongmulti-generational audiencesas a Grammy Award nomineeand national entertainer on dia-tonic and piano accordions,brasses, and vocals. His reper-tory covers the gamut betweenethnic and pop music. Mem-

bers of the band include TomJones on saxes, clarinet, flute,guitar and vocals, and MichaelMorris on drums and vocals.Find more information aboutMeixner atwww.AlexMeixner.com. Paul

Vargason of Superior, alsoplaying multiple instruments,will offer the opening act.

For further information,please contact:Dr. Helmi Strahl Harrington at715-395-2787. ■

Harrington ARTS Center, continued from page 2

La Villini Restaurant in EastNorthport, Long Island, thesponsor of the monthly LongIsland Accordion Alliance(LIAA) gathering, featuredguest soloist, Paolo Belanich(Lodi, NJ) who entertained thepatrons with some of his verycreative original compositionsand also some traditional folkmelodies - all played in aSlovenian accordion style.

Paolo’s appearance at theevent brought out many of hisardent Croatian fans, whereabout sixty percent of the pa-trons were accordion lovingand many were “accordionplaying” Croatians. Many 21stCentury people travel withiPods, however it was evidentthat many Croatians from Istriatravel with accordions in theircar trunk, and were ready to

play at the event! On hand to also entertain

were many of the Alliance’sregular members Joe Campo,Phil Franzese, Dominic Karcic,Bob La Bua, Ray Oreggia, PhilPrete and Franco Ruggiero.

Tenor Zack Murdock droppedby and performed great rendi-tions of “Danny Boy” and“Aldi La.” Several of the pa-trons also “happened” to havetheir accordions with them andalso performed. These in-cluded Gianni Cerri (Bellport,NY), Don Gerundo (NewRochelle, NY), Mario Honovic(New Hyde Park, NY), BobKenul, and Dino Mezic (Glen-dale, NY).

The April meeting was atremendous success with stand-ing room only for the interna-tionally renowned artists AAA2nd Vice President MarioTacca and vocalist MaryMancini.

On May 1st the LIAA pre-sented internationally knownIrish accordionist, Paddy Noo-nan, while the June 5th pro-gram will feature AAA Boardof Director’s member and ac-claimed soloist, Mary Tokarski.

All meetings are held at LaVillini Restaurant, 288 Lark-field Road, East Northport, NY.

For more information andreservations, please contactDominic Karcic at (631) 261-6344. ■

Long Island Accordion Alliance Summer Activities

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE AAA’s 75th ANNIVERSARY IN 2013!

Accordion Spotlight #1:Finnish Osakeyhtio

HarmonikkaBy

Helmi Strahl Harrington, Ph.D.

I had long restedan envious eye onthe Finnish accor-dion OsakeyhtioHarmonikka,model KouvoSuomi, when JimEisenschenk (MN)made its acquisi-tion possible. Itnow stands in ourFinland displayalongside artifacts,various musicbooks, recordings of ViolaTurpeinen, Karl Jularbo, VeikkoAhvenainen, and historicrecordings remastered by ToivoTamminen, an occasional visi-tor to the museum.

In the 1930s, six accordionmakers were known to havebeen active in Finland. Amongthem during the years 1932-1995, Osakeyhtio Harmonikkawas located near the city ofKouvola, Finland. It was organ-ized by Aarne Koski (accordionbuilder since 1915), his brotherVäinö Koski and wood crafts-man Taavi Kaplas as a sub-sidiary of Harmonikka Oy(Accordion, Inc.). In 1986, bothcompanies joined Lasse Pihla-jamaa Oy, under management

of Erkki Järvenpää. The factory’s most popular

model, Kouvola Casotto,renowned throughout Scandina-vian countries, ironically led to

the company’s closing in 1995.It is said that the Kouvola ac-cordions were so well madethat minimal demand for newinstruments weakened the com-pany’s viability. In the last yearof operation, the factory soldonly 50 instruments for approx-imately 40,000 Finn-Markseach (then approximately.$7,000).

When it closed (under direc-tor Jouko Koski), its six skilledworkers had been employedthere for decades. It was the lastof its kind in northern Scandi-navian lands. Today there areno makers, but warehoused ma-chinery at Seinäjoki awaits re-vival of demand for accordionsmade in Finland.■

AWAM Museum Corner –Accordions from Scandinavia

PaddyNoonan

Finnish Accordion

MaryTokarski

Ronny Setnicker

AlexMeixner

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 4 MAY 2012

Accordion Spotlight #2: Norwegian Henschien

By Helmi Strahl Harrington, Ph.D.

One of the exciting elementsabout running this museum isthe opportunity to associate withpeople from various parts of theworld. Sometimes associationsevolve over the course of yearsand recur unexpectedly.

In 2006, three members of theScandinavian Accordion Or-chestra (Oslo, Norway) visitedthe museum after having wonthe “Kimberley InternationalOld Time Accordion Contest.”They saw our acoustically idealconcert hall and exciting mu-seum as incentive for a USAtour by the whole orchestra.Their flattering photo-article ap-peared in Nygammalt (January,2007). In 2008, director ToreØdegard, head of the NorwegianAccordion Society, and thetwelve-person Gamle AkerSpelemannslag Orchestra per-formed two fabulous concerts ofdiverse dance music that setmany toes a-twinkling, broughttears of nostalgia, and presentednew popular music. Their expertinstrumentation for chromaticbutton and piano accordionsdemonstrated virtuoso skills inperfect ensemble without con-ductor.

Tore, in addition to being anexcellent accordionist andarranger, is a patent collector andavid historian interested in man-ufacture and distribution of ac-cordions in Scandinaviancountries. As we walked among

the displays, he noticed the ab-sence of a Norwegian accordionin our Scandinavian section. Inconsequence, Tore saw to our re-ceipt of a 1952 model “C-sys-tem” button chromaticHenschien, Maestro IV from theTrekkspillmuseum Norway. Ithad been recently serviced byJörgen Sundeqvist (Asker, Nor-way) so that it can be used in AWorld of Accordions TravellingMuseum, which participates inAAA festivals.

The 3/5 reed-banks modelMaestro IV with 5+2 shifts wasdeveloped as a smaller versionof the Regal V used by ToralfTollefsen (1914-1994) in his1947 concert with the LondonInternational Orchestra at RoyalAlbert Hall, and in the followingyears’ tours of America, Africaand Europe.

Founded in 1936 by HaraldHenschien (1902–1968) inHönefoss, Norway, the Hen-schien Accordion Factory em-ployed over 50 workers duringits most productive era (1940-50), and at closure (1958) hadproduced more than 10,000 in-struments. ■

AWAM Museum Corner Accordions from Scandinavia, cont’d. Big Kids Accordion Band in Social Canvas Project

The Big Kids Accordion Bandconducted by Mrs. LaRue Man-gelly will play a tribute to Deiro,Frosini and Magnante and otheraccordion composers on May 6at the Morris Museum of Art inAugusta, GA.

The program is part of the So-cial Canvas project wherebylocal artists, inspired by the per-formances of the guest bands,

create original work. Attendeesare invited to join the art-makingat creativity stations or just sitback and enjoy the sights andsounds. The event is offered as afree service at the Morris, One10th Street, Augusta, GA. Formore information, please callMrs. LaRue Mangelly at (706)798-1831. ■

Norwegian Accordion

Dr. Helmi StrahlHarrington

Eddie Monteiro is Accordionist in Broadway’s “Evita”Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd

Webber's Tony Award Winningmusical “Evita” returns toBroadway and one of AAA’sBoard Members is the middleof it all!

Well-known Jazz artist andAAA Board of Director EddieMonteiro joins an ensemble ofsome 20 musicians under thedirection of Kristen Blodgette,as he performs on accordionand synthesizer for the wel-comed return of “Evita” onBroadway. The show stars inter-national pop icon Ricky Martin(Che), Elena Roger (Eva) andMichael Cerveris (Perón).

“Evita” tells how Eva Perónused her smarts and charisma torise meteorically from the slumsof Argentina to the presidentialmansion as First Lady. Adoredby her people as a champion forthe poor, she became one of themost powerful women in theworld - while her greed, out-sized ambition and fragilehealth made her one of the mosttragic. “Evita” tells Eva's pas-sionate and unforgettable truestory, and features some of the-ater's most beautiful songs, in-cluding "Don't Cry for MeArgentina," "Another Suitcasein Another Hall" and "High Fly-

ing, Adored."Eddie Monteiro has over

thirty years of musical perform-ance in classical music, Jazz,dance, theater and cabaret.Monteiro also is the youngesthonoree ever elected to theAmerican Accordionists’ Asso-ciation Hall of Fame in 1994.

A graduate of NYU with aB.S. in Music Education, Eddiestudied accordion with CharlesNunzio (one of the foundingmembers of the American Ac-cordionists’ Association), pianowith Madame Olga Van Till andadvanced harmony studies withMarty Holmes.

Eddie Monteiro has per-formed at Jazz festivalsthroughout the world. National

PLAYBILLcontinued on next page

EddieMonteiro

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 5 MAY 2012

performances include the JVCJazz Festival and the ToyotaJazz Festival in New York City,Salishan Jazz Festival and theCentrum Jazz Festival both inWashington. Internationally,Eddie was a guest at the NorthSea Jazz Festival in Holland,the Jakarta Jazz Festival in In-donesia, Sea Jazz Festival inHelsinki, the Norwegian Na-tional Accordion Competition,Sweden's Annual AccordionFestival in Ransatter and in Jan-uary of 2000 Eddie closed theJazz In El Tambo Festival inPunta del Esta, Uruguay per-forming with Paquito D'Rivera,Leny Andrade, John Patitucciand Benny Golson.

He presently is a musicteacher and choral director atAnn Street School (New Jersey)and is also Musical Director atMatawan-Aberdeen HighSchool Summer Theater andvocal director for Matawan Av-enue Middle School’s springmusicals - conducting, coachingand accompanying students onproductions of numerousBroadway plays.

“Evita” is currently running atthe Marquis Theatre in NewYork City until December 30,2012. ■

Monteiro is Accordionist in “Evita”, cont’d from page 4

AAA Board Member RitaDavidson has released a neweTracks Album titled "TheMusic of Eugene Ettore.” Therelease coincides with the 90thanniversary of the birth of Eu-gene Ettore (1921-1985). RitaDavidson writes: “For the firsttime, the music of Eugene Et-tore is available worldwide toaccordionists. As you listen tothese virtuoso selections, youwill realize the great value andmusical contribution that hemade to accordion repertoire.”

Eugene Ettore, former presi-dent of the AAA, wrote over300 compositions at all levelsincluding works for solo, duet,ensembles, band, and orchestra.In addition to being an accor-

dionist, he was a professionalFrench horn player, havingplayed in many symphony or-chestras.

His great involvement in sym-phonic music is reflected in hisvirtuoso compositions whichnot only showcase the capabili-ties of the accordion, but alsohave a distinctly orchestral fla-vor. His unique compositionschallenge the musicianship andtechnique of the performerwhile they provide a musicaltreat for all to hear.

Rita Davidson is preparingfurther recordings which willinclude: “The Manhattan Con-certo,” “Springtime Caprice,”“Prelude and Scherzo,”“Accordion Miniatures,”“Five O'Clock Rush” and“Spanish Holiday.”

Rita Davidson is seekingadditional information,photos, etc. for the EugeneEttore historical website. Ifyou can assist, please con-tact her at:Ritabelll@aol.com

For more information, pleasevisit: www.musicforaccordion.com/eTracks/inform/davidson/index.htm ■

Rita Davidson DebutseTracks Album of theMusic of Eugene Ettore

18 Accordionists Invited to Record Hollywood Film ScoreWorld renowned Hollywood

based Academy Award Nomi-nated composer John Powell(83rd Academy Award Nomina-tion for Best Score with “Howto Train Your Dragon”) sent acall out for 18 accordionists toperform on his new score forthe latest movie in the “IceAge” series: “Ice Age: Conti-nental Drift.”

The Fox Studios ScoringStage was the set for the monu-mental accordion project, andfeatured some familiar namesin the accordion world includ-ing Los Angeles based accor-dionist and Music Copyist, LizFinch (Interim President of theAccordionists and TeachersGuild (ATG), Mike Boddicker(son of the late accordion iden-tities, Gerry and Arlene Bod-dicker), John Torcello (USA1972 CIA Coupe MondialeWinner) and well-known artist,

Nick Ariondo.John Powell, the composer

for movies such as the previousIce Age Movies, Happy Feet,Rio, Kung Fu Panda, TheBourne Ultimatum, The BourneSupremacy, Robots and manyothers, called for 14 accordionsand 4 bass accordions to per-form his works in this currentIce Age movie. Randy Kerber,one of the top film session pi-anists that works for Powellplayed one of the bass accor-dion parts. The accordionistswere conducted by Pete An-thony, who had spent all dayconducting a Symphony Or-chestra, and conducts almost50% of all the scores recordedin Los Angeles.

The regular accordion partswere scored for both hands andutilized a variety of registers,giving a very orchestral blend.

John Powell (in the center of

the picture) had purchased anaccordion to use as research forhis score, and was thrilled withthe outcome of the take. Heeven brought his accordion tothe session, in case it wasneeded, and delighted in wear-ing it while taking a picturewith the accordionists at theconclusion of the recording ses-sion.

The interesting spectacle atthe Fox Studios of 18 accor-dionists conducted by one ofHollywood’s most sought aftermusical directors, performingthe music of one of film’s su-perstar composers drew a cou-ple of producers who attendedout of curiosity, and were de-lighted with the outcome. Theentire project served as a verypositive showcase for the accor-dion. “Ice Age: ContinentalDrift” will be released July 13,2012. ■

Rita Davidson

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 6 MAY 2012

Accordion Pops Orchestra in ConcertThe Accordion Pops Orches-

tra under the direction of AlTerzo presented a concert tobenefit the Bergenfield Ambu-lance Corps. on April 29, 2012in Bergenfield, NJ. The Orches-tra had also recently performedat the Mid Atlantic MusicTeachers Guild/ American Ac-cordion Musicological Society2012 Competition and Festivalfeaturing guest artists BeverlyCurnow, Mary Tokarski, LennyFeldmann, and AlbertManginelli.

The Orchestra's roots can betraced to 1970, when it was or-ganized by the AccordionTeachers' Association of NewJersey. Over the next ten yearsit performed at various commu-nity functions throughout thestate under the direction of itsfirst conductor, Dr. Jacob Neu-pauer of Philadelphia.

In 1980, the Orchestra mem-bers took a leave of absence,but four years later the member-ship was reorganized under thedirection of the late Eugene Et-tore of Livingston, New Jersey.In 1985, Daniel Desiderio wasinvited to act as a guest conduc-tor of the Orchestra and a fewyears later the A.T.A. of NJ ap-pointed him as conductor in res-idence. The name of theOrchestra was formallychanged to the Accordion Pops

Orchestra and its membershipwas expanded beyond the origi-nal members from New Jerseyto include performers fromConnecticut, Massachusetts,Pennsylvania, New York,Delaware, Maryland, andRhode Island. Maestro DanielDesiderio retired as conductorin May 2011 and turned overthe baton to Al Terzo.

Al Terzo is a teacher,arranger, and conductor whohas been with the Orchestrasince its inception in 1970. Heis a member of the MusicTeachers National Association,New Jersey Music Teachers As-sociation, and National Associ-

ation ofMusic Ed-ucators.Mr. Terzoserves onthe govern-ing boardof theAmericanAccordion-ists’ Asso-ciation andis a found-ing member of the Mid-AtlanticMusic Teachers Guild. He is anaccomplished accordionist whohas performed at the GardenState Arts Center and Newark'sSymphony Hall. Currently Mr.

Terzo teaches accordion andpiano in New Jersey.

The APO’s next concert willbe on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at2 pm, when they perform a con-cert to thank their generouspractice hall hosts at the Impe-rial Music Center, 48 ApplebyAvenue, South River, NJ.

Please e-mail:webmaster@accordionpops.comif you are interested in engagingthe Orchestra for a perform-ance, would like more informa-tion on an upcoming concert, ormight be interested in joiningthe Orchestra. ■

2012 AAA Youth ProgramThe American Accordionists'

Association (AAA) is pleasedto invite you to register for par-ticipation in its Youth Jazz En-semble, which will performduring the 2012 Annual Com-petition and Festival at theSheraton City Center Hotel inBaltimore, MD, from July 11-15, 2012. The AAA has been inexistence since 1938 and enjoysa long, rich history of promot-ing the accordion and assistingin the development of manyfine accordion musicians.

This is the second year an in-vitation is extended to a selectgroup of young musicians whoplay instruments other than ac-cordion to participate in the an-nual festival. This uniquemusical jazz ensemble will con-sist of a combination of young,highly skilled accordionists,

along with other young, Jazz in-strumentalists ages 13-25. Par-ticipants will be included basedon the recommendation of theirteacher, the particular instru-ment they play, the amount andtypes of musical experiencesthey've had to date, and theirwillingness and availability toparticipate fully in this ensem-ble.

This experience will involve aday and a half of rehearsals,which will culminate in a per-formance for an audience ofseveral hundred festival partici-pants, the general public andthe media. During this time,participates will become part ofa world largely unexplored byyoung non-accordionist musi-cians. You may have heard ac-cordion music before. You mayeven recognize it, since it's be-

coming more pop-ular with youngpeople again. Butthis will be differ-ent, and you willbe part of makingthat new and dif-ferent sound!!

This will likelybe a once-in-a-life-time opportunityfor you! The con-ductor, Eddie Monteiro, is oneof the finest Jazz accordionistsin the world. He has performedwith Bobby Rosengarden,Skitch Henderson, PeterDuchin, Ray Bloch, MichaelLavin and Marty Ames. Eddiehas served as a Product Special-ist for the Roland Corporation,promoting a line of the latestdigital accordions. Eddie cur-rently occupies the accordion

chair in the Broadway produc-tion of "Evita." Above all,Eddie is a fun guy, a brilliantmusician and teacher who willbring your talents to newheights.

Don Gerundo has arrangedthe pieces for this year's ensem-ble. Don is an active accordion-ist and pianist performing in theNew York metropolitan area.He has performed and accom-

continued on page 7

Al Terzo

Accordion Pops Orchestra

Eddie Monteiro

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 7 MAY 2012

panied Lenny Welch (hit record“Since I Fell For You”), as wellas Joe Piscopo, and has per-formed at Swing 46 in NewYork City, White Plains Theatrefor the Arts, Coney Island Parkand other large venues. Don isalso an experienced user of Fi-nale (music notation software)and has used it since 1992, al-most from its inception. He usesit to create arrangements, gener-ate materials for students, createtranscriptions, as well as com-position.

Also included in this year'sprogram is a workshop on im-provisation, delivered by GabeHall-Rodrigues, U.S. AccordionVirtuoso Champion and veteranof last year's Youth Jazz Ensem-ble. Since non-accordion par-ticipants in this ensemble areguest artists, there will be nocharge for participation. Simplyfill out the registration form and

return it to Marilyn O'Neil, andMarilyn will contact you byphone or e-mail. Once your reg-istration process is complete,music will be sent to you so youcan be ready to rehearse withthe ensemble on Friday, July13, and deliver a performanceon Saturday, July 14.

Please note that if you areunder the age of 18, a parent orguardian must provide permis-sion for you to participate inthis event, and you need to beavailable both days to partici-pate. There is no cost for sched-uled meals and any otherfestival related activity, such asworkshops, during these 2 days.We do not provide overnightaccommodations or transporta-tion to and from the Festivalsite. For further information orto obtain the registration form:Marilyn@ctaccordion.com ■

2012 AAA Youth Program, cont’d. from page 6

On March 26, AAA Artist inResidence Dr. William Schim-mel performed with the NewYork Philharmonic in anevening devoted to the music ofFrank Loesser. Dr. Schimmelaccompanied the famous bass-

baritone Bryn Terfel. On March28, he performed with The Or-chestra of St. Luke's in a concertsponsored by Cartoon Networkat Roseland in New York. TheOrchestra performed live to amontage of famous cartoonsshown on a giant screen.

Dr. Schimmel has released anew CD: "Tenrimix" – actually a23 minute EP containing threepieces for 12 bass accordion,sho and violin – remixed withdance beats by dj bSchive (Dr.Schimmel). The pieces unitegagaku (Japanese ceremonialmusic) with classical, country,blues, bluegrass, dubstep,hiphop and more. The pieceswere conceived by Dr. Schim-mel, 12 bass accordion in col-laboration with Yoichi Okui, shoand Mami Okada, violin. The ti-

tles are: “ga ga tchaikovky ku:”“ga ga mendelsohn/saintsaensku” and “Tenri Blues.” It is onthe IPS/STUDIO MUSE label.

Dr. Schimmel is the moderatorand curator of the American Ac-cordionists’ Association MasterClass and Concert Series, the18th year of Seminars, takingplace July 27, 28, 29, 2012 –and it's at the Tenri Cultural In-stitute, 43A West 13th Street,New York, NY. Save the dates.For further information, pleasecontact:billschimmel@billschimmel.com or visitwww.billschimmel.com orwww.ameraccord.com (selectEvents 2012 AAA Summer Fes-tival Highlights). ■

Accordion Night School, Part 2Accordionist Benjamin Ickies

presented the second AccordionNight School on Wednesday,April 4, 2012 featuring Dr.William Schimmel and Corn Mowith special appearance by JohnPresnell.

As the accordion gallops backinto the mainstream, more bandsfrom all genres are using it togive their music that special"edge,” thus the topic of theevening being "The One ManBand." Topics for discussion in-cluded self-accompaniment,backing up a singer or soloist,the different techniques involvedand more, with performancesand a Q&A session given by Dr.William Schimmel, Corn Moand Benjamin Ickies.

Bay Area native Benjamin Ick-ies moved to New York to studyaccordion with William Schim-mel in lieu of college. As a resultof Dr. Schimmel's tutelage in

rock, tango and cabaret, Ickiesnow directs several music en-sembles in NYC and performs inmany more. As a bandleader, heconducts the Symphonic Rockand The Ambitious Orchestra,co-produces the quarterly glamrock series “Oh! You PrettyThings” and on Tuesdays can beseen at the Griffin running theband for the cabaret CafePanache.

For more information on up-coming events, please contact:Benjamin@Ickies.com ■

Dr. William Schimmel with the New York Philharmonic2011 Youth Jazz Ensemble

Dr. Schimmel andBenjamin Ickies

Smithsonian Magazine Picture Features-13-year old Tor Stumo

The May issue of the Smith-sonian Magazine included anarticle on “The 10 Best SmallTowns in America” and, onpage 53, includes a wonderfulpicture of 13-year-old TorStumo playing his accordion inGreat Barrington, MA, a townfeatured in the article as a top

Small Town. Tor is a student of AAA

Board Member Mary Tokarski,and one of the young accor-dionists to be featured in theYouth Jazz Ensemble in Balti-more at the AAA Summer Fes-tival. ■

Dr. WilliamSchimmel

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 8 MAY 2012

Watch Frédéric Deschamps Teach Live Online!Renowned French accordion-

ist and teacher, Frédéric De-schamps (teacher of multipleWorld Champions in both Clas-sical and Entertainment Music,including Grayson Masefieldwho recently toured the USA),conducts many of his lessonsonline, live and for free to aworldwide internet audience!Simply logon to www.accor-dions.com/deschamps andwatch.

Christopher Gorton has beenviewed by many in the USA ashe takes his lessons live fromthe East Coast of the USA viainternet video connection toFrance. The current studentstaking lessons include thosepreparing for the KlingenthalInternational Competition inGermany in May. In addition tothe students, it also includesguests preparing their concertprograms such as: Radu Lax-gang (Moldavia), PietroAdragna (Italy), Dorin Grama(Moldavia), Guillaume Fric

(France), Elsa Gourdy (France),Grayson Masefield (NewZealand). If no activities arecurrently taking place, the homepage will advise you of the nextscheduled activity.

To view archived lessons,simply visitwww.livestream.com/de-schampschannel/folder wherevideos include performances bystudents and internationalguests such as Petr Vacek(Czech Republic), Delphine La-haye (France), Leo Pernet(France), Alexander Kolomit-sev (Russia), AlexanderVeretennikov (Russia), EvinKelly (Ireland), Petri Makkonen(Finland), Viatcheslav Semi-onov (Russia), Pavel Zyabko(Russia), Danilo di Paolonicola(Italy), Ivano de Simone (Italy),Alexander Vidakovic (Serbia),The Royal sQueeze BOX(UK/Germany), Grayson Mase-field (New Zealand), PatriciaBartell (USA) and DouglasBorsatti (Brazil). ■

The Confédération Interna-tionale des Accordéonistes(CIA) is pleased to welcome youto World Accordion Day.

This year, the CIA will takeembark on a new adventure tocelebrate World Accordion Dayon May 6th. World AccordionDay, this year, will be a 24-hourcelebration of the accordion,similar to the coverage of NewYear’s Eve, whereby celebra-tions are viewed on an ongoingbasis as the time zones elapsearound the world.

This year, for World Accor-dion Day, each CIA member hasbeen invited to submit either a'live event' via technology suchas streaming video and Skype,etc. at a pre-scheduled time, or, apre-recorded contribution to beincluded by event coordinatorGrayson Masefield, who will di-rect the day’s activities.

A combination of live and pre-

recorded activities are antici-pated, along with real-time inter-views and chats from throughoutthe world. The production willbe available for viewing livethroughout the day, as well as atother times through 24 separatehours of archived video cover-age.

Our first World AccordionDay, held on May 6, 2009,marked the 180th birthday of theaccordion. Please join us for thisannual celebration, as accordion-ists from around the world payhomage to our wonderful instru-ment. This global event willserve as an exciting means ofbringing us together in our ef-forts to promote and elevate theawareness and status of the ac-cordion.

The link to the live coveragewill be available at www.accor-dions.com/cia/cia_worldaccor-dionday.htm ■

CIA Presents World Accordion Day, May 6th, 2012

AAA’s September Valtaro Celebration Honors the Magnanini Family

Th AAA’s Valtaro Celebration on Septem-ber 8th, 2012 at the Magnanini Winery willhonor the Magnanini family for their contin-ued support of live accordion music at theirestablishment.

The property on which the vineyards andwinery are located has been in the familysince 1953, although it wasn’t until 1970

that Galba andRichard beganplanting winegrapes. The harvestfrom the first plant-ing was sold tohome winemakersin the area. Whilethe winemakersperfected theirwines, Richard con-tinued to do re-search onviticulture practices

and winemaking techniques.With the adoption of the Farm Winery Act

in 1976, the Magnanini’s were encouragedto continue their efforts in the vineyards andeventually bottled 1,000 gallons for com-mercial sale in July 1984. Production at thewinery has reached 6,000 gallons. Richardand Rachel, with their two sons, Robert andDavid, continue to work to keep the familytradition alive. In the spring of 1985, thefamily-style European restaurant wasopened.

The Magnanini Winery features a constantarray of live accordion music with regularappearances by Mario Tacca and MaryMancini, Dominic Karcic, Frank Carozza,Frank Toscano and more. Please visithttp://www.magwine.com/music for a com-plete list of live accordion music scheduledfor 2012.

The Magnanini Winery is located at 172Strawridge Road in Wallkill, NY, tel: 845-

895-2767. For information on the upcom-ing AAA event in September, please checkwww.ameraccord.com. ■

AAA NewsletterThe current AAA Newsletter is mailed bi-

monthly to all members. The previousNewsletter will be uploaded onto our web-site after the current issue has been mailed.If you know someone who would like to re-ceive the newsletter but is not a member,please let me know.

Thanks - aaa1938@aol.comRicky and RachelMagnanini

2012 AAA Summer Festival HighlightsThe American Accordionists'

Association presents the 2012AAA Festival from July 11-15th, 2012 at the Sheraton CityCenter Hotel in Baltimore,Maryland. The AAA Festivalwill present another greatevent! New this year is theJunior Festival Orchestra underthe direction of Mary Tokarski.This event is designed forthose young people who arenot quite ready to participate inthe Festival Orchestra or whohave never had the experienceof performing with other ac-cordionists. Mary has selectedsome fun pieces and rehearsalswill be scheduled to avoidcompetition schedule conflicts.Interested participants shouldcontact Mary atMary.tokarski@comcast.net.

Another new addition is the“Finale” workshop which will

be ahands-onworkshopwith thebasics oflearningthis musicwritingprogram.AAA

member, Don Gerundo, willconduct the workshop withsupport materials supplied bythe people at Finale.

Back by popular demand willbe the Youth Outreach JazzEnsemble with select youngmusicians from the Baltimoreschool system partnered withambitious young accordionists.Both the Junior Festival Or-chestra and the Youth OutreachJazz Ensemble will perform atthe Awards Concert on Satur-day afternoon, July 14th. Ifyou want to participate in thisgreat (and fun) program, con-tact Marilyn O’Neil (Mari-lyn@ctaccordion.com). All of

these events are included in theregistration.

The Festival will also see thereturn of the Digital Entertain-ment category so be sure tovisit www.ameraccord.com forupdated events including .pdffiles for downloading all Festi-val application forms.

Thursday night will featurean Italian Cabaret night. Enjoya delicious Italian dinner whilebeing entertained by wonderfulaccordion music by the Po-tomac Ensemble conducted byJoan Grauman.

Enjoy singers, Soprano JoyBechtler, Tenor Joe McKesson,and Dr. Robert Young McMa-han, as well as accordionistsplaying and singing your fa-vorite Italian songs!

The Friday Luncheon Con-cert will feature VladimirMollov, virtuoso accordionist,who will perform solos andalso duets with his wife,renowned violinist, AnnieMollova. Joe Zale and DallasVietty (accompanied by Ben

Wood on guitar) will round offthe Luncheon Concert Pro-gram.

Fridayevening per-formers in-cludeTatianaSemichast-naya andVladimirMollov, aswell as Dr.Robert Young

McMahan who will be joinedby prominent classical saxo-phonist Dr. Paul Cohen in aperformance of McMahan’snew composition, “Romp” foraccordion and saxophone. RitaDavidson and Dr. Cohen willpremier a work that Rita hadcommissioned by Gary Dav-erne in celebration of Dr.Cohen’s birthday.

Virtuoso accordionist, StasVenglevski will be the GuestArtist and Guest Conductor ofthe Festival Orchestra. He de-lights all with his friendly and

humorous manner, educatingand entertaining at the sametime. Truly a unique experi-ence you will want to see andhear. This year. the Festival Or-chestra features Mary Tokarskias soloist. Vladimir Mollovand Mary Tokarski will also befeatured as “two soloists.”

Gabe Hall-Rodrigues andFrank Petrilli will performsolosandduets atconcertsduringthe Fes-tival.

Other per-formers andworkshop pre-senters in-clude: Cody

McSherry,Amanda andMichaelParziale, LindaWarren, DonGerundo and

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 9 MAY 2012

2012 AAA Summer Festival Highlights, cont’d.

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 10 MAY 2012

Manny Bobenrieth with theUnited States Army Strings andmore!

One-on-one Master Class ses-sions with Maestro Venglevskiwill be offered. Please call or e-mail the AAA office at 203-335-2045 or aaa1938@aol.comfor details.

Plan this summer around theFestival's exciting days ofWorkshops, Exhibits, Cabaret,Luncheon Concert, Gala Con-cert, and Festival Orchestras.The event will be held at theSheraton City Center in Balti-more. It is surrounded by shops,restaurants, and in walking dis-tance of the famous BaltimoreInner Harbor, National Aquar-ium, Maryland Science Centerand numerous other attractions.

Please refer to the AAA Web-site and the USA news for up-dates on the Festival. Forfurther information e-mail:aaa1938@aol.com ■

You are invited to submit your news information as soon as possi-ble to ensure we provide details and reviews of as many of your ac-cordion related events as possible. Our AAA members are involvedin a diverse array of activities, and I thank you in advance for takingthe time to prepare the press information and pictures so that wecan share your work and events with our readership.

All material for consideration for the July Newsletter can besent to me at goaccordion@yahoo.com or to aaa1938@aol.com.Please include ‘AAA Newsletter’ in the subject box, so that wedon’t miss any items that come in. Text should be sent within thee-mail or as a Word .doc attachment. Pictures should be sent as ahigh quality .jpg file, and the larger the file size the better. We canalways reduce/crop the picture if necessary, however we are un-able to increase the quality from smaller pictures. The deadline forthe July news will be June 15th.

Thanks again for your help and support, and I wish you all awonderful summer.

Kevin Friedrich, EditorAAA Newsletter

Carrozza Scholarship Dinner –A Wonderful Day of Music and Dancing

The elegant Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, NY wasthe site of the 10th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Dinnerand what a wonderful time we had! “Thank You” to all the per-formers and workers for their spectacular musical presentationsand support throughout the day!

Save the date for next year’s event – April 21, 2013 at VillaBarone!

Thanks to the performers:Frank Busso

Frank CarozzaThe CT Accordion Orchestra

Beverly Roberts CurnowLen Feldmann

Dominic KarcicEmilio Magnotta

Mary ManciniRay Oreggia

Anita & Bob SiarkowskiMario Tacca

Mary TokarskiFrank Toscano

Ricci Saracino, percussionDon Battiston, percussion and vocals

Mike Rasimas, percussion

AAA Board Members:Joan Grauman and Marilyn O’Neil

and especially all the wonderfulfamily and friends whosupported this event.

Submitting Your News Item for Publication in the July Issue

Dr. Joe Ciccone, Chairman, Maestro Carmen Carrozza, AAA President Linda Soley Reed

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 11 MAY 2012

Left – Anita & Bob Siarkowski entertained during the cocktail hour, while Frank Busso, photo right, strolledto each table playing Italian favorites.

The ConnecticutAccordion Orchestra

opened the program withWelcome to Venice, amedley of Italian fa-

vorites arranged by thelate Frank Marocco, anda Glenn Miller medley.

Conducted by AAA President,

Linda Soley Reed

Above, Carmen welcomeseveryone while MC Lenny

Feldmann looks on. Middle, the Carrozza

family, left to right, Car-men, Jr., brother Tony

and wife, Mimma, Carmen, daughter

Marianne and brother Pat.At left, the adorable grand-

kids.

Mario Tacca andMary Mancini

Soloists, Beverly Roberts Curnow and Mary Tokarski

AAA Board MemberFrank Toscano and

wife, Edie

Jammin’ together - left to right,Frank Carozza, Frank Toscano and Emilio Magnotta.

Ray Oreggia and Dom Karcic accompanied byDon Battiston on percussion & vocals.

The Dance Floor was always filled. In the foreground,Frank Carozza, Jr. and Ana trip the light fandango.

The “other” Carozza’s (one “r”)Alex, Frankie, Fernando, Anthony, and Frank

Raffle time - AAA Board members Joan Grauman,

Frank Busso and Marilyn O’Neil

Above, EmilioMagnotta accompa-

nied by Ricci Saracinoon percussion.

At right, FrankCarozza who not onlybrought most of hisfamily, but provided

the sound equipmentfor the event. Thank You!

Carrozza Scholarship Dinner 2012

Mary Tokarski & Linda ReedFarewell until next year!

Save the date - April 21, 2013

2012 Festival – Workshop Schedule

A bi-monthly publication of the American Accordionists’ Association - page 12 MAY 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 – 3:00 p.m.

Workshop: PLAYING TOGETHERPresenter: Mary Tokarski

A hands-on adventure into the world of working in(and with) an ensemble. Music is a language, and thereis nothing more rewarding than sharing that languagewith music friends AND it’s great fun! This workshopis a prelude to the Junior Festival Orchestra rehearsalwhich will immediately follow. Other Festival Orches-tra rehearsals will be scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursdayand Friday with a performance on Saturday at the Awards Concert.

Thursday, July 12, 2012 – 9:00 a.m.

Workshop: MUSIC 2 MY EARDo U Hear What I Hear?

Presenter: Linda Warren

An entertaining informative workshop that touches onListening Skills, Ear Training, Playing By Ear, Inter-vals, Note Recognition, Chord Recognition, PerfectPitch, Relative Pitch, Sight Reading and Musical Ac-tivities. Come sit a spell and 'njoy! You can "Play ItBy Ear" or "Face The Music!”

Thursday, July 12, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.

Workshop: FINALE –The Music Writing ProgramLearn how to Notate your music at the ‘Speed of Thought’

Presenter: Don Gerundo

This workshop will introduce you to the capabilities ofthe most popular notation software in the marketplace –namely Finale. Finale enables you to create scores oforiginal music, notate exercises for your pupils, scan inand modify printed music, transpose music with theclick of a mouse, play back notated arrangements andso much more. This workshop will give you anoverview of the product and also give you a chance tohave some hands-on practice with the software.

Thursday, July 12, 2012 – 1:00 p.m.

Workshop: ACCORDIONS IN THE MOVIESPresenter: Dr. Robert Young McMahan

From its first silent appearance of only 17 frames in1888 to the present, the accordion has appeared orbeen heard in hundreds of motion pictures, at the handsof such noted accordionists as Galla-Rini, Dom Fron-tiere, Carl Fortina, Frank Marocco, Angelo DiPippo,and present AAA Board member and Artist in Resi-dence Bill Schimmel, to name but a few. This will bea brief survey of the many roles the accordion has played in Hollywoodand elsewhere with numerous video excerpts. Come, enjoy, and con-tribute all the film titles you know that use the accordion. Popcorn androot beer welcome!

Thursday, July 12, 2012 – 2:00 p.m.

Workshop: OPENING DOORS TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE ACCORDION

Presenter: Mary Kathryn Archuleta

In the 21st Century we have the opportunity to open thedoors of musical opportunity to children and youthwhose only exposure to the accordion may be throughstories heard from grandparents and great-grandparentswho emigrated to America many years ago. Today,with the advent of new technology, the internet,YouTube, and podcasts, it is possible to reach out tovarious recreational, cultural and arts programs acrossmany sectors of our population that include students of all ages -- fromthe very young to senior citizens and those with special learning needs.

Friday, July 13, 2012 – 1:00 p.m.

Workshop: SQUEEZE THIS! Meet the Author Presenter: Marion Jacobson, Ph.D.

Ethnomusicologist Marion Jacobson, author of the firstbook-length study of the piano accordion, is ready tochat with friends and colleagues from the accordionworld. Her candid account of five years of research of-fers an introspective and amusing look at the world ofthe accordion, from San Francisco’s avant-garde sceneto the Polka Belt to New York City. New to the accor-dion and fresh out of graduate school, Dr. Jacobson setout on a quest to both learn the instrument, as well as its “hidden his-tory.” With an eye on the accordion’s glorious past, Jacobson unearthsAmerica’s anxieties swirling around the instrument in the 1950s and1960s, explaining how historical and social upheavals shape the way wesee the accordion, and discusses the possibilities for the accordion’s fu-ture. Her book will be available for purchase thru the American Accor-dionists’ Association at this event.

Friday, July 13, 2012 – 2:00 p.m.

Workshop: SWING MUSETTE AND GYPSY JAZZ FOR THE AMERICAN PIANO ACCORDIONIST

Presenter: Dallas Vietty

A hands-on introduction to the style and musical lan-guage of Gus Viseur, Tony Murena, Jo Privat, DjangoReinhardt, Richard Galliano and more. This workshopwill focus on both solo and musette/gypsy Jazz style, aswell as performing in an traditional French arrange-ment with a rhythm guitar player. Materials will be pro-vided, bring your accordion.

Saturday, July 14, 2012 – 9:00 a.m.

Workshop: JAZZ LICKS AND II - V - I PRACTICEPresenter: Gabe Hall-Rodrigues

The ii - V - I progression is everywhere in Jazz, and bydeveloping a set of licks or common melodic material,we can learn to improvise and to play better in all 12keys. This is a hands-on workshop so people mustbring their instrument. ALL WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD IN THE HOPKINS ROOM

LOCATED ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THESHERATON CITY CENTER IN BALTIMORE