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NORTHWEST ACCORDION NEWS

 Wine Festival  The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered  Improvising Duets: Comping for All Seasons  Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration!  News about Cory Pesaturo, Alicia Baker and Stas Venglevski!

VOL. 21 NO. 3 Northwest Accordion Society Fall Quarter 2011

Northwest Accordion News

Northwest Accordion News Staff Doris Osgood...... (503) 357-0417 NWAS PUBLICATION PRIORITIES [email protected]  Advertising Judith Ames ...... (360) 254-5245  Original Compositions [email protected]  News from Our Members Colleen Halverson (Advertising) ...... (503) 484-5064  Instructive/Technical Articles [email protected]  Summaries from Regional Socials and NW Accordion Society Ofﬁ cers Events Bonnie Birch, President/Treasurer ...... (206) 622-4786  Coming Events Doris Osgood, Vice President/Communications ...... (503) 357-0417 Articles will be printed if received prior to the Judith Ames, Secretary/Technology ...... (360) 254-5245 publishing deadline. Should space be an issue, Advisory Board articles will be printed in the order in which they are Rick Hatley, ...... (253) 288-0442 submitted. All decisions regarding publication will be Shirlee Holmes ...... (206) 282-4934 made by the editors of the NWAS News. Dick Myking ...... (253) 537-0136 To submit articles for publication, mail them to Birgit Teuwen ...... (206) 368-9720 Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ...... (425) 828-9104 the Vancouver, WA address listed. It is preferred Brenda Bard ...... (425) 822-4404 that articles be submitted via e-mail as attached Jim Tobler ...... (425) 745-4872 WORD documents or on a disc. Typed, paper copy needs to be dark and clear to allow scanning and to Membership: Doris Osgood...... (503) 357-0417 minimize errors. [email protected] Photographs sent for publication will be returned Judith Ames ...... (360) 254-5245 if they are accompanied with a SASE of correct size [email protected] and adequate postage. Photographs may be sent electronically or on disc. To reprint articles or photographs from Mail letters & articles to: magazines and newspapers, written permission Northwest Accordion Society from the publisher is required. Please submit the 5102 NE 121st Ave. #12, necessary “permission to print” with material sent. Vancouver, WA 98682 Views in the articles and information printed are Or e-mail to: [email protected] those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Northwest Accordion Society or its advertisers. ADVERTISING Full page $110.00 Half page $55.00 Quarter $30.00 Business card $10.00 NWAS News Deadlines Prices are PER ISSUE. US Funds February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1

Photo-ready Advertising (with accompanying check) for this publication may be sent to: Northwest Accordion Society Inquiries, questions, suggestions, etc. 6453 SE Nathan Ct., Hillsboro, OR 97123 Contact Doris Osgood, 3224 B St., or e-mail [email protected] Forest Grove, OR 97116. (503) 357-0417. E-mail: [email protected]

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY Is your membership renewal due? The Northwest Accordion News is a quarterly Check your mailing label. A membership newsletter published by the Northwest Accordion application/renewal form is included on Society for and by its members. The purpose of the last page. Send your renewals or the NWAS News is to unite the membership by change of address to: providing news of its members, and articles that Northwest Accordion Society instruct, encourage, and promote the playing of 5102 NE 121st Ave. #12 the accordion. Vancouver, WA 98682

fall Quarter 2011 1 Northwest Accordion News

Table of Contents 2 Letter from the Editors Quarterly Update 2 Quarterly Update 3 Letters to the Editor Dear Members, 3 Remembering Dieter Nachmann I feel a bit guilty sitting here in Forest Grove with 4 Wine Festival temperatures between 70 – 80 degrees. It’s been 7 Congratulations, Cory Pesaturo beautiful! My relatives in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and 7 Stas Venglevski Featured Arkansas are stewing in their own juice as I write. 9 17th Leavenworth International Summer’s slipping away; school resumes soon and Accordion Celebration with that comes the Oktoberfest season. 10 Photos from LIAC 2011 Thank you for your concern for my husband and 13 Leavenworth International Accordion me. I injured my back in the late spring and have been Celebration Sponsors dealing with the diagnosis and treatment all summer. 14 Seattle Accordion Social I feel much more comfortable and must be careful not 16 NWAS Welcomes New Members: to reinjure myself. Gary has improved considerably. 17 Leavenworth International Accordion We appreciate your thoughtfulness. Celebration Competition Awards 2011 Judith and I will do the “paste up” for the Autumn 18 Pietka Scholarship Recipient issue of the NWAS News next week. I am especially 18 Keeping Up With Alicia Baker pleased that Jim O’Brien, Ph. D Professor Emeritus 20 Kimberley International Oldtime Accordion from the University of Arizona, has written his notes Championships complete with examples from his workshop on play- 22 Tacoma Accordion Social ing duets. We are thrilled with his gracious gift to the 23 Something Special in Sequim publication. You may be acquainted with his arrange- 27 Remembering Mike Belitz ments from the internet. Dr. O’Brien has the authority 28 Peter Soave to Premiere New and expertise to provide some valuable instruction. Accordion Concerto by Max Simoncic Occasionally articles appear in newspapers or 31 Improvising Duets: Comping for All Seasons magazines that are of interest to our membership. 35 Castelfi daro Changes With The Times I’ve had reasonably good experiences with requesting 36 The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered permission to reprint. After waiting for several weeks, 38 Accordian Lesson Memories I received word that there would be a very large fee to 39 By the Way – reprint an article; I was disappointed! 40 Accordion Events Calendar This issue also includes an original composi- 42 Entertainers in the Northwest tion by Wally Lazar. Wally is an NWAS member from Canada and has generously shared several compositions with us. Wine Festival seems to fi t the season; Letter from the Editors we are grateful to Wally Lazar for allowing the NWAS News to print his music. Greetings! I’ve mentioned it before, but I must confess that Summer was slow to arrive here in the Pacifi c writing “remembrance” articles about friends in the ac- Northwest. We are fi nally getting some dry weather in cordion community is one task that I really don’t enjoy. the 80’s. The articles are important to communicate the infor- Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration mation but also to give honor to the friend that we’ve was a great success! Did you attend it or one or more lost. Mike Belitz was a fi ne accordionist and a lovely of the other Accordion Celebrations, Competitions person. We hope that many aspiring accordionists will or Camps? We love to hear from you! You may follow in his footsteps and build upon the music he send us your articles and photos by email (judith@ provided. Mike was respected and loved; he will be ameshomepalce.com) or through the mail (our mailing missed. address is on the back). The Northwest Accordion Society thanks all of You may now receive your NWAS electronically - you who volunteered and worked to make the Interna- please let us know if you’d like to have the PDF version tional Accordion Celebration at success. Bonnie Birch (you get it sooner and often pictures are in COLOR!) planned for many months to pull the event together. Once again, we have a PACKED issue! Enjoy! Work has begun for next year’s music festival. Mark Judith ([email protected]) your calendars today; LIAC will be June 14 – 17,

2 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Remembering Dieter Nachmann

2012. Dieter Peter Nachmann, whose charm and This issue has important information and adver- sense of humor marked a kaleidoscopic life with tising to note. We are grateful to our faithful adver- legions of loving friends, died of cancer on Friday, tisers and encourage you to take advantage of the July 22, 2011, in Portland, Ore. He was a bartender, goods and services they provide. Be sure to let them herb salesman, wine distributor, marketing consul- know that you saw their advertisement in the NWAS tant, father, gastronome, punster, and musician. News. Special thanks to our new advertising editor, Born in Traunstein, Germany, on June 9, 1946, Colleen Halverson. We appreciate all that she’s done Dieter was the only child of Bernhard Nachmann to ensure that our publication is in the black. and Paula Rohofsky. The family moved to Cleve- Finally, enjoy the Oktoberfest season. The accor- land, Ohio, in early 1948 and then to Denver Colo., dion is visible in the autumn. Support and encourage where Dieter attended St. John's grade school and the accordionists when you encounter them. This is Mullen High School. He enrolled at the University of an important time for all of us amateur players also. Colorado's Engineering School in Boulder. The Oktoberfests can’t manage without all of us; we Dieter moved to the Paciﬁ c Northwest in the lend “color” to their events. It’s fun too. Have a won- mid-1970s. He was co-operator of a tavern in Trout derful autumn. It’s my favorite time of year! Lake, Wash., where, according to an eyewitness, Doris Osgood "he subjected regular customers to his accordion, [email protected] and gave them lessons in classical music - and they loved it!" He later worked at the Rams Head at Letters to the Editor Timberline Lodge, where he was a bartender, wine steward and entertainer. Dear NWAS, He frequently played accordion with the late The Leavenworth Festival was deluxe. Walter Aeppli. Calling themselves the "Edelweiss Cindy Martin, Seattle, WA Irregulars," they played together for 30 years. In 1978 he joined a wine distributorship in Dear NWAS, Portland as a salesman. Dieter went on to form his Thank you so much for placing my mother’s Memorial own company designing labels and marketing plans piece in the NWAS magazine. for small companies. He often spoke of his concept Best Regards, Adrianna Wells, Seattle, WA of "property mismanagement," his way of describing his "vast real estate holdings." Dear NWAS, Thank you for such a great time in Leavenworth. He married Sandra Johansen in 1987. Their Loved the workshops. It was so much fun. son Karl was born that same year. Kathleen Falco, Athol, ID Dieter is survived by his son, Karl, of White Salmon, Wash., an aunt, Kathi Nachmann, and a Dear NWAS, cousin, Sonja Schmidt, both of Denver. Thank you for the marvelous job you do with our NWAS A celebration of his life was held at Timberline news. Lodge on Aug. 28. Dick Myking, Seattle, WA

Dear NWAS, Renewing my membership for yet another year. Hope to have more time for the accordion as I am retiring from education after teaching 7th grade for 37 years. Kathy Breece, Bothell, WA

WANTED: Articles, music, photos, drawings, cartoons, ad- vertisements! This is YOUR publication. Email submissions to judith@ameshomeplace. com or mail to: NWAS, 5102 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682.

fall Quarter 2011 3 Northwest Accordion News Wine Festival Tarentella

W. Lazar

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4 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

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fall Quarter 2011 5 Northwest Accordion News

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6 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News Congratulations, Cory Pesaturo Stas Venglevski Featured

Well known concert artist, Stas Venglevski, performed "In Croce" for bayan and cello on June 10, 2011 at the University of Chicago in honor of composer Sofi a Gubaidulina's receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Chicago. The cellist on the program was Gwen Krosnick. It was the fi rst time the University of Chicago awarded a doctorate to someone in the fi eld of music. Stas Venglevski's artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought him increas- ing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. A two-time fi rst prize winner of bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy July 12, 2011, the Boston Globe reported that of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Cory Pesaturo took top honors at the International Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Rus- VII Primus Ikaalinen Accordion Competition at the sian bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated Sata-Häme Soi Festival in Finland. The 24-year old to the United States. was the fi rst American to compete in the event which Stas' repertoire includes his original composi- was broadcast on Finnish national TV to 1.1 million tions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and viewers and streamed live on the internet! The tight ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a solo- competition culminated in an exciting musical duel ist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, between Cory Pesaturo and Giorgio Albanese as they Europe, and the United States including numerous played ’Libertango’ by Astor Piazzolla. performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and Results: with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion 1. Cory Pesaturo, USA Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony 2. Giorgio Albanese, Italy orchestras throughout the United States. He per- 3. Matthias Matzke, Germany formed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by An- thony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan Cory compared the show to “American Idol”. He and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. said that he was surprised to win an acoustic competi- He is a regular participant of the Milwaukee tion. He placed fi rst in New Zealand two years ago Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education in the digital accordion category; most of his music is Program (ACE); has done television commercials and made on the Roland virtual accordion. As it happened, performed in theater productions; produced numer- Cory had planned to play his beloved Sonola acoustic ous recordings including transcription of Tchaikovsky's accordion in competition but wasn’t allowed to take Nutcracker Suite for bayan as well as one of original it on board the airplane. Not wanting to risk shipping compositions. He has published several books of the instrument, he left it home in Cumberland, RI. original compositions. There wasn’t much time to borrow an instrument and Stas also performs as a member of the A Sta_ to become acquainted with it before his performance. Sera Duo where he combines talents with accordion- The results demonstrated his ability to adapt and ist, John Simkus, known primarily for his smooth jazz displayed his mastery of the instrument. Cory is on renditions. Their musical partnership has resulted in a a campaign to “make the dowdy old squeezebox hip unique repertoire and as a duo they have toured the again”, says writer Mark Shanahan. But, Cory said United States and Europe extensively and collabo- that, “I won’t be truly successful until Jay Leno calls!” rated on a CD of original compositions, Seasonings. Cory Pesaturo, an internationally known musi- For further information: stasvenglevski@sbc- cian, studied at New England Conservatory, where he global.net. was the fi rst person ever to graduate with accordion as his major instrument. He is a dazzling improviser, whose specialty area is jazz. He performed as early “Accordions don’t play Lady of Spain, people do.” - as the age of 12 at the White House for President Bill Paul Harvey Clinton. fall Quarter 2011 7 Northwest Accordion News

8 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News 17th Leavenworth International a full house followed with soloist David Locke and but- Accordion Celebration ton box master, Max Kyllonen. I was emcee for the Saturday afternoon concert at the grange and enjoyed By Doris Osgood myself thoroughly. The festhalle was buzzing with activity from morn- My husband grimaces as we load the car each ing to well into the night. The accordion vendors had year to travel to Leavenworth. He says that his next many patrons and our staff of volunteers sold buttons, wife is going to play piccolo! “ Demenagement”, the shirts, and concert tickets. The competitions en- French would call it. This year’s travel was very gaged the main auditorium of the festhalle Friday and pleasant, I’m glad to report. The mountains surround- Saturday. Shortly before LIAC was to happen, we ing Leavenworth were still snow capped and the rivers learned that Jelena Milojevic, one of our adjudicators were running full. We were greeted with a stunning and concert artists, was involved in a serious car ac- sight. It really was a slice of Bavaria 400 miles from cident and would be unable to fulfi ll her commitment our home. to LIAC. Thankfully, she was expected to fully recover My perspective of the event is from the gazebo from her injuries. Tom Demski was able to step in in the heart of town. I hate to use so many superla- and serve as an adjudicator with Mario Pedone. Rod tives, but I really believe that the free entertainment Miller worked with the adjudication team and plans to at the gazebo and at the grange was the best we’ve head the competition piece of the music festival next had. Our volunteer entertainers were prepared and year too. Ken Kohnhorst of Leavenworth served as punctual. The new sound system at the gazebo was emcee during the competitions. a wonderful improvement too. Bo Davis, our able Thursday evening’s concert began as planned sound person, worked his magic for many hours with Steve Albini. He ably demonstrated the Roland and made the best of all of the different situations on V accordion and also accompanied several vocal stage. All of the professional entertainers that were selections. With Jelena’s absence, Alicia Baker was part of the concert schedule plus other professional willing and able to step in and play a wonderful pro- players donated their talent to the free entertainment gram. She played both the acoustic accordion and venues too. Mario Pedone, Alicia Baker, and Vincen- the Roland. In her hour, she demonstrated many zo Abbracciante dazzled the audiences. Our friend, music styles and also demonstrated her amazing skill Gary Blair was in town “on holiday” and also per- and poise. She called her program “My Favorites”. formed at the gazebo. The affable Scot with the fast Those included some of her original compositions and fi ngers draws and holds and audience; he’s always a arrangements along with other great arrangements crowd favorite. like Joe Spano’s “Rhumba Cubani”, a lightning fast The grange building was used a bit differently “Flight of the Bumblebee”, Eileen Hagen’s version of this year. The workshops were generally held in the “Tico Tico”, a tasty “Rhapsody in Blue”, and my hus- morning upstairs and free entertainment was held in band’s favorite, “Scherzo” by Dom Frontiere. the afternoons on Friday and Saturday. The work- Friday evening saw long lines waiting for tickets. shops and demonstrations were well attended. Free The fi rst performer was Mario Pedone. He was an accordion lessons were conducted on both days too. audience favorite from the fi rst note! Mario has an Barbara Lofquist shared that at one point on Friday af- uncanny ability to adjust his program as he sizes up ternoon 25 people were waiting for a lesson with one the audience. The long standing ovation was indi- of the instructors. Dick Myking, Eloise Adaire, Barb cation that nobody was ready for him to leave the Lofquist, Cooksie Kramer, and John Giuliani got a stage. However, another outstanding program was workout! Some had feared that our performers were coming. The Spokane Accordion Ensemble under spread thin between the gazebo and the grange; ev- the direction of Patricia Bartell delivered a memorable erybody worked hard, without question. However we program. The thirteen musicians were well pre- encountered a whole different audience at the west pared and delivered a fantastic “Night at the Movies”. end of town. Some of our patrons, eating ice cream Their selections included music from Henry Mancini’s and box lunches, were unaware of events at the repertoire, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, Fid- east end of town. It was amazing really. The grange dler on the Roof, Sound of Music and many others. gave people a comfortable place to hear and see the An unexpected surprise came with the music. Rick accordion in a more intimate way. Not only that, the Webber, mild mannered dulcimer player by day, made music was great! Friday’s program included Paul numerous costume changes to take on the appropri- Fedorowicz, Bonnie Birch, Einar Tapio, and Bev Fess. ate movie character to introduce each movie. Part of Saturday the Northwest Accordionaires performed for the fun was wondering what Rick would show up with fall Quarter 2011 9 Northwest Accordion News next! A highlight of this segment of the evening was nd a memorable solo by Patricia Bartell, Patricia’s young concluded. For the 2 year, the Northwest Accordion students participating in the Sound of Music segment, Society worked to present the accordion celebration in and a performance by the Portatas doing the “Orange Leavenworth. The months of planning and hard work Blossom Special”. It was a long evening, but nobody paid off. I believe that I can claim that LIAC 2011 was wanted to leave; it was too much fun. a success! Saturday night’s concert began with an Old Time People from all corners of the country came Palooza. Toby Hanson, Rod Miller, Jim and Shirley together to promote the accordion; they donated their O’Brien, Max Kyllonen, Kory Tideman, the Bonnie money, their time, and their talents. For our army of Birch Trio along with Lionel Kramer on drums and volunteers it was a labor of love. We are grateful to John Giuliani on string bass delivered a program them all. Special thanks to our LIAC chairman, Bon- that many people thought was worth the trip to Leav- nie Birch, web master, Ken Kohnhorst, parademeister enworth! Each played solo then the group played ,Rod Miller, volunteer coordinator Frank Bruchner, and together as a fi nale; the audience loved the old time festhalle commander, Steve Berg for their long hours. music style played well. The featured soloist for the Plans are in the works for next year’s accordion evening was Vincenzo Abbriacante from a small town celebration. We have come to expect a unique music not far from Rome, Italy. Gary Blair shared that he’d festival experience. We look to building on this year’s heard Vincenzo play as a 15 year old in a European outstanding competition, workshops and concerts. competition and described him as “brilliant” then. LIAC is in the black! Mark your calendars today: June Vincenzo is only in his early 20’s now and “brilliant” 14 – 17, 2012. We look forward to seeing you there can still sum up his musicianship. John and Lionel re- for the love of the accordion. mained on stage to perform with Vincenzo. He played some original compositions and unique arrangements Photos from LIAC 2011 – one included a bellows shake that seemed endless Courtesy of Ed Lofquist – another bent tones on the accordion like I’ve never experienced. His last segment was a jazz set. He concluded with the “A Train” to the audience’s delight. Saturday at noon time is always a unique time in Leavenworth. The accordion parade made its way from the festhalle to the gazebo. The crowds in town love it. I’m happy to report that the tourists were plentiful and reminiscent of prerecession crowds. The parade is short and sweet; FUN STUFF. Parade- meister, Rod Miller delivered an outstanding band of players. He’d made arrangements with some vocalists in town to help with the singing of Edelweiss when NW Accordionaires at Grange the band reached the gazebo. Gary Blair continued playing as the parade marched away and the large crowd remained. I’ve emceed this for many years and the crowds for the post parade program were huge; it was really encouraging. By Sunday noon, the T-shirts and pins were sold out and the awards were presented. My last shift at the gazebo started at 11 AM. We had wonderful audiences. I couldn’t help but notice the number of young families with small children. The children were especially interested in the accordion players on stage. We had some GREAT STUFF too: The Northwest Accordionaires started the program followed by Eileen Webber, Rod Miller, Einar Tapio, Alicia Baker, John Schirr and the O’Briens. Jim and Dick Myking with students in Grange Workshop Shirley O’Brien concluded the program at the gazebo with “Auf Wiedersehen” and I declared the 17th international accordion celebration in Leavenworth to be 10 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Tom Cordoni

Barb Lofquist with students in Lower Grange Workshop

Terri Ranstad

Gary Blair performs at the Gazebo

The Accords

Freda Schartz and Linda Marks

Happy Wanderers

Bonnie Birch Rod Miller and Toby Hanson

fall Quarter 2011 11 Northwest Accordion News

Accordions assembled at the Gazebo.

There was dancing at the Gazebo.

Accordion Parade Participants

Accordion Parade Approaches

Accordion Parade

Patricia Bartell John Giuliani & Student at Grange Workshop More photos on Page 16 12 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration Sponsors www.accordioncelebration.org

Virtuoso Sponsors - $2,000 or more City of Leavenworth Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Northwest Accordion Society Projekt Bayern Major Sponsors - $500 or more City of Leavenworth Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Northwest Accordion Society Projekt Bayern Business Sponsors Borsini Accordions (Co-Sponsoring Vincenzo Abbracciante) John Giuliani Sr. memorial fund (Sponsoring youth competition) Andreas Keller (Co-Sponsoring Leavenworth Open) Petosa Accordions (Sponsoring the Popular Open Category) Gino Picini (Co-Sponsoring Mario Pedone) Tempo Trend Accordions (Co-Sponsoring Jelena Milojevic) Accordion Players, Accordion Clubs, Friends of the Accordion Accordion Club of Roseburg, OR Hugo Accordion Band Eloise Adair NWAS Socials in Forest Grove, OR Katherine Allen NWAS Socials in Seattle, WA Steve and Jeannie Berg Andy Mirkovich Bonnie Birch Rod Miller Frank Bruckner and Gale Lewis Andy Mirkovich Leland Cade Drs. Jim & Shirley O’Brien Robert Coe Terry Ranstad Vern Cole Ann Robbins Bonnie Combs (in memory of Gary) Marjorie Rombauer Eugene Deda Robynne Snow Kathleen Falco Brad Summers Paul A. Francis Tualatin Valley Accordionists, Forest Grove, Colleen Halverson OR Shirley Holmes Rick & Eileen Webber Vera Wendel Mike Zaro

We truly appreciate all of the sponsors who helped to make LIAC 2011 a great success! Please give patron- age to our business sponsors and help us express our appreciaƟ on!

fall Quarter 2011 13 Northwest Accordion News Seattle Accordion Social By Marjorie Rombauer & Dick Myking

May 9, 2011 This evening at the Gypsy Trader Café began with students of the host, Paul Fedorowicz.

Kendra Loebs began with Italian numbers, Santa Lucia and Cielito Lindo, and then played an Hungar- ian Dance with good expression. She concluded with “Fascination.” Overall a smooth performance after some initial nervousness. Devon Marcher followed with a song whose name he didn’t know but then played a number whose name we all know – “Drink to Me Only With Your Eyes.” Another smooth performance. David Delashmit was next, a newcomer to the Social. He played the accordion backwards, with treble on the left and bass on the right (“I’m left-handed,” he explained). He usually plays with the Bicycle Tree Band, so he noted that some harmonies and other accompaniment were missing. The numbers, unfamiliar to me, included “Tears of a Ruby Geisha “ (he made up the name), a song adapted from a Norwegian band arrangement, “Lovers by the Desert Water Hole,” and a waltz. He promised that next time he plays he will play the accordion “inside out.” Watch for a report on that!

Then there was group playing. Devon was joined by Paul, Russell Bates and Jim Hunt to play four nicely harmonized short numbers with -- Offenbach’s Barcarolle, a number whose name I couldn’t remember, “Little Brown Jug,” and “Carnival of Venice.” Next was a quartet composed of Emily Johnson, Mari Becker, Juliana Bohn and Cindy Martin, playing “Do, Re, Mi,” from “Sound of Music.” Then Juliana Jamie Maschler’s student Jon Scherer played and Cindy, with bassist Seth, played a number three numbers, “Amalie” (sp?), “Dark Eyes,” (with an whose name I didn’t hear, but the lyrics included, interesting bass chord introduction), and a rock and “Darling, darling, darling . . . I don’t know trouble no roll number. This was his fi rst appearance at the So- more.” 14 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News where outside of Switzerland this would be a polka. cial also – a good beginning. Now, Kory played guitar. Then there was an interlude with Paul Fedorow- Hans Jr. has a son who put out a CD called icz and John Giuliani on the bass. “Happy Hans – 3rd Generation,” From this they played The program concluded with a new duo – Einor “Wenn Ist Schmert Im Zillertal” and later, a polka “Die Tapio and Marchette Dubois. Marchatte fi rst played Fischeim Von Boden See.” From the Swiss Family alone, a Macedonian number with intricate rhythm. Band on U-Tube they played “Edelweiss Is Blooming” Then together they played a number that made me and “Fun Time with the Family” to which Hans sang want to dance, Skansen Tösan by Eric Öst, and then and yodeled. These last two names were more about another fast one by Öst, Bacon and Eggs. Then it the subject of the songs than actual titles. was Einar’s turn to solo, and he played a very fast Someone requested “Sugartime” as in Sugar in set of variations on the” Carnival of Venice.” The duo the morning, Sugar in the evening, Sugar at Supper- returned with “The Lady and the Waltz,” with focus on time, etc.. At one point the tune changed to “you Are expression. They concluded with Grieg’s “Norwegian My Sunshine,” then back again. The audience sang Dance No. 2.” I hope we will be hearing them again at the whole song! This was a very fun part of the eve- a future Social. ning program. It was an entertaining evening, full of variety. Following our Austrian music was a longtime favorite performer, Jon Persson. He began his segment playing on Birgit Ages’ Tonaveri piano accordion. “La Comparsita” was Jon’s opener, well known to most of us. Just a tiny note of apology at this point is in order. My notes probably are a little like those of Colombo, the TV detective, but I’m very likely not as clever with mine as he was with his. From here on some of the things I say may be questionable, so if you fi nd your forehead wrinkling here and there, don’t be surprised. In the process of analyzing what the players are doing as they play, my comments may not be entirely correct. Proceeding with Jon Persson’s performance, he continued by playing the very beautiful Viennese song “Vienna City of My Dreams” followed by the Swed- ish polka “The Old Fella from Guntland.” Now, it was time for a change, so Jon played an Art Van Damme arrangement of “Once In A While” which had some nicely improvised parts. Because of his amazing versatility, Jon can even play jazz without losing his audience for even a moment. To maintain his captive listeners’ keen interest Jon switched to his “Russian Typewriter” the bayan. J. S. Bach’s “Air on A “G” String” caused many to sit back and just enjoy the intricacies of melodies and countless melodies as Jon himself had arranged them. The free-bass of this instrument made this mu- June 13, 2011 sic more playable. Reported by Dick Myking There was a request from someone to play something Finnish. Jon feigned thinking they were Opening our evening program was Hans Rainer skim to fi nish, but the point was clarifi ed, so he said and Kory Tideman playing 5-row button boxes. One he would play “Birch Tree Waltz” (not Bonnie Birch difference in their instruments, Hans explained, is that Tree Waltz). The next piece was a toccata, a compo- Kory’s has minor bass chords while Hans’ accordion sition for piano, organ or harpsichord. This one was does not. Their program consisted of quite a nice va- for pipe organ by Widor. The “Russian Sailors Dance,” riety of selections that started with a lively polka with a closer Jon has used on previous occasions, provid- Hans singing the lyrics. Then, a Swiss Laendler which ed excitement right up to the end with both treble and is like a waltz. Third was a Ric-Soc Schottische. Any- fall Quarter 2011 15 Northwest Accordion News bass solos with fast-moving-moving modulations. Host and hostess for the evening, Philip Ages More photos from LIAC 2011 and Birgit Teuwen, the core of the Folk Voice Band, were next. This was not the fi rst time this duo has had to follow Jon Persson on the program of an accordion social. A couple major interruptions kept me from writing the full slate these two people played. They perform quite a variety of folk songs from vari- ous European countries. Birgit plays most of their music by memorizing nearly 100% of it. Philip, on the other instruments, plays and sings, as most of their songs have lyrics. He changes instruments very often. A few of the selections were “Marion Berry”, a Finn- ish family waltz. On this, Philip, played button box. Next was “Sdrando”, a selection I only have a name for. Philip, playing recorder now joined Birgit doing a French-Italian mazurka “St. Andien.” Because of a diffi cult language mix, he didn’t attempt singing it. Then Mario Pedone at Festhalle he switched to the mandolin as they played “Ballo Indodici” from Italy. On all their music Birgit played her Tonaveri. Here is where Colombo could have helped me with my notes. Our last performer this evening was David Locke playing a Diamond piano accordion. If you have ever listened to a David Locke CD you would know that Spokane Accordion Ensemble Concert hearing his music is sheer pleasure. Tonight was no exception. He played from one piece to another, barely giving us a name each time, and once or twice we were guessing. “Blue Bijou” started things off and he continued with “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, a fast waltz, “Soul of the Poet’, “All the Things You are”, to “Begin the Beguine”, “Kareoka Carioca Waltz” and “My Prayer.” We had been serenaded. David plays very often in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. You can only imagine the great pleasure he gives the residents with music like that ! Our evening was now complete. Portatos at Festhalle The July Social was cancelled.

NWAS Welcomes New Members: Colleen Allender, Richland, WA Mabel Becker, Livingston, TX John Crescenzo, Rockford, IL Ethel Harris, Victor, MT Carol Jeanne, Milwaukie, OR Linda John, Gig Harbor, WA Sharmon Kenyon, Fortuna, CA Jill Patten, Gresham, OR Richard Peterson, Port Orchard, WA Russ Rossi, Portland, OR Irene Ulm, Corvallis, OR

Remember, you are welcome to give gift member- ships! The membership form is on the last page of this publication! Alicia Baker performing at LIAC 2011

16 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration Competition Awards 2011 Leavenworth Open Variety I 1. Eileen Webber 1. Einar Tapio 2. Gary Malner 2. Al Aman 3. Eric Oscar 3. Louis Traverso Popular Open Variety II 1. Jamie Maschler 1. Eileen Webber 2. Eileen Webber 2. Terry Ranstad 3. Gary Malner 3. Doris Osgood Light Classical Open Variety III 1. Jamie Maschler 1. Eric Oscar 2. Yevgeniy Nosov Variety V Old Time Duets 1. Amelia Bauer 1. Bev Fess - Kassie Patterson 2. Linda Little - Jim Hamilton / tie Variety VI 1. Michael Barbarossa Don Struble – Eric Oscar 2. Kassie Patterson tie Gabriel Soileu Old Time Diatonic 3. Robert Degeode 1. Eric Oscar Variety VII 2. Eileen Webber 1. Naomi Harris 3. John Schirr 2. Jason Borzosh Old Time Band 3. Emil Haroldsen 1. Across the Miles HM Roman Semirrachnor 2. Happy Wanderers HM Anthony Kuzmenkov 3. Portatas Light Classical II Original Compostion 1. Kassie Patterson 1. Gary Malner 2. Gabriel Soileu Light Classical III 1. Emil Haroldsen Cki_Y_d;nfWdi_ed J^[

fall Quarter 2011 17 Northwest Accordion News Keeping Up With Alicia Baker Pietka Scholarship Recipient Why I Like The Accordion Alicia Baker, Happy Hans champ 2011, By Filumena Sweet age 8 seems to be in perpetual motion! She’s had a very busy summer. She played a wonderful concert at Leavenworth this year on short notice. As “product specialist/performer” for Roland virtual accordions, Alicia conducted demonstrations in Leavenworth, Petosa Accordions, and KIOTAC. Though she doesn’t consider herself a “sales person type”, she feels the demonstrations have introduced the accordion to new audiences and she sees the instrument’s gaining popularity. Alicia’s summer activities continued as she went to the annual Lutheran Bible Camp. There she was assistant director of a junior choir. Camp has been an in important part of her life; she played the accordion in the talent show as she has each year since she was very young. KIOTAC is always a highlight. Her parents and grandparents joined her. She played a con- The accordion is really fun because I get to cert on Monday night and was free to play daily learn music and that will make a difference in my at the platzl. Normally her competition schedule entire life. I can also READ music that will help keeps her tethered during the week. She was too. So, now I can plan another instrument with especially pleased to include a vocal aria during less diffi culty. her concert in Kimberley and was accompanied My favorite part of the accordion is perform- by Michael Bridge. She’s looking to produce a CD ing. I have done a lot of performances, but still of her singing accompanying herself on the ac- my best one was at my old school’s talent show. cordion! She and Michael are planning to record Why I like especially my accordion is it’s re- another duet CD. The duo has been asked to ally fancy and pretty. It’s red with pearly keys. It play a duet concert at Kimberley next year; every- has three rhinestones on the 120 basses. One body loves their playing together. rhinestone marks C. Mid July she was off to the AAA convention. This was her fi rst experience with playing for an East Coast audience. She played a 20 minute set in the Friday night gala on the Roland demon- strating as many musical genres as possible. Her program included a vocal aria and her version of “Skinny’s Polka”. Alicia’s busy summer will conclude with performing at Cotati. She says that a couple more Roland trips could follow. Shortly after a little R and R she will return to school at Oregon State University. October 13, she will play the third movement of Nicholai's Accordion Concerto in B fl at with the OSU Symphony. (La Selles Stewart Center, Corvallis, OR) Alicia’s bringing accordion to the musical mainstream; this is exciting for all of us.

18 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

fall Quarter 2011 19 Northwest Accordion News Kimberley International Oldtime Accordion Championships 2 Years in a Row! - Alicia Baker Wins!

Congratulations to Alicia Baker on her stellar performance and winning the Happy Hans Open!

2011 Winners Lt Classical Ii (16 + Over) 1. Michael Bridge - Calgary, AB Popular 4 – (71 + Over) 2. Gregory Gordon - Portland, OR 1. Einar Tapio la Conner, Wa 3. Hannu Lambert - Mission, BC 2. Lela Bourne Kelowna, BC 3. Margaret Schuler Southey, SK Lt Classical I (15+under) 1. Emmanuel Gasser - St Charles, ON Popular 3 – (51-70) 2. Logan Stephens - Polson, MT 1. Gregory Gordon portland, OR 3. Daniel Layton - Coaldale, AB 2. Hannu Lambert Mission, BC 3. Rod Miller Kelowna, BC Jazz Open – 1. Michael Bridge - Calgary, AB Popular 2 – (13-48) 2. William Lynch - Calgary, AB 1. Emmanuel Gasser - St Charles, On 3. Gregory Gordon - Portland, OR 2. Logan Stephens - Polson, Mt 3. Daniel Layton - Coaldale, Mt Bands – Open 1. The International Connection Popular 1 – (12+under) 2. The Leduc Connection 1. Luke Persson - Windermere, BC 3. Bellows And Bass 2. Shauna Jensen - Medicine Hat, AB 3. Naomi Harris - Spokane, WA Diatonic – Open . Eileen Webber Spokane, Wa 2. George Jaegli - Leduc, AB 3. Wolfgang Redies - Dawson Creek, BC

20 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Duets Junior – (15 + Under) Our Place Restaurant Platinum – 79+ Over ($250/200/100) 1. Phil Selinger - Calgary, AB 1. William Lynch / Kassie Patterson 2. John Stadnyk - Edmonton, Ab 2. Emmanuel Gasser / Gabriel Soileau Happy Hans Open 3. Shauna Jensen / Luke Persson 1. Alicia Baker - Milwaukie, Or Duets Senior – (16+over) 2. Michael Bridge - Calgary, AB 1. Rod Miller / Einar Tapio 3. Austin Kawa - Edmonton, Ab 2. Margaret Schuler / Irvin Armbruster Junior Showmanship – (19 +under) 3. Jamar Jensen / Danielle Lynch Michael Bridge Calgary, AB Primary (10+under) Senior Showmanship – (20 + Over) 1. Shauna Jensen - Medicine Hat, AB Rod Miller Kelowna, BC 2. Wesley Tews - Coaldale, AB 3. Ola Kawa - Edmonton, AB Band Showmanship – Open The International Connection Elementary (12+under)) 1. Marshall Hartin coaldale, AB Youngest Competitor – 2. Luke Persson windermere, BC Wesley Tews Coaldale, AB 8 Years Old 3. Madison Hartin coaldale, AB Mazoff Improv Prize Junior (15 + Under) William Lynch Calgary, AB 1. Emmanuel Gasser st Charles, ON Sharon Hann Memorial 2. Daniel Layton coaldale, AB Emmanuel Gasser 3. Sonya Hungerford milwaukie, OR Olaf Sveen Memorial Award Intermediate – 19+ Under William Lynch 1. Michael Bridge Calgary, AB 2. Jamar Jensen medicine Hat, AB Special Award 3. Emmanuel Gasser st Charles, ON Bill Baerg Senior – (20-60) 1. Jim Klippert -Calgary, AB 2. Julie Lussier-houle - Cardston, AB Bronze – (61-64) – Trickle Creek Gallery 1. Greg Gordon Portland, OR 2. Eileen Webber - Spokane, WA After a long summer 3. Clara Anderson - Salmon Arm, BC hiatus, the Seattle Socials will resume Silver – (65-71) on September 12. 1. Don Hollis - Trail, BC The social will be 2. Al Aman - Missoula, MT at the West Seattle 3. Ginger Purdy - Caldwell, ID Senior Center. There Golden – (72-75) are always great 1. Anne Dietrich - Mendham, SK soloists and groups. 2. Paul Kobasiuk - Edmonton, Ab Cooksie Kramer will 3. George Jaegli - Leduc, Ab have some of her young accordionists Diamond – (76-78) there. Be sure at- 1. Lela Bourne - Kelowna, BC tend and to give those 2. Margaret Schuler - Southey, SK young players encour- 3. Jay Gartel - Kelowna, BC agement.

fall Quarter 2011 21 Northwest Accordion News Tacoma Accordion Social By Elise Adair

May Our May meeting was held at Trinity Lutheran altogether. Eloise Adair was ﬁ rst to play. She played Church on the 12th. "Marriage of Figaro" and "Beautiful Days". Next The church put on a spaghetti dinner for Michael Barbarossa played "Sheboygan Polka", everyone and the accordionists entertained. During "Weeping Willow Waltz" and "Billboard March". the dinner we had four players, our ﬁ rst was Randall Dennis Perry didn't bring his accordion so he played Tron then David Emter on his chromatic accordion. mine. He played some patriotic son, "Battle Cry of Third was Eloise Adair then Michael Barbarossa. At Freedom", This Is My Country", "I've Got a Wife" and 7 p.m. our program began with Tom Demski playing "You're a Grand Old Flag". several Italian pieces. He got the most applause when Next we had a 13 year old guitarist Nolan did a lot of bellow shake playing "Malaguena". Garrett play and sing for us. He played "Folsom Our last player was new to most of us, David Prison Blues", "Knockin' on Heavens Door" and Lang. He did an excellent job playing jazz. We had "House of the Rising Sun" Then Dorene Fox played a very good attendance and I think every one had a "Harbor Lights", "La Violetera" and "Yankee Doodle good time. Dandy". Phil Cappetto was next playing "Ode to In June so many have graduations or vacations Joy", "Scherazade", and "Le Vie en Rose". We had so our next meeting will be in July beginning with a another singer, Diane Crews sang "Blue Skies". Our picnic. last player was Toby Hanson. He played "Detour", "Crazy", "Just Because", "Right or Wrong" "Waltz July Across Texas" "Domino" "Achtung Los" "Last Date", We planned to have a picnic in July but it was so "Life in the Finnish Woods" and "Jamte Gubben". cool in the picnic area under the trees we ate indoors. More people arrived for our program and we had 52 Castiglione Accordions We are one of the principle people in selling the new “Virtual Roland Reedless” Accordions Please visit our web site, www. castiglioneaccordions.com Click on Roland and then look and listen to the Audio-Visual demonstration of the instrument.

Importers and Exporters Featuring Castiglione, Beltuna, Scandalli, Guerrini, Excelsior, Dallapé, Tyrolean and more All types of accordions - piano, diatonic, chromatic button New and Used - MIDI and Electronics Buy - Sell - Trade - Repair - Tune [email protected] http://www.castiglioneaccordions.com Phone: (586) 755-6050 Fax (586) 755-6339

22 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Something Special in Sequim in Milwaukie, Wisconsin. He began playing the accordion at age 7 and by age 13 he was teaching accor- The time has come for me to once again write dion and had his own band. He told us that he was about the Sequim Accordion Social. Accordion music offered a full-time teaching job for $400 per month-- enthusiasts keep on coming and fi lling up all of our -good money for the 1950’s. Life took him in a differ- chairs! In July, we counted over 90 people. What a ent direction, so he joined the Air Force. Later, after great crowd for a relatively small town. attending college, he became an aerospace engineer We continue to hold our socials at the Sequim for Boeing. The accordion took a back seat while he Senior Activities Center. Many people generously pursued his working career (a familiar fate for many bring snacks for our break, so we never lack for of us). He didn’t play very much during those years. goodies. We have been fortunate to have accom- He said he wished he could play like he did when he plished accordionists agree to be featured players at was a youngster. We couldn’t tell any difference! After our socials to the delight of our audience. We have retirement, he heard about our socials and came to been fortunate to have featured performers at each of one. He played some duets with Elsie Laresser dur- our socials. Rod Miller came in September of 2010, ing past socials and now, after having recuperated Einar Tapio in November, Bonnie Birch in February from shoulder surgery, we were pleased he agreed to and Toby Hanson in March. We truly appreciate all play for us. that they have done to promote the accordion with our Paul played a varied program, appealing to our group in Sequim. Members of our community, who are many retirees of Germanic heritage. Paul started by largely retired, have frequently told me how much they playing 3 great marches: Alte Kamaraden, Parade of enjoy the music and our special guests. Steve and I the Gnomes, and Wien Bleibt Wien. Next we heard 3 are glad that we have so many wonderful accordion beautiful waltzes: Sonnenstrahlen, As Time Goes By, friends who are willing to come and play at our gath- and Memories of Paris. Also, our dance loving at- ering. tendees were able to get up and waltz to the pieces. th On July 10 , our featured player was Paul La He fi nished the fi rst half of his program with Tico Tico. Marche who lives right here in Sunny Sequim. An Paul effortlessly played a Roland accordion for his accomplished accordionist, Paul was born and raised program. Later, after our coffee break, Paul played 2 dance-provoking Slovenian Melodies: Slovenian Polka and Homecoming Waltz. He ended with Once in a While, Twilight Time and for the fi nale, Unforget- Piano and Piano Accordion table. Thank You, Paul for an entertaining afternoon of Lessons on the Eastside music and dance. We had many other players at our July Social. One of our most devoted players is Ellen Fulhart. 1. Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ABCA. She diligently practices pieces to play at each of our LBCA (London). Music Examiner & socials and she loves to be the fi rst accordionist to Registered Teacher with Royal Schools play. This time, she was joined by her Grandson, and Trinity College London has limited Robert, who accompanied her with his guitar. They vacancies for Piano and or Piano started with Blowin’ in the Wind and Are You Lone- Accordion Lessons from Beginners to some Tonight?, and one more. Later after our break, Master Classes. Please phone 425 828 they returned with Robert playing his shrunken guitar 9104 or email lionel.kramer@comcast. that he called a ukulele! They then played Blue Ha- net. waii, Que Sera Sera, Whispering and the Whiffenpoof Song. Ellen always adds sparkle to the socials with 2. Would you like to play in an Accordion her creative presentations. Orchestra? Junior to Advanced. No Steve, Ilse Osier and Jeannie (me) played next. charge – original Music arrangements. The three of us have begun playing together for the Fun Social get together. local dance group and on other occasions. We call ourselves the Tyrolean Trio: Jeannie and Ilse play Call Cooksie 425 828 9104 accordion and Steve plays the baritone horn. Today Email [email protected]. we played 2 marches, Mein Regiment and Radetsky March and our favorite polka, Red Raven Polka. We thoroughly enjoy playing together.

fall Quarter 2011 23 Northwest Accordion News

Playing solo, Ilse Osier performed Trail Ride Polka, Belle of the Ball and Mainstreet Schottische. Leavenworth International Accordion As much as she enjoys playing for us, the audience Celebration 2012 enjoys her more! We look forward to having her as a featured player next year. Helen Bucher came to play her lovely sing- a-longs. Helen types up the words on her manual typewriter and brings copies along so everyone can sing. To celebrate the 4th of July, she played America the Beautiful and This is my Country, followed by Sen- timental Journey and Mairzy Doats while members of the audience sang along. We are happy that Helen keeps us singing with those nice classic melodies. After the break, local favorites Hermann and Elsie Laresser began to play. We missed them this past winter as they have become Snowbirds with a A Music Festival for the entire family second home in Arizona. With Elsie on her chromatic Join us in Leavenworth, Washington button accordion and Hermann on his electric guitar, June 14 – 17, 2012 they played Primrose Waltz. Hermann then switched For the love of the accordion to his zither which is a real treat for the audience. Elsie and Hermann then played Waldandachl and Sommerfreuden. We look forward to listening to them as our featured players in November. Also, back for the summer is Susan Kidd whom we have missed. After Hermann and Elsie were ﬁ nished playing, Susan and Elsie played several beautiful duets for us! They The Chester Pietka Scholarships are played Achtung Los, If I Were a Rich Man and The available for young accordionists. Young people Can-Can. We look forward to listening to Susan again ages 18 and under, taking lessons from a before she heads south for the winter. Helen Bucher recognized teacher, or wishing to do so, may then joined Elsie and Hermann to play Old Piano Roll submit a written request for scholarship funds for Blues and Elmer’s Tune. the purpose of taking lessons. Requests are to be We have enjoyed other accordionists and groups submitted to the Portland Accordion Ensemble, over the past months. Ted Janossey and Nordic 3224 B St., Forest Grove, OR 97116 or e-mail Spirit from Olympia and Paul Bria from Oregon have [email protected]. delighted us with their music and enthusiasm. Paul and Judy surprised us by showing up a month early In addition to giving personal information, for our social in July. At least we had a nice visit! We students are to share their interest and their goals look forward to having Paul play for us again as he for playing the accordion. These scholarships did last year. are open to the young people within the Paciﬁ c The enthusiasm and support our socials receive Northwest, not just the greater Portland area. from accordion players and lovers have made them a resounding success. We meet on the second Sun- days of odd numbered months at the Sequim Senior Activities Center from 1 to 4 PM. In September, we have Dick Myking from Tacoma scheduled to play as Frank Marocco our featured player. We hope to see you then!! Oh, 7063 Whitaker Ave and bring a friend! Lake Balboa CA 91406 www.frankmarocco.com Have you hugged your accordion today? Dust it off 140 accordion arrangements and make some music! Fall is Oktoberfest time! Play Intermediate and Advanced to your heart’s content!

24 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

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fall Quarter 2011 25 Northwest Accordion News

Arrangements by Joe Morelli Original Compositions by Joe Morelli Original Compositions by Joe Morelli The Works of Abschied Von Der Heimat (M/E) $5.50 Waltz, Opus 24 (E) $4.00 Accordion Rag (E/M) $4.00 Joe Morelli – Anema E Core – Trio (E/M) $14.00 Minuet in G (E/M) $4.00 Barn Burner - Polka (M) $6.00 Accordionist, Beautiful Dreamer (E) $3.00 Lullaby for Thea (M/E) $4.00 Café Italiano Bright Waltz (M) $6.00 Teacher Borrasque – Waltz (M) $5.50 Quarter Round (M/E) $4.00 Café Rendezvous Waltz (M) $6.00 Besame Mucho (M/D) $5.50 Gavotte (M) $5.00 Cajun Spice (M/E) $5.50 Kom Mädel, Tanz-Waltz(M) $5.50 Etude No. 1 (M) $4.00 The Chase – Etude (M) $3.50 Che Sera, Sera (E) $3.50 Nelda’s Dream (D/M) $5.50 Dreams of a Dance – Waltz (M) $5.50 Don’t Fence Me In (E/M) $5.50 Dixieland Rag (E/M) $4.00 February Blues – Rag (D) $6.00 Elana, Waltz (M/E) $5.50 Mama Helena (D) $6.50 Frühling – Ethnic Waltz (M/D) $6.00 Eccentricity – Swing Waltz (D/M) $6.50 Tango Yasmine (D) $6.50 Holiday in Mexico – Waltz (M/E) $5.50 My Father – Ethnic Waltz (E) $3.50 Valse Capriccio, concert waltz (D) $6.00 Holiday in Rome – Fox Trot (M) $5.50 Glory of Love (M) $4.00 Samba Baby (D) $6.00 Hills of Kananaskis – Ethnic Waltz (M) $5.50 It Had to Be You (E/M) $4.00 Carnival in Rio, Samba (D/M) $6.00 Hop Scotch – Schottische, Solo (M) $5.50 Kentucky Waltz (M/E) $5.00 The Butterfly, Concert Waltz (D) $6.50 Hop Scotch – Schottische, Duet (M) $11.00 La Mer (E) $3.30 River Cinnabar, Waltz ballade(M/D) $5.00 Images (M) $5.50 La Vie En Rose (E) $3.50 Cassie’s Caper, Schottische (M/D) $5.00 My Isle of Emerald Green (M) $6.00 Moon River (E) $4.00 Dance Lady Dance, Schottische (M/D) $5.00 Minuet in F, Solo (D/M) $5.50 Münchner Kindl – Waltz (M/E) $5.50 Polkas Minuet in F, Duet (D/M) $11.00 Mademoiselle de Paris Firefly (D/M) $5.50 Minuet in A (D/M) $5.50 (Quartet)...... $15.00 Moth in the Closet (D/M) $5.75 Out West (M) $5.50 New York, New York (M/D) $5.50 Happy Birthday (D/M) $5.50 Postcard from Zurich- Ethnic Waltz (M) $5.50 TARGET: FOCUS – Never on Sunday (M) $5.50 Peppermint Kirsch (D) $5.75 Pequino – Cha Cha (M) $4.00 Paulette- study: bass harmony (D) $3.50 Hops & Barley (D) $5.75 Paris After Dark 11 pg. (D) $15.00 Exploring Practise Papirossen (Russian) (E) $3.50 Strip the Triplets (D) $5.50 Samba Paradiso (D/M) $6.00 $24 .00 CDN Please Release Me (M) $4.00 Topsy Turvey (D/M) $5.50 Schottische for Three (D/M) $5.50 Quisaz, Quisaz (M) $4.50 Waltzes Swede Dreams – Mazurka (D/M) $5.50 Satin Doll (M/D) $5.50 Swiss Fondue (M/D) $5.75 Très Bien – Waltz Musette (D/M) $6.00 Save the Last Waltz for Me (E) $3.50 Eiswein (M/D) $5.50 Vienna Dreams, Ethnic Waltz (M) $5.50 Send me the Pillow that You Dream On Red Hearts-White Lace, Village Fest, Schottische (M/D) $5.50 (M/D) ………………………………….. $5.00 (Valentine Waltz) (M/D) …. $5.75 Wedding Bells, Schottische (M/D) $5.50 Sentimental Journey (D/M) $5.50 A Linden Blossom Fell (M) $5.75 Silent Night (modern harmony) (E/M) $3.50 Duets Approximate degree of difficulty: Skihutte – Schottische (M/E) $4.50 Tussy Polka, complete (D) $11.00 (D) Difficult Sunrise, Sunset (M/D) $5.50 Each, 1st or 2nd accordion $5.50 (M) Medium difficult Some Day my Prince Will Come (M/E) Kitty Whiskers, polka complete (M) $10.00 (E) Easy $4.50 Each, 1st or 2nd accordion $5.50 Somewhere Over the Rainbow (D) $6.00 Silver Slippers, Schottische (M) $10.00 Tango of the Roses (M/D) $6.00 Each part $5.00 To purchase sheet Tennesse Waltz (E/M) $5.00 The Bavarian Mouse Ball, Waltz (M) $10.00 Tennesse Waltz Duet) (M) $8.00 Each Part $5.00 music, contact: Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round… (E/M) $5.50 Cuckoo ‘Round the Clock, polka $7.00 Mrs. T. Morelli Toselli’s Serenade (M/E) $4.50 -complete, no separate parts (M/D) [email protected] Two Shades of Blue (E) $4.00

26 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News Remembering Mike Belitz September 4, 1943 – May 19, 2011 Over the years, Mike entered competitions in By Doris Osgood Leavenworth and Kimberley. He won both the Happy Hans and the Leavenworth Open. At Kimberley he initiated the jazz competition which continues. He collaborated with other gifted old time players too. I loved hearing Lynn and Lyle Schafer play with Mike; it was wonderful! He competed in the duet category with Jim Howerton in Kimberley. Another memorable duet competition in Kimberley coupled Mike with Janet Todd. Mike often joined other great old time players from Montana to produce the best dance music you’ve ever heard. After some years of competing in Leavenworth, Mike was asked to adjudicate. I was quaking in my boots… The Mike Belitz was going to evaluate the likes of me. It was a daunting thought. As it turned out, no adjudicator had been more gracious or more help- ful. He continued to teach and mentor young players and had patience with them and with older players like Seventeen years ago, a friend and I made our me. He wrote and arranged music for competitions fi rst trip to Leavenworth for the accordion celebration also. He inspired many players over the years includ- there. I’d just picked up the accordion for the fi rst ing his own children, Mike Jr. and Lisa, who became time in many years and was not acquainted with the excellent musicians too. old time style expected. On our fi rst night in town Tom Collins, the great accordionist and gentleman from Montana, introduced us to his friend, Mike. First impressions aren’t always accurate, but mine really wasn’t that far off. Everything about Mike Belitz seemed almost larger than life. The fi rst thing that one would notice was his deep baritone voice; it had an amplifi ed quality about it. He was tall and strong. When he played his fi rst notes on the accordion, all I could think of was, “It’s so BIG”. His hands were big, he never used fewer than 5 note chords, his The accordion had been an important part of his volume was forte and beyond, and he fi lled the room. life and he’d played professionally in California. Al I’d never heard anyone play like that. He was a polka Aman shared that Mike was a businessman in the master player from Montana. Bitterroot Valley of Montana. He was the owner and chief engineer of American Technology, a high tech electronics fi rm in Stevensville, MT. In time his business declined and he ultimately returned to California. During his time in Montana, he was instrumental in starting the Five Valley Accordion Association and initiating the scholarship program through that group. Michael J. Belitz died May 19, 2011, in Torrence, CA. He was 67 years old. The Northwest Accordion Society extends sincere sympathy to Mike ’s wife, Donna and to his two children. Donations may be Odie Odenbrett, Mike Belitz, Al Aman made to the Five Valley Accordion Association Schol- Mike and Odie played together for several years as a duet in arship Fund in his memory - 478 Tushapaw, Victor, southern California covering the Military Offi cers and NCO Club MT 59875. circuit featuring matched Scandalli Accordions. Much of Mike’s The three photos provided Val Konie. two part arranging came out of that experience.

fall Quarter 2011 27 Northwest Accordion News and the excitement of his vibrant virtuosity. Peter Soave to Premiere New Of Italian descent, Peter Soave's earliest memo- Accordion Concerto by Max Simoncic ries are of music played on an accordion. By age by Rita Davidson three, he was certain of his life's work. He began music studies at fi ve, and quickly gravitated towards Accordionist Peter classical music. At sixteen, he entered international Soave will present the World competitions and swept fi rst place four times, confi rm- Premiere of a new accordion ing his reputation as a virtuoso of the highest order: concerto by Max Simoncic Grand Prix in Neu Isenberg, West Germany; Klingen- with the Stockton Symphony thal Wettbewerb in East Germany; Coupe Mondiale Orchestra under the direc- in Folkstone, England; and the Trophée Mondiale in tion of Peter Jaffe on Thurs- Arrezano, Italy. day, November 10, 2011 at In 1987, Peter Soave was the inaugural recipi- 8:00 PM and Saturday, No- ent of "Voce d'Oro," the international award honoring vember 12, 2011 at 6:00 PM those who have given prominence to the accordion at the Atherton Auditorium, in the world of modern music. Deeply inspired by the San Joaquin Delta College. music of Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla, Mr. The Commission Sponsor and Guest Artist Sponsor: Soave's impassioned musicianship motivated him to Thomas & Virginia Chen. "Meet the Maestro” pre-con- include the characteristic bandoneon in his perfor- cert talks begin 45 minutes prior to each performance. mances. Recognized worldwide as the foremost master of Peter's engagements include performances as a the bandoneon and concert accordion, Peter Soave soloist and with orchestras and chamber ensembles has established himself as the leading soloist of his throughout North and South America, Asia, Middle generation. The hallmark of his performances is his East, Europe, and Russia. He has appeared with unique combination of commanding stage presence the San Francisco Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl

Murl Allen Sanders is pleased to announce his fabulous new Christmas CD: MURL’S HOLIDAY FAVORITES

Solo accordion and band performances including “White Christmas”, “Silver Bells”, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and 9 other beloved holiday favorites.

Makes a great gift! Buy your copy today! By check only $18.00 by mail (includes shipping and handling) P.O. Box 30553, Seattle, WA 98113 Credit card purchases available online at CDBaby.com DIGITAL DOWNLOADS Available at CDBaby and iTtunes Don’t forget to purchase Murl’s other CD’s and Accordion Songbook! E-mail [email protected] Snail mail P.O. Box 30553 Seattle, WA 98113 Phone 206-781-8196 Website www.murlallensanders.com

28 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, AUTUMN Brooklyn Philharmonic, Zagreb Philharmonic, Windsor Symphony, Flint Symphony, San Salvador Philhar- ACCORDION SOCIAL monic, Belgrade Philharmonic, Lubbock Symphony, Bellevue Philharmonic, Walla Walla Symphony, FOREST GROVE, OR Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, Williamsport Sym- phony, Orquesta Sinfónica Gran Mariscal de Aya- Sunday, October 23, 2011 cucho and The Zagreb Soloists. 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM He collaborated with conductors such as James Levine, Neeme Jarvi, Thomas Wilkins, Robert Spano, Forest Grove Senior and Community Leone Mageira, Hermann Michael, Duilio Dobrin, and Guillermo Figueroa. For the only North America Center appearance in 1999 of the "Three Tenors," Soave 2037 Douglas Street performed as the featured bandoneonist. He has also Forest Grove, OR appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America." In 2007, Peter premiered Astor Piazzolla's orato- Admission: adults $5.00 rio "El Pueblo Joven", written for symphony orchestra, Hosted by Doris Osgood voice recitative, soprano, bandoneon, choir, and per- For the Northwest Accordion Society cussion, with the Radio Romania Chamber Orchestra, Romania. Listeners Always Welcome! Numerous compositions have been written for him by the Venezuela's foremost composer, Aldemaro You are invited to bring your accordion and Romero: "Piazzollana-Homage à Piazzolla" for ban- your friends to an afternoon of accordion mu- doneon and full orchestra; "Suite de Castelfi dardo" for bandoneon and string orchestra; "Soavecito" for sic. We sign in to play and perform in the order accordion and string orchestra; and "Tango Furioso" in which we register. Young players are always for bandoneon and string quartet. Romero's "Five guaranteed a slot and could change the order. Paleontological Mysteries," for accordion and string Remember, we have no featured performers quartet, received its American premiere in Detroit in and that guests have come for the program. February 2008 and its European premiere in Italy in Play 2 of your favorite selections or one lengthy July 2008. piece. There will be a 50/50 drawing benefi ting Peter's recordings include a solo album "Pride our scholarship fund, light refreshments, and and Passion," "Five Tango Sensations" with The Ruc- visiting. Remember to join us, just for the fun ner String Quartet, a double CD "Undertango 2," and of it! For information contact Doris Osgood at "Peter Soave & Symphony Orchestra," featuring the 503-357-0417. music of Astor Piazzolla and Carmine Coppola. His recording awards include the Detroit Music Award for [email protected] Best Classical Recording in 2001 and Best Classical Instrumentalist in 2003. Accordion Socials in Forest Grove are always Eager to harmonize nature and music, Peter the 4th Sundays in April and October. founded the Peter Soave Music Academy (www. petersoavemusicacademy.com -- coming soon) in the Dolomite Mountains in Italy in 2010, welcoming music phony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. lovers to convene and share. The Stockton Symphony, celebrating its 85th sea- Slovenian-born and Stockton-based, Max Simon- son, is currently conducted by Maestro Peter Jaffe, cic has had compositions commissioned, performed, now in his sixteenth season. Under his tenure the and recorded by orchestras and ensembles across orchestra has continued sustained growth in artistic the globe. As in past Symphony milestone years, he excellence, introduced and developed several vibrant helps celebrate the anniversary with a magnifi cent educational programs, and gained national recogni- premiere. tion through composer residencies, the release of a The Stockton Symphony is the third oldest, commercial recording, and world premieres. continuously performing orchestra in California, sur- For further information about Peter Soave: info@ passed in longevity only by the San Francisco Sym- petersoave.com

fall Quarter 2011 29 Northwest Accordion News

30 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Improvising Duets: Comping for All Seasons By Jim O’Brien, Ph.D

“Will you comp me?” When someone asks you to Thirds can also be added above the main melody. comp him or her, what do they expect you to do? The Using a profusion of 3rds for comping, however, results dictionary tells us “comping” is “the action of playing a in an accompaniment that lacks variety and is almost musical accompaniment, esp. in jazz or blues. More too sweet. Thirds can be inverted for some of the song. broadly, “comping,” mean providing a duet to someone This inversion is a 6th. (I.e. e to c above . . . (e f g a b c)). else’s solo, whatever the style. How do you provide an appropriate musical accompaniment for an accordionist who is playing the main melody line? Or, how do you “comp” when you are accompanying a singer, even perhaps yourself? Music theory and analysis provide the fi rst part of the answer. The second part of the answer depends on This comping may not match the harmony (CM=c e g, your sensitivity and musicality. G7=g b d f) indicated for the two parts but adjustments Since so much effective comping depends on ear, can be made by discretely using the interval of the 5th not eye, here are some guidelines to begin the process. sparingly as the countermelody moves from 3rds to 6ths  Get your face out of the music and back, as seen in measures 2 and 3. This is called  Get rid of the music and your music stand a “horn 5th” since it duplicates the sound of two horns  Trust your ears, not your eyes playing their natural overtone series:  Don’t merely play. Entertain!  Make eye contact with the audience, not a printed piece of music The accordion is one of the few instruments where performers can develop close and meaningful eye contact with their audience. Try doing that while playing a fl ute, violin, harp, trombone, tuba or even the piano. As accordionists, we have a real advantage to share Generally, the interval of the 5th is avoided in counter- our love of the instrument by frequently addressing the melodies of traditional music, unless used in this manner. audience with our eyes. A similar manner for comping is adding a descant. To the above list, I would add (but not insist upon) A descant is a simple countermelody, typically above these further guidelines: the main melody:  Stand, don’t sit  Know your songs solidly by memory  Be aware of all the chords in every song  Leave the fake book and lead sheets at home What are some musical techniques for adding a second part? One of the simplest techniques is harmonizing the melody with the interval of the 3rd. This means that if the Any comping that uses only one of these techniques melody moves e to f, you harmonize with c to d. The will soon become boring to the player as well as her/ interval of a 3rd means the distance of the 3 pitches, his listeners. These techniques can be spiced up with within the scale used (i.e. c to e . . .(c d e)). Thirds are judicious use of non-harmonic tones, pitches that are not the basis of harmony for much of our music and the term in the chord for a given measure. There are a variety applied for this is “tertian” harmony. An entire song can of non-harmonic tones that composers use, but basic be harmonized with 3rds, such as this simple comping ones include the auxiliary (neighbor) tone (it is a neigh- of “Lightly Row”, showing the right hand part for the solo bor above or below a chord tone), the passing tone (it as well as the comp. passes between two chord tones) and the appoggiatura (it is “crushed” into a chord tone from a strong beat). The fi rst two typically occur on unimportant beats while the latter occurs on a strong beat. All return to a chord fall Quarter 2011 31 Northwest Accordion News tone when they are resolved: to another key, such as F major, remember to interpret your chords and ornaments in the new key (i.e. FM = f a c, C7 = c e g bb.) The techniques work in minor keys as well, as long as you interpret the melody pitches and the harmony in the minor key. Here is a chart of the pitches in the two principle chords (I or tonic and V7 or dominant 7th) in common keys for accordionists: C major I =c e g V7 =g b d f G major I =g b d V7 =d f# a c D major I =d f# a V7 =a c# e g To all of these techniques can be added ornaments, F major I =f a c V7 =c e g bb Bb major I =bb d f V7 =f a c eb such as the trill, turn or even a mordent. The trill is a c minor i =c eb g V7 =g b d f g minor i =g bb d V7 =d f# a c rapid oscillation of a note with the pitch above (usually), d minor i =d f a V7 =a c# e g beginning on the actual beat. The turn, as it’s name f minor i =f ab c V7 =c e g bb bb minor i =bb d f V7 =f a c eb implies, means the main note is followed by the note It is very important to always be aware of pitches above, returning to the chord pitch, followed by the note in each chord as you comp by ear, using some of the below, returning to the chord pitch, all within the rhythm techniques and devices described above. allotted. A mordent, which is a little “bite”, is simply a Block chords provide another avenue to support a fast half-turn, usually with the pitch below. All of these main melody. A simple version of block chords in the ornaments begin on the beat, not before. (This is open right hand might be: to much conjecture by musicologists, depending on what era of music history is discussed. What is stated here is just a general and practical use, which should work for most comping.) This example shows the notation for the turn, trill and mordent, respectively,

while this example shows their actual realization: However, the chords can also be placed in different registers and inverted. In addition, they can be arpeg- giated (broken chords) and enhanced with passing tones as well. Imitating a rhythmic ﬁ gure from the main melody also provides musical variety:

The examples here are basic, occurring over 4 measures of a simple folk tune. This does not imply all should be used in such a sort selection, but, rather, judiciously spaced throughout a longer composition to provide a tasteful “comp”. These techniques are orna- mental, not fundamental. A few are good but too many result in musical clutter, obscuring the main melody and performer. Before continuing, the reader is advised to ﬂ ip to the Additional pitches, such as adding a 6th to a ba- end of this article and peruse the list of songs, which sic triad, can always enhance block chords. For the can be harmonized with two chords. In the key of C F chord (f a c), a 6th would be “d”. Substitute chords major, that means CM and G7. Try some of these have been included in the following example, am (a c simple techniques and ornaments while singing some e) substituting for FM as well as gm7 (g bb d f) and dm7 of these songs. Do it by ear, not eye. If you change (d f a c) for BbM (bb d f) There are a variety of chords

32 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News which can be substituted for the basic chords (I, IV and V7) but only a few are provided here. The reader is ad- The following excerpt uses all three types of motion, vised to consult a text on jazz chords to discover more. based on many of the techniques already discussed:

The addition of a countermelody in the second example above provides a means to comp. Countermelodies have melodic interest but not as much as the main melody, since they would outshine what the main accordion is playing. When considering how to build a countermelody, it is well to remember a countermelody can move three ways against the main melody:  Parallel motion (moving the same direction as the melody)  Contrary motion (moving the opposite direction as the melody)  Oblique motion (remaining on a given pitch while the main melody moves) The following excerpt shows each of these techniques: Finally, we should add that a countermelody can be used to ﬁ ll time in the main melody where the rhythm holds, a call-response technique, such as in this example:

Looking for accordionist to play with a few times a month  Playing easier / intermediate music  German / Scandinavian old time Some songs have a natural pattern where two dance music + standards parts or sections of the melody become partners to one  Meet once to check compatibility another, as in this example: Terry George Rudd 503 235 0517 [email protected] Member Rose City Accordion Club, NWAS

fall Quarter 2011 33 Northwest Accordion News Lightly Row Can Can Carnival of Venice Clementine Deep In the Heart of Texas Did You Ever See a Lassie Don’t Let the Stars Get In Down at the Station Down By the Riverside Down in the Valley Drunken sailor Eleanor Rigby Eensy, Weensy Spider Farmer in the Dell Fiddler on the Roof Fire on the mountain Found a Peanut Go tell Aunt Rhody Gonna Get Along Without You Now Jambalaya London Bridge is falling down Mary had a little lamb Oh my darling Clementine Row row row your boat Skip to my Lou Songbird These songs, of course, become duets in their Tom Dooley own right, but can be enhanced in the comped part by techniques described in this article. Songs with Three Chords (I, IV and V7) What are the keys to successful comping? The techniques and ideas suggested in this article will start All Shook Up Amazing Grace Away In a Man- ger you on the path to success. There are numerous other Battle Hymn of Be-bop-a-Lula Billy Boy techniques as well, but the main thing is never trying to the Republic outplay the soloist. Provide solid support. It’s even good Blowin’ In the Blue Suede Shoes Camptown Rac- Wind es to drop the bass at times, realizing the bass power of Chantilly Lace Clementine Don’t Be Cruel two instruments can easily overshadow the melody and Eency Weency Ever’body’s Talkin’ Folsom Prison Spider At Me blues countermelody. Just think how many bass players there For He's a Jolly Frankie and Johnny Goodnight, La- are in an orchestra compared to the number of violins. Good Fellow dies Set the playing dynamics from pp to ff, always play- Great balls of Guantanamera Hail, Hail, the fi re Gang’s All Here ing one level under the person you’re comping. Less Hang On Sloopy Happy Birthday Hava Nagilah is better. This is true, even with reeds. Use thin sets, Have I told you He's Got the Whole He's got the not the master. Use taste more than power and your lately that I love World whole world in you his hand comping will be successful. Hound Dog How Much Is That I Walk the Line Good luck with the process. There are two lists Doggie in the Win- to get you started. First, some simple songs with two dow? chords and a second list using three chords. In the sweet bye Jamaica Farewell Jambalaya and bye Jingle Bells Kum Ba Yah My La Bamba Songs with Two Chords (Usually I and V7) Lord La Cucaracha Little Brown Jug Liza Jane A horse with no name London Bridge Long Tall Sally Louie, Louie Anyone else but you Love Makes Marianne Mary Had a Little Achy Breaky Heart the World Go Lamb ‘Round Alouette Mexican Hat Michael Row the Moonlight Bay Blow the Man Down Dance Boat Ashore Buffalo Gals 34 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News Castelfi daro Changes With The Times By Doris Osgood years in large part to their attention to detail and Castelfi dardo, Italy continues the tradition of ac- quality. Pigini is the largest accordion maker in cordion building. It was the home of dozens of ac- Castelfi dardo and is proud of making nearly every cordion factories employing 10,000 skilled workers component in house. Pigini like the remaining facto- during its peak in 1953. Today the town has about 27 ries builds a variety of models. The instruments are factories with 300 workers; Castelfi dardo is optimistic tailored for the distinctive sounds characteristic of and is fi nding its niche in the world economy. different countries. There are different systems for Beniamino Guiolacchi, director of the Interna- both right and left hands. There are dozens of varia- tional Accordion Museum in Castelfi dardo , acknowl- tions on how buttonboards, keys and bass systems edged that the rising production costs shifted the are mounted. There is no template for building accor- competitive edge to manufacturers in Asia in recent dions. The industry prides itself in its quality rather years. “The accordion now accounts for about 15% of than quantity and the hundreds of people that travel Castelfi dardo’s output, said Paolo Picchio, president their regularly for the specifi c purpose of purchasing of Consorzio Music Marche Accordions, a consortium a fi ne instrument is testament to that. Francesca of manufacturers and Promoters. But the other 85% Pigini, whose grandfather started the business in still has accordions to thank.” Precision and skills 1946, spoke of “the pleasure to work and collaborate necessary to make accordions – which require the as- with artists and people who make music a big part of sembly of about 6,000 pieces, were easily transferred their lives.” to other industries. In the past 30 years, Castelfi dardo There is some concern that younger generations has excelled in areas like mechanics and woodwork- are rejecting the years of training and technique re- ing. The legacy of the ingenious Paolo Soprani was quired to make accordions. One expert suggests that “taking artisanal activity and applying modern indus- fi nancial incentives might be the way to draw young trial strategies to increase business.” technicians back to the trade. He feels that there will The community takes pride in the fact that its be work available for those that choose to enter the accordion industry has been stable for the past fi ve fi eld. The other concern for this industry and for many others is the global economic crisis. Marco Tiranti, and accordion tuner and restorer says, “small may be beautiful, but the global market synergy may be the My Bonnie Nobody knows the O sole mio only way to survive.” trouble Oh Dear, What Oh Susanna Old MacDonald The source of information for this piece was an article written by Can the Matter Elisabetta Povoledo entitled “An Accordion Epicenter Shrinks Be Old Time religion Ring of fi re Rock around the and Thrives” published July 1, 2011 in the New York Times. clock Row, Row, Row She'll be coming Skip to My Lou Your Boat round the mountain Sur Le Pont Surfi ng USA The Rain In D'Avignon Spain Tom Dooley Twist and shout What shall we do with the drunken sailor When the saints Whole lotta love Wild thing (Led Zeppelin) You are my sunshine (This session was presented as a workshop at the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration on June 17, 2011, by Jim and Shirley O’Brien. If you have questions or want clarifi cation, please contact them via email: James P. O’Brien, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, UA School of Music, [email protected]: Shirley J. The Tualatin Valley Accordionists begin another season O’Brien, Ed. D, Professor Emerita, UA CALS, sobrien@ September 3. They meet the 1st Saturday monthly at the cals.arizona.edu) Many of James O’Brien’s duets are Forest Grove Library 10 AM - 1 PM. available at http://www.musicforaccordion.com/index. cfm fall Quarter 2011 35 Northwest Accordion News The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered thus making it easier to articulate. By Joe Petosa, Jr. In essence, the more bass buttons, the more ac- cessible and effi cient the fi ngering. The additional weight The purpose of this article is to explain in detail per chord button is an amazing .009 oz. The scale weight the myth about the most frequently asked question difference between a 120 and 60 bass accordion, ev- when buying an accordion. “What does the accordion erything else being equal, is a mere 6 oz! weigh”? This article would be completely pointless if Understand the right hand note range and the accordions were sold by the pound. The truth is all ac- overall keyboard length measurement from key end to cordions with the same musical features will be similar key end determine the size of an accordion. This is why in weight give or take only a pound or two. Many accor- we see keyboard measurements described in specifi ca- dions have shed a few pounds due to pre-manufactured tions, as 19 ¼”, 18”, 17”, etc. If you divide the keyboard components being substituted for plastic or metal in lieu measurement (i.e. 18”) by 24 (the number of white of the traditional high quality sound of unique woods. keys on standard 41 key accordion), you will obtain the The types of material accordions are made from are an width measurement of each white key, less the amount important function of balance and playability. The only of space between the keys. The spacing between keys way to substantially reduce scale weight is to compro- will vary depending on the quality of the accordion. The mise musical ability or physical size. But there are more least amount of space the better. Also check out the important things to consider than weight alone. So let lateral movement of the keys. See how far one can be us begin to understand what really makes an accordion moved side to side. A well made keyboard will not allow lighter or heavier. one key to move laterally and touch another. The bass Firstly the accordion can be made smaller (lighter) side is designed to accompany the musical range of the or larger (heavier) by changing the number of playing right hand. Therefore, the less keyboard note range the notes and or reed sets. The less notes and/or reed less bass buttons necessary. Standard Right and Left sets, the smaller an accordion can be made. The other combinations are 41 treble and 120 bass (shown as alternative to obtain a smaller size accordion while 120/41), 37 treble and 96 bass (shown as 96/37), 34 maintaining the same amount of notes is by reducing treble and 72 bass (shown as 72/34) and 26 treble and the individual key width and spacing of the bass but- 48 or 12 bass (shown as, you got it, 48/26). Don’t be tons. This design is for smaller statured adults or more afraid of having too many bass buttons, they don’t add commonly, children. The most prevalent misconception weight, or make the accordion larger. Besides, when the is that less bass buttons means a smaller and lighter accordion is on, how do you know how many are there? accordion. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There How many can you see? are full size 41 note accordions with 72 basses identical The second principal to understand is the accor- in size and weight to a 120 bass. Accordions are avail- dion is something you wear, like a dress, suit or pair able with less than 39 notes but maintain 120 basses. of shoes. One thing we all do before buying clothing is So let’s understand what and why you should know in to try the items on to make sure they fi t right and feel order to make an informed and appropriate decision comfortable. Most of us will try on a few different items Changes on the bass side are unlike the treble side. to see which one fi ts best. And of course a tailor made There is not much difference between a 48 bass and suit fi ts the best. Additional labor and skill is taken to 120 bass accordions other than the number of buttons ensure a proper fi t. Accordions are made in the same and the spacing. The standard stradella bass system way. Some have taken additional labor and skill for a offers a 12 note musical range using either 4 or 5 sets better balance. Why would you buy an accordion without of reeds with a respective 3 or 4 octave musical range. trying it and or comparing it with others? Like clothing, The bass reeds are called: Bass, Tenor, Alto, Contralto accordions fi t differently and every accordion will fi t an and Soprano (the soprano set adds an additional approx. individual differently. Accordions should be compared to 4.5 oz of weight). Whether 4 or 5 sets of reeds and 48 or see which one feels the most comfortable to you. A cor- 120 basses, the bass mechanics are nearly identical with rectly fi tting instrument can help improve your learning twelve bass fulcrum rods and valves along with twelve and performance ability. The idea that accordions with chord fulcrum rods and valves running the length of the the same keyboard length, reed sets and playing notes bass box. The difference is the number of additional are alike is absolutely untrue. buttons, which play a duplicate note. The purpose and The most critical aspects in choosing the right ac- advantage of more buttons is to ergonomically improve cordion are; Fit, Balance and Compression. You will the player’s ability to access different bass buttons (the soon learn this is more important than the “scale weight. same note), but without having to make huge jumps, (This is referred to as the “playable weight”.)

36 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

FIT is the fi rst step. In order to have complete con- weight is located is more important than the weight itself. trol of your accordion, it must properly fi t your stature. Did you ever try to bench press when one side of the Always try an accordion when seated. The length of bar has more weight than the other, making it more dif- the keyboard should begin just below your collarbone, fi cult to press up because you were also compensating and end slightly resting on the inside of your right thigh for the imbalance of the bar. It’s much easier to press (this prevents movement when closing your bellows). up with an equal amount of weight on both sides. Hav- Second, the accordion must remain stationary. It is ing bellows, the accordion is an instrument which is in important that your accordion be secure and not move constant motion. When weight is evenly balanced, the while playing. With the correct fi t, the accordion is locked more control you have. The more control you have, the in place with your shoulder straps and wedged with 60% less weight you feel. of the weight on your lap and 40% on the shoulders. We The fi t and balance help overcome several relevant know what it feels like to have a large accordion on... weight issues. If you are not able to physically pick the it is overwhelming. But too small can be just as diffi cult accordion up off the fl oor, then you need to actually fi nd to play. If it is too short, then the accordion is not able the accordion that you can pick up. You would need to to rest on your lap; therefore, 100% of the weight is deal with the musical limitation based on your physical pressed on the shoulders making it feel heavier. This limitation. You might consider starting an exercise pro- also allows for too much movement and constant re- gram in order to pick up the accordion you would like to adjusting of the position of the accordion. Having to keep play. If you take your playing seriously, then consider adjusting your straps to re-position the accordion back that all athletes, amateur and professional work out to to that comfortable spot adds additional physical effort. help physically support their activity and to avoid injury. If, over a period of playing time, the accordion starts to The accordion is a physical instrument and you should feel heavier, then all the extra effort takes away from consider physical exercise in order to maintain your play- conserving your physical energy in playing ing ability and help avoid some long-term injuries. Let’s Try a back strap as well. The most important purpose assume you can pick your accordion up onto your lap of the back strap is to hold the shoulder straps together without diffi culty. Most complaints of weight come from allowing no movement of the accordion. If a back strap playing after an extended period of time. This proves is too low, this takes weight off the shoulders by making the point that it’s not the physical weight (you can pick the straps loose on top. This allows your straps to slide it up, right?) but it’s the playable weight that you should and move. Keeping the back strap higher or diagonally be concerned with. (high on the left straps across to a lower position on the Compression of the accordion refers to the control right) secures the shoulder straps from sliding; this, in of airfl ow utilized by the bellows. The most common turn, keeps the accordion stationary. When the straps thought is that if your accordion leaks then there is a stay in place, your accordion will stay in place. No extra problem with the bellows. 90% of air leaks come from energy is expended fi ghting your straps. Once you fi nd the keyboard and/or bass valves not properly seated. the proper size accordion that “fi ts”, we can move on to This article concerns new instruments without any ini- understanding the next elements that are also important tial problems and/or used accordions in need of repair. in obtaining the perfect accordion for you. The main facet of compression is to show how much Balance is a crucial and intricate part of an ac- air is required to make the reeds respond. What is the cordion. For example: using a 10-pound dumbbell or “expression” range of the accordion? Play a simple object with a similar weight. Hold the object in your hand musical phrase with a single reed selected. How little against your chest. You’re holding 10 lbs. Now, fully ex- bellow movement is required to make each note play tend your arm in front of you. Does the weight feel the equally and in pitch. Play the same phrase softly and same or a lot heavier? Even though the scale told us it is then with power “forte” to see how much expression can 10lbs, it feels much heavier. Did the scale lie? Of course be obtained. Think of a rating scale between 1 – 10 with not, it’s called leverage. The further weight gets away 1 being the least amount of air and 10 being the hardest for the center point, being you, the heavier weight feels. playing of the bellows prior to the reeds choking (stop- Another example: what would be more diffi cult to carry, a ping the reed from playing due too to much air pressure 10” X 10” X 10” carton (40 inch circumference) weighing from the bellows). Do you sense a lot of expression or 10 pounds or a 5’ X 5’ X 5’ carton (20 foot circumference) very little? An accordion with better expression is easier weighing 5 pounds? If you weren’t told the dimensions, to play because it has more control. Try the same mu- you would choose the 5 lb carton because it is lighter. sical phrase on a few accordions using the identical But, knowing the physical size, the 5 lb. carton would register and consistent volume. Does one take less be very diffi cult to carry due to its large diameter. Where bellow movement in and out to accomplish the same

fall Quarter 2011 37 Northwest Accordion News phrase? Remember, the accordion is a live breathing instrument, an extension of your own heart and lungs. Accordion Lesson Memories Vocalists learn how to control their airfl ow in order that it By Mary Jane Garlick is effi cient and they don’t run out of breath when holding a phrase. Learning proper bellows technique is a must, I couldn’t take piano lessons because of apart- but the accordion should also assist you. The more air ment living upstairs and not enough money to pay the accordion requires to play or “follow your expres- movers so my parents rented an accordion and sion”, the more physical energy used. The more physical started me with lessons from Mr. Schuman on Satur- energy employed, the more you will experience muscle days in Ann Arbor Michigan in 1955. fatigue and then the accordion becomes (feels) heavier. After a year and a half or so they purchased a The weight hasn’t changed, but it sure feels like it has. 120 bass nice red Lira accordion and I started tak- The reed & reed leather quality has an important role ing lessons on Friday evening. I became very excited as to the compression of an accordion. The better the about going up on Liberty Ave for my lessons be- quality, Hand-fi nished versus Machine, Handmade ver- cause Mr. Schuman’s studio was above The Pretzel sus Hand-fi nished can dictate how much air is needed Bell restaurant in Ann Arbor. After my lesson I would to make the reed play. We won’t go into detail about wrestle my big instrument down the stairs and wait reeds, which could be next, but suffi ced to say that reed to be picked up. Friday evenings was prime time and equally reed leather quality play an important part to watch the people coming to and going from The in playable weight. (Note, the three basic categories of Pretzel Bell—the Bell was a favorite of Ann Arborites reeds do not necessarily mean that one class is better and Univ. of Michigan students. You did have to be 21 than the next. There are several qualities within each to get in so I had never been inside. I was so excited category. Meaning, some machine reeds can be better to see one of my favorite student teachers one night. th than some hand-fi nished and some hand-fi nished can be I was in 6 grade and she was such a relief from the better than some handmade. Don’t always be skewered older, strict, not much fun teacher, Mrs. Goudy. I don’t by only referring to one of the three categories. remember if I embarrassed her by waving, but I did So, it’s not the weight of the accordion, but the fi t, talk to her on Monday morning about seeing her that balance and compression which will play a much more Friday night. As a young student I really didn’t think important role in how much an accordion weighs. You of teachers and student teachers as normal people; it could compare your quest to fi nding a balanced energy was so fun to see her out with friends at a restaurant. effi cient accordion that you can manage comfortably, I know that the patrons couldn’t hear our accordion play for hours, feels an extension of your body and al- playing (I also played in an accordion band up there lows you to express your musical ideas freely. I hope twice a month) over their talking, eating and drinking that this discussion clarifi es the essential elements you but it sure was fun watching them as I waited for my should consider in choosing the right instrument for ride on Friday night—I was always looking for other you. Be guided by professional advice, but ultimately student teachers to show up. the choice should be yours. Now I’ve begun playing again after more than 50 years; I don’t go to a studio above a restaurant but to Written by Joe Petosa Dick Myking’s home in Parkland. We’re both retired from public school teaching and know that teachers are defi nitely normal people who have hobbies, go to stores & restaurants and forget about our schedules. I don’t see student teachers at the Myking’s but I often have to stop from drooling over the smells of the Debbie Grassman’s Country wonderful food coming from Marlene’s dinner prepa- rations. Reminds me of home and lessons above The Stitches Pretzel Bell!

Featuring garments styled in Are your dues due? Check the mailing label. We Traditional German ﬂ avor truly appreciate those who renew without remind- See our booth at Mt. Angel Oktoberfest ers. It saves us postage. Send your renewal to: NWAS, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, Custom orders 503-845-6204 WA 98682

38 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

By the Way – In July, I experienced one of those “milestone” birth- from Doris Osgood days. For some time I’d thought that I needed a stand or table to hold my accordion. Lifting my instrument Congratulations: Eileen Webber of Spokane is the off the fl oor THOUSANDS of times in my life has winner of this year’s Leavenworth Open at the Leav- exacerbated a back injury. When asked what I’d like enworth International Accordion Celebration. She is a for my birthday, I told my son of my special need and soloist, is the concert master for the Spokane Accor- gave him the dimensions for the table. After the lovely dion Ensemble, and plays with the Happy Wanderers. gourmet dinner he’d prepared for my birthday, he and Alicia Baker is the Happy Hans winner from the Kim- my grandchildren ceremoniously presented my gifts. berley International Old Time Accordion Competition My grandchildren, ages 7 and 5, could hardly contain nd for the 2 year. Her presentations/demonstrations for themselves. My husband and I were visiting their the Roland Company have taken her to many festivals Idaho Falls home and they’d kept the “surprise” secret and competitions. Alicia has had a busy performance for two days. My expectations were exceeded. I am schedule this summer. Way to go, ladies! the proud owner of a solid oak side table, 12” by 26”, Tony Lovello, known widely as “The Liberace of the with Queen Anne legs, and an upholstered top. It’s Accordion” and “King of the Bellow Shake,” was the gorgeous! Not only that, it’s functional. I have it right featured guest artist and special honoree at ACCOR- beside my chair in the music room and slide the ac- DIONS NOW! 2011. cordion to my lap when I wish to play. There’s absolutely no lifting. My birthday table has allowed me to The idea for a New England accordion festival was continue playing a bit and I’m glad for that. inspired by Tony's performance at the fi rst concert co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Accordion As- After a long summer hiatus, the socials will resume sociation [NHAA] and Accordion Connection LLC. in September in Seattle. The social will be at the The success of that inaugural event coupled Lovello’s West Seattle Senior Center. There are always great personal guidance, have made ACCORDIONS NOW soloists and groups. Cooksie Kramer will have some an annual success. The fourth annual ACCORDIONS of her young accordionists there. Be sure attend and NOW! Music Festival was held August 12-13 at the to give those young players encouragement. beautiful Nashua Courtyard Marriot, in Nashua, New American Heroes of the Accordion will be a special Hampshire. concert near Seattle in October. Noting the musicians Corky Bennett is excited to host The Great Ameri- listed, we can be assured of a variety of accordion can PolkaFest at Circus Circus in Reno October 24- music presented by some of the fi nest accordionists in 25, 2011. This is going to be an outstanding 2-day the United States. The specifi cs are listed on the ad event reasonably priced. in this publication. The 1st 100 resevervations get preferred seating! The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 1-855-266-9847. The hotel is offering a website has been updated with a new look and style fantastic special rate. including new information. You can fi nd out about Held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the 71st both past and future AAA events, concerts, meetings, Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International and reports. The next AAA event is the Valtaro Cel- (ATG) Festival Competition and Festival, the Ro- ebration honoring Peter Spagnoli on September 10, land USA V-Accordion Festival featured 10 of the 2011 at the Magnanini Farm Winery in Walkill, New USA’s top young Roland accordionists. York For further information: [email protected] After two extremely close competitions just one mark separated the top three places in the USA National Ignacio Morales, 15, of Dallas, won the June 2011 Roland V-Accordion Festival Final. Danielle Renzi Big Squeeze Accordion Contest. He fi rst began from New England narrowly placed 1st . Gregory learning the accordion at the age of 3. His father gave Fainshtein was awarded a special recognition of his him his own accordion when he 10 after he learned 10 performance with an Honored Performance Prize for songs! Ignacia is a student at Booker T. Washington his second place. Danielle’s prize included a new V- High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Accordion and trip to Rome to compete in the Interna- The Big Squeeze Contest, organized by Texas tional V-Accordion Festival. The Junior division was Folklife, is open to Texas accordionists 21 years also closely contested, with the winner being Daniel of age and younger, and includes many genres of Pavlotsky and 2nd place was Olivia Luey who received accordion-based music,like Cajun, German, Czech, an Honored Performance Prize. Polish, Tejano, Conjunto, and Norteño, Western, and fall Quarter 2011 39 Northwest Accordion News Zydeco. Accordion Events Calendar As the Big Squeeze 2011 Grand Prize winner, Ignacio By Doris Osgood received a prize package valued at $4500, including [email protected] a $1,000 cash prize, a brand new Hohner accordion and recording time at the historic Hacienda Records NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS in Corpus Christi, as well as promotional support from SEATTLE, WA nd SugarHill Records, Hohner, Inc., Hacienda Records 2 Monday monthly: Resume Sept. 12 at the West Seattle Senior Center. Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9 Contact: and Texas Folklife, and other professional opportuni- Bonnie Birch 206-622-4786. Social hour 6:30 PM. Music ties. 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Remember to submit your articles and other informa- NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS tion to our magazine address: NWAS News 5102 NE TACOMA, WA 121st Ave Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682 2nd Thursday monthly: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12 Lutheran Church 121st & Park Ave. across from Check the web site, www.nwasnews.com for current PLU Library events and updates. 7:00 – 9:30 PM contact: Dick Myking 253-537-0136 NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS 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 23, 2011. ACCORDION CLUB OF CENTRAL OREGON BEND, OR 2ND Saturday Monthly, 1:30 PM Cougar Springs Senior Liv- ing Facility Redmond, OR 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 Steve Albini at Festhalle 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 Bell & Reed or 503-975-2380. ACCORDION ACCORDION CLUB OF ROSEBURG WOODWIND KIMBERLEY ROSEBURG, OR * * * 3rd Monday monthly 6:30 PM 553 Little Valley Rd. Rose- OLD TIME burg, OR REPAIR ACCORDION Pres. Karen Cordell 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg, OR TUNING COMPETITION 97471 541-784-1911 [email protected] SALES ACCORDION CLUB OF VANCOUVER KIMBERLEY, BC VANCOUVER, B.C. RENTALS www.meetup.com/Accordion-Club-of-Vancouver contact: Haike Kingma, [email protected] INSTRUCTION July 9-14 , 2012 * * * ACCORDION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SOCIETY [email protected], SANTA BARBARA, CA www.bellandreed.com 2nd Sunday monthly 1 – 3 PM Vale Verde Retirement The- 1-888-4KIOTAC tel (206) 696-9054 atre 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA or 250-427-7318 AIMS P.O. Box 4511 Santa Barbara, CA 93140 115 Prefontaine Pl S (401) Info: Heinz Trick 805-685-2260 Seattle, WA 98104 www.santabarbaraaccordions.com by appointment BROOKINGS ACCORDION CLUB BROOKINGS, OR 4th Sat. monthly 2-4 PM, Evergreen Federal S&L, 850 40 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News Chetco Ave. Brookings, OR, Pres. Cami Meccia 541-469- Tuesdays weekly Sept. – May, Senior Center on Richter 8079 Info contact: Rod Miller 250-317-9088 EMERALD VALLEY ACCORDION CLUB ROGUE RIVER ACCORDION CLUB EUGENE, OR ROGUE RIVER, OR 1st Monday monthly: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Veterans’ Memorial 1st and 3rd Wednesdays monthly. 7 PM Council Chambers Bldg. 1626 Willamette St. Secretary Linda Gunn 541-726- Rogue River City Hall, 133 Broadway St. Rogue River, OR. 6330 [email protected] V.P. Lou Marzano Social Pres. Margot Turrell 206 Creekside Grants Pass, OR 97526 time 6 PM, business 6:45 PM 541-479-9409 [email protected] FAIRBANKS ACCORDION CLUB ROSE CITY ACCORDION CLUB FAIRBANKS, AK PORTLAND, OR Mondays weekly 6 – 8 PM Pioneers Home, open to all free 3rd Saturday monthly. 1 – 5 PM Milwaukie Public Safety reed instruments. Contact: Christine Upton 907-457-3392 Bldg, SE 32nd & Harrison, Milwaukie, OR. FIVE VALLEY ACCORDION ASSOCIATION MONTANA * meeting in September 4th Sat.(Sept.24) 5VAA Jams are 1- 5 Pm Pres. Steve Knapke 503-612-8381 email: squeezebox21@ Pres. Helen Brady 370-8452 comcast.net [email protected] www.rosecityaccordionclub.org Sept. 11 Eagles, Hamilton, MT SEQUIM ACCORDION SOCIAL Sept 25 High Spirits, Florence, MT SEQUIM, WA Oct. 9 Jokers Wild, Missoula, MT 2nd Sunday, Odd numbered months, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Se- Oct. 23 Eagles, Hamilton, MT quim Senior Center next meeting September 11 contact: Nov. 13 High Spirits, Florence, MT Jeannie Berg- [email protected] Nov. 27 Jokers Wild, Missoula, MT Dec. 11 High Spirits, Florence, MT SIERRA NEVADA ACCORDIONS Jan. 8 Eagles, Hamilton (dinner/election) RENO, NV Feb. 12 Jokers Wild, Missoula, MT John Covarelli, Pres. 775-848-3777, sqeezebox2@gmail. com Montana – NW Accordion Association Contact Ralph Salomon 406- 675-0178 SPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLE all NWAA Jams 2 – 6 PM SPOKANE, WA Sept. 18 Eagles, Kalispel, MT weekly rehearsals 6- 9 PM Helen Eldenburg, Pres. 509- Oct. 2 Elks, Polson, MT 448-1899, Patricia Bartell, director 509-998-5422 Oct. 16 Eagles, Kalispel, MT [email protected] Montana – Great Falls Accordion Players SPOKANE AND INLAND NORTHWEST ACC. CLUB Jams are 1 PM – 5 PM SPOKANE, WA Sept. 11 Elks 4th Monday monthly, 1520 W. 3rd and Maple in Spokane, Oct. 15 Moose at the Global Credit Union Bldg. Exit #280 off I-90. 6 – 9 Nov. 13 Eagles PM, $3. at the door. Contact: Griff Bryan Ziegler, griffbz@ Dec. 11 Elks roadrunner.com , *208-651-2536 new contact number Jan 15 Moose TUALATIN VALLEY ACCORDIONISTS Contact Pat Sharp for info: 406-452-4546 FOREST GROVE, OR HUGO’S ACCORDION BAND 1st Sat. monthly 10 AM – 1 PM Forest Grove Library Pacifi c MT. VERNON, WA Ave. Contact: Paul and Judy Bria 503-591-0504 pjbria@ 2nd and 4th Monday monthly 6:00- 9:00 PM aol.com Pres. Lois Yale 360-766-8713 lobo@fi dalgo.net VICTORIA ACCORDION CLUB 9247 Marshall Rd. Bow, WA 98232 VICTORIA, B.C. CANADA HOUSTON BAY AREA ACCORDION CLUB 1st Sunday Monthly 2:30 PM, Victoria Edelweiss Club HOUSTON, TX 108 Niagra St., James Bay District Victoria, BC 2ND Wednesday monthly 5 – 9 PM Joe Brikha, Pres Contact: John 250-386-7282 or 250-477-3098 [email protected] www.bayareaaccordionclub.com BUTTON BOX CAMPS JULY AND SEPT MEDFORD ACCORDION CLUB contact Joe Smiell, 863 Portal Ave., Oakland, CA 94610 MEDFORD, OR 510-832-6938 4th Monday monthly 7 - 9 PM: Central Point Senior Center ALICIA BAKER with the Oregon State University Sym- 123 N. 2nd St, Central Point, OR Jeannette Dewey, Pres. phony – October 13, 2011, La Selles Steward Center, 1029 SE Rogue Dr. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-471-7455 Corvallis, OR OKANAGAN ACCORDION CLUB KELOWNA, BC fall Quarter 2011 41 Northwest Accordion News COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVAL Entertainers in the Northwest Cotati, CA August 20 - 21, 2011 Submit your public performance schedules to Doris Osgood 3224 B St www.cotatifest.com Forest Grove, OR 97116 [email protected] ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA FESTIVAL Alpiners USA EDMONTON, ALBERTA September 23 – 25, 2011 Oct. 7 – 8 Northwest Oktoberfest Puyallup Featured performers: Anthony Rolando, Valerie Vaccio, Fairgrounds. www.alpinerusa.com with Joe Len Gedica Domitrowich info: 780-929-8836 [email protected] Juan Barco – Band www.edmontonaccordion.com Contact: 23091 23rd Ave. W. Brier, WA 98036 425-775-8150; cell 206-356-1878 COUPE MONDIALE October 2 – 6, 2011 Shanghai, China Corky Bennett Great American Polkafest October 24 – 25, 2011 ACCORDION HEROES IN CONCERT Circus Circus, Mandalay Ballroom Reno, NV October 4, 2011, 7 PM North Creek Presbyterian Church noon – 9 PM 1-855-266-9847 th 621 164 St SE Mill Creek, WA 425-743-2386 website: www.corkybennett.com www.petosa.com/accordionheroes email: [email protected] GREAT AMERICAN POLKAFEST, RENO, NV 775-287-2050 October 24 – 25, 2011 noon to 9 PM, Circus Circus, Bonnie Birch Mandalay Ballroom. 1-855-266-9847 website: bonniebirch.com INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTION For scheduling information: write 1107 1st Ave. Las Vegas, NV, Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, 2011 Gold Coast Hotel #1003 Seattle, WA 98101. and Casino 206-622-4786, email: [email protected] http://accordioninfo.com/convention/ 1-800-472-1695 las- Chuck Berger [email protected] Accordion Repair and Public Performance RCAC ACCORDION CAMP- SILVER FALLS CONFER- For information call: 503-254-0996 ENCE CENTER June 10 - 15, 2012 near Sublimity, OR. [email protected] Camp treasurer: Marlene Meissner 503-463-9909 mar- Frank Calapristi [email protected] Winter schedule at King Ludwig’s, Wed, Thurs. Sun. LEAVENWORTH INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION nights; tour groups as needed CELEBRATION June 14 - 17, 2012 Leavenworth, WA. For scheduling information write PO Box 1057 www.accordioncelebration.org www.nwasnews.com Leavenworth, WA 98826 509-548-0155 KIMBERLEY OLD TIME ACCORDION COMPETITION [email protected] KIMBERLEY, BC Gary Dahl July 9-14, 2012, [email protected], 1-888-4KIOTAC or For scheduling information write 509 Valley Ave. NE 250-427-7318 www.kiotac.ca #5 Puyallup, WA 98372 VICTORIA ACCORDION FESTIVAL Phone/fax 253-770-9492 Victoria, British Columbia July , 2011 [email protected]; www.accordions.com/ www.bcaccordion.ca 1-778-433-8700 garydahl; www.beltuna.com FAIRBANKS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL Tom Demski (Mr. Flash) July, 2012 on the campus of U. of Alaska Fairbanks. For scheduling information write: 518 9th St. SW www.fsaf.org contact 907-474-8869 Puyallup, WA 98371 253-840-9277 ACCORDION CELEBRATION – Historic Wallace [email protected] Wallace, ID August , 2012 Folk Voice Band www.wallaceIdahoChamber.com For scheduling: Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 folkvoice@ OKTOBERFESTS IN THE NORTHWEST: folkvoiceband.com; http://folkvoiceband.com 45th Annual Oktoberfest Mt. Angel, OR Happy Hans’ Music Hans Rainer, Jr. Sept. 15 – 18, 2011 www.oktoberfest.org Sept. 23 – 24 Spokane Oktoberfest Oaks Park Oktoberfest Portland, OR Sept 30, Oct. 1,7,8,14,15 Leavenworth Oktoberfest Sept. 23 – 25, 2011 Oct. 9 Bruno’s European Rest Tacoma 3 – 6 PM Oct. 16 Berliner Pub 6:30 – 10:30 PM Renton, WA Oktoberfest Northwest Puyallup, WA Fair and Events Oct. 21 Oktoberfest Lake Wilderness Lodge 6:30 – Center October7 – 9, 2011 www.oktoberfestnw.com 9:30 PM Maple Valley, WA Oktoberfest Leavenworth, WA Oct. 22 Oktoberfest German House 7:30 – 11:30 PM Sept 30, Oct 1,7,8,14,15, 2011 Seattle, WA www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com Nov. 5 Berliner Pub 6:30 – 9:30 PM Renton, WA

42 fall Quarter 2011 Northwest Accordion News

Nov. 12 German House Frohsinn Concert 8:00 PM – For scheduling information write: murlsanders@ 12 AM Seattle, WA cs.com PO Box 30553 Seattle, WA 98113, 206-781- Dec. 3 German House Arion Evening 8:00 PM – 12 8196 AM Seattle, WA Lyle Schaefer Dec. 31 German House 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM Seattle, For scheduling information write: 11704 15th Ave. E WA Edgefi eld, WA 98372 253-927-7760 For scheduling information write Hans Rainer, JR 24613 231st Ave. SE Maple Valley, WA 98038 Sam’s Variety Gems 425-413-6562 [email protected] WWW. Sam Pecorilla: home 541-847-2282, cell 541-321- HAPPYHANSMUSIC.COM 9088 Little Bohemian Band Smilin’ Scandinavians Check web site for details. For scheduling information contact: Toby Hanson For scheduling contact: Gene Sadowsky 11123 216th St. E Graham, WA 98338 253-875-8580 541-990-3109 [email protected] email:[email protected] www. http://smilinscandivanians.com littlebohemianband.com 802 NW Quarry Rd. Albany, Dennis Schadduck OR 97321 China Jade Restaurant 87th & Greenwood Ave. N Greg Meier Seattle Sunday nights. Fri - Sat evenings Mt. Angel Sausage Co. Restaurant Joe Szabo 105 N. Garfi eld St Mt. Angel, OR – except during Fri – Sat. 6:30 – 9:30 PM Nonna Emilia’s Ristorante O’fest season Aloha, OR Sept 15 – 18 Mt. Angel Oktoberfest For scheduling information: 13484 SW Devonshire Dr. Sept 23 – 25 Oaks Park Oktoberfest Beaverton, OR 97005 503-641-2313 Sept 30 – Oct. 2 Prost Oktoberfest Oct. 6 – 10 Gordon Biersch Brewery Oktoberfest Syl’s Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band (WA) Honolulu, Hawaii Syl’s Arizona Dance Band and Polka Band Oct.14 – 16 Leavenworth Oktoberfest Sept. 18 Bruno’s European Café 2 – 7 PM Tacoma Oct. 22 Oktoberfest Ocean Shores, WA Oct. 1 Sons of Norway Bothel 8 – 11:30 PM Oct. 23 Austrian Club Kennedy School Portland Oct. 7 – 8 Oktoberfest- Deming Logging Show Nov. 18 or 19 Winefest Liedertafel Harmonie Oct. 25 – Nov 29 Arizona Schedule For scheduling information write: 38572 Park Ave. (Jan.- April, Nov. Arizona Schedule, 480-357-2585) Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-7002. Fax 503-668-1058 For scheduling: Sylvia Jorgensen, WA contact: 253- [email protected] 845-9321, cell 253-678-7682 Andy Mirkovich [email protected], www.fjordsong.com August 13, 2011 Historic Wallace, Idaho SVEA Trio Accordion Celebration Svea Trio with the accordions. Richard Svensson and Oct. 7 Oktoberfest Party 7 – 10 PM Whistle Stop Bjarne Jacobsen Renton, WA 206-523-3245, [email protected] www. Oct. 8. Polka Mass then dinner/dance 5 – 9 PM St winwins.com/sveatrio/ Martin of Tours Fife, WA NW Accordionaires Oct. 21 Oktoberfest Dinner 6 – 9 PM St Dunstans Contact: Cooksie Kramer 425-828-9104 Seattle, WA Full schedule private engagements Most of our professional players keep their current and Master Classes by appointment: 425-451-1256 updated performance schedules on their web sites. Ken Olendorf Advance scheduling is diffi cult and often fl uid. Consult Ballard Elks weekly, Sundays 7 – 10 PM the contact information and web addresses for up to date Weekly “casuals” information. Support them when you can. For scheduling information write 532 - 28th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122 206-325-9245 Murl Allen Sanders NWAS Deadlines August 21 Cotati Accordion Festival solo performance February 1 Cotati, CA Oct. 4, 7 PM American Heroes in Concert N. Creek May 1 Presbyterian Church 621 164th St SE Mill Creek, WA August 1 Full schedule private engagements, music projects November 1 and teaching.

fall Quarter 2011 43 Northwest Accordion News

Northwest Accordion Society

5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12 Vancouver, WA 98682

www.nwasnews.com

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Regular Membership Student Membership Patron Membership North America Age 18 and Under $35/year U.S. funds U.S. - $20.00 U.S. $15/year Canada - $25 (U.S. Funds) Canada $20/year (US funds) Outside North America $35 (U.S. Funds)

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44 fall Quarter 2011

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Current Members Your membership renewal date is speciﬁ ed 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