NORTHWEST ACCORDION NEWS - · PDF fileNorthwest Accordion News 2 Winter Quarter 2010 Letter from the Editors Greetings! Where did the Fall go? As we put this Winter Issue together,

NORTHWEST ACCORDIONNEWS

Frosini Tells How The Fox and The Hound Leavenworth Intenational Accordion Celebration! Kimberley Old Time Accordion Competition Results Accordions by the Sea, Accordion Social Reports, Photos & More!

VOL. 20 NO. 4Northwest Accordion Society Winter Quarter 2010

Northwest Accordion News

Winter Quarter 2010 1

Is your membership renewal due? Check your mailing label. A membership application/renewal form is included on the last page. Send your renewals or change of address to:

Northwest Accordion Society 5102 NE 121st Ave. #12Vancouver, WA 98682

Northwest Accordion News StaffDoris Osgood............................................(503) 357-0417 [email protected] Ames .............................................(360) 254-5245 [email protected] Levear (Advertising) .......................(503) 293-0322 [email protected]

NW Accordion Society Offi cers Bonnie Birch, President/Treasurer ................................. (206) 622-4786Doris Osgood, Vice President/Communications ............. (503) 357-0417Judith Ames, Secretary/Technology ............................... (360) 254-5245

Advisory BoardRick Hatley, ..................................................................... (253) 288-0442Shirlee Holmes .............................................................. (206) 282-4934Dick Myking .................................................................... (253) 537-0136Birgit Teuwen .................................................................. (206) 368-9720Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ........................................... (425) 828-9104Brenda Bard ................................................................... (425) 822-4404Jim Tobler ....................................................................... (425) 745-4872

Membership:Doris Osgood.................................................................. (503) 357-0417 [email protected] Ames ................................................................... (360) 254-5245 [email protected]

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY

The Northwest Accordion News is a quarterly newsletter published by the Northwest Accordion Society for and by its members. The purpose of the NWAS News is to unite the membership by providing news of its members, and articles that instruct, encourage, and promote the playing of the accordion.

NWAS PUBLICATION PRIORITIES♦ Advertising♦ Original Compositions♦ News from Our Members♦ Instructive/Technical Articles♦ Summaries from Regional Socials and Events♦ Coming Events

Articles will be printed if received prior to the publishing deadline. Should space be an issue, articles will be printed in the order in which they are submitted. All decisions regarding publication will be made by the editors of the NWAS News.

To submit articles for publication, mail them to the Vancouver, WA address listed. It is preferred that articles be submitted via e-mail as attached WORD documents or on a disc. Typed, paper copy needs to be dark and clear to allow scanning and to minimize errors.

Photographs sent for publication will be returned if they are accompanied with a SASE of correct size and adequate postage. Photographs may be sent electronically or on disc.

To reprint articles or photographs from magazines and newspapers, written permission from the publisher is required. Please submit the necessary “permission to print” with material sent.

Views in the articles and information printed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Northwest Accordion Society or its advertisers.

Inquiries, questions, suggestions, etc.Contact Doris Osgood, 3224 B St.,

Forest Grove, OR 97116. (503) 357-0417. E-mail: [email protected]

NWAS News Deadlines: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1

Mail letters & articles to:Northwest Accordion Society

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

Or e-mail to: [email protected]

ADVERTISINGFull page $110.00Half page $55.00Quarter $30.00Business card $10.00

Prices are PER ISSUE. US Funds

Photo-ready Advertising (with accompanying check) for this publication may be sent to:Northwest Accordion Society

7311 SW Laview Dr., Portland, OR 97219or e-mail [email protected]


Winter Quarter 20102

Letter from the Editors

Greetings!Where did the Fall go? As we put this Winter

Issue together, Thanksgiving is almost here! We are already preparing for Christmas programs! I did have the privilege of playing for an Oktoberfest celebration at a church I grew up in. What fun that was!

In upcoming issues, you may see some changes. I’m taking a class in InDesign. I’m learning LOTS!. Question - would you like to receive your NWAS news electronically (i.e. a link to a PDF)? This may be possible in the near future. If you are interested, please send me an e-mail - [email protected] and I will send you a link to this issue.

Judith

Quarterly Update

Dear Members,In Oregon, our fi rst days of November were warm

and mild. As I write this evening, the temperature has dropped 15 degrees and the wind is brisk. Lest I was lulled into thinking otherwise, it really is mid autumn!

As you read through this issue, please note the changes that are outlined for the Seattle Socials and for the Day of the Accordion. Socials are an important part of the accordion community. To keep the socials in Seattle interesting and fun, the venue will alternate sites. Check the schedule for those locations. Also, the Day of the Accordion is on hiatus for 2011. This is an opportunity to evaluate the program and create a celebration of the accordion in 2012 that will show-case the instrument and acquaint new people with the possibilities of the accordion and the music that can be played.

LIAC Chairman, Bonnie Birch has been working on the International Accordion Celebration in Leaven-worth. The featured performers are new for Leaven-worth. The details for the entire event are incomplete, but so far the event looks to be exciting. We are grateful to our members and friends of the accordion for supporting LIAC last year. We have cash to fund a good portion of LIAC for the coming year. The one area where we cannot recoup expenses is the competition. Because we continue to feel that the competition is an important part of the music festival, we will not give that up. Cash donations supporting the competition awards and incentives for young players are needed. We hope that you can help. Schedule your vacation time to be with us June 16 – 19, 2011 in Leavenworth; join us for the love of the accordion.

You will note that the accordion community said good by to pillars of our “family”. Charles Nunzio was the last of the founding members of the AAA. One NWAS member commented that playing the accordion must ensure longevity! Charles Nunzio played into his 90’s. His arrangements and his music will live on. More locally, the patriarch of a musical family passed away. John Giuliani Sr. was a hard working, proud Italian who loved his family, his business, and his ac-cordion. He was an example for many of us. We all stand on the shoulders of great accordion players like Charles and John. We honor them both by continuing their passion for the accordion.

As the year is coming to a close, I want to take

Table of Contents

2 Letter from the Editors2 Quarterly Update3 Letters to the Editors3 Composer – Arthur Metzler4 Flying Fingers6 Results Coupe Mondiale 2010 in Croatia6 Tacoma Accordion Social 8 Day of the Accordion9 In Remembrance9 John Raymond Giuliani, Sr. (Julian) 9 Design Needed10 Seattle Accordion Social12 Seattle Monday Night Socials12 Pietka Scholarship Recipient13 Happiness at the 13 Bremerton Blackberry Festival 15 Summer Vacation 201015 A Good Little Harmony/Music Theory Lesson…..17 Christmas Issue BONUS! Polka Dot Polka18 Telling on Guido Deiro21 U.S. Roland V-Accordion Festival22 NWAS goes to the Puyallup Fair23 My Accordion Summer23 Remembering Charles Nunzio23 NWAS Welcomes New Members:24 RE: Stradella Bass26 Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration

201127 By the Way – 29 Forest Grove Autumn Accordion Social32 Accordion Events Calendar34 Entertainers in the Northwest35 Øivind Farmen plays Scandinavian Accordion Favou-

rites’,



this opportunity to thank our regular contributors and our advertisers. Thanks to: Marjorie Rombauer, Dick Myking, Eloise Adaire, Ed Lofquist, Ron Ostromecki, Geoff Levear, Petosa Accordions, Michael Arralde, Castiglione, Roland and KIOTAC. This publication would not be possible without them. I especially thank Judith Ames for her work maintaining the NWAS roster and formatting the Northwest Accordion News. I write a good deal of the material, but Judith works her magic to get the publication into the form that we’ve come to enjoy. It’s no small job!

You can help us out! Judith and I both have “day” jobs and time is a premium. Don’t forget to check your address label for the date of your membership renewal. Also please let us know when you have a change of address too. It saves both time and money.

Best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year fi lled with music.

Doris [email protected]

Letters to the Editors

Dear NWAS,Thank you so much for the e-mail reminder. I had

no intention to let my subscription lapse. I guess I just didn’t think August 2010 was here already!Regards,Glea Trulove, Cheney, WA

Dear NWAS,Thank you for all your good work for all of us who

love the accordion.Andy Mirkovich, Sammamish, WA

We need your articles, advertising, pictures, etc. for NWAS News BY:

February 1May 1

August 1November 1

Composer – Arthur Metzler

ARTHUR METZLER, well known accordionist, was in his youth, a protege of the famous accordion teacher, Andrew Rizzo of Chicago. Later Metzler re-ceived a free scholarship from the Andy Rizzo School of Music. He traveled the country playing for music schools, recitals, and radio stations (WLB and WBBM in Chicago) to promote the accordion as a serious instrument. One of his greatest achievements was to perform the fi rst solo accordion concerts for music critics at Kimball Hall in Chicago on April 4, 1937.

Metzler studied and majored in composition with the famous composer and oboist, Florian Mueller, who was a professor at Roosevelt University. Metzler was also fi rst oboist with the Chicago Symphony Orches-tra and he also held fi rst chair in the Rizzo Accordion Ensemble. This ensemble had 30 members, many of them became famous accordionists, such as Art Van Damme, Vince Geraci, Manny Quartucci, Enrico Mastronardi, Mario Moschino, Frank Messina, and Bud Keuhl.

In 1939 Metzler joined the Patek Accordion School and became the music director. During WW II he served in the Army in Europe as a chaplin's assistant. Metzler also played for the wounded in hospitals, Army shows, for the Royal Family and the Prime Minister of Belgium. After the war, Metzler founded his own music school with seven music teachers on his staff.

Mr. Metzler has written textbooks, and hundreds of compositions and arrangements for his students and professional musicians in almost all forms of musical compositions. His compositions have been written for standard stradella accordions and also free bass accordion.

Metzler retired to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1982 where he played engagements in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area. One of his hobbies was cartooning and he became the staff cartoonist for the Friends of the Accordion (FOTA) and the Accordionist and Teacher Guild (ATG). His cartoons also appeared in other accordion clubs' monthly newsletters whose purpose was to promote the accordion in this country.

Arthur (Art) Metzler, aged 90, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on March 18, 2006.

Have a VERY Merry Christmas and Holiday Season! Share your music with your family and friends.



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northwest Accordion News

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Results Coupe Mondiale 2010 in Croatia

Senior Coupe Mondiale1st. Petar Maric - Serbia2nd. Milan Vidovic - Bosnia and Herzegovina 3rd Petar Mirkov – Serbia 4th Vincent Van Amsterdam – Netherlands 5th. Mirko Jevotic – Serbia

Junior Coupe Mondiale1st. João Barradas - Portugal2nd. Nikola Zivanovic - Serbia 3rd. Dmitrii Yarkinov - Russia 4th. Predrag Radisavljevic - Serbia 5th. Michael Bridge – Canada

Senior Virtuoso Entertainment1st. Petar Maric - Serbia2nd. Alexander Veretennikov - Russia 3rd. Liang Tan Jia - China 4th. Sarah Vonau - France 5th. Dorin Grama – Moldova

Junior Virtuoso Entertainment1st. Radu Laxgang - Moldova2nd. Samuele TelariI - Italy3rd. Joao Guerreiro - Portugal4th. Pietro Roffi - Italy5th. Svetlana Kozina - Russian

International Piano Accordion1st. Martynas Levickis - Lithuania 2nd. Marko Lukic - Serbia 3rd. Milos Beljakovic – Serbia 4th. Klavdiya Tarabrina - Russia 5th. Alexey Nefedov - Russia

Ensemble1st. Syrius Duet - FranceGonzales, Julien (Accordion)Carbonne, Cyril (Clarinet)

Digital Accordion1st. Pawel Janas - Poland(qualifi ed from 4th Roland Digital V Competition in Rome, sponsored by Roland Europe)2nd. Eduard Akhanov - Russia2nd.Alexey Chernomordikov - Russia(qualifi ed from 4th Roland Digital V Competition in Rome, sponsored by Roland Europe)

Tacoma Accordion Social Submitted by Eloise Adair

AugustWe had 54 attending our August Social and

we had a lot of players. Our fi rst player was Kathy Peterson and she was joined by her friend Kay Cottrell on the violin. They played “Ashokan Farewell”, “Adeline the Baker” and “Calush Dance”. Grace Anne Henry was up next playing “Voice in My Heart” which Linda Bishop sang with her. Then Grace Anne played “Little Train” and “Spanish Eyes”. Jerry Olson hadn’t been to our meetings for a long time so it was nice to hear him play “Moonglow” and “Till I Waltz Again With you”.

The last time we heard Dorene Fox her wrist was bandaged so she played the piano but now she lifted her big accordion so she played “For Me And My Gal”, “You Belong To My Heart” and “Daddy Sang Bass”. Michael Barbarossa played “Wabash Cannon Ball” and “Let’s Dance the Polka”. Then he was joined by Rick Hatley, his teacher. They played a Duet by Mozart which was very different. When you looked at all the lines it did not look like a duet but then you turned the page upside down and it was the second part, very interesting. After the duet Rick played “Busy Time Polka”, “Over Three Mountains” and “Echo Polka”.

John Nantz brought a little iPad about the size of a book and he made it look like an accordion and then he played a bit of “Tennessee Waltz”. Our next players were Richard and Linda Bishop. Richard played the accordion and Linda played the guitar and sang “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Mother’s Kitchen” and “Freight Train”. David M. Emter was next to play some nice dance tunes,



“Prune Song”, “Triglov Polka” and “Gloria’s Waltz”. Our next performer was Toby Hanson playing “Twilight Time”, “Silk Umbrella” which he sang in a foreign language and then “Fjall Bruden”, “Jamtgubben”, “Livet I Finnskogen” and “Waltz Across Texas”. Our fi nal player was Dick Myking playing “Minot Medley”.

SeptemberOur September meeting started out with a

few people and only two had signed up to play. Our emcee Randall Tron decided to play fi rst. He played “Side by Side”, “Cattle Call”, “Peek-A-Boo W”, “Pepperoni” and “Just a Closer Walk”. By then we had more sign up and we had a total of 64 attending. Our next performer was Ted Janossy playing the chromatic accordion. He played “Schuhplattler Landler” and “Lokkeren Vals”. Next we had a duet with Edith Barrett and Jim Leonhard playing “You Can’t Be True Dear” and “Tinker Polka”. Then Edith soloed playing “Ole Guapa” a tango by A. Malando and “Espagna Alegre Pasa-Doble” by Helene Criscio and “Bandoneon Arraballero Tango” by Bachicha.

Our next player was David Emter playing “Servent Song” and “Argentine Waltz”. Then Mimi Emerson joined him and they played “Barbara Polka” and “Give Me My Heart Back”. We hadn’t seen Dennis Perry for a long time and it was good to hear him play “Life in the Finnish Woods”, “Johann Pa Snippen” and “Village Tavern Polka”. Dick Myking was up next. Playing “It Is No Secret”, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” and European Waltz”.

I was surprised to read that Louis Traverso won second place in the Leavenworth competition so I was so glad he played for us. He played “Italian Polka”, “A Second Italian Polka” and “AI’s Polka Medley”. We then had another duet, Marilyn Redding and Mike Werner. They played “Waltz Was Make For Me”, “In The Mood” and “St. Louis Blues”. Our last performer was Tom Demski playing “Spanish Eyes” and “Cumana”. It was so great he received a big applause.

OctoberOur October meeting was a very nice day

and we had 55 in attendance. Our emcee for the evening was Barbara Lofquist who began our program with “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon and then she sang “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music” acappella. Then Linda and Richard Bishop, Linda played guitar and Richard played accordion. They played “Came”, “Riding With Dad” and “Barn Dance”. Our next performer was Michael Barbarossa playing “I’m Rosewinkle” a duet with his teacher Rick Hatley. Then Michael played two songs, “Heidi’s Waltz” and “Green Waters”.

Next we had another duet, Edith Barrett and Jim Leonhard. They played “Landler Medley” and “In Munchen Steht Ein Hofbrauhaus.” Lyle Schaefer was up next and he played several German songs but I didn’t get the names. Then the North Bound 4 composed of Larry and Colleen Price and Mike and Billie Henry played “Muzette Waltz”. They also played Happy Birthday for Pearl Ginter who was 101 years old that day and everyone sang.

It was nice to have Diane Crews back to sing for us. She sang “Jesus Will Fix It”, a Southern Gospel. David M. Emter brought a small wooden box up front and inside was a little diatonic accordion that only weighted four pounds. He played “Wooden Heart”, “Do Lich Mer Im Hearz” and “Musicians Play”. Lyle Schaefer then played some more German songs and sang one of them. Everyone was happy to hear our last player Tom Demski. He played “Fascination”, “La Spagnola” and “Granada”.

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“TARGET:FOCUS – the Art of Exploring Practice for the Accordionist”

“I say that his book should be in the hands of not only every teacher of the instrument, but also accordionists in general, let alone the beginners.” – Anthony Galla Rini

Many decades of performing & teaching accordion come together in this valuable book designed to help students and seasoned artists alike to really know their instrument, use their practice time to its best advantage, and explore their connection with the accordion and its music. In addition to the book, a vast selection of Joe Morelli’s music is available in printed form. If you are interested in a brochure outlining various original compositions & arrangements of well known standards, contact information is below.

The Author, Joseph Morelli (1929 – 2009) Composer, Arranger, Teacher

To order “TARGET:FOCUS – the Art of Exploring Practice for the Accordionist” ($24.00 Cdn) and /or a brochure of original compositions and arrangements by Joe Morelli, contact Mrs. T. Morelli: [email protected]. Target:Focus is also available at Petosa Accordions, Seattle Wash, ($19.95 in USA) www.petosa.com

Day of the AccordionWe love it but…..By Bonnie Birch

The Day of the Accordion (DOTA) is taking a vacation in 2011. This event has been held at the Se-attle Center for nearly 20 years. The main goal was to bring quality accordion music of all types to the public to demonstrate the accordion’s great versatility and to counteract misconceptions many people have about the accordion. The Seattle Center House, with a ready-made walk-in audience, was a perfect loca-tion to hold this event. After years of events, NWAS and the Seattle Center personnel have the required stage-management and organizational skills down to a “T”. I would have to say our efforts have been more than successful. Through the years, we have had many memorable programs including not only great accordion music but ballroom dance exhibitions, opera singers, dancing, free accordion lessons, workshops, displays, and a superb list of volunteers.

The question is: “Where do we go from here?” Now that NWAS is undertaking the Leavenworth In-

ternational Accordion Celebration, the volunteers and leadership of NWAS is being stretched beyond what is reasonable. There is also a question about fi nances. The Day of the Accordion has always been free to the public with expenses paid by NWAS. We are a fi nan-cially solvent organization but with the expenses of LIAC, we need to look at the big picture in considering the use of our funds and fund-raising efforts.

The decision to take a year off from DOTA was not made easily. However, if accordionists and accordion fans really care about the future of the accordion, now is a good time to do some serious thinking about what we will do next with DOTA. Do we want to continue “as is”, should we try a new location, should we change the format, should we fi nd a way to have a suggested do-nation for admission, how do we bring in more people as volunteers, performers, and audience?

During the next year, let’s come up with some good, solid ideas and resume DOTA in 2012. Many of us talked this over and felt it was a reasonable thing to do.



In RemembranceJohn Raymond Giuliani, Sr. (Julian)

August 4, 1927 - October 12, 2010

The Northwest Accordion Society had to say goodbye to a treasure. John Giuliani was born in

Renton , WA August 4, 1927 where l i ved and worked all his life. He had a four year h i a t u s w i t h the Merchant Marines from 1945 – 1949. John was the 2nd generation owner of John

Julian and Son Electric Motors in Renton. Now a 3rd generation business, Jim Giuliani continues the lega-cy. John was k n o w n t o keep an ac-cordion at his shop and of-ten played for his customers and friends. He was an accomplished accordionist/musician and a respected dance band leader for many years.

He was well known for his ability to tell a great story; one accordion friend described him as smart and witty. We all know that he was a great accordion player and proud of his Italian heritage. He was also proud that both of his sons became fi ne accordion players too. Jim and John Jr. have performed at the socials in Seattle.

Those attending the Seattle Socials have fond memories of John Jr. and his dad playing together as an accordion duo and as accordion with string bass. John passed away October 12, 2010 in Renton; he was 83. His wife, Jane Giuliani, preceded him in death May 12, 1999. The Northwest Accordion Society extends sincere sympathy to his family: John Jr. and Jim (Deb-bie) Giuliani, grandsons Michael, Steven and Jeffrey Giuliani, his sister Grace Storwick, and his long time friend and companion Rosetta Scavella.

A youth scholarship is set up in John’s name through the Northwest Accordion Society. Donations in memory of John Giuliani Sr. may be made to: NWAS Giuliani Scholarship Fund 812 N 1st Renton, WA 98057.

Design Needed

The Northwest Accordion Society is seeking a design for the commemorative pins for Leavenworth 2011. The design must include an accordion, 2011, and “Leavenworth International Accordion Cele-bration.” The pin’s diameter will be 1 ¼ - 1 ½ inches.

Submit your design for a lapel pin for the Leav-enworth International Accordion Celebration 2011 to the NWAS c/o Steve Berg, 274 Timberline Drive Se-quim, WA 98382, [email protected] by December 31, 2010. The designer selected by the LIAC commit-tee will receive a year’s subscription to the Northwest Accordion News.



Seattle Accordion SocialBy Marjorie Rombauer

There was no August social.

September 13, 2010Susan Matthew, a member of the audience,

agreed to report her impressions of the performances in the fi rst half of the evening program. The performers were students of Cooksie Kramer and the Northwest Accordionaires orchestra under Cooksie’s direction.

Linda Joda was the first performer. It was her fi rst per-formance at out social (and also her first appearance later with the Northwest Accordionaires). Linda has been living in Gig Har-bor between visits to California where she and her husband have another home that they are hop-

ing to sell. She took accordion lessons for ten years, played for pleasure and participated in competitions, and then put the accordion away until six years ago. She played a rousing rendition of “Accordion Boogie,” and a “bluesie” version of “Georgia on My Mind.”

Anthony Pierce followed her. He played a diffi cult version of “Teddy’ Bears’ Parade,” expressively, and a romantic “Waltzing to Mongolia.” Ku-dos to Anthony after only one year of accordion lessons. He looks good, too!

Then the Accordionaires pro-gram began under Cooksie’s direction with “Liberty Bell,” a happy and rousing march with drum rolls that got people clapping. It also showed off the talents of the tuba player. The arrangement was written by Ray Kujawa, a member of the band and another of Cooksie’s students. The next two numbers took us from the romance of Spain (“Spanish Dance”) to the drama of the tango (“Tango Montmarte”), dra-matic and beautiful, making us want to dance around the fl oor. Next, an Italian Medley took us from Santa Lucia to the streets of Rome – a beautiful medley and a crowd pleaser. The next number, “Three Blind Mice”

was playful.Cooksie interrupted the program to introduce

the members of the band, Clayton Murray on tuba, Lionel Kramer on drums, John Giuliani, Jr., on string bass, and the accordion players, David Locke, Joe Kupferling, Ray Kujawa, Linda Joda, Marjorie Rombauer, Marla Donaldson (back from a two year visit to Pennsylvania), Martin Tracy, Lisa Tracy, and Rick Hatley. Cooksie also played the accordion as well as directing the band. Unless otherwise noted, all arrangements were by Cooksie.

The program continued with another arrangement by Ray Kujawa, Piazzolla’s La Misma Pena, dramatic and expressive, followed by “Jamaican Rhumba.” Then back to classics with “Regina Overture,” from me-lodic to rousing, another crowd pleaser. The program

concluded with a medley of songs from Sweden, from mazurkas and waltzes to polkas, arranged by Cooksie from mu-sic Marla brought back from Sweden.

Sounded great! Really enjoyable! Bonnie thanked Cooksie and the band members.

The second part of the program presented a special guest, Sergio Scappini from Italy, a master of the accordion and in particular of the Roland accordion. Thanks go to Joe Petosa for ar-ranging the appearance. Sergio was introduced by Steve Albini, who later joined in the performance.

Sergio began in a playful mood, playing “Are You Sleeping, Brother John?” fi rst, quietly with single notes in a high voice, moving into formal classical style, then to jazz improvisations, extended fast bellow shaking, ending in classical style, an impressive display of the versatility of the Roland accordion. Then he played an extended arrangement of Gershwin’s “Serenade in Blue,” beginning with the familiar clarinet sound, piano, full orchestra, and an excellent trumpet sound. After the introduction of familiar themes, he segued into a number of Gershwin ballads, including ”Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Oh, Lady Be Good!,” “Who Could Ask for Anything More,” and “I Got Rhythm.” He re-turned to the Serenade with full orchestra, authentic trumpet and violin, and the powerful ending with piano octaves.



He continued with a wide variety of music and improvisations, including American, Italian, operatic and orchestra numbers, using a wide variety of sounds, from clarinet to fl ute to banjo to chorus and otherworldly voices. How he made sound and volume changes so quickly was often almost indiscernible, some made after only a few bars of a sound. The balance between treble and bass was very good, volume was usually very good, and he was particularly good at seeming to sustain notes, important to avoid a mechanical sound.

He was joined by Steve, who sang an Italian song with a beautiful and powerful tenor voice. Then Steve picked up an acoustic accordion and played three numbers with Sergio on the Roland.

October 11, 2010 Joe Kupferling was host for the evening. He

brought members of the Ger-man choir (of which he is a member) to entertain us with Oktoberfest music – and more. Joe accompanied the choir on the accordion. They began with a humorous “My Name is Fritz,” followed by the popular In München Steht Ein Hof-brauhaus, which tells the story

of a man mea-sur ing himsel f against others on how much he can drink. Then, “ M y H a t H a s Three Corners” and “Drink, Drink, Drink.” The next song was some-

what of a surprise “She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Moun-tain,” but one singer explained that this song had been adopted by the Germans during World War II, and he thought it was really a German song until he came to the United States and learned differently. The next song was a 1990’s hit in Germany. It recounts the rise of the morning sun and its setting in the evening. Then followed “The Happy Wanderer,” a song about a woman from the Rhine, a Hungarian song telling the story of a man crazy about a girl who leaves and how he brings her back, the English “Sloop John D,” “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” (in English) and “Promise

me.” A rousing and crowd-pleasing performance. To my regret, I did not get the names of the singers.

The Bonnie Birch Trio (Bonnie, Nick, and Paul) entertained us at the beginning of the second half of the evening. They started with “There is No Beer in Heaven,” “The Merry Widow Waltz,” “Do, Re, Mi, - - -,” with Paul soloing on the tuba and Nick singing. Then they began “Oktoberfest Around the World,” including a Ländler, an Italian Tarantella, the Spanish Espana Cani, a schottische, “Moonglow,” and “American Pa-trol,” complete with “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” played before a make-believe reviewing stand. They concluded with “Drink, Drink, Drink.”

Special guest Mario Pedone then joined Bonnie for a rousing “Liechtensteiner Polka,” with Mario impro-vising around Bonnie’s playing, followed by Besame Mucho, and Tico Tico, (which turned into a race between the two of them). Mario then played an ex-tended medley of German songs, with members of the audience singing along in German from time to time. I recognized only “Lili Marlene” and the “Snow Waltz.” Then two American popular tunes with fancy fin-ger work, “I Could Have Danced All Night,”and “I Wish You Love,” followed by a medley that ended with “Roll Out the Barrel.” Then some serious mu-sic and fi nally some Ital-ian music, “Oh, Marie,” “There’s No Tomorrow,” and Amore.. Mario is a master of improvisation and fast fi nger work, and his arrangements are always pleasing.

It was a full evening of wonderful music.



Seattle Monday Night SocialsChanges are happening

By Bonnie Birch

Our accordion socials have been going on for about 20 years. First, Ken and Barbara Olendorf or-ganized the socials which were held at the European Connection in Burien. We drew people from the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. They were very successful but after running it for 9 years, Ken felt it was time to re-tire. Also, the European Connection was undergoing changes and we had to fi nd a new location.

The leadership was taken over by Jim Tobler with his loyal assistant, Bonnie Birch. We found a new loca-tion at the West Seattle Senior Center (WSSC). It was not as convenient for the Tacoma folks but was only about 15 min. farther on the freeway. WSSC offered us reasonable rates, they provided coffee and dessert, and were friendly and easy to work with. We continued to charge $5 at the door, which has been the price since the beginning. Jim organized the entertainment month after month. We also had a mailing which Bon-nie wrote and Jim mailed to everybody. Every month at 5 PM, we arrived at WSSC to set up the tables and chairs. This went on for 8 years! Then, for the past 3 years, we have involved other members to take on the responsibility of handling the program for their as-signed month. This has been a big help and worked quite well but after 11 years of having the socials at WSSC with basically the same format, it is time to re-think and re-group.

First of all, Jim is going to retire from all duties and become one of the regular attendees. When anybody sees Jim, please thank him for all his hard and dedi-cated work. He deserves a break. Bonnie deserves a break as well and is working some new ideas to get others more involved. In fact, we do have a new location and another new person to head some of our socials! Paul Fedorowicz has been an accordionist, composer, teacher, and band leader in the Seattle area for many years. His band is called the Ethnic Underground. Paul is going to lead the accordion socials to be held at a new location called the Gypsy Café & Pub in Seattle’s Fremont district. The Gypsy Café has a stage and performance area and a nice relaxed atmosphere. The food is great and reasonably priced. They have musical events of all types going on throughout the week. We will alternate our socials with the WSSC and see how it goes. Here is the schedule

for the remainder of the year and for 2011:

Dec. 13 – Gypsy Café & Pub – 3510 Stone Way N. Seattle 98103; host: Paul Fedorowicz (206) 328-6552. Call Paul for more details. Music is from 7:30 – 9:30 but be there at 7 p.m. to get food (if you want) and to get seated.Jan. 11 – same as Dec. 13Feb. 14 – Location WSSC - 4217 SW Oregon St. Seattle 98116; host: Bonnie Birch (206) 622-4786. Special Valentine’s Day program by NWAS playersMar 14 – Gypsy Café – see Dec. 13April 11 – WSSC – host: TBAMay 9 – Gypsy Café – see Dec. 13June 13 – WSSC – host: TBAJuly, Aug. – we are off Sept. 12 – Location: TBA host: Cooksie Kramer and the Northwest AccordionairesOct., Nov., Dec. – TBA

Note: Leavenworth International Accordion Cel-ebration (LIAC) June 16 – 19, 2011.

Dear Ms. Osgood, Hello, I am Grant Mumford, the recipient of your

Pietka Scholarship. I wanted to thank you very much for the money; it will really come in handy to tune my accordion and to fund my lessons as well as my education.

Thanks again for your generosity! Sincerely, Grant Mumford

Pietka Scholarship Recipient



DIAMOND ACCORDION FOR SALE

Owner must sacrifi ce brand new, custom built Diamond accordion - 3 sets of hand-made treble reeds, 7 treble switches and side master. 4 sets of hand-made bass reeds, 37 treble keys – 17 in. keyboard, 96 bass. Dry tuned, weighs 20 lbs. New hard case with wheels and plush interior and soft case also.

Asking price $3,300 - less than ½ the custom order cost. The owner wants the instrument to have a loving home and is willing to negotiate.

Contact: Pat Loken [email protected], 503-652-6477

Happiness at the Bremerton Blackberry Festival

By Dorene Fox

Happiness is giving - giving to others who in turn return happiness back to you. This occurred on the boardwalk in Bremerton, Washington at the annual Blackberry Festival held September 5, 2010 for the citizens, friends and visitors of Kitsap County. This festival was an eclectic gathering of ethnic vendors and food. High on the list was blackberry pie topped with blackberry ice cream. What better way to enjoy blackberries than a visit from the Smiling Scandina-vians led by Toby Hanson, “A-1" accordionist, play-ing his Spano accordion and accompanied by Dave Brown alive on the banjo, Mike Woolf two-time fi rst place tuba champion and Erick Cohn hitting it on the drums. What an excellent combination of musicians!

The fi rst number on the program was "Let's Have A Party" which set the audience to toe tap-

ping and also set a happy mood. They were ready to give back their happiness to the band. A touch of Scandinavia followed with "Livet I Finnskogan", Johan Pa Snippen" and "Krlstiana Valsen". Toby relishes this music as he is half Norwegian and half Swedish calling himself a NorWedish person.

To celebrate the Bicentennial of Oktoberfest in Bavaria, Germany, Toby and the band played some rousing polkas - "Just Because", "Quick Stop Polka", "Pennsylvania Polka" and "The Ohio Polka" concluding with "The Beer Barrel Polka" a defi nite crowd pleaser. They also played "Oklahoma Hills Where I Was Born" and "Silk Umbrellas" and Toby dedicated “I Wanna Call You Sweetheart" to his wife. What a special touch that was!

Thank you Smiling Scandinavians for sharing your happiness with us.





Summer Vacation 2010By Sundi O’Mara

I arrived in Santa Clara, near San Jose, California for the ATG 70th Anniver-sary Galla-Rini Celebra-tion and had a tour of San Francisco the first day. It was cold that day. Brrr! For the next 3 days there were workshops, competi-tions and rehearsals. Esther Lanting’s class was about Anthony Galla-Rini’s life. She knew him since she was about 11 years old. Boy, she can tell some stories. She had us tell our memo-ries about Mr. Galla-Rini. I said he was a sweetie and recalled going to his Accor-

dion Camp since 1991. We saw “Behind the Bellows”, a documentary about accordion history in America. I went to four other classes.

Social hours and Banquets: the performers were Patricia Bartell, Ron Borelli, and The Great Morgani. Concert performers were Stas Venglevski, Lionel Reekie, Bruce Gassman, Betty Jo Simon, Amy Jo Sawyer, Alexander Sevastion, Cory Pesaturo, and the Executive Festival Orchestra conducted by Joan Cochran Sommers. I played in the Galla-Rini Festival Orchestra with Esther Lanting as a conductor. All selec-tions were arranged by Anthony Galla-Rini. “Paragon March”, the offi cial march of ATG was composed by Mr. Galla-Rini. We played a few more pieces including his favorite arrangement of “God Bless America.” We also played at the Great America theme park. It was fun and we saw some Peanuts characters. They’re cute and fun.

The ATG Festival was held for the fi rst time in California and it was the fi rst time they had nightly after hour informal performances at the Bootleg Lounge where anybody could play solo or jam. That was his-tory making!

After ATG Festival, I was off to North of San Francisco (after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge) for Galla-Rini Accordion Camp at San Domenico Music Conservatory on San Domenico School Campus. All of our classes and rehearsals and concert were on stage. It was grand. We didn’t have to haul our accor-

dions around. We had a party with all kinds of music, even some Galla-Rini arrangements. I believe that if the camp is called Galla-Rini Accordion Camp, his ar-rangements should be played there.

We missed Kjell Holmes this year; the camp was the same without him. We met in 1991. For the fi fth year, Joe Smiell conducted the camp ensemble. We did classical, show-tunes and a Galla-Rini arrangement of “Intermezzo” from Cavaleria Rusticana. All of the rest were arranged by Joe Smiell. He always has a smile.

Nightly there was fun at the French Quarter where there was eating, drinking, music and good times. Hats off to the Committee of ATG Festival and Galla-Rini Camp for great jobs. There’s nothing like live music. Accordion Events are like going to family reunions. On this trip nothing broke. Bravo!

A Good Little Harmony/Music Theory Lesson…..

Shared by Wayne Nelson

Three notes go into a bar…So a C, E-fl at and G go into a bar. The bartender

says, “Sorry, but we don’t serve minors.” So E-fl at leaves and C and G have an open fi fth between them. After a few drinks the fi fth is diminished and G is out fl at.

F comes in and tries to augment the situation, but is not sharp enough.

D comes in and heads for the bathroom saying, “Excuse me. I’ll just be a second.” Then A comes in, but the bartender is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor.

Then the bartender notices B-fl at hiding at the end of the bar and says, “Get out! You’re the seventh minor I’ve found in this bar tonight.”

E-Flat comes back the next night in a three-piece suit with nicely shined shoes. The bartender says, “You’re looking sharp tonight. Come on in, this could be a major development.” Sure enough, E-fl at soon takes off his suit and everything else, and is au natural.

Eventually C sobers up and realizes in horror that he’s under a rest. C is brought to trial, found guilty of contributing to the diminution of a minor, and is sen-tenced to 10 years of D.S. without Coda at an upscale correctional facility.





To Trio

D.C. al Trio

Trio

Fine

Polka Dot Polka

Eloise Adair

2010 Eloise Adair

M m7

M

M m7

M

7M

7M

7M

7M

M 7 M 7 M

M 7 M 7

Engraving by R. R. Ostromecki

M

Christmas Issue BONUS! Polka Dot PolkaI like to see music in the NW Accordion News written by people I read about. I thought I would send you

a polka I wrote back in 1959. I hope you enjoy it. Eloise Adair



Telling on Guido DeiroBy Pietro Deiro

Reprinted from Metronome November, 1933

In several of my recent articles in this magazine, I have presented interviews with some of the well known accordionists. The idea occurred to me that perhaps the readers would enjoy an article about my brother, Guido Deiro. When a boy, I always looked up to my brother as sort of a hero and I therefore take pleasure in relating a few of the highlights of his career.

Guido Deiro was born in Salto (Torino), Italy in 1896. When a child, he was presented with a small accordion by our uncle. This had been imported from Germany. Our parents never had to urge Guido to practice, for the accordion was his most cherished pos-session and ‘twas said that one seldom saw the boy without the accordion. Guido showed marked musical talent not only on the accordion but in singing, and no local gathering was complete with the performance of the youthful accordionist.

Father felt so encouraged that he bought the boy another accordion and although it only had 16 buttons, it was larger than the fi rst instrument. As soon as Guido had mastered this size of accordion, he became more ambitious and used to canvass the neighborhood to try to borrow a larger size as he was so eager to progress in his playing. My brother’s life is an example of what one can accomplish when he has a single purpose. To Guido, life began and ended with the accordion and it was only natural that he should attain the heights which he did in later years.

After a time, young Guido became a little bored with performing for the village gatherings and as his repertoire had brown to be quite a large one, he de-cided that his talent should be used to produce a little profi t so he went to Germany. Here he obtained a position in a café. His playing was well received, for this time Guido had developed a very artistic style of playing which was quite original. His interpretation and musicianship were appreciated by the Germans who are a music loving race. Even to the present day my brother has maintained his own individual style of playing which no on has been able to successfully imitate. He has a certain daintiness and fi nesse in his interpretation of the fi ner passages of music which most accordionists cannot produce. I attribute this to the fact that in his heart and soul he is a true musician and his fi ngers are merely an aid to help him portray what his soul feels. Many accordionists feel that they

are not playing unless they “blast” away as loudly as possible with no observance of tonal shading. I always feel that such players could learn a valuable lesson by listening to my brother.

When Guido’s popularity was at its height in Germany, it was necessary for him to return to Italy to serve a period of army training, required of all young men at that time. While in training he could not let his beloved music fall by the wayside so in his spare mo-ments studied bass horn which enabled him to play in the army band. He also studied the theory of music which he had not had an opportunity to do before.

After the fi fteen months of army training were over, Guido went back to Germany but for only a short time. Being an ambitious young man, he realized that there were other worlds to conquer so he secured passage for America. His fi rst permanent position in this country was in a café in Seattle. He remained there until his accordion went on strike and refused to work any more. The nearest accordion factory was in San Francisco so it was there that he went.

When the accordion had been re-conditioned, the logical thing for Guido to do was to look for work in San Francisco, which he did. His fi rst engagement was at the Washington Square Theater. Frisco liked accordion music and also liked Guido so his act was what vaudevillians call a “show stopper.” When this engagement was fi nished he added a baritone singer to his act. It seems peculiar how history repeats itself because during the past couple of years there has been quite a vogue for singers accompanied by an ac-cordion and the idea seems to many to be a new one although it was done so many years ago for vaudeville entertainment.

The inner urge to go on conquering new territory again presented itself so Guido thought it about time that New York heard some accordion music. Little did he realize that he was about to attempt to “crash” in on what is known as the most5 diffi cult theatrical city to conquer.

Little lady luck must have been sitting on his shoulder though for about that time a new style of music became popular. This was called “rag time” and Guido found that his individual style of playing could readily be adapted to rag time and this meant almost instantaneous success for him in New York. His café and small time vaudeville work in the West had not been for aught for by this time Guido had developed a most pleasing stage personality. The audience liked



him the minute he set foot on the stage. They liked his playing and they liked his winning smile. Right here I would like to say a few words about personal-ity. Fe performers realize what an important part a pleasant stage personality can play in success. In many instances certain individuals have a charming personality when one meets them in a drawing room but they are unable to project this personality to an audience. I often think that personality means exactly as much as music performed. To those who differ with mi, I shall also add that even a gifted musician cannot be a success without a pleasing personality.

The remaining story of my brother’s career is prob-ably known to accordionists. For many years he was a headline attraction in the largest theaters of not only America, but all countries of the world. He recorded for Columbia Phonograph Company and also composed quite a group of accordion solos. Among the most popular of these are: My Florence, Deirina Mazurka, Lola Two-Step, and Polka Variata.

As I look over our childhood days, two of my brother’s characteristics stand out vividly in my mind. The fi rst was his great talent for music and the second was the pride he took in his appearance. He was quite unlike me in the latter characteristic for any old pair of overalls would do for me but not so for Guido. His clothes were always of as late a fashion as it was possible for him to obtain. He was always immaculate. I can scarcely remember of ever seeing my brother when he was not meticulously groomed.

In later years this subject became a joke between us for my nature is a sort of rough and ready one and neither clothes nor fashions ever bothered me. The thought never entered my consciousness. When my brother ad I went out socially, my appearance was always a sort of bone of contention and before we departed he would thoroughly inspect me to be sure my appearance would not embarrass him. If we met accidentally on the street, he would look me over and probably brush off my coat of straighten my tie before greeting me or beginning a conversation. I became so accustomed to this that I formed a habit of handing him my coat before I would greet him.

When Guido was playing in the café in Germany mentioned earlier in this article, he was considered the Beau Brummel of the town. At that time I played the accordion but only for my own amusement as I had not begun my professional career. My vocation was mining. It happened that I was working in a town not

far from the one my brother was in so one Saturday night my comrades and I decided to play my brother a surprise visit. We were all out on a sort of a lark and the idea of dressing up never occurred to us. It prob-ably would have done no good even if we had thought of it for we owned no fancy clothes.

We hiked to the town and must have presented an odd spectacle as we appeared at the café for we were all dressed in coarse corduroy pants, mining caps and high boots covered with mud. The place was crowded when we entered. The musicians were not there as they were having their dinner. I noticed my brother’s accordion on the piano and so was sure we were in the right place. Fearing that we might not see everything, our group had seated themselves at the most conspicuous table near the musicians.

After a while, the musicians returned to play and I watched my brother enter, get his accordion and prepare to open the program. Just as he was about to start he looked at our table ad cast an appraising glance at my appearance. Without a hint of recognition in his eye, he took his accordion off and set it down and started to walk out. Under his breath he whispered to me in Italian, “follow me.” I did and before I knew what had happened I was up in his room where he insisted that I wash up and the proceeded to make me don some of is fancy clothes. The all fi t me a little too soon for I was larger than he. The worse part came when I tried to put on his shoes. They were entirely too small so when I walked in them I had to rest my heels on the top of the back of the shoes for my feet would not go in completely. Guido then looked me over thoroughly and took me downstairs and presented me to the proprietor and is other friends about the place. Brotherly love, or no, Guido was taking no chances on being embarrassed by a rough neck brother.

Guido is of a very temperamental and high- strung nature but I truly believe that it is these fi ner traits of emotionalism which have contributed to his success as an artist. His playing comes direct from his heart and soul. When we were children together I was al-ways inspired by his playing before I began to study the accordion. The thought uppermost in my mind in those days was the desire to become as good a player as Guido.

In closing, I hope that these few anecdotes about my brother’s career will be interesting to those who know him personally or know him by his accomplish-ments.



Roland/Dallape – Towards the FutureRoland-Dallape ReportBy Holda Paoletti-Kampl

September 14, 2010 the historical decision was made in the City of Stradella, Lombardia, Italy, between the multinational Japanese company Roland and one of the oldest accordion manufacturers in Italy, the company Dallapé.

Dallapé started production of accordions back in 1876, when founder Mariano Dallapé founded the accordion factory and started the production that has remained in family hands until today.

After 134 years of traditional and hand -crafted production of the very fi nest accordions, due to various diffi culties, the time has come for the factory to close their big and somehow impressive gates forever, at the end of 2010.

But history is and will always remain history and as such cannot and will not disappear.

Historical instruments, tools and parts of the factory will be found in the world of the Museum of Stradella where enthusiasts will be able to experi-ence and appreciate – even for short moments – the atmosphere of the unrepeatable and unforgettable “ancient history Dallapé” during their short visit in… "it was once upon a time…."

With the offi cial signing of this unique and histori-cal decision between Roland and Dallapé, the unmis-takable sound DALLAPE will continue to enchant the world and accordion lovers. The company ROLAND from Japan – but most of all its founder Mr. Ikaturo Kakehashi and the President Hidekazu Tanaka, has foreseen a new and interesting innovation for the future with this project which has moved relatively quickly from a dream concept to an actuality.

Roland and Dallapé have agreed to continue the long lasting Dallapé history and to transform the original “Dallapé Sound” into a new digital system, that can easily be adapted as an additional option to any ROLAND V-Accordion.

The wonderful Dallapé sound is therefore not only retained for future generations in pristine sound conditions perfectly sampled, but will also expand with more options available, and expand to every part of the world, being easily operated and accessible in future to large numbers of accordionists.

This historical agreement was signed in the City of Stradella, in the ancient offi ce of Mariano Dallapé by Amleto and Bianca Dallapé and Alfredo Maroni (Presi-dent of Roland Europe). The signing was followed by a press conference in the Stradella City Hall in the presence of Luigi Bruti (Marketing Director of Roland Europe and a founder of the V-Accordion), the Mayor



Pierangelo Lombardi (City of Stradella), Carlo Aguzzi (Director of the Museum in Stradella), Giuseppe Zac-chetti (Director of the Theatre), as well as journalists, TV and local media reporters.

The outstanding musical harmony between tradi-tional and digital music moving "Towards the Future" was masterfully performed by Maestro Ludovic Beier on his Roland FR-7X and the “Dallapé Centenario 1976” played by Maestro Gianluca Campi to a very attentive and appreciative audience.

Works by Ludovic Beier:Bluesette using American Tuning on Italian Accordion / Dry Tuning on Jazz Accordion + A-Bass & E-PianoMelody Tango using Bandonéon / Bandonéon + Octave Piano & StringsCinema Paradiso using Bayan AccordionBrazilian Fingers using Musette detune (French) / Flute & BassSwing My Reeds using Classic Accordion Master + A-Bass & ClarinetArrivederci Roma using Old Italy musette / Sym-phony

Works by Gianluca Campi:Amarcord - N. Rota (Soundtrack)Voci di primavera - J. Strauss (Viennese Waltz)Adios nonino - A. Piazzolla (Tango Ar-gentina)La Campanella - N. Paganini (Rondò)Tico-Tico - Z. Abreu (Samba)

Duet by Ludovic Beier and Gianluca Campi:Tango For Claude - Galliano (Tango, Original)

….welcome to the high technology ROLAND “digital Dallapé Sound of Music”.

U.S. Roland V-Accordion Festival

The Northwest was well represented at this year’s Roland United States’ V- Accordion Festival held in Los Angeles on September 18. Alicia Baker of Milwaukie, OR and Steve Gordon from Beaverton, OR were 2 of the 5 fi nalists chosen to compete in the adult division. Alicia was back for her second try at the title. While not chosen as the winner last year, she did have the opportunity to represent the United States in Rome, Italy when the winner was unable to attend.

Steve competed in his fi rst accordion competition ever! According to Steve, Roland was a wonderful host for the event, ushering the contestants around and providing fi rst class catered meals. "There was time to relax and mingle with the other contestants, some of the Roland professionals like Cory Pesaturo and Steve Albini, and Roland dealers including Joe and Kristi Petosa. A great time was had by all!" All competitors were provided with the new Roland FR-7x virtual ac-cordion for the contest. This new electronic accordion has numerous accordion sounds, built in orchestral sounds which can be layered, a built in digital recorder, and a built in USB port for saving and transferring data and recordings.

The judges were impressed by everyone's play-ing; the president and other executives at Roland felt they learned from some of the sound and perfor-mance innovations of all of the players. Steve states that the hard part of the contest was having to give back the accordion at the end. He describes it as a "magnifi cent instrument." And the sad part of the con-test was that the performers were kept in a warm-up room which was supposed to have the performances piped in. There was some sort of glitch and the sound did not work, so the contestants did not get to hear each other's performances. Here is a link to Roland's announcement and a picture with Alicia and Steve: http://www.rolandus.com/community/insider/article.php?ArticleId=1151&tab=in_the_news

Frank Marocco7063 Whitaker Ave

Lake BalboaCA 91406

www.frankmarocco.com140 accordion arrangementsIntermediate and Advanced

14 CDs & 5 DVD’s



NWAS goes to the Puyallup FairReport from Dick Myking

Richard Svensson and Dick MykingFor the past eleven years, faithful members of the

Northwest Accordion Society have manned a booth at the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The accordionists worked at the booth for fi ve days and provided live performances for three hours at the Education Stage. Their hard work gave the NWAS and the accordion public exposure in a big way.

Dick says that they noticed more people seeking an accordion teacher to continue lessons they’d begun as children. More mentioned that they are having accordions repaired so that they can play again. The NWAS workers had an accordion display, talked with people, distributed business cards and fl iers, and invited people to attend accordion socials in Seattle, Tacoma, and Sequim. Upon request, they’d play at the booth. Children and adults were invited to come in the booth and try an accordion. For their effort they received a “Jolly Rancher”.

Occasionally the workers were asked to fi ll stage time when a scheduled performing group didn’t show. This year that gave an extra hour of time at the Edu-cation Stage.

The enthusiastic NWAS members intend to con-tinue the “fair experience” next September 2011.

Barb Lofquist



My Accordion SummerBy Rod Miller

I have had a wonderful summer this year and have

been very busy playing in several bands and on my own. I started with a wonderful time at Leavenworth and receiving the honor of 1st in the Leavenworth Open. Enjoying old friends and meeting new as well. Also playing with Cooksie and her wonderful orchestra, thanks for including me.

I was then busy in Kelowna playing with the "Malarkeys", "Cruzeros", Cowboy Bob" and my usual dance band, which as far as I know has no name! One or two dates a week throughout the summer. I was unable to make it to Kimberley but it was for a wonderful reason, Barb and I celebrated 30 years of marriage on July 6, can't believe anyone could put up with me for that long.

Then in September I was asked to play for the Sequim Accordion Club and what a great day that was. Many accordion friends and of course Einar Tapio was there to play some duets. It was a short but wonder-ful trip. Also this fall I have started working with the elementary schools in Kelowna, I am working with a wonderful music teacher who is allowing me to pres-ent the accordion to all of her classes. I made my fi rst presentation to a group of about 100 1st to 6th grade students and have two potential students – a good percentage I think.

Now I am looking forward to attending the Frank Marroco Accordion Event in Mesa, AZ this January. I can't wait to meet some new accordionists and of course Frank himself.

All in all it was a perfect year and I am looking forward to next summer and all the accordion events to attend. The most important aspect is seeing friends and acquaintances and enjoying the wonderful world of the accordion. See you all soon!

Accordions InternationalHome of the Concerto

Distributors of BORSINI and PIERMARIA Accordions1760 South 450 West

Salt Lake City, UT 84115e-mail: [email protected]

Phone (801) 485-5840Factory trained repairs, service and tuningStraps, carry bags, cases, parts and music

Remembering Charles Nunzio

Accordionist and teacher Charles Nunzio, the last surviving founding member of the American Accordionists Association passed away on October 17, 2010.

A native of Cattafi , Italy, Charles immigrated to America at age eight in 1921. His family lived in Newark, New Jersey and in order to continue his accordion study with Frank Umbriaco in New York City, Charles and his father would travel for 2 hours every Sunday morning.

A well known composer, artist and teacher, his own advanced study was with Pietro Frosini. He would sub on radio programs for Pietro Deiro, Charles Magnante, Joe Biviano and Frosini. At one time in the 1930's, Charles would do as many as 35 radio programs in a week, plus maintain his teaching schedule and evening appearances with orchestras.

In 1938 Charles Nunzio became a founding Board member of the American Accordionists As-sociation along with Pietro Frosini, Abe Goldman, Sydney Dawson, Anthony Galla-Rini, Charles Mag-nante, Pietro Deiro, Gene Von Hallberg, Joe Bi-viano, John Gart, Sam Roland and Byron Streep.

NWAS Welcomes New Members:

Michael Barbarossa, Federal Way, WAJoan Blaser, Tillamook, ORSheryl Gullon, Clancy, MTGail Larson,Seattle, WADoru Rotovei, Kirkland, WA

Remember - you are welcome to give gift mem-berships! The membership form is on the last page of this publication!



RE: Stradella BassThe CordeenMan News: Issue 079 by Lenny Feldmann, aka The CordeenMan

Reprinted with permission

I am often asked about the best way to develop using all four fi ngers in the left hand. As you are aware, most of us were taught to play the major scale with the following fi ngering. As you know, this uses just three fi ngers (2 - 3 - 4). Also, the standard Bass-Chord-Chord accompaniment also only utilizes only the second, third, and fourth fi ngers.

Then we encounter a piece that calls for the use of our fi fth (pinky) fi nger... and this is when we realize that it is 'weak' because we have never used it before (exercised it)! Another thing we should be doing in the Left Hand is getting used to stretching the fi ngers to be able to easily and accurately make reaches between bass buttons in order to play the more modern bass-chord combinations. The following solution to this prob-lem was taught to me by the great Carmen Carrozza when I took lessons from him back in the early 1990's.

Learn to play the LH major scale in just the fundamental bass row!

This technique involves the use of all four fi ngers (2-3-4-5) and also exercises the 'webbing' between the fi ngers for stretching. I will show you this starting on the 'C' fundamental bass. Of course, because of the Stradella system, it works the same for every button in the fundamental bass row... and... also in the counter-bass row!!

Start out slowly and deliberately. Get used to placing your fi ngers over the buttons. Visualize each fi nger in the proper location as you make the fi nger stretches. Gradually increase the speed until you can play both ascending and descending scale evenly and accurately. Duplicate the process by starting the scale on all 12 bass buttons in the fundamental row... C-C#(Db)-D-D#(Eb)-E-F-F#(Gb)-G-G#(Ab)-A-A#(Bb)-BThen do the same thing utilizing the buttons in the counter-bass row!

(1) Start with your 5th fi nger on C bass(2) Place your 3rd fi nger on D bass(3) Place your 2nd fi nger on E bass(4) Next, move your 5th fi nger from C down one button to F bass(5) Place your 4th fi nger on G bass(6) Next, move your 3rd fi nger from D up one button to A bass(7) Next, move your 2nd fi nger from E up one button to B bass(8) Next, move your 5th fi nger from F up one button to C bass

You have now played the ascending scale. Do the reverse fi ngering to play the descending scale.



Here is the fi ngering pattern in graphical form:

I suggest that you do this "single row scale pattern" exercise fi ve to ten minutes daily and you will fi nd that in just a few months that your left hand dexterity and abilities will be greatly enhanced and you will enjoy playing your accordion even more than you do now!Long Live the Accordion!Lenny Feldmann The CordeenMan www.cordeenman.com

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Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration 2011

We Are Getting Ready to RollBy Bonnie Birch

Please note: LIAC 2011 June 16 – 19, 2011 Leavenworth, WA

www.nwasnews.com

Work has begun on the Leavenworth Interna-tional Accordion Celebration for 2011. I am very excited about our concert performers. We have not fi nished all the details but so far we have Vincenzo Abbracciante from Italy, Jelena Milojevec from Victoria, B.C., and Mario Pedone from Sugar Land, Texas. All three of them will blow you away with their creative skills and yet each program will be very different. We will be putting their bios on the website and in the Spring magazine but in the meantime you can fi nd out more about them by go-ing to YouTube and/or looking at their websites on the internet. The Spokane Accordion Ensemble will perform their highly entertaining Broadway Musicals program. We will also have a Bavarian Bonanza featuring favorite accordion players with their interpretation of the Leavenworth theme.

This year, we intend to expand on venues where accordionists can jam and perform. There will be after-concert activities in the restaurants and a published schedule of what is happening and where. For those of you who were there last year, we would be glad to hear your suggestions.

Here are some areas I would like to make comments:

Our Website—updates will start being made around the end of 2010

Volunteering—We had a tremendous volun-teer staff last year. If you would like to volunteer at LIAC this year, please e-mail me or Doris or Steve. All volunteers will receive a special LIAC gift package. Check the website for details.

Competition—We would like more com-petitors especially young students; however, no matter what age, all teachers need to encourage their students to go to Leavenworth and enter the

competition or the evaluation category.Donations—Thanks to all of you, we now

have a bank account that will give us a good start for next year. We have funds to pay the rent on the Festhalle, Grange, pay the performers, and judges. The area that could use help is the com-petition and scholarships for young people. The entry fees for the competition do not pay for the cost of running the competition. Yet, the competi-tion is valuable for many reasons; one of them is that encourages people to work on their accordion playing and strive for a higher level of playing. We would like to target donations from the accordion community this year to be used for the competi-tion. This would involve awards and incentives to bring young accordionists to Leavenworth. We accordionists do need to start making a serious effort to get more young people involved with the accordion. Your donations for this effort will be much appreciated and recognition will be given. Your suggestions in this area are welcome.

Contacts:Doris Osgood – [email protected] Bonnie Birch – [email protected] Berg - [email protected] Toby Hanson - [email protected]

The Northwest Accordion Society presents the

Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration

June 16 – 19, 2011Competitions, Concerts, Workshops, Vendors,

Performance OpportunitiesA music festival experience – fun for the entire family

Join us for the love of the accordion.



By the Way – from Doris Osgood

The Rocky Mountain Accordion Celebration in Philipsburg, MT was successful this year. We had reports that the entertainment was outstand-ing and that the event was very well attended this summer. Regrettably, no one is able to take the leadership in Philipsburg for 2011. Though people LOVE going to Philipsburg, there are no players that actually live in Philipsburg. The manpower just isn’t there to have an event next year. We are hopeful that someone will give RMAC new life after a year’s rest.

The NWAS thanks Jim Tobler for his eleven years’ service as chairman of the Seattle monthly socials. Jim’s decided to “retire” from his responsibilities. He assured me that he’s not retiring from life… just from the monthly work at the socials. The socials and the work to keep accordion playing vibrant and alive takes WORK. Be sure to thank Jim when you can.

Alicia Baker of Milwaukie, OR is a busy young woman. She had an exciting summer job at Flat-head Lake in Montana but was allowed time away to participate at Kimberley. As many know, she was the winner of the Happy Hans title. Just as she was about to return to Oregon State University for her 2nd year, she also participated in the Roland V-Accordion Festival in California. Her study at OSU is music with piano and voice as her focus. Fortunately for us she was able to serve as accom-panist for a 600-voice choir at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum. Directed by her dad and sponsored by the Portland Trailblazers, the program November 7 was a tribute to veterans. Included in the event, Alicia played 4 accordion solos depicting the music of each war period remembered. She’s especially excited to have been invited to play in concert one evening at the KIOTAC next July.

AAA 2011 Festival. There will be an Interna-tional Accordion Orchestra Competition with cash awards. For details contact: [email protected]. Entries must be received by 2/28/2011. The 2011

AAA Festival Coordinators are Mary Tokarski, Frank Busso and Linda Soley Reed. Join them as the AAA honors Joan Cochran Sommers with the AAA’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. For details The AAA will hold their 2011 Festival from July 13-17, 2011 at the Sheraton at Charles-ton Airport in contact [email protected]

For Bonnie Birch, October is not just a month for Oktoberfests. She had the pleasure of playing for the opening of the Seattle Art Museum’s land-mark exhibition of the work of Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), arguably the most radical and in-fl uential artist of the 20th century. She has since played for 3 other Picasso-related events at SAM. Her French connection continues with the release of a commercial for the opening of a new French restaurant called Luc. This café-style restaurant is owned by the same chef who started the elegant Rover’s restaurant in Seattle 23 years ago. The commercial can be viewed online at http://www.thechefi nthehat.com/video . The musicians are Bonnie (accordion) and Joe Rojo (piano). Joe plays regularly at Nordstroms in Seattle.

The Rose City Accordion Club will host the annual RCAC Accordion Camp at Silver Falls State Park Conference Center, OR again in June 5 – 10, 2011. Enjoy ensemble playing, workshops, comfortable lodges, maid service, and delicious meals. Instruction will be given by Ilmar Kuljus - music director, Murl Allen Sanders - guest con-ductor, and workshop instructors – Gordon Kohl and Beverley Fess. Space is limited so reserve your space soon. www.rosecityaccordionclub.org

Congratulations to fourteen year old Hannah Lewis of Seattle, WA. Hannah, a student with Murl Allen Sanders, is the recipient of a $500. Rose City Accordion Club Student Accordion Scholarship.

Congratulations to Michael Bridge of Calgary, Al-berta for placing 5th in the Junior Coupe Mondiale recently completed in Croatia. We were told that one of the 9 judges on the panel placed Michael in 1st place. There were 20 competitors listed in



the Junior Coupe Mondiale category; we are all very proud of Michael’s performance. http://www.michaelbridgemusic.com/.

A Christmas Tradition. A Celebration With The Accordion’ is the title of a new Mel Bay book of 19 Christmas carols and songs, arranged by Gary Dahl. All titles are specially arranged for the accordionist with one advanced version and one single note version that is accessible for all skill levels. There is also advice from Gary Dahl about registration and performance. The titles are: O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel), I Saw Three Ships, O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum), God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Away in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard On High, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Deck the Halls, The First Noel, Auld Lang Syne, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles), Hark the Herald Angels Sing, We Three Kings, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, Gesu Bambino, and What Child Is This? For further information e-mail: [email protected]

For twenty years I’ve hosted the accordion so-cials in Forest Grove on the 4th Sundays in April and October. Much to my surprise, I turned the calendar to check out 2011 and discovered that the 4th Sunday in April is Easter Sunday. That happened once before about 15 years ago, but that year there was a 5th Sunday. The Community Center wasn’t prepared to talk about next year just yet, so the exact date for the social isn’t set. We will not meet on Easter. Watch for information in the spring issue; I should have it resolved in the next few weeks

July 1933 Metronome Magazine “Beer Wars”Beer, and especially the music that goes with

it, is bringing international rivalry to the air.The Balalaika Orchestra of the Russian Art

rendezvous and Willie Mathias and his Continental Ensemble of the village Brewery, both broadcast-ing over WINS, each contends that the music of

Russia and Germany, respectively, is the most fi tting accompaniment for the harmony produced by beer trickling down thirsty throats.

The two aggregations of musikers have de-clared war to the last note and the last pretzel.

Do you have a fl air for design? The Northwest Accordion Society is seeking a design for the commemorative pins for Leavenworth 2011. The design must include an accordion, 2011, and “Leavenworth International Accordion Cel-ebration.” The pin’s diameter will be 1 ¼ - 1 ½ inches. Submit your design for a lapel pin for the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration 2011 to the NWAS c/o Steve Berg, 274 Timberline Drive Sequim, WA 98382, [email protected] by December 31, 2010. The designer selected by the LIAC committee will receive a year’s subscrip-tion to the Northwest Accordion News.

One of our older NWAS members has come to a time in life when circumstances won’t allow her continuing to play the accordion. She is offering her fi ne instrument for sale at a greatly reduced price. Take a serious look at the ad in this issue. The owner is looking for someone to take her in-strument who shares the same love and interest in the accordion.

Remember to submit your articles and other infor-mation to our magazine address: NWAS News 5102 NE 121st Ave Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682

Check the web site, www.nwasnews.com for cur-rent events and updates.



Forest Grove Autumn Accordion Social

By Doris Osgood

The fi rst storm of the season blasted into Oregon and Washington just in time for people to travel to the social in Forest Grove. The weather along with bac-terial/viral infections unidentifi ed by the CDC… kept several people away. However, for those who made the trip or ventured into the wind and rain, it was a great afternoon!

The program began with fi rst time performers. Wil Knoop from Columbia City has observed for sev-eral programs and fi nally decided to play. He played “Elusive Butterfl y” and “Eleanor Rigby”. I talked Mia Bush into jumping into the program too. She’s played for only a few months. She played “Poet and Peasant Waltz” and “Barcarolle”; I played along with her.

Geoff Levear is getting ready to head south for the winter. Fortunately he stayed around Oregon for a few extra weeks. He played “Memory” and “Span-ish Eyes”. Veteran player, Joe Szabo, played “Dear Heart” and “Lasagna” with a fun vocal. It was catchy and easy to sing along.

We’ve come to look forward to our young perform-ers at each social; the Wheeler girls traveled from Roseburg to play. As mentioned before, they take lessons – often over the phone – from their granddad, Dick Carlson of Tillamook. We weren’t disappointed by their performance. They each played a solo; Emily age 9 played “The Big Parade” then Allison age 11 played “Riding the Range”. They came together to play “Accordion Novelette” and “Can Can Polka”. It was awesome! Their skill and musicianship have grown signifi cantly since the spring. Grandpa and Grandma were especially proud.

It was tough to follow such profi cient, young play-ers. However, somebody had to do it! Ann Thomp-son and I played “Durand’s Waltz Theme” and John Molinari’s arrangement of “In The Mood”. First time player, Mickie Eaton from Pacifi c City joined Dick Carlson playing “Lady of Spain” and “Marie Ah Marie”. Leonard Kosatka followed with “Dark Eyes” and “Two Guitars”. He commented that he was playing another new instrument in his collection. It was a beauty.

We had the privilege hearing another young player. Eight-year-old Jonah Buck came to the stage next. He said that he’d been playing for 8 months. He played “All Through the Night” and paused to say that he’d be playing his own arrangement of “Moon Rock”.

Dear members of Accordion Society,

It is with regret that Robert Troxel will not be renewing his membership in your wonderful publication.

Bob has had a stroke and has mini strokes that has effected his memory loss. (dementia) He also had other health problems that cause loss of some eye sight.

His MUSIC was the last to go. He does open the piano occasionally to play the easy parts of the “Maple Leaf Rag” with so-so effect; but my favorite, “The Chinook Winds Whispers Waltz” is a disaster. He unplugged his electronic keyboard some time ago because he could not keep up with the rhythm.

For over 26 years he entertained at our rehab-care center thru all its new ownerships. He played his last “show” Nov. ‘09 just before his 85th birthday. They honored him with a party. He also is a member (55 yrs) to the Knights of Columbus and has played for their many social and 30 years at the Spaghetti dinner fund-raiser. He always had his students especially the Capri Girls to play with him. He has left the care center in good hands because Dr. Bunker and Pieter Bergshoff continue to entertain with their accordions and banjo.

I too shall miss your publication. Names became friends like Doris, Cooksie, Nik, Chester… and the “Lil” Alicia Baker. Her dad, John, is one our Newport kids who done-good-with-music.

I am very impressed with the growth of your publica-tion - from a few pages to the best Sept. issue, all nice and clean. As a professional Photographer and somewhat historian, I have worked on many publications. I know how time-consuming it is and especially before the computers and printers. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS!

Update on his best student, Gina Capri. She studied in Italy after high school, graduated from college, married, has a son and is working on her masters in speech therapy. She still plays her accordion. When “home” she stops for a visit. Anna went on to other things but found that commercial fi shing with her dad is very exciting.

Keep up your good works and keep those ACCORDI-ONS PLAYING! Fondly,Rose Troxel

PS. Please contact me if you are interested in VERY old music like “Chinook Winds Whisper Waltz”, 1882 and many other waltzes, polkas, named for cities in Oregon. Try to fi nd a copy of “Oregon’s Flamboy-ant Fourth ~ 1876 ~ by Doris Hoffman, copyrighted 1976. There is even a “Forest Grove Gallop” by K.J. Fincks

Mail your request to: Rose Troxel, 6049 NE Ever-green Ln., Newport, OR 97365



He played it; it was fabulous! It was very evident that he is a musical young man. We look forward to his playing in the spring. It’s hard to imagine what he’ll come up with next.

The Tualatin Valley Accordionists meet monthly in Forest Grove. Part of the monthly sessions is en-semble playing. For many it’s been their fi rst experi-ence playing parts. The group played “Beal Street Polka” and “Mexicali Rose”. Participating players were: Wil Knoop, Nancy Kaye, Rosalee Sherman, Connie Weimer, Jack Jones, Geoff Levear, Dick Carlson, Mickie Eaton, Paul Bria, Ann Thompson, Pamelajean Myers, and Doris Osgood. Pamelajean had returned on the Friday before the Sunday social from Chile. She’d participated in the celebration of the miners’ rescue; she said they all sang in the streets.

Ed Makovsky is often traveling. He was in Nome last spring playing for the Eskimos! Often his winter travel has been to Alaska to play his accordion for Na-tive Americans. I recall the year he spent in Poland teaching English. His letters were wonderful; I learned a lot. Ed came 100 miles to be with us; he played the “Champagne Polka” and the famous “TBA”. I wasn’t fast enough to catch the title!

The break time provided opportunity for visiting and for the purchase of our 50/50 tickets, which ben-efi t our scholarship fund in memory of Chester Pietka. For the drawing we have fabulous prizes: Wil Knoop donated another custom walking stick made from Locust he acquired in Wisconsin, Mia Bush provided a gift package from Harry and David, and Paul Bria donated several tapes.

First to play after the break was the Portland Accordion Ensemble. They played “Virgin de la Marcarenas” and “Squeeze Box Rock”. Participating players were: Steve Gordon, Valrie Chiapetta, Shan-non Lapin, Kathy Grambsch, and Linda Candello – Eileen Hagen conducted. Steve remained to play two pieces that he’d acquired from Murl Allen Sand-ers only a few weeks prior to the social. He’s a quick study… Steve played Allen’s original compositions, “Sunny Ravena” and “Life Took Away My Bone”.

We can always count on Kathy Grambsch to play classics on the accordion. She resurrected Deiro’s “Tranquillo Overture”. I especially enjoyed hearing a familiar piece played so well. She continued with a paso doble entitled “Mantillas”. Our only button box player of the day followed Kathy. Ron Windsor’s music is wonderful. He plays pieces that he learned from his mother long ago. His instrument has a lovely tone and the music provided the contrast to classical

style music.Our next performers played for the fi rst time in

Forest Grove. Lyle Heilman and his wife Laurie Neubauer played “Chicago Nights” and “Silver Wings”. Lyle is well known in polka circles; his group, the Or-egon Polka Beats, performs at Oktoberfests, ethnic festivals of all sorts, and dances. Laurie just moved to Oregon from Montana. Our own resident “Yankovic” man followed. Paul Bria played “Let’s Have A Party” and “Save the Last Dance’”.

Linda Candello shared that she’d had a ter-rible stage fright experience YEARS AGO and hadn’t played solo since. We try to provide an encouraging atmosphere so she felt that she could play alone; she did! Linda played a lovely arrangement of “Pure Imagination”.

John Giuliani traveled from Renton (190 miles) to be with us. He’d planned only to have a bit of a road trip and to take in our event. After listening and visiting a bit, he borrowed Ed Makovsky’s accordion and played the two pieces he’d played only a few days before for his dad’s memorial service. John Sr. and John Jr. used to play “It Had To Be You” and the “Tri-este Polka”; John Jr. played them for us. He played beautifully. His performance brought the afternoon to a close.

The Portland Opera reorganized their schedule a few years ago and it confl icts with my accordion socials! My husband Gary had to be there during our social but helped me set up the room and did the entire mailing himself. Faithful friends worked all afternoon. Special thanks to Geoff and Joyce Levear, Dick and Patty Carlson, Paul and Judy Bria, Sue Armentrout, and Nancy Kaye. Judy was the photographer for the day; we thank her for that.

Next spring, the calendar shows that Easter will be on the 4th Sunday in April! That hasn’t happened for MANY years. Hopefully, we can get the schedule set at the community center soon. So until then, we want to keep the music alive for the good health of our minds and bodies. See you in the spring just for the fun of it.

Tualatin Valley Accordionists



Jonah Buck, Age 8

Emily and Allison Wheeler

Laurie Neubauer and Lyle Heilman

Mia Bush

Wil Knoop Ed Makovsky

Ron Windsor

Dick Carlson and Mickie Eaton

Portland Accordion Ensemble

Linda Candello



Accordion Events CalendarBy Doris Osgood

[email protected]

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALS SEATTLE, WA2nd Monday monthly: Dec. 13, Jan. 11 Gypsy Café/Pub 3510 Stone Way N. Seattle 98103 Feb. 14 Senior Cen-ter of West Seattle, 4217 Oregon St. Seattle, WA 98116 March 14 Gypsy Café *note changing sites. Contact: Bonnie Birch 206-622-4786. Social hour 6:30 PM. Music 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSTACOMA, WA2nd Thursday monthly: Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9 Lutheran Church 121st & Park Ave. Across from PLU Library 7:00 – 9:30 PM contact: Dick Myking 253-537-0136

NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSFOREST GROVE, OR4th 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]

ACCORDION CLUB OF CENTRAL OREGONBEND, OR2ND Saturday Monthly, 1:30 PM Cougar Springs Senior Living Facility Redmond, OR Contacts: Terry Ranstad, [email protected] or Karl Kment, [email protected]

ACCORDION JAM IN SANDYSANDY, OR4th Saturday monthly noon – 4 PM meet at Shorty’s Corner Café 2 miles East of Sandy, OR on Hwy 26. Bring accordion, music, stand, and snack to share. Coffee provided. All players welcome. Contact Andy Jorgensen 503-668-3917 or 503-975-2380.

ACCORDION CLUB OF ROSEBURGROSEBURG, OR3rd Monday monthly 6:30 PM Green Community Church3777 Carnes Rd. Roseburg, OR 97470Pres. Karen Cordell 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg, OR 97471 541-784-1911 [email protected]

ACCORDION CLUB OF VANCOUVERVANCOUVER, B.C.www.meetup.com/Accordion-Club-of-Vancouvercontact: Haike Kingma, [email protected]

ACCORDION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SOCIETYSANTA BARBARA, CA2nd Sunday monthly 1 – 3 PM Vale Verde Retirement The-atre 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CAAIMS P.O. Box 4511 Santa Barbara, CA 93140

Info: Heinz Trick 805-685-2260www.santabarbaraaccordions.com

BILLINGS AREA ACCORDION CLUBBILLINGS, MONTANA4TH Saturday monthly Elks Club Lewis Ave, BillingsOrganizer: Leland Cade 406-656-3722

BROOKINGS ACCORDION CLUBBROOKINGS,OR4th Sat. monthly 2-4 PM, Evergreen Federal S&L, 850 Chetco Ave. Brookings, OR, Pres. Cami Meccia 541-469-8079

EMERALD VALLEY ACCORDION CLUBEUGENE, OR1st Monday monthly: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Veterans’ Memorial Bldg. 1626 Willamette St. Secretary Linda Gunn 541-726-6330 [email protected] V.P. Lou Marzano Social time 6 PM, business 6:45 PM

FAIRBANKS ACCORDION CLUBFAIRBANKS, AKMondays weekly 6 – 8 PM Pioneers Home, open to all free reed instruments. Contact: Christine Upton 907-457-3392

FIVE VALLEY ACCORDION ASSOCIATION MONTANA 5VAA Jams are 1- 5 PMDec. 12 High Spirits – FlorenceJan. 9 Eagles - HamiltonBill Kindzerski Pres. 363-3680fi [email protected]

Montana – NW Accordion AssociationDec. 5 Polson ElksDec. 19 Kalispell Eagles – Christmas PartyContact Ralph Salomon 675-0178 all NWAA Jams 2 – 6 PM

Montana – Great Falls Accordion PlayersDec. 19 ElksJan. 16 MooseContact Pat Sharp for info: 406-452-4546

HUGO’S ACCORDION BANDMT. VERNON, WA2nd and 4th Monday monthly 6:00- 9:00 PMPres. Lois Yale 360-766-8713 lobo@fi dalgo.net9247 Marshall Rd. Bow, WA 98232

HOUSTON BAY AREA ACCORDION CLUBHOUSTON, TX2ND Wednesday monthly 5 – 9 PM Joe Brikha, Pres. [email protected] www.bayareaaccordionclub.com

MEDFORD ACCORDION CLUBMEDFORD, OR4th Monday monthly 7 - 9 PM: Central Point Senior Center 123 N. 2nd St., Central Point, OR Jeannette Dewey, Pres.



1029 SE Rogue Dr. Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-471-7455

OKANAGAN ACCORDION CLUBKELOWNA, BCTuesdays weekly Sept. – May, Senior Center on RichterInfo contact: Rod Miller 250-317-9088

PORTLAND ACCORDION ENSEMBLEPORTLAND, OR3rd Monday monthly. 6 – 8 PM., 4331 NE Tillamook, Port-land, OR 97213. Phone/Fax 503-284-6586.

ROGUE RIVER ACCORDION CLUBROGUE RIVER, OR1st and 3rd Wednesdays monthly. 7 PM Council Cham-bers Rogue River City Hall, 133 Broadway St. Rogue River, OR. Pres. Margot Turrell 206 Creekside Grants Pass, OR 97526 541-479-9409 [email protected]

ROSE CITY ACCORDION CLUBPORTLAND, OR3rd Saturday monthly. 1 – 5 PM Milwaukie Public Safety Bldg., SE 32nd & Harrison, Milwaukie, OR.Pres Steve Knapke 503-521-9140 e-mail: [email protected] www.rcac.us

SEQUIM ACCORDION SOCIALSEQUIM, WA2nd Sunday, Odd numbered months, 1 PM Sequim Senior Center contact: Jeannie Berg- [email protected]

SILVER STATE ACCORDIONSRENO, NV1st Tuesday monthly Pierino’s Italian Restaurant Reserva-tions required month in advance. Contact: Diane McIntyre, [email protected]

SPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLESPOKANE, WA Weekly rehearsals 6- 9 PM Helen Eileen Webber, Pres. 509-290-6858, Patricia Bartell, director [email protected]

SPOKANE AND INLAND NORTHWEST ACC. CLUBSPOKANE, WA4th Monday monthly, 1520 W. 3rd and Maple in Spokane, at the Global Credit Union Bldg. Exit #280 off I-90. 6 – 9 PM, $3. at the door. Contact: Griff Bryan Ziegler, [email protected] , 208-457-1775

TUALATIN VALLEY ACCORDIONISTS FOREST GROVE, OR1st Sat. monthly 10 AM – 1 PM Forest Grove Library Pacifi c Ave. Contact: Paul and Judy Bria 503-591-0504 [email protected]

VICTORIA ACCORDION CLUBVICTORIA, B.C. CANADA1st Sunday Monthly 2:30 PM, Victoria Edelweiss Club108 Niagra St., James Bay District Victoria, BCContact: John 250-386-7282 or 250-477-3098

BUTTON BOX CAMPS JULY AND SEPTcontact Joe Smiell, 863 Portal Ave., Oakland, CA 94610510-832-6938

INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTIONLas Vegas, NV, Gold Coast Hotel and CasinoNov. 1 – 4, 2010http://accordioninfo.com/convention/ 1-800-472-1695 [email protected]

SPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLE IN CONCERTDecember 17, 2010 7 PM, Bing Crosby Theater, Spo-kane, WA. Patricia Bartell, director.

RCAC ACCORDION CAMP- SILVER FALLS CONFER-ENCE CENTER June 5 - 10, 2011 near Sublimity, OR. Camp treasurer: Marlene Meissner 503-463-9909 [email protected]

LEAVENWORTH INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CEL-EBRATION June 16 - 19, 2011 Leavenworth, WA. Info: www.nwasnews.com

KIMBERLEY OLD TIME ACCORDION COMPETITION KIMBERLEY, BCJuly , 2011, [email protected], 1-888-4KIOTAC or 250-427-7318

ACCORDIONS BY THE SEAVictoria, British Columbia July, 2011Competition, Concerts, Workshopswww.accordionsbythesea.com 250-884-4595

FAIRBANKS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVALJuly, 2011 on the campus of U. of Alaska Fairbanks. www.fsaf.org contact Elaine Andaloro 907-457-7870

71st ANNUAL ATG FESTIVALGalla Rini CompetitionJuly 19 – 23, 2011 Orlando, FLdetails available soon @ www.accordions.com/atg

COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVALCotati, CA August, 2011www.cotatifest.com

ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZA FESTIVALEDMONTON, ALBERTA September 2011info: 780-462-8345, [email protected] www.edmontonaccordion.com

COUPE MONDIALEOctober 2 – 6, 2011 Shanghai, China



Entertainers in the NorthwestSubmit your public performance schedules to Doris Osgood 3224 B St.

Forest Grove, OR 97116 [email protected]

Juan Barco – BandContact: 23091 23rd Ave. W. Brier, WA 98036425-775-8150; cell 206-356-1878

Corky BennettNov. 1 Opening night, International Accordion Convention, Las Vegas, NVwebsite: www.corkybennett.come-mail: [email protected]

Bonnie Birchwebsite: bonniebirch.com For scheduling information: write 1107 1st Ave. #1003 Seattle, WA 98101. 206-622-4786, e-mail: [email protected]

Chuck BergerAccordion Repair and Public PerformanceFor information call: [email protected]

Frank CalapristiWinter schedule at King Ludwig’s, Wed, Thurs. Sun. nights; tour groups as neededFor scheduling information write PO Box 1057 Leavenworth, WA 98826 [email protected]

Gary DahlFor scheduling information write 509 Valley Ave. NE #5 Puyallup, WA 98372Phone/fax [email protected]; www.accordions.com/garydahl; www.beltuna.com

Tom Demski (Mr. Flash)For scheduling information write: 518 9th St. SW Puyallup, WA 98371 [email protected]

Folk Voice BandFor scheduling: Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 [email protected]; http://folkvoiceband.com

Happy Hans’ Music Hans Rainer, Jr. Dec.. 4 Frohsinn Evening German House Seattle, WA 8 PM – 12 AMDec.. 31 German House Seattle 8 PM – 12”30 AMFor scheduling information write Hans Rainer, Jr.24613 231st Ave. SE Maple Valley, WA 98038 425-413-6562 [email protected] WWW.HAPPYHANSMUSIC.COM

Little Bohemian BandCheck web site for details.For scheduling contact: Gene Sadowsky 541-990-3109email:[email protected] www.littlebohemianband.com 802 NW Quarry Rd. Albany, OR 97321

Greg MeierGlockenspiel Restaurant Friday and Saturday nights 190 E Charles St. Mt. Angel, OR 97362 503-845-6222Rheinlander Restaurant 55th/Sandy Blvd. Portland, week nights 5 – 9 PMFeb.. 5 – 6, 2011 Wurstfest, Mt. Angel, ORApril 16, 2011 Liedertafel Harmonie Spring Concert Deutsches Haus SE Division Portland, ORFor scheduling information write: 38572 Park Ave. Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-7002. Fax 503-668-1058 [email protected]

Andy MirkovichFull schedule private engagementsMaster Classes by appointment: 425-451-1256

Ken OlendorfBallard Elks weekly, Sundays 7 – 10 PMWeekly “casuals”For scheduling information write 532 - 28th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122 206-325-9245

Murl Allen SandersDec.. 4 Redmond Lights – Redmond River Front Pk.Dec.. 24 noon-2 PM, Pacifi c Place Shopping Center 600 Pine Seattle, WA 98101 solo Christmas ShowFull schedule private engagements; new music projectsFor scheduling information write: [email protected] PO Box 30553 Seattle, WA 98113; 206-781-8196

Lyle Schaefer For scheduling information write: 11704 15th Ave. E Edgefi eld, WA 98372 253-927-7760

Sam’s Variety GemsSam Pecorilla: home 541-847-2282, cell 541-321-9088

Smilin’ Scandinavians For scheduling information contact: Toby Hanson11123 216th St. E Graham, WA 98338 253-875-8580 [email protected]://smilinscandivanians.com

Dennis SchadduckChina Jade Restaurant 87th & Greenwood Ave. NSeattle Sunday nights.



The Chester Pietka Scholarships are available for young accordionists. Young people ages 18 and under, taking lessons from a recognized teacher, or wishing to do so, may submit a written request for scholarship funds for the purpose of taking lessons. Requests are to be submitted to the Portland Accordion Ensemble, 3224 B St., Forest Grove, OR 97116 or e-mail [email protected].

In addition to giving personal information, students are to share their interest and their goals for playing the accordion. These scholarships are open to the young people within the Pacifi c Northwest, not just the greater Portland area. Reminder! Check your mailing label for your “dues

due” date! Please send your renewals to: NWAS, 5102 NE 121st Ave., Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682. We appreciate early renewals!

Joe SzaboFri. – Sat. 6:30 – 9:30 PM Nonna Emilia’s RistoranteAloha, ORFor scheduling information: 13484 SW Devonshire Dr. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-641-2313

Syl’s Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band (WA)Syl’s Arizona Dance Band and Polka Band Dec.. 4, Sons of Norway Tacoma, WADec.. 5 Sons of Norway Normanna Everett, WADec.. 10 Swedish Cultural Center Seattle, WA open to public rsvpswedishculturalcenter.orgDec.. 11 Dakota Club VFW Renton, WA 7 – 11 PMDec.. 12 VASA Lodge Lucia Bal Mt. Vernon, WADec.. 18 Sons of Norway, Bothel, WA 8 _ 11:30 PM(Jan..- April, Nov. Arizona Schedule, 480-357-2585)For scheduling: Sylvia Jorgensen, WA contact: 253-845-9321, cell [email protected], www.fjordsong.com

SVEA TrioSvea Trio with the accordions. Richard Svensson and Bjarne Jacobsen206-523-3245, [email protected]/sveatrio/

NW AccordionairesContact: Cooksie Kramer 425-828-9104

Most of our professional players keep their current and updated performance schedules on their web sites. Advance scheduling is diffi cult and often fl uid. Consult the contact information and web addresses for up to date information. Support them when you can.

Øivind Farmen plays Scandinavian Accordion Favourites’,

Selbu – NorwayBy Rob Howard

Øivind Farmen plays Scandinavian Accordion Fa-vourites’ is a new CD, recorded in May 2010, contain-ing melodious yet virtuosic pieces composed by some of the most famous Scandinavian accordionists, such as Arnstein Johansen, Henry Haagenrud, Andrew Walter and Toralf Tollefsen. Øivind Farmen carries this heritage with musical deference and charm on this recording of popular and principal Scandinavian accordion titbits.

Øivind Farmen has been acknowledged on the international arena as a concert soloist within classical and contemporary music, and he has introduced audi-ences to his mesmerizing playing from China to the USA. His awards include winning the CMA ‘Trophée Mondial’ (1996) and the ‘Klingenthal International Ac-cordion Competition’ (1993).

Alongside his classical career, he has always played folk, varieté, and other accordion related music. Øivind's collaborators include internationally acclaimed performers such as trumpeter Ole Edvard Antonsen, violinist Elise Båtnes and tuba player Øystein Baadsvik, and in the accordion world he has toured as a duo with both Jörgen Sundeqvist and Lars Karlsson.

‘Øivind Farmen plays Scandinavian Accordion Favourites’ is a self-published CD, available directly from Øivind Farmen.

For further information e-mail: [email protected]



Northwest Accordion Society

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

www.nwasnews.com

Membership ApplicationAll funds in U.S. Currency

Membership Type:

Regular MembershipNorth America U.S. - $20.00Canada - $25 (U.S. Funds)Outside North America$35 (U.S. Funds)

New Membership

Student MembershipAge 18 and UnderU.S. $15/yearCanada $20/year (US funds)

Renewal

Patron Membership$35/year U.S. funds

Gift Membership from:

Name:

(Please Print)

Street Address:

City:

State: Zip: Country:

Telephone: ( )

E-mail Address: (This will be used for INTERNAL to NWAS only and will not be sold or distributed elsewhere)

Please mail to: Northwest Accordion Society, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682. Include SASE (Self Addressed STAMPED Envelope) for membership card

All funds in U.S. Currency

Northwest Accordion Society5102 NE 121st Ave., Unit 12Vancouver, WA 98682-6164

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Current MembersYour 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 AddressTo 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 MembersWe 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 98682-6164www.nwasnews.com

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDBRB

Documents

NORTHWEST ACCORDION NEWS - · PDF fileNorthwest Accordion News 2 Winter Quarter 2010 Letter from the Editors Greetings! Where did the Fall go? As we put this Winter Issue together,