The American Accordionists'Association will present their2012 AAA Festival from July11-15, 2012 at the Sheraton CityCenter Hotel in Baltimore,Maryland.

The AAA is putting finaltouches on the annual summerFestival, which promises to bean outstanding event! New thisyear is the Junior Festival Or-chestra which will be under thedirection of Mary Tokarski. Thisevent is designed for thoseyoung people who are not quiteready to participate in the Festi-val Orchestra, or who havenever had the experience of per-forming with other accordion-ists. Mary has selected somereally fun pieces and rehearsalswill be scheduled to avoid com-petition schedule conflicts.

Another new addition is the“Finale” workshop that will be ahands-on workshop with the ba-sics of learning this music writ-ing program. AAA member,Don Gerundo, will conduct theworkshop with support materialssupplied by the Finale staff.

Back by popular demand willbe the ‘Youth Outreach Jazz En-semble’ with select young musi-cians from the Baltimore schoolsystem partnered with ambitiousyoung accordionists. Both theJunior Festival Orchestra and theYouth Outreach Jazz Ensemblewill perform at the Awards Con-cert on Saturday afternoon, July14th. If you would like to partici-pate in this great (and fun) pro-gram, please contact MarilynO’Neil at: marilyn@ctaccordion.com. All of these events are in-

cluded in the Festival registration.The Festival will also see the

return of the Digital Entertain-ment category so be sure to visitthe website at www.amerac-cord.com for updated events in-cluding .pdf files for down-loading all Festival applications .

Thursday night will feature anItalian Cabaret night. Enjoy adelicious Italian dinner whilebeing entertained by renownedSoprano Joy Bechtler and TenorJoe McKesson who will delightwith duets such as Verdi’s Libi-amo and Parigi o Cara, as wellas arias and duets from La Bo-heme as they are accompaniedby Dr. Robert Young McMahan.In addition, you will enjoy somewonderful accordion music bythe Potomac Ensemble con-ducted by Joan Grauman so

AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATION

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

Here’s What’sHappening atAAA in 2012

APRIL 22Noon to 5:00 pm

Carrozza ScholarshipFour Dinner Choices;

Unlimited Wine and SodaSee enclosed flyer.

Villa Barone Hilltop ManorMahopac, New York

Chairman: Joe Ciccone

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 Tacca

It is my great pleasure to present to you my first edition of the AAA Newsletter asEditor.

This issue covers a sampling of accordion activities from across the USA and abroad.My sincere thanks to those of you who worked so hard to provide information and sto-ries for this issue, in particular my fellow AAA Board Members and Officers LindaReed (President), Rita Davidson, Dominic Karcic, Peggy Falcetti and Mary Tokarski.

I invite you to submit your news information as soon as possible to ensure we provide details andreviews of as many of your accordion related events as possible. Everyone is involved in such a di-verse array of activities, and I thank you in advance for taking the time to prepare the Press informationand pictures so that we can share your work with our Membership.

All material for consideration for the May Newsletter can be sent to me at goaccordion@yahoo.comor to aaa1938@aol.com. It would also be helpful to include ‘AAA Newsletter’ in the subject LINE,so that I don’t miss any items that come in. Text should be sent within the e-mail or as a Word .docattachment. Pictures should be a high quality .jpg file, and the larger the file size the better, as we canalways reduce/crop the picture if necessary. However we are unable to increase the quality fromsmaller pictures. The deadline for the May news will be 15th of April.

Thank you all for your wonderful support and I look forward to hearing from you over the comingweeks with the news of all of your activities.

Sincerely, KevinKevin Friedrich – AAA Newsletter Editor

From the Editor

2012 AAA Festival: Music and Fun in Baltimore

Newsletter

continued on page 2

The United States Army Strolling Strings

Newsletter

don’t miss this opportunity toenjoy singers and accordionistsperforming your favorite Italiansongs! Friday evening perform-ers include the Busso Trio (com-prised of Frank Busso; Frank Busso, Jr.; and Christina Busso)and Tatiana Semichastnaya. Thefeatured act for the Gala Banqueton Saturday night will be noneother than the United States ArmyStrolling Strings featuring accor-dionist and AAA Board memberManny Bobenrieth.

Virtuoso accordionist Stas Ven-glevski will be the Guest Artistand Guest Conductor of the Festi-val Orchestra. He delights all withhis friendly and humorous man-ner, educating and entertaining atthe same time. This is truly aunique experience you will wantto see and hear.

This year the Festival Orchestrafeatures Mary Tokarski as soloist.Vladimir Mollov and MaryTokarski will also be featured as“two soloists.” Dr. Robert YoungMcMahan will be joined by

prominent saxophonist Dr. PaulCohen in a premiere of McMa-han’s new composition for accor-dion and saxophone.

Vladimir Mollov, virtuoso ac-cordionist, will perform solos andalso duets with his wife, renown-ed violinist, Annie Mollova. GabeHall-Rodrigues and Frank Petrilliwill perform solos and duets atconcerts during the Festival.

We invite you to plan yoursummer around the Festival's ex-citing days of workshops, ex-hibits, cabaret, luncheon concert,gala concert, and Festival Orches-tra. The event will be held at theSheraton City Center in Balti-more. A central location, thevenue is surrounded by shops,restaurants, and within walkingdistance of the famous BaltimoreInner Harbor, National Aquarium,Maryland Science Center and nu-merous other attractions.Please refer to the AAA Websiteand the USA news for updateson the festival. For further infor-mation: aaa1938@aol.com. ■

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

Concertbayanist StasVenglevskiperformed "InCroce" bySofiaGubaidulinaon February15th at theHarris Theaterin MillenniumPark inChicago pre-sented by theUniversity ofChicago, as the first concert of‘Contempo’, celebrating thework of Sofia Gubaidulina, oneof Russia’s most esteemed liv-ing composers. The programcombined the talents ofGrammy-winning new musicensembles Eighth Blackbirdand Pacifica Quartet in a specialevent commemorating the com-poser’s 80th birthday. “InCroce” featured Pacifica Quar-tet cellist Brandon Vamos withStas Venglevski on bayan.

The all Gubaidulina programincluded the world premiere of“A Pilgrimage of Four,” com-missioned for Contempo byThe Serge Koussevitzky MusicFoundation in the Library ofCongress and The Kousse-vitzky Music Foundation, Inc.The performance also featuredGubaidulina’s monumentalCantata Perception, which re-flects her fascination with an-cient mathematical principles ofproportion.

Gubaidulina, a highly cele-brated figure in contemporarymusic, has received commis-sions from major ensemblesworldwide, including the NewYork Philharmonic and theChicago Symphony Orchestra.She is perhaps best known forher 1980 violin concerto, the

"Offertorium" and her 2002"Passion and Resurrection ofJesus Christ according to St.John.” She has also receivednumerous honors for her work,including Japan’s PraemiumImperiale, the Russian StatePrize, Sweden’s Polar MusicPrize, and the Koussevitzky In-ternational Recording Award.

Stas Venglevski is a graduateof the Russian Academy ofMusic in Moscow where he re-ceived his Master’s degree inMusic under the tutelage of thefamed Russian bayanist,Friedrich Lips, a close associateof Gubaidulina’s. He is a regu-lar participant of the MilwaukeeSymphony Orchestra's Arts inCommunity Education Program(ACE); has done televisioncommercials and performed intheater productions; producednumerous recordings includingtranscription of Tchaikovsky'sNutcracker Suite for bayan, aswell as one of original composi-tions. He has published severalbooks of original compositions.

Stas Venglevski will be fea-tured as a Guest Artist and con-duct the 2012 AAA FestivalOrchestra in Baltimore fromJuly 11th-15th. For more infor-mation, visit www.stasv.com orcontact him at stasvenglevski@sbcglobal.net. ■

Stas Venglevski with Sofia Gubaidulina

January 24th, 2012 saw thepassing of one of the great Val-taro accordionists, Emilio Chiesa.Emilio was born in New YorkCity in 1919. He began musiclessons at the age of eight andafter several years he auditionedto play for some radio stationsand eventually in 1930-31 ap-peared several times on WCDAand WOV programs.

After his family returned toItaly, Emilio continued his musi-cal studies in Piacenza where heplayed accordion with local mu-sicians at various town functions.The family returned once againto the USA where Emilio wenton to perform in Manhattan (NY)nightclubs and also played withviolinist, composer and conduc-tor, Vincent Sorey.

In 1942 he was drafted into thearmy and joined the 96th InfantryDivision. He was accepted intothe division’s military band -learning to play the trombone –and also played the accordionwith the dance band. Anothernoted member of the band wasconcert violinist Dick Kesnerwho later became a member ofthe famous Lawrence Welk Or-chestra. A few members of the

band, formed a small group andcalled themselves the "GI Gyp-sies." They played at many USOshows up and down the westcoast of the United States.

Back from the war in 1946,Emilio began teaching the accor-dion and also resumed perform-ing in some of the mostprominent Manhattan nightclubsand cabarets, including the Gon-dolier, the VIP, the Terrace, Val-taro and Cafe Torino. Some ofthe musicians that he workedwith included accordionists PeteSpagnoli, Gelso Pellegrini andHugo Nati. He eventually be-came the third partner in the ValTaro Cabaret (1949-1951) join-ing John (Scudlein) Brugnoli andPete (Filomena) Delgrosso. Healso made many recordings withboth of them on the Columbia,Nightingale and about 36 early

Valtaro Accordionist Emilio Chiesa (1919 - 2012) Passes Away

Emilio Chiesa (center) with accordionistPete Delgrosso and guitarist Joe Cerinaat the Val Taro Cabaret in New York City.

Ray Oreggia, Emilio Chiesa, DominicKarcic and Richard Chiesa

(May 2008 - Falls Church, Virginia)

Stas Venglevski PerformsSofia Gubaidulina Work in Chicago

Valtaro label recordings.Throughout his long career and

until his retirement in 1978,Emilio taught the accordion andalso wrote more than 40 piecesfor the accordion. One of his mostnoted students is accordionistFrank Toscano (Seaford, NY)who is currently part of “TheAmazing Accordion Kings.” ■

AAA Festival, continued from page 1

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

The New England Music Fes-tival, sponsored by the Accor-dion Teachers Association ofMassachusetts. will celebratetheir 50th Anniversary at theBoston Newton Marriott fromApril 13-15, 2012. Establishedin 1962, the festival has grownand changed over the last 50years becoming one of thelargest competitions of this typein the USA with over 1800 en-tries each year. Peggy Falcettiand Roger Latulippe are Co-Chairpersons of the festival.

ATAM President Michael Fal-cetti is pleased to announce aperformance by the renowned22 member Air Force StrollingStrings, who perform for manyofficial and State functions at theWhite House. They will per-form at the Gala Awards Cere-mony on Saturday evening,featuring AAA Board member,Frank Busso, Jr. as accordionist.

Numerous cash awards areawarded including prizes such asthose for the winner of the “Bat-tle of the Bands” and a $500cash scholarship is awarded to acontestant accepted as a musicmajor in college. This year a$1,000 prize is being offered byDr. Emilian Badea to the winnerof the new Super Championship

Accordion category and $4,000will be awarded in scholarshipsand other cash awards in groupand advanced categories.

All first place Champion win-ners over the last fifty years areinvited back to this prestigiousevent and will be honored at theGala Awards Ceremony. Manyof the members are planning tohave reunion bands performingin the Festival Band category tobe held on Saturday and Sundayafternoon.

Convention rates are availableuntil March 29, 2012 and reser-vations can be made on theATAM website: www.atamne-musicfestival.com or by contact-ing the 50th AnniversaryCommittee Chairman, Sam Fal-cetti: peggyf1944@gmail.comor call 413-204-5522. ■

New England Music Festival'sGolden Anniversary in April

The American Accordionists' Associationproudly presents the 10th Annual Afternoon ofMusic, Food and Fun to benefit the Carmen Car-rozza Scholarship Fund for the advancement ofpromising young accordionists on Sunday, April22, 2012. The event will be held at a new spec-tacular location with a diverse menu and unlim-ited free wine at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, 466Rt. 6, Mahopac, New York, phone - 845-628-6600.

Featured performers include: Mary Tokarski, Dominic Karcic,Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, Frank Toscano, Frank Carozza,Emilio Magnotta, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Ray Oreggia, LennyFeldmann, Anita and Bob Siarkowski, the Connecticut AccordionOrchestra and more to be announced.

Throughout the years Carmen Carrozza has received numerousawards and honors from many different organizations, associationsand clubs. On March 17, 2002 Maestro Carrozza was honored bythe AAA when he was the first recipient of the prestigious “Life-time Achievement Award.” It was soon after this gala event thatthe Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund, (a fund for the advance-ment of promising young accordionists and the commissioning ofnew works for the accordion) was instituted.

For further information, please visit the AAA website www.amer-accord.com or contact: Chairman, Joe Ciccone, at (914) 238-0041.

(See the flyer enclosed with this newsletter) ■

10th Annual Carrozza Scholarship Dinner in April

Benjamin Ickies and Bill Schimmelin "Accordion Night School"

On January 30, Benjamin Ick-ies and AAA Artist in Residence,Dr. William Schimmel, presentedan informative session abouttheir experiences with the accor-dion at Le Poisson Rouge inNew York City. Benjamin Ick-ies, in the first "Accordion NightSchool,” interviewed Dr. WilliamSchimmel about his educationand career with the accordion.

Dr. William Schimmel is wellknown for playing and touringwith Tom Waits during his semi-nal Frank's Wild Years trilogyand helping create Waits' signa-ture sound. But how did he getthat gig? What did he learn thatqualified him for the job? Whatdid he have to unlearn? Andwhat training proved irrelevant?These questions were addressedin a detailed yet entertaining way.

Benjamin Ickies performs andproduces music for a variety ofcabarets, nightclubs and otherevents, yet had no traditional ac-cordion training besides a seriesof private teachers later in his ca-reer, including Dr. Schimmel.

How can Ben compete with con-servatory-trained musicians inthe freelance workforce? Schim-mel and Ickies discussed theirvery different educational histo-ries and what contributed tomaking them the musicians theyare today. A Q&A session withthe audience was followed by aperformance and a meet & greet.

Benjamin Ickies is founder andaccordionist for This AmbitiousOrchestra, his 20 piece groupperforms a variety of music rang-ing from classic French chansonto lively Can Can to Ballads. Forfurther information:benjamin@ickies.com. ■

The February 7, 2012 session of theLong Island Accordion Alliance(LIAA) ushered in a new and excitingphase in this fledgling organization’stenure when the session featured forthe very first time a guest solo artist,Emilio Magnotta (Stamford, Con-necticut). By the response of theguests that filled La Villini Restauranton this Tuesday evening, this experiment was a total success.Emilio flawlessly executed a varied and entertaining program ofsome of the great classic accordion solos. He had the audience im-mediately in his corner with the playing of the first selection andhis half hour presentation included great renditions of two PietroFrosini selections and one by Pietro Deiro.

The evenings festivities also included accordionists Joe Campo,Dominic Karcic, Bob La Bua, Ray Oreggia, Phil Prete, FrancoRuggiero and also vocalist Connie Shakalis. Connie accompaniedby Dominic Karcic performed “One Kiss,” “Oh! Mio BabbinoCaro,” “Some Enchanted Evening” and a rousing rendition of the“Italian Street Song.” It was a great evening of music, song andabove all “the accordion.”

The Alliance is proud to announce that the following Interna-tional guest artists:

March 6th: Paul (Paolo) Belanich April 3rd: Mario Tacca (accordion) and Mary Mancini (vocals)

May 1st: Irish accordionist Paddy NoonanJune 5th: Mary Tokarski

The Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) meets at 7:00 p.m.at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY,phone: 631-261-6344 or visit www.la-villini.com. All are invitedto attend. ■

Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA)

Dr. Schimmel and Ben Ickies

Emilio Magnotta and Dom Karcic

Carmen Carrozza

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

Accordionist Guy Klucevsekis always involved in uniquemusical projects featuring theaccordion. The Hymnopedists, aduo consisting of Guy and toypiano/pianist Isabel Ettenauerwill appear in their InternationalDebut on March 2, 2012 at theVienna International AccordionFestival. The Hymnopedistswere born out of an April, 2011music theatre project called "In-dustrious Angels," by writer/ac-tress Laurie McCants.

Guy Klucevsek, commis-sioned to write music for thepiece, composed a score for vio-lin, piano/toy piano and accor-dion, in a series of solos, duos,and trios. For the recording ofthe score for the production, heinvited Austrian toy piano spe-cialist and pianist Isabel Ette-nauer to play in the trio. Guy andIsabel enjoyed playing togetherso much that they decided toform a duo to continue playingGuy's music.

Guy Klucevsek is perhaps bestknown in Europe through hisrecordings, tours, and film withhis Accordion Tribe project,from 1996-2009, and his leg-endary Polka From the Fringeproject of the early 1990s.

At the same time as he wascomposing the score for "Indus-trious Angels," Guy was writing

material for his next recording,"The Multiple Personality Re-union Tour," and one set ofpieces on that album is called"Three Hymnopedies," in tributeto one of Guy's favorite com-posers, Erik Satie, composer of"Gymnopédies" (from a Greekword meaning dance). Being aninveterate punster, Guy couldnot resist this play on words. Thetitle refers to two areas whereKlucevsek feels a special kin-ship: song (hymn) and dance(ped, or "foot").

When searching for a name forthe duo, Guy landed on "TheHymnopedists," as a tribute toboth Satie, and to the old touringsong-and-dance teams of vaude-ville. The program consists ofduos for accordion and piano/toypiano, as well as solo works foraccordion, piano and toy piano.Included will be a suite from"Industrious Angels."

For further information: gklucevsek@si.rr.com. ■

Guy Klucevsek: March Debut of The Hymnopedists

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Rita Davidson Leads Pleasantdale SchoolInternational Festival with Accordion

On December 15, 2011, andagain as an encore performanceon December 23, the Pleasant-dale Fifth Grade, 56 fifth gradersfrom the Pleasantdale SchoolChorus, presented their AnnualFifth Grade International Festi-val for family, friends, and mem-bers of the West Orange, NJpublic school system. Showcas-ing the culture of 25 countries,the experience afforded the op-portunity to learn about themusic of different cultures byexperiencing song and danceand how it reinforces the com-monalities of all cultures.

A twenty-five year teacher,Rita Davidson accompanied allthe songs on accordion and wasjoined by Deborah Rees (guitar),with the children playing percus-sion instruments, adding to theexcitement and liveliness of eachsong. Rita finds the accordion,part of so many cultures, the per-fect instrument to showcase theflavor of each country, and sheincluded pieces such as "PatWorks on the Railway" (Ire-land); "Feliz Navidad" (Spain),"Waka Waka Dance" (Africa),"Oh Chanukah" (Is-rael) and "God BlessAmerica" (USA).

Rita finds many pos-itive aspects of usingthe accordion in herteaching, includingbeing able to use it foroutdoor programswhere the accordionensures that all will

enjoy singing to a complete ac-companiment. She also findsthe visual component extremelypowerful and enjoys being ableto move around with the instru-ment. Every morning, the Pledgeof Allegiance is said in theschool office by students andRita is there with her accordionand enjoys experiencing the pos-itive reactions of the students asthey perform various Flag songs,which are broadcast to the entireschool.

The musical program wasfilmed by the audiovisual depart-ment of West Orange HighSchool and broadcast on Com-cast TV Channel 36 and FiosChannel 45 many times duringthe holiday season. The Pleas-antdale Fifth Grade Chorus willbe featured at the LivingstonMall (Livingston, New Jersey)on March 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.in conjunction with the Pride InEducation Program.

All are invited to attend futureperformances and for further in-formation please contact RitaDavidson: Ritabelll@aol.com. ■

Shopping with iGIVE

Rita Davidson, accordion and Deborah Rees, guitar

Guy Klucevsek

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

For AAA member Linda AnnWarren, the AAA Festival inMemphis was "A Once in aLifetime" event! There hadnever before been an AccordionFestival, Celebration, or Con-vention in Memphis, Tennessee.Please enjoy Linda Ann’s enter-taining account of the Festivaland how it lead to another excit-ing opportunity.

I planned to enjoy everything‘accordion’ that the AAA had tooffer, and did so. There wereConcerts, Workshops, Exhibits,Competitions and a fabulousAccordion Orchestra that per-formed an Elvis tune in Concertat Graceland!

I also made many new friends,who like me, have a "passion"for the Accordion and Accor-dion Music. "I had the time ofmy life" with all my newfriends!

The day before "The Love MeTender" Fest, as I affectionatelycall it, I had scheduled a numberof music students for makeuplessons to free myself to partici-pate in the AAA Festival.

Then out of the blue, I re-ceived a phone call with an im-portant message from LindaSoley Reed, President of TheAmerican Accordionists' Asso-ciation, who was enroute toMemphis by way of "Pony Ex-press" to request that a Mem-phis newspaper photographer be

sent to my house, for an AAApublicity "photo shoot". Afterthat call, I understood the mean-ing of "A New York Minute!”There was little time to cancelstudents, clean the MusicRoom, and make myself up, (as-sembly required) as it takes timefor me to be "Camera Ready" atage 60!

Mike Brown, the newspaperphotographer, was at my frontdoor in no time flat. He was anatural, both professional andkind. Pictures were taken andMr. Brown said that he'd neverseen anyone hold a smile aslong as I. Of course, holding asmile is easy for me to do. I al-ways feel "right at home" withmy accordion on, and of courseI was “just that” in the comfort

of my home, being pho-tographed with my accordionon. FUN!

AAA's Linda Soley Reed cer-tainly knows how to makethings happen! My Picturemade the front page of the "M"section of the newspaper onJuly 16, 2009. I couldn't believemy eyes. I never expected any-thing quite that exciting to hap-pen to me. And now, that samephotograph is newsworthyagain.

On February 2011, I receiveda telephone call from PatriciaLantis, The Executive Directorof LANDOV, (5th Ave., NewYork). She had received per-mission from The MemphisCommercial Appeal to use thephotograph in The Picture Pro-

fessional, the quarterly maga-zine of the American Society OfPicture Professionals.

The theme ‘Music’ covers lotsof possibilities. Ms. Lantis saidthat out of all the photographsviewed, the photo with the ac-cordion made her day. I told Ms.Lantis that her telephone call tome had made mine!

The amazing accordion hasbeen taken out of the shadowsand brought into the light as afeatured photograph in this pro-fessional photography maga-zine. The Memphis CommercialAppeal photographer MikeBrown and The Picture Profes-sional magazine have broughtthe accordion to everyone's at-tention by making it the fullpage feature of Issue 1/2011. ■

The Accordion Captures An Editor’s Eye

On February 4, accordionist Walter Kasprzykperformed with the Charlotte County Symphonyin Punta Gorda, Florida. The program under thedirection of T. Francis Wada included the best ofMantovani. The Mantovani Orchestra’s arrangerwas also an accordionist and so, often includedprominent parts for the accordion in his arrange-ments. Walter has previously performed Do-minick Argento's "Valentino Dances" with theCharleston Symphony.

Walter Kasprzyk, one third of the renowned KTrio (with his sisters Mary Tokarski and Julie Car-dona) studied at the University of Bridgeport,Connecticut. Over the years, Walter has been aregular performer for the Florida Accordion Asso-ciation SMASH, various functions of the South-east Accordion Association, and at the AmericanAccordionists' Association (AAA) events.

For more information on Walter’s career and histwo CD recordings, please visitwww.accordions.com/walterk. ■

Linda Warren – The Picture Professional Magazine

Walter Kasprzyk Performs with Charlotte County Symphony in Florida

Walt Kasprzyk (center) performing with the Punta Gorda (FL) Symphony

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

If anyone is interested in competing as the United States representa-tive in the 2012 Coupe Mondiale, the following categories are avail-able. Please contact either Linda Reed – aaa1938@aol.com or MaryTokarski – mary.tokarski@comcast.net for qualifying information.

Available categories include:

65th Coupe Mondiale (current AAA qualifying category: U.S. Virtuoso Solo)

Masters Coupe MondialeJunior Coupe Mondiale

Intl. Virtuoso Entertainment Junior Intl. Virtuoso Entertainment

Intl. Competition for Ensemble MusicIntl. Competition for Digital Accordion (AAA qualifying category:

Digital Entertainment)Best New Original Work (Classical)

The following categories will be offered in Baltimore. The followingrules are a basic overview of the competition requirements. Forexact rules for each category and general competition guidelines,please visit the Coupe Mondiale website at www.coupemondiale.organd select from the various menu choices found on pages relating tothe 2012 event in Italy.

65TH COUPE MONDIALE3 Rounds - up to 32 years of age (born 1980 or later).

Test Round, Complete Original Work, Own Choice Program.

Round 1 Any Baroque work2 own choice pieces – 1 slow, lyrical style –

2nd of technical virtuosic styleIndividual movements from cyclic works acceptable-

no more than 1 movement of any piece!Maximum playing time: 20 minutes

Round 2 Complete Original Work – no minimum or maximumRound 3 Three or more pieces, different style and character

Minimum of 2 different composersMinimum 20 minutes, maximum 30 minutes

MASTERS COUPE MONDIALE(formerly the International Competition for Piano Accordion)1 Round - Own Choice Program - 3 or more pieces.

1 Baroque – 1 slower, lyrical style, 1 technical virtuosic style

Must contain at least 1 original workTranscriptions may be usedIndividual movements may be usedMinimum 15 minutes, maximum 20 minutes

JUNIOR COUPE MONDIALE2 Rounds - up to 18 years of age

Program (test) and Own Choice Program.Round 1 Any Baroque work

2 own choice pieces – 1 slow, lyrical style – 2nd of technical virtuosic style

Minimum of 2 different composersMinimum 10 minutes, maximum 15 minutesIndividual movements may be used

Round 2 2 pieces of choice – 1 must be original – individualmovements acceptable

Only 1 movement of any workMinimum 10 minutes, maximum 15 minutes

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR VIRTUOSO ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC2 Rounds (no piece repeated in rounds).

Round 1 Own Choice Program – at least 2 pieces of differentstyles and moods

Maximum 9 minutesRound 2 Own Choice Program – at least 2 pieces of different

styles and moodsMaximum 9 minutes

JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR VIRTUOSO ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC2 Rounds - up to 18 years of age (no piece repeated in rounds).

Round 1 Own Choice Program – at least 2 pieces of differentstyles and moods

Maximum 7 minutesRound 2 Own Choice Program – at least 2 pieces of different

styles and moodsMaximum 7 minutes

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR DIGITAL ACCORDION1 Round - Own Choice Show/Entertainment Program.

Maximum 15 minutes

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR ENSEMBLE MUSIC1 Round - Own Choice Program.

2-5 musicians – minimum 1 accordionNo electronics (except Bass accordion amplified if

necessary)Own Choice Program of concert music – at least 2

contrasting piecesMinimum 15 minutes, maximum 20 minutes

BEST NEW ORIGINAL WORK AWARD (CLASSICAL)Work must be part of a competitor’s program, written within the lasttwo years and performed for the first time at the Coupe Mondialefestival. No time restrictions.

65th Coupe Mondiale in Spoleto, Italy from August 20-26, 2012

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

Three fellow accordionistshave combined their specialtalents to create a delightfulchildren's book about their fa-vorite instrument entitled, AnAccordion! What Is That?Looking at the accordion in-side and out'. The book in-cludes a CD with narration andmusic.

Celebrated artist and AAAHistorian Joan Geller Grau-man, illustrated the book andcreated its mascot, an ani-

mated honeybee named "BuzzTreble", while AAA Board ofDirector Mary Tokarski in-cludes a wonderful narrationof the book, as well as beauti-fully performed music. KarenMalan-Uribe, award-winningauthor of children's books, isthe author.

For more information on thebook, and ordering informa-tion, please visit: www.accordionbee.com. ■

Newly Released Book: An Accordion! What is That?

Three renowned accordionists,Angelo DiPippo, AAA Board ofDirector’s member, FrankToscano and Manny Corallo,each a master musician in hisown right, perform together as“The Amazing AccordionKings,” performing beautifularrangements that cover thespectrum of genres from operato jazz with amazing dexterityand virtuosity, often movingwith flashing, lightning speedsolos and blazing phrases playedby all, in precise unison.

You are invited to enjoy The

Amazing Accordion Kings inconcert when they perform atthe Dix Hills Performing ArtsCenter, 305 North Service Road,Dix Hills, New York on March4th at 2:00 p.m., and experiencethe variety of colorful musicfrom around the world, takingyou on a Musical Tour of Italywith side trips to Germany, Hun-gary, Brazil, Spain, Ireland,Poland, Paris, Arabia and Amer-ican Jazz.

For more information, pleasevisit www.amazingaccordionk-ings.com. ■

18th AAA Master Class and Concert Seriesin New York City

“Redemption: The Radar offthe Radar” is the title of thisyear’s 18th Annual AAA MasterClass and Concert Series underthe direction of Moderator andCurator Dr. William Schimmel.The event will be held from July27-29, 2012 at the Tenri CulturalInstitute in New York City.

The distinguished roster ofparticipants will include: MickiGoodman, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Paul Stein, Dr. MarkBirnbaum, Will Holshouser,Doug Makofka, Mary Tokarski,Rita Davidson, Kathleen Tipton,Rachid Eladlouni, Marni Rice,Dragica Banic-Curcic, CarlRiehl, Bob Goldberg, BenjaminIckies, Erica Mancini, SuzanaBietes, Ingrid Kvale, Martina Li,Dr. Ronald Sarno, Dave Soldier,John Foti, Mayumi Mihaoka,David First, David Stoler, PeterGilmore, Linda Reed, MiyoshiFukui, Mami Okada, Sadahiro

Kakitani, Michael Schimmel,Joe Bertolozzi, Dr. Rocco Jerry,Anthony Grieco, Dr. HugoGoldenzweig, Ken Laufer, LeeMcClure, Art Bailey and Dr.William Schimmel as Modera-tor/Curator, with others to be an-nounced.

The daily schedule will in-clude a Master Class at 3:00p.m. and an evening concert at7:00 p.m.. In addition, you areinvited to enjoy a variety of ac-cordion related items for sale inthe lobby, including CDs, DVDsand music, or simply enjoyingmixing and mingling with yourfellow attendees.

The Seminars will be held atthe Tenri Cultural Institute at43A W. 13th Street in New YorkCity. For more information, in-cluding a full description of theSeminars and the nightly concertprograms, please visit www.am-eraccord.com. ■

The Amazing Accordion Kings in Concert

World Accordion Day - May 6th, 2012

World Accordion Day is held on May 6th to celebrate the day the accordion was first

patented in 1829 in Vienna. Initiated by the Confédération Internationale

des Accordéonistes (CIA) in 2009, we invite you to submit

your events at www.accordions.com/cia

Payment Enclosed $____________________

■■ Full Page ■■ 1/2 Page ■■ 1/4 Page ■■ Business Card ■■ Patrons

■■ Visa ■■ MasterCard ■■ DiscoverCard No. ■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■ Expiration Date ______________ Name on Card ____________________________

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address /City / State / Zip__________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ( ____ ) ______________________ Fax: ( ____ ) ____________________ E-mail: _____________________________

Please return completed form with checks payable to American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) and mail to:

AAA Souvenir JournalCamera-ready copy must accompany ad order.

Book size is 8 1/2 x 11. Ad size cannot exceed 7 1/2 x 10.

AAA FESTIVAL JULY 11-15, 2012Sheraton Baltimore City Center • 101 West Fayette Street • Baltimore, MD 21201

Visit our website for full details: www.ameraccord.com

AAA ANNUAL SOUVENIR JOURNAL

■■ Full Page................$170.00 ■■ Half Page .................$90.00 ■■ Quarter Page ...........$50.00 ■■ Business Card..........$25.00 ■■ Patrons.....................$15.00 single line listing

Multiple page discounts available

Provide clean black and white copy.

AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATIONAttention: Mary Tokarski, Chairman • 15 Maplewood Lane • Northford, CT 06472

FAX: (203) 335-2048 • aaa1938@aol.com

SOUVENIR JOURNAL DIMENSIONS:

Full Page – 7 1/2” x 10”

1/2 Page – 7 1/2” x 5”

1/4 Page – 3 3/4” x 5”

Business Card – 2” x 3 1/2”

DEADLINE: June 10th

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

AAA Festival 2012