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NORTHWEST ACCORDIONNEWS Italo American Mazurka Gary Blair in Castelfidardo 62nd Trophee Mondiale 2012 To teach is to touch a life forever Launching of New Accordion Teaching MethodVOL. 22 NO. 4Northwest Accordion Society Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsNWAS News DeadlinesFebruary 1, May 1, August 1, November 1Inquiries, questions, suggestions, etc.Contact Doris Osgood, 3224 B St.,Forest Grove, OR 97116. (503) 357-0417.E-mail: dorisosgood@frontier.com♦♦♦♦♦♦NWAS PUBLICATION PRIORITIESAdvertisingOriginal CompositionsNews from Our MembersInstructive/Technical ArticlesSummaries from Regional Socials andEventsComing EventsArticles will be printed if received prior tothe publishing deadline. Should space be anissue, articles will be printed in the order in whichthey are submitted. All decisions regardingpublication will be made by the editors of theNWAS News.To submit articles for publication, mailthem to the Vancouver, WA address listed. It ispreferred that articles be submitted via e-mail asattached WORD documents or on a disc. Typed,paper copy needs to be dark and clear to allowscanning and to minimize errors.Photographs sent for publication will bereturned if they are accompanied with a SASE ofcorrect size and adequate postage. Photographsmay be sent electronically or on disc.To reprint articles or photographs frommagazines and newspapers, written permissionfrom the publisher is required. Please submitthe necessary “permission to print” with materialsent.Views in the articles and information printedare those of the contributors and not necessarilythose of the Northwest Accordion Society or itsadvertisers.Is your membership renewal due?Check your mailing label. A membershipapplication/renewal form is included on thelast page. Send your renewals or change ofaddress to:Northwest Accordion Society5102 NE 121st Ave. #12Vancouver, WA 98682NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETYThe Northwest Accordion News is a quarterlynewsletter published by the Northwest AccordionSociety for and by its members. The purpose ofthe NWAS News is to unite the membership byproviding news of its members, and articles thatinstruct, encourage, and promote the playing ofthe accordion.Mail letters & articles to:Northwest Accordion Society5102 NE 121st Ave. #12,Vancouver, WA 98682Or e-mail to: judith@ameshomeplace.comADVERTISINGFull page $110.00Half page $55.00Quarter $30.00Business card $10.00Prices are PER ISSUE. US FundsPhoto-ready Advertising (with accompanyingcheck)for this publication may be sent to:Northwest Accordion Society6453 SE Nathan Ct., Hillsboro, OR 97123or e-mail cmhalverson1@comcast.netNorthwest Accordion News StaffDoris Osgood................................... (503) 357-0417dorisosgood@frontier.comJudith Ames .................................... (360) 254-5245judith@ameshomeplace.comColleen Halverson (Advertising) ..... (503) 484-5064cmhalverson1@comcast.netNW Accordion Society OfficersBonnie Birch, President/Treasurer ................................. (206) 622-4786Doris Osgood, Vice President/Communications ............. (503) 357-0417Judith Ames, Secretary/Technology ............................... (360) 254-5245Advisory BoardRick Hatley, ..................................................................... (253) 288-0442Dick Myking .................................................................... (253) 537-0136Birgit Ages ...................................................................... (206) 368-9720Cooksie (Kaserzon) Kramer ........................................... (425) 828-9104Membership:Doris Osgood.................................................................. (503) 357-0417dorisosgood@frontier.comJudith Ames ................................................................... (360) 254-5245judith@ameshomeplace.comWinter Quarter 2012 1

Northwest Accordion NewsTable of Contents2 Letter from the Editors2 Quarterly Update3 Letters to the Editor3 Congratulations, Patricia Bartell4 Italo American Mazurka7 Music review: Trophée Mondial opensin Spokane with fl air9 62 nd Trophee Mondial 201210 Can the Simply Music Piano program revitalizethe world of accordion?12 ‘The Classical Tradition’,13 The 65 th Coupe Mondiale14 The 2012 Trophée Mondial19 Gary Blair in Castelfi dardo20 By the Way22 To teach is to touch a life forever.23 Remembering Robert Troxel24 Keeping up with Cory Pesaturo25 Improvising Chords (Part 2 of 4)26 Thomas stars at accordion competition26 Bartell is the force behind this week’sinternational accordion fest29 A View From the Wings31 Forest Grove’s Autumn Social33 Seattle Accordion Social35 Tacoma Accordion Social36 LIAC 201336 Will arrive before you know it!36 June 20 - 23, 201336 By Bonnie Birch38 NWAS Socials in Seattle38 Accordionist receives an award from outgoingJuneau Alaska Mayor38 Welcome New Members40 Accordion Events Calendar42 Entertainers in the Northwest2Letter from the EditorsGreetings!Have you ever thought about the amount ofwork and volunteer hours that are put into an event?Everything from the local socials to a production likeTrophee Mondiale requires dedication and effort from aLOT of people. We truly appreciate the volunteers whohelp out with these events. More are coming up - now isyour opportunity to be a part of these rewarding activities(Day of the Accordion, Leavenworth, etc.) Read thearticles and contact the organizers. It is very worthwhile!Make this your New Year’s resolution - to be a partof the TEAMS! (You can help with donations, too.)Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Judith Ames(judith@ameshomeplace.com)Winter Quarter 2012Quarterly UpdateDear Members,My life has been a bit unusual since July and Ifeel like I missed the summer entirely. Autumn here inForest Grove has been glorious. That made up for losttime.I wish to thank you all for your prayers, cards,emails, and phone calls these last months. My breastcancer treatment has moved along on schedule. I’vehad surgeries and have fi nished radiation. Now I’mon to the next leg of the treatment, oral medication. Ithas meant a lot to me to have the support from all ofyou during this experience. It’s a stressful, emotionaljourney, but I’m moving forward. Thanks.We all congratulate Patricia Bartell and her teamin Spokane for a successful international accordioncompetition. Patricia shared that the fund-raising goalwas met and that she was able to pay the bills! Thoseof us involved with the Leavenworth celebration knowthat kind of relief. The international community praisedall aspects of the Trophee Mondial in Spokane.Patricia gave it some “American” charm and attentionto detail that the contestants and jurors had notexperienced at previous competitions. We are proudof her accomplishment. Our pride goes even further.Sam Thomas, the only American competitor to place,placed fi rst in the senior variety division. Sam alsohails from the Inland Empire. Kudos all around.By the time you receive this publication, the Dayof the Accordion will be only two months away. Notethat DOTA will be at the Crossroads Mall in Bellevueagain. As you may know, the Seattle Center is underrenovation and the Center House is not available tous this year. It is possible that DOTA will return therein 2014. Details are not fi rm about the performersand schedule as I write. Check the NWAS web siteby February 1 for that information. As we noted lastyear, the Crossroads Mall brought an entirely differentaudience than the Center. After last year’s experience,the venue can be used more effectively. DOTA isalways a good time.The Northwest Accordion Society will puton the Leavenworth International AccordionCelebration again in Leavenworth, Washington June20 – 23, 2013. Bonnie Birch is working with potentialperformers. The “short list” has great entertainers. Theissue is their schedules and our budget! Schedulingis the larger issue. As mentioned in this publication,begin checking the offi cial LIAC web site after January1 for updates and information. That will be posted asconfi rmation is made. www.accordioncelebration.orgAnother international competition is scheduledfor the region in the summer, 2013. The 66 th Coupe

Northwest Accordion NewsMondiale will be held in Victoria, British Columbia.Having TWO international competitions on thecontinent within only a few months is incredible. 2013looks to be a great year for the accordion.In this issue we are pleased to provide an originalcomposition by the late Frank Marocco. Frank hadbeen very generous with his music over the yearsand had provided a number of compositions forthe Northwest Accordion News. Though Frank hadauthorized the use of some remaining pieces, we areespecially thankful that his wife, Ann, has also givenher permission for our publishing the music.The Mesa Accordion Event is coming soon.No longer referred to as the Frank Marocco Event,Dan Grauman is organizing this as a special tribute/memorial to Frank. The “campers” will determine thedestiny of the desert accordion camp during their stay.Frank had arranged long ago for Stas Venglevskito assume the teaching and musical leadership ofthe camp in the event of his inability to fulfi ll his role.Frank trusted only Stas with that responsibility. Withthe publishing of Frank’s mazurka, we also honorFrank too.For those in the Seattle area, note the scheduleand planned entertainment for the monthly socials.The sites will bounce from the West Seattle SeniorCenter to the Swedish Cultural Club. The specifi cs arein this publication; join the group when you can.As this year ends, we thank our regularcontributors and our faithful advertisers. ColleenHalverson has worked diligently for us to ensurethat we have the advertising support that keeps thispublication in the black. Our computer expert, JudithAmes spends long hours managing our membershiproster and formatting the publication each quarter– after her “day job”. Ron Ostromecki providesbeautifully engraved music; we are so grateful that heshares his skill with us. The Northwest AccordionNews is published by a small volunteer staff; thehours that the three of us log are considerable. Weare gratifi ed that this magazine style newsletter ishighly regarded for its quality. We thank you all foryour encouragement and support.I didn’t mean to drone on and on. George Willonce wrote that he was sorry for writing a long letter;he didn’t have time to write a short one! There’s myexcuse. I wish you all a joyful holiday season, lotsof LIVE accordion music, and good health in 2013.The coming year is fi lled with great events. Markyour calendars today. Let’s keep the accordion in thepublic’s view and enjoy the experience as we do – forthe love of the accordion.Doris Osgooddorisosgood@frontier.comLetters to the EditorDear NWAS,Thank you so much for the wonderful magazine!It is full of information and I keep reading it over andover again.Paula Wallenius, Woodinville, WADear NWAS,Thank you for all your hard work in keeping thispublication going.Cheryl McGinley, Tonasket, WADear NWAS Editors,You are truly amazing! How can you top the qualityof this publication time after time is beyond belief!Thanks so much. Doris, you and Judith form a teamthat just can’t be beat!I am enclosing a check for my renewal. As one ofthe few that still needs a “hard” copy. I have to mentionthat I save every issue.Randall A. Tron, Sumner, WA(Editors note: We truly appreciate your comments andsupport. People can receive the hard copy, PDF orboth.)5 Valley Accordion Club with Guest Performer WalterGrob from Auburn, CA playing at the County Fair inHamilton, MT. August 2012Congratulations, Patricia BartellAll of us in the Northwest Accordion Society congratulateyou and your team for putting on a “worldclass” international accordion competition. The fundraising efforts, master planning, and unique detailsensured the success that was apparent to all whocould attend. Many described the experience as“one in a lifetime”. The international community ofaccordionists and jurors also noted the quality andthe uniqueness of the competition. Congratulations;well done.Winter Quarter 2012 3

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Northwest Accordion NewsMusic review: Trophée Mondial opensin Spokane with flairBy Larry Lapidus, Spokane WashingtonOctober 25, 2012For the past sixty-one years, students and teachersof the accordion have come together for the TrophéeMondial (“World Cup”) de l’Accordeon, a competitionextending over several days in which contestants arejudged for their excellence in various categories ofperformance: classical, variety, and now digital. Thesemeetings have taken place all over the world, but neveruntil this year in the United States. Thanks largely tothe inspirational leadership of Patricia Bartell, head ofAble to Play Studio, and a brilliant performer in her ownright, representatives from Chile, Kazakhstan, Canada,Russia, China, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, Europeand The United States have converged on SpokaneWashington for the sixty-second competition for theTrophée Mondial.A gala concert celebrating the opening of the competitionwas offered Monday night at the Martin WoldsonTheater at the Fox. As befi t the occasion, the musicalportion of the program was preceded by greetings tothe international attendants by Mayor David Condonand Hannah White, constituent relations liaison of Rep.Cathy McMorris Rogers, and by a gracious welcomefrom the President of the Confédération Mondiale del’Accordéon, Frédéric Deschamps.Following a trooping of the colors by the US MarineCorps color guard and the singing of the NationalAnthem, soprano Marsha Schlangen led the audiencein our unofficial anthem, Irving Berlin’s God Bless America.Then, accompanied by the Spokane Symphony,conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, Spokane’sKinderchor (dir. Sharon Smith) performed a song entitledHere in This Land written especially for the occasion byKasia Haroldsen and very sensitively arranged by WilliamBerry. Kinderchor sang with beautiful tone, splendiddiction and great energy, providing an inspiring transitionto the musical performances that followed.The entire house was lit up by the brilliance of PietroAdragno, a former winner of the Trophee Mondiale. Inthe hands (and arms) of a mediocre café accordionist,the pieces he programmed, Oczy Czarne (“Dark Eyes”)and Tico Tico would be tired war horses. Ignited by hisbarely believable virtuosity and dynamic stage presence,they transmitted an electric current through the audience,bringing us to our feet shouting, and remindingus of what the competition is all about: the cultivationand promotion of great talent, so that it can provide joyto audiences all over the world.Accompanied by the strings of the Spokane Symphony,again under Preu’s direction, the current holderof the Trophée Mondial, New Zealand accordionistGrayson Masefi eld performed Picasso’s Guernica byGorka Hermosa. The piece effectively represents theviolence and terror of that famous painting, and amplydemonstrates the communicative power of the instrumentin the hands of a master. Masefi eld is not only amost impressive artist, but also a generous and supportiveone, since he has traveled from New Zealandto serve as a judge at the competition.The audience spent the remainder of the eveningswaying to the music of Tango Volcado, a tango salonorchestra comprised of Patricia Bartell, accordion,Tana Bland, violin, Kendall Feeney, piano, and EugeneJablonsky, string bass and guitar. All the members areseasoned professionals with followings here and abroad,who play marvelously together, without sacrifi cing theindividual sonorities and energies that make each a realartist. The group performed eight celebrated tangos bythe likes of Carlos Gardel and Astor Piazzolla, each ofwhich raised the listeners’ pitch of enthusiasm anothernotch. It must be said, however, that, without any apparenteffort to become so, Bartell emerged as primus interpares, by virtue of her hypnotically beautiful tone, andthe endless variety of voicing and phrasing she was ableto achieve on an instrument that is famous for neither.The Trophée Mondial runs through Saturday morningat The Bing Theater. Passes for an entire day areavailable through TicketMaster for only $7.00. Youngpeople who are able to attend may fi nd their liveschanged as a result.Reprinted with permission from the SpokaneSpokesman-ReviewEmil Haroldson and Grayson Masefi eld at the Trophee MondialWinter Quarter 2012 7

Northwest Accordion NewsMesa Accordion Event (MAE)The Mesa Accordion Event (formerly Frank Marocco Accordion Event) brings together 50-60accordionists of all levels from the US, Canada and beyond for 4 days of making beautifulmusic. Activities at this gathering, which is housed at the beautiful Arizona Golf Resort,include daily rehearsals of the orchestra, conducted by world renowned bayanist, composer,arranger and conductor, Stas Venglevski, culminating in a concert. There are also workshopsand planned evening activities, plus individual and group playing, jamming and more. TheMAE is open only to registered participants, but the final concert is open to the public.2013 Mesa Accordion EventDATE: February 14-18, 2013 (registration required)LOCATION: Arizona Golf Resort, Mesa, AZMUSIC DIRECTOR / CONDUCTOR: Stas VenglevskiHis artistry, sensitivity, creativity and dazzling technical command, havebrought Stas Venglevski, who stems from the Republic of Moldova, greatacclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. His repertoire includes originalcompositions and a broad range of classical, ethnic, and contemporarymusic. He has performed throughout the US and many countries as asoloist, with duet partners, small groups and symphony orchestras. Stashas composed and arranged music for, and has conducted accordionorchestras. He has produced numerous recordings and has publishedseveral books of original compositions. Most recently, Stas was guestartist and conductor at the American Accordionists’ Association 2012Festival, which was held in Baltimore, Maryland in July.MAE Orchestra ConcertSunday, February 17, 2013 at 7 pmArizona Golf Resort, West Ballroom425 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZAdmission - $10CONTACT: Dan & Joan Grauman, mesa.accordion@verizon.net, 301-662-0203.AZ Golf Resort Pool 2012 Mesa Accordion Event Orchestra The golf course8Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion News62 nd Trophee Mondial 2012 – Spokane,Washington, USACompetition ResultsTrophée Mondial Senior Classique category:1 st Iosif Purits (Russia)2 nd Alexander Veretennikov (Russia)3 rd Laimonas Salijus (LithuaniaTrophée Mondial National Trophée category:1 st Aleksandr Kolomiitcev (Russia)2 nd Mo Li (China)3 rd Predrag Radisavljevic (Serbia)Trophée Mondial Junior Classique category:1 st Jiahe Zhang (China)2 nd Daniel Viktor Eliasson (Sweden)3 rd Zoé Schade Cahen (France)Trophée Mondial Junior Variété category:1 st Matteo Petronio (Italy)2 nd José Dias (Portugal)3 rd Jean-Baptiste Baudin (France)Trophée Mondial Senior Variété Diatonic category:1 st Marco Leonetti (Italy)2 nd Marina Costanzo (Italy)3 rd Marco Pomanti (Italy)Trophée Mondial Digital Diatonic category:1 st Marco Leonetti (Italy)2 nd Marco Pomanti (Italy)3 rd Stefano De Dominicis (Italy)Trophée Mondial Senior Variété category:1 st Sam Thomas (USA)2 nd Aleksandar Kolovski (Macedonia)3 rd Liu Zhao (China)Trophée Mondial Junior Variété Diatonic category:1 st Maryanne Francescon (Brazil)Winter Quarter 2012 9

Northwest Accordion News10Can the Simply Music Piano programrevitalize the world of accordion?By Neil MooreExecutive Director and Creator of Simply MusicIn October 2012 a historical event occurred.For the fi rst time ever, the prestigious WorldAccordion Championships, Trophée Mondial, washeld in the USA -- in Spokane, Washington. It wasa remarkable event, with outstanding performancesfrom competitors who traveled to the USA from allover the world. During the event a presentation tookplace announcing the launch of a new pedagogy foraccordion. The program is Simply Music Accordion,and is a translation and adaptation of Simply MusicPiano.As the creator of that program, I launched SimplyMusic Piano in January 1998. Since that time, SimplyMusic has become the world’s largest, playing-based,music-education institution, with Licensed Educatorsat more than 700 locations throughout the USA,Canada, New Zealand and Australia.In 2010 I was approached by HohnerCorporation, the world’s largest manufacturer ofaccordions, and asked if it were possible to translatemy piano method into a system of learning designedspecifi cally for the accordion. I was excited bythe opportunity, and honored to participate in thedevelopment of a new pedagogy for the instrument.Working in partnership with Hohner, and alongsideworld-class accordionist Patricia Bartell (who is also aCertifi ed Simply Music Piano teacher), we began thedevelopment of Simply Music Accordion. We are nowready to begin training educators to teach the method;and those who successfully complete the training willbecome Hohner Certifi ed Teachers.To get more of an understanding of what SimplyMusic is, let me tell you about its genesis.The Simply Music story begins with an eightyear-oldblind boy. I had been teaching students andWinter Quarter 2012training teachers for years, presenting a program thatwas based on an alternative approach to readingmusic. One day I received a phone call and wasasked if I would be willing to teach an eight-year-oldboy who was blind. I had absolutely no doubt thatI could teach him; although at that point in time, Iwasn’t sure exactly how. Certainly, however, readingwould be out of the question.As a child, my own background in music began atage seven, and continued with eight years of formalpiano instruction. I was blessed with a deep affi nityfor music that, according to my mother, was evidenteven during infancy. With an already-developed earfor music, I began piano lessons merely watchingand listening to my teacher as he played the piecesI was to learn. I had the ability to aurally rememberthe songs in detail and then ‘fi gure them out’ duringthe week. I also had an idiosyncrasy whereby,whenever I listened to music, I visualized two- andthree-dimensional ‘shapes.’ In short, I heard music,but saw sentences, sequences and patterns. Eventhough describing this may sound obscure, at the timeit came easily and perfectly naturally to me.At my Saturday lessons, I sat at the piano toplay, and pretended to read the music. Actually, Icouldn’t read music at all, and my playing was basedentirely on what I had aurally memorized and turnedinto shapes and patterns, etc. Fortunately, bothmy teacher and my mother had the foresight and afaith in my natural affi nity with music to allow me tocontinue to progress as quickly as I was. By 15 yearsof age I was playing a comprehensive repertoire,composing my own pieces and developing my ownarrangements. Even then I couldn’t read music, and itwasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I actually learned todo so.So when given the chance to teach Wade--theyoung, blind boy--I remember making a clear choice--to recreate for him my own experience of learning,using my childhood model as a template.At fi rst, I began to compose pieces and ‘distill’them into patterns that would translate directly into hishands and onto the keyboard. When Wade attendedlessons, I would simply teach him those patterns.Within a few months he was playing a range of blues,popular and classical pieces. One day, I asked hisfather if he were happy with his son’s progress. Hisfather responded, “…not only are we happy withhis progress, but he’s started to teach his four-yearoldsister to play, and she’s blind too!” This simplestatement became a turning point in my life.I found myself compelled to explore what wouldhappen if I were to introduce all young children to

Northwest Accordion Newsa similar approach – no music reading, no theory– just playing and learning by ‘doing.’ With this inmind, I began to develop more material, creatingan approach from the ground up. I introduced theconcepts to young children and found they wereproducing superior results compared to older, moreadvancedstudents. What struck me as remarkablewas, from the very beginning, these new studentswere playing with both hands, simultaneously, easilyand musically, and with so much confi dence. Parentsbegan reporting that their children were playing all thetime. And students themselves began sharing thatpractice didn’t feel like practice, that it was fun, andthey looked forward to playing the piano.Fig. 1. An example of the ‘pattern’ used to teachstudents how to play Beethoven’s Ode to JoyI became more and more engrossed withthe process and subsequently assembled a pilotgroup of over 120 students of all ages and musicalbackgrounds. I decided to push the method as far aspossible. My commitment was to gain a clear pictureof how successfully students could progress with thisplaying-based approach. The results were stunningand immediate, and consistently so.From their fi rst lessons, students were playinggreat-sounding music, and within a few months hadbuilt a repertoire of contemporary, classical, blues andaccompaniment pieces. They found their experienceof the process of learning more refreshing, moreinspiring and far more motivating. I came to believe Iwas dealing with an approach far more powerful thananything I had witnessed or heard of before.Over time, the achievements of the programbecame clearer to me. This approach was clearlyaccessible to the majority of people – children,teenagers, adults and seniors alike. It could belearned more quickly than anything else of whichI was aware. It was quickly and easily ‘digestible’for learners, and they could immediately have theexperience of playing great-sounding music. Aboveall, every student who followed the program learnedto play. This, in itself, was a breakthrough!The extraordinary nature of the program didn’tstop there. In addition to its accomplishments withlearning, it completely redefi ned who was capable ofteaching music. Over time I discovered that studentswho began as total beginners with Simply MusicPiano could themselves become successful teachersof the program. The more I thought about theramifi cations of this, the more I became aware thatthe opportunities it represented were endless.Fig. 2. Simply Music teaches beginning students toplay Major, minor, Major 7th, Dominant 7th, minor 7th,Augmented, Suspended, Diminished, 6th, 9th, 11thand 13th chords, in every key, using just the threeshapes shown above.Developing the teaching program became apriority, and over time I continued to expand thebody of distinctions, processes and concepts. Anintegral part of this process was composing andarranging a structured and progressive collection ofgreat sounding blues, popular and classical pieces. Iwanted the music of this program to sound rich andmature, and be a signifi cant “cut above” the musicusually associated with entry-level, piano lessons.As time went on, it became appropriate to shareaspects of the approach with other piano teachers,asking them to introduce the concepts and reporton the outcomes. They began achieving the sameconsistent, rapid results with their students as I hadwith mine. It was very exciting to see how simply andeasily others could duplicate the successes of thisprogram.Naturally, this resulted in more and more storiessurfacing about beginning students who wereteaching others. Children were coming to lessonsand returning home to teach their parents to play.Likewise, parents were having lessons and returninghome to teach their children to play. Home-schoolfamilies would bring one of their children to lessons,and the child would, in turn, teach the other siblingsto play. Parents started reporting how, in the past,they had struggled with their children to get them topractice, but now were struggling to get them awayfrom the piano! Overall, students’ experiences of thelearning process and their feelings about themselveswere entirely different with this approach compared toanything they experienced in the past.Winter Quarter 2012 11

Northwest Accordion NewsFig. 3. Using a simple, fi vepointlanguage that mapsdirectly onto the hands,keyboard and page, SimplyMusic students begineffortlessly reading notesfour ledger-lines above thetreble and below the bassclefs.And so it came to be. Theexperience of teaching aneight-year-old, blind boygave me a completely newperspective of all the yearsof learning music in my ownchildhood. Ultimately, theculmination has evolvedinto tens of thousandsof hours of programdevelopment, which gave birth to a new pianomethodology – the compositions and arrangements,the curriculum itself, the training program andits associated components, the array of supportmaterials and systems, and, most importantly, thecontext and philosophy behind each and every step.The last two years have been an amazingjourney as we began the process of translating mypiano method to an accordion method. This couldnever have been accomplished were it not for thebrilliance, dedication and commitment of PatriciaBartell. Even so, we have been wonderfully delightedto discover how naturally, seamlessly and perfectlythe translation has occurred. True to form, our SimplyMusic Accordion students are progressing in exactlythe same manner, and at exactly the same paceas what we have come to expect from our pianostudents. Now with the opportunity to make thisavailable to both students and teachers of accordion,it is profoundly exciting for me to play a role in whatpromises to be an entirely new era for accordion.Find out more about becoming a student orteacher, visit: simplymusicaccordion.com‘The Classical Tradition’, ArrangedGary Dahl, Published by Mel Bay - USABy Rob Howard‘“The Classical Tradition’, publishedby Mel Bay, is a new bookby Gary Dahl of arrangements foraccordion of excerpts of well knownclassical music. The book is releasedon October 31st 2012.The 30 arrangements include:‘Finlandia’ – Sibelius, ‘Ride of theValkyries’ – Wagner, ‘La Danza’– Rossini, ‘Piano Concerto No 2’– Rachmaninoff, ‘Claire de Lune’ –Debussy, ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No 2’ – Liszt, ‘ThusSpoke Zarathustra’ – R. Strauss, ‘The Blue Danube’ – J.Strauss, ‘La Traviata’ – Verdi, ‘Maple Leaf Rag’ – Joplin,‘Rag in D minor’ – Frosini, and ‘Pilgrims’ Chorus’ – Wagner,plus many more.Gary Dahl is well known as a virtuoso accordionist,composer, arranger, recording artist and teacher.He has produced hundreds of individual arrangementsavailable on the MusicForAccordion website and morethan a dozen books currently in publication by Mel BayPublications.Price: US$24.99For further information email: garydahlmusic@msn.com12Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsThe 65 th Coupe MondialeThe 65th Coupe Mondiale World AccordionChampionships was held in Spoleto, Italy from August21-25, 2012.For the fi rst time China won the Coupe Mondialecategory. Chinese contestants have previously wonmost other Coupe Mondiale categories and winningthe top Coupe Mondiale title in 2012 is a major triumphfor China. Under the leadership of the ChinaAccordion Association President Prof Li Cong , Chinahas accelerated into the top echelon of internationalaccordion competitions culminating in this latest success.A count of Coupe Mondiale 1st places showedChina, Russia and Serbia all fi rst equal, with twoCoupe Mondiale category wins each and Italy withone. A count of 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings by nation is:Russia 8, China 4, Serbia 3, France 2, Italy 2, Portugal1 and Moldavia 1.The beautiful medieval town of Spoleto, locatedmidway between Rome and Ancona complete withCastles, extremely narrow and steep tiny windingcobble stone streets and pathways linking the varioussquares and alley ways combined with the stunningvenue of the Teatro Nuovo “Giancarlo Menotti” andthe 17 September Hall at the Spoleto Opera Housecomplete a sloping raked stage, made for an absolutelystunning setting for the 2012 Coupe Mondiale.This year’s Coupe Mondiale was won by Chinesecontestant Xiaonan Xu, with two Russian contestantsand a Serbian narrowly taking 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.Amazingly, after three rounds of demanding Internationalcompetition spread over a week, judged bya panel of nine International adjudicators, the fi nalresults saw less than one mark between the top fourwinners, ranging from 23.06 for 4th Place to 23.45 for1st place! The results from all categories are:65th Coupe Mondiale1st. Xiaonan Xu - China2nd. Vitaly Kondratenko - Russia3rd. Alexander Veretennikov - RussiaJunior Coupe Mondiale1st. Djordje Davidovic - Serbia2nd. Tian Jianan - China3rd. VladimirStupnikov - RussiaVirtuoso Entertainment Music1st. Zhao Liu - China2nd. Raffaele Crusco - Italy3rd. Sergey Lobkov - RussiaJunior Virtuoso Entertainment Music1st. Matteo Petronio - Italy2nd. José Dias - Portugal3rd. Jean-Baptiste Baudin - FranceMasters Coupe Mondiale1st. Dmitrii Kiselev - Russia2nd. Dino Suljkovic - Serbia3rd. Klavdiya Tarabrina - RussiaEnsemble Music Competition1st. Esse-Quintet - RussiaK. Evseev & K. Evseeva (Accordion), M. Krylov & D.Chernykh (Balalayka), D. Gogolev (Domra)2nd. Perfect Storm - ChinaXiaonan Xu (Accordion) and Zujian Shang (Erhu)3rd. Concertino - MoldovaE. Negruta, M. Grosu, C. Hioara & V. Leca (Accordion/percussion)& A. Hohotov (Bass)Digital Accordion Competition1st. Petar Maric - Serbia2nd. Stanislav Malyshev - Russia3rd. Guillaume Clerget - FranceGuerrini Norma Chromatic C Button AccordionFor Sale.$3,000 CdnAs new. Beautiful tone and great dynamic range.Will suit a serious musician or up-and-coming pro.Price includes hard suitcase and soft-sided travelbag.More pictures available.Contact: mpercy@telus.netWinter Quarter 2012 13

Northwest Accordion NewsThe 2012 Trophée Mondial – Spokane,WashingtonFrom the Opening Ceremony & Concert to theDance & Celebration, the 2012 Trophée Mondial – WorldChampionships for Accordion, was a huge success inSpokane Washington hosted by the Spokane local organization,“World Trophy Accordion Corporation U.S.A.,”led by Patricia Bartell and her volunteers.Attracting 48 contestants, 19 Judges and Offi cialsfrom 25 countries, all converging to Spokane for thishistoric event. The 2012 organizer, Patricia Bartell,worked many long hours on this event wanting to givethe international guests a true American experienceand give the best possible welcome and hosting onbehalf of the United States. Many compliments aboutthe successful organization came from the Candidates,the Jury Members but also the President of the C.M.A.,Frédéric Deschamps, whose last words on Facebookas he left Spokane was, “and CONGRATULATIONSto PATRICIA BARTELL who made one of the BESTTROPHÉE MONDIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”“There is no way I could have done it without myfaithful volunteers who stood and stayed with me to theend. It was a big task especially for me, being a fi rsttime Event Organizer, but each volunteer that joined theteam caught the vision and worked very hard in everypossible way to help. Their willingness, dedication andcommitment to me, the event and representing ourcountry was enormous. Each one brought somethingvery special and unique that made the event a memorableand rewarding experience. I want to thank eachone again who worked so many hours with me to makeit such a successful event – even to the extent that allthe bills are completely paid!” – Patricia BartellBelow you can read stories about the TrophéeMondial from some of the volunteers about what theyenjoyed, their role in the event, some special memories,etc.Written by: Henry Musana (volunteer)I am Henry Musana from Uganda East Africa. I wasone of the volunteers at the Trophée Mondial. It wassuch a privilege to serve on the team of volunteers. Atfi rst I did not know what I would be doing and also notknowing the people that I would be working with. Butduring the last planning meeting before the competitionswhich I was able to attend on the day I arrived, I likedthe people on the team welcomed me kindly.I felt the team was set to work with different nationalitiesso we started off the week in our areas ofassignment. As a team we worked in unity, I am fromAfrica but there was no difference between me and the14Winter Quarter 2012rest of the team. It was a caring team, it felt like I hadknown every one for a long time.The day I was chosen to be a door keeper I wouldsay it was one of the challenging days because youhad rules to follow as we were doing our jobs. One rulefor the door keepers was that you don’t open the doorfor some one to enter when a competitor was playing,now this was hard for me in the beginning when peoplewould come to my door and they wanted to enter whilea competitor was performing. I would want to let themin out of sympathy but my captain was always around tolet me know that I was not to let anyone in. Of course Ioutgrew my sympathy and I think I became the toughestguy around; if you came through the door when I was theone assigned to take the tickets you would agree to that.All in all I enjoyed every part of the event. I wishit was a month long event, I would volunteer for thatlong. Thanks to the main organizer Patricia Bartell thatinvited me for this historical event. And for the volunteerteam - I will cherish my orange T-shirt, it will always giveme memories of you and our time at Trophée Mondial.Written by: Ann Kienholz Jurcevich (volunteer)It was an honor and once-in-a-lifetime opportunityto serve on the planning and event committee, and toattend this world-class event! I proofed the programbooklet, and prepared name badges for the staff, judges,offi cials and candidates (competitors). I also ushered,worked in the ticket offi ce, and became the “designatedphotographer” for candidate portraits and final deliberationsof the Confederation.The week long event showed me, like the adage,that music truly is “the” international language. We welcomedcandidates, vendors, guests and judges fromall over the world, with a variety of English skills; yet,everyone understood the music and appreciated it thesame way. The culminating dance and celebration wasamazing in that everyone danced with each other andtogether. The separation among the candidates, judges,new and former world champions was no longer evident.Everyone was happy. I didn’t want it to end! Technologywas great—how amazing to be able to take pictures,share them with those from other countries who hadequipment that has become global in its application(laptops, social networks, media)—I could share my filesand USB from my country with those from France—noproblem! Our computers interacted seamlessly. Andthe social networks even have language interpretationfeatures. The live web stream could be viewed all overthe world as well.It was a great success. Our challenges were addressedbehind the scenes (to the extent possible), andthe event came off with flying colors. We had an amazingteam, all with the common thread of music appreciation,which brought us together in a very unique way.

Northwest Accordion Newsthat meeting, I made a schedule of what positions andWritten by: Robynne Snow (volunteer)how many volunteers we would need on an event byThis was a huge undertaking and frankly, we all at event basis. We were really blessed by an abundanceone time or another thought this would be impossible. of people (52) willing to donate their time and talentsIt came to fruition only because of Patricia Bartell’s unwaveringenthusiasm for the project, her uncanny ability I think the most important part of the volunteerand the volunteer slots fi lled in easily.to fi nd the right person for the job and get them to do organization came when we assigned positions ofit, her generous fi nancial support and, most of all, her “captains” to some of the essential volunteer-intensivewelcoming spirit to all who participated and attended. areas such as “ticket sales”, “ushers”, “program salesI was a small part of a team of volunteers that and ticket takers”. This put very informed and capableworked hard to organize, raise money, spread the word people in charge of key areas and spread the work loadand schedule the events. During the event we had specific jobs and worked long hours. We tried in every way also allowed any of the “captains” to slip away and at-out while maintaining a consistent level of expertise. Itto make sure that those who traveled from afar were tend some of the competitions, knowing things were inwarmly welcomed and that no detail was left unattended, good hands.no problem unsolved. The Spokane community was My husband and I were also serving as a host familyto two of the young musicians and an instructor fromvery supportive and the venue was just perfect - easyto get from the hotels to the restaurants to the theaters. Russia. Our mornings were always very hectic, as theirPatricia’s younger students, many of whom you have big meal of the day was breakfast. My husband Leeseen at Northwest accordion events and who competed and I would prepare a hearty meal before I would leaveand/or performed during the Trophée, made a special to be at the theater by 9:30 AM. Since we didn’t speakeffort to be available to everyone. This was really heartwarming- they ran from place to place, they transported grab our computers and log on to “Google translate”Russian and they didn’t speak English, we would eachpeople and equipment, they chatted with visitors, they every morning and converse that way. Lee shuttledset up stages. They were amazing.them back and forth between the Bing when they wereWe were all rewarded by our efforts in countless to compete and to take them shopping, an activity theyways. We got to know each other better. We watched were most interested in.the competitors prepare and play and we listened as We both loved every minute of our time we spendthey talked about where they were from and what their on this event.dreams are. We shared meals with the judges, ambassadorsfor great music and for the accordion worldwide. Written by: Debra Thrash (volunteer)There were tensions and there were tears (this was a My story would be that of how hosting a candidatefrom Lithuania made this event extra special. Mycompetition!) but the overwhelming feeling was thatpeople were excited to be together and to be part of husband and I had reservations concerning having asuch a supportive community. There were many special stranger in our home, and hosting him while we weremoments: the quiet in the hall during the competitions, trying to do a lot of other volunteer work for the event,the gathering around the ipad in the hall to watch the but by the time the week was over, not only did we havelivestream (an enormous thank you Fred Deschamps a great time watching him compete and showing himfor the Livestream - archived on deschampschannel. around town, we feel we truly gained a new “son” in ourcom) for those who were too late to enter the hall, the lives. We are looking forward to getting together with himfull halls during the evening concerts AND the evening next August at the Coupe Mondiale and cheering himcompetitions, watching the Spokane students perform in on in that competition as well. And then who knows?the competitions, the presentation of the Senior Variety Lithuania, here we come!winner trophy to Sam Thomas by Joe Petosa.Written by: Beverly and Lee Smick (volunteer) Written by: Kasia Haroldsen (volunteer)I came to the table late, only about a month before My name is Kasia Haroldsen and my son Emil isthe competition was to start. I knew I wanted to help but Patricia Bartell’s student. When Patricia approached mewasn’t sure of where I could be of the most assistance. in September 2010 about helping to put together a worldAt that meeting, I saw a need for someone to coordinateall the volunteers that were needed to cover it would take to create such an event, but I was willing toaccordion competition event, I didn’t have any idea whatthe many areas required. Being retired, I was grateful help. In January 2011 we had our fi rst meeting discussingour ideas and options. There were only few of us into have the time to completely immerse myself in theproject. My husband and I met with Patricia to get a very the beginning but by the end of the “journey” there wasdetailed view of what was going to happen and from a much bigger group. It was very interesting to see howWinter Quarter 2012 15

Northwest Accordion Newsit all came together. I really enjoyed the process as itwas a very educational experience. I made new friendsand learned more about world accordion competition.One of my responsibilities was to fi nd host familiesfor the contestants. There were many wonderful peoplewho were willing to help for which I am very thankful. Ihosted two contestants one from Poland and one fromFinland. My personal opinion is that when we are willingto serve others we feel happier.My other task was to write a theme song for theopening ceremony. In one of the group meetings wediscussed having a theme song that would be aboutAmerica, since the event would be held for the fi rst timein America. There were ideas of picking a song that wasalready written. My suggestion was to create somethingoriginal that we wouldn’t worry about copyrights. SinceI like to write songs and had composed in the past Ioffered to write a song. The committee chose to allowme to compose a song for the composition. I fi nishedcomposing in early spring. Submitted it to the committeeand it was accepted :-) The song titled “Here in ThisLand” is about my feelings as an immigrant from Polandabout America. I made partial arrangements but it wasnot ready for the Symphony. After contacting other musicianswho would be interested in arranging this piece Iasked William Berry to arrange for the Symphony, sinceFor sale1950’s Titano Orchestra Accordion w/case19 1/4” keyboard9 treble switches + palm switch4 base switchesBeautiful rich toneCleaned and services by Greg Meier in 2010Asking $1500Call Steven for info 971-237-2913he used to be a member of the Spokane Symphony. Weworked together on some of the parts to create the soundI wanted. He did a great job! It was a great experiencefor me to write this song and be involved in the entireorganization of the competition.My favorite part of this event was to see how everyoneinvolved was willing to work together. The otherpart was to hear my song performed by the SpokaneSymphony and Kinderchoir (children’s choir) for thefi rst time.Written by: Margaret Collyer (volunteer)I am an older student of Patricia. It has been a joystudying with her and having the opportunity to wear theorange volunteer’s shirt for the Trophée Mondial. Whewwhat a job. I was present when what seemed so longago, when it was announced, that this event was comingto Spokane. I was excited but couldn’t imagine how itcould happen. Patricia and the great team of volunteersworked hours. Meeting after meeting, week after week,and month after month. One fundraiser involved a golftournament. Only about half of the golfers had actuallyever golfed before. My job was to get clubs for themand teach then a little about how to play. To keep costdown I went to second hand stores for clubs. Problemwas I went on my motorcycle. It was amazing how manypeople took cellphone pictures of me driving home withclubs sticking up from my saddlebag. Thank you Patriciafor this great experience.Written by: Corrie Sams (volunteer)The 2012 Trophée Mondial was amazing. I havenever had the opportunity to go to an international accordioncompetition of this level. Being able to listen tocandidates from all over the world as they gave theirvery best to their music, seeing the international jurymembers, listening to high level music played with skill– it was all wonderful.In years to come, I think what I will rememberabout the Trophée Mondial may not be the amazingperformances, the winners, or even the grand scale ofthe event – instead I will look back and remember theindividual people I met and worked with. People likethe jury member who was so excited to be attending.The members of the CMA who were happy to havetheir needs for paper and ink met. The volunteers whoworked by my side. The sound man at the Bing CrosbyTheater, who had never been exposed to such high levelaccordion music – and his enjoyment of it.I will also remember watching the three membersof The Portatos -- Yevgeniy Nosov, Naomi Harris, andGabe Soileau -- as they faced their fi rst major internationalcompetition and represented their country with skilland musicality. I am proud of them for it. I am proud of16Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion Newsall the individuals who contributed and worked to bringthe Trophée Mondial to pass. Without each individualperson, this amazing event might never have been.Written by: Deborah Johnston (volunteer)Working with the team of Trophée Mondial was agreat experience. This group of volunteers wasextraordinary. The camaraderie, the willingness tovolunteer for jobs for which there was no prior experience,attention to detail and excellence and the positiveattitude from each member made this event cometogether for which the compliments continue to roll infrom jurists, administrators, candidates and attendees.An event of this magnitude is never accomplishedwithout many hours of planning, hard work, fl exibility,and cooperation. We are proud of the success of thisinternational championship under the able leadershipof Patricia Bartell and consider it an honor to havebeen a part of hosting 25 countries in our city.Patricia Bartell and CMA General SecretaryTrophy Award to Trophee Mondial Classical Winner Josef PuritsPietro Adragna, Champion from ItalyPatricia Bartell with VolunteersSenior Variety Award to Sam ThomasDance and Celebration at the Davenport HotelWinter Quarter 2012 17

Northwest Accordion NewsSimply Music LaunchBosnian Judge, Patricia Bartell and Frederic DeschampsAlexander Bodell (UK) Ann Jurcevich & Pietro Adragna(Italy)Holden Tubbs and Emil Haroldsonperforming Wednesday ConcertYevgeniy Nosov Receives CompetitionDiplomaSergio Poppa,Canada artistwith PatriciaBartellPatricia Bartell and Gilbert Reyes, Hohner Sponsor18Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsGary Blair in CastelfidardoGary visited this year’s International AccordionCompetition in Castelfi dardo, Italy, “the home of the accordion”,as Gary said. With two friends, he visited theBorsini factory where his friend, Seamus, had broughthis accordion for a makeover. That included a “respray,tuning, and general tidy up”. As you would expect hehad the opportunity to play a few Borsini accordionswhile he was there.Paolo Soprani invited the two to play in the townsquare on the “café” stage and also at another venue inthe “quaint town”. Gary said that it was especially greatto meet up with many friends from the Accordion world:Frederic Deschamps, Alexander Dmitriev, GiancarloCaporilli, Cristiano Lui. ALL wonderful musicians, inGary’s words.He says that the competitions were “quieter” thisyear than in the past but still to a great standard. Therewere many concerts by world renowned artists whichwere topped off by Gary regarded as an “amazing concertby Russian accordionist, Petr Dranga.Gary concluded his account saying that he hopesto visit Castelfi dardo again in the not too distant future.Giancarlo Borsini with GarySeamus O’Sullivan with GaryGary with Paolo SopraniGary with Skyler FellWinter Quarter 2012 19

Northwest Accordion NewsBy the Way –From Doris OsgoodCONTRATULATIONS, Sam Thomas. Sam placedfi rst in the SeniorVariety division inthe internationalaccordioncompetition,Trophee Mondial.The event wasthe 62 nd in thehistory of thecompetition and thefi rst time to havebeen held in theUnited States. Thecompetitors wereelite, accomplishedyoung accordionistsfrom around theworld. Sam isa young mannow and manyin the northwest take pride in having followed hismusical journey since he was a young boy. Hisaccomplishment was especially sweet since theprestigious competition was held in Spokane,Washington. Sam grew up in the area and had hisfamily, friends, and teacher attending. Master teacher,Ilmar Kuljus was especially joyful in Sam’s winningperformances. He and his late wife, Dolly, invested alot of themselves in his training. The young SammyThomas endured diffi cult circumstances and hadtimes of discouragement. Sam Thomas has risen likethe Phoenix and we are all thrilled to see that he has.Well done, Sam.Dan Grauman, coordinator of the Mesa Eventwrites, “I am attaching the fl yer for the 2013 event,which we had to rename “Mesa Accordion Event” foradministrative reasons. Stas was selected by Frankas Assistant Musical Director for his event, because,in Frank’s own words, “If the time ever comes that Icannot continue to direct this event, Stas is the onlyperson I would trust to keep it going”. Obviously,we did not expect that time to come so quickly andsuddenly. We will have one very special eveningduring our 2013 event, when we will celebrate Frank’slife and contributions to the accordion world. Thisevening is open to registered participants only. Thefi nal concert on Sunday, February 17 is open to thepublic. We will poll our registered participants to seewhether they would like to continue this event. Many20Winter Quarter 2012will have participated annually since our fi rst campin 2007, but we realize that the economy, diffi cultyof taking accordions on planes, the emergence ofnew accordion events all over the country, and otherfactors, make it more and more challenging to keepan event of this type going.Happy Birthday, Eileen Hagen of Portland, Oregon.Eileen celebrated her 80 th year in November and alsoher 62 nd year of teaching. Congratulations!Just as this publication went to press, NWAS memberLouis Traverso called to say that he didn’t havetime to revise his ad. Lou has been selling his vastcollection of accordions. His wife said that he couldonly keep 4; Lou turned 88 in November! The reasonLou couldn’t run his last ad was that he’d sold fouraccordions from the page! If you have a need for aused instrument, contact Lou at: 206-550-7806New book released of interest to accordionistseverywhere. Dr. Lynda Griffi th writes, “ I am pleasedto announce that my book Playing Well, Preventionand Biomechanics of Musician Injuries is fi nallyfi nished and available online. I hope you will haveinterest in what I have presented. I launched the bookat Accordionists and Teachers Guild this past weekand it was very well received. Please take a look at itby clicking on the link below and feel free to forwardthis to all your accordionist friends, teachers andmedical practitioners who treat musician injuries.”Playing Well, Prevention and Biomechanics ofMusician InjuriesWith a Focus on Accordionists, Concertinists andBandoneonistswww.playingwellbook.orgToby Hanson writes, ”Winter is always a slow timefor the polka band which is a very welcome changeafter Oktoberfest season. I played 28 jobs in sevenweeks. Whew! During the winter lull I like to work onrecordings. I’m hoping that over this winter I’ll be ableto fi nish the recording I started with my band back in2010 but never got to fi nish because life has a way ofpopping obstacles up in my way.In other news, I just completed a recording withone of my other groups, the Valse Café Orchestra.It’s a recording of light classical and some jazz. Ithas seventeen tracks, one of which I wrote, therest I arranged. I played piano on most of it but Idid manage to get the accordion on a couple of thesongs including a really great recording of the oldtango “Jalousie.” I hope to have copies available forsale sometime in the future. Valse Café is comingto Portland on February 2nd. I know I’ll have someavailable for sale by then.”

Northwest Accordion NewsMark Greathouse and his wife travel regularly andoften. While away from their Tigard, OR home theyvisit Helena’s Czech Republic home area and manageto include other sites. All the while they are away,they perform – just as they do when they are home.Mark recently wrote, “We are back in Prague havingjust returned from two great experiences (Kenya andGermany). Just yesterday we did a performance in amusical series at the Comeniuszentrum sponsoredby the church of the Czech Brethern in the town ofEbersdorf, Germany. We did an hour-long programwith great audience enthusiasm. I even playedMagnante’s “Czardas” with Helena doing somechoreographed dancing in the second half.”The fi rst gathering of accordion enthusiasts in Idahowas successful. They have decided to meet regularlyat a retirement complex in Nampa, ID. Check thelisting in this publication for the Gem State AccordionClub. Dianne Lansing of Caldwell, ID is excitedparticularly since Jack Donahue moved close toBoise. Jack’s an experienced player and has providedinspiration and encouragement to the group. Dianneis still the contact person at slansing757@gmail.comRecently Minnesota’s Dan Newton toured the Pacifi cNorthwest. He performed at the FolkLife fest inSeattle and then played a series of “home concerts”.I’d never really heard of the idea. It’s an old one –having soirees in one’s home – and for all of thoseable to participate, the venue was perfect. At thePortland program, many local accordion enthusiastsand other music lovers enjoyed an intimatesetting with a master musician. Immediately afterleaving Portland, Dan played on the “Prairie HomeCompanion” as part of the Guy’s All Star Shoe Band.Bonnie Birch has had a demanding autumnperformance schedule. Most of her schedule wasfor private functions and events where one wouldnot ordinarily see the accordion’s use. She recentlyplayed in an international event as part of anorchestra playing “Rhapsody in Blue.” Her part wasto represent the Netherlands, complete with authenticcostume. The music was fi lmed to go along with avideo that was showing while the music was beingplayed.I shared with many friends the experience I hadfor my last radiation treatment. The technicians,Robert and Kathy, whom I worked with daily wereexceptionally considerate professionals. Robert cuedaccordion music each day during my treatments. Heeven downloaded “Spanish Dances” from JorgenSundeqvist’s latest CD; I heard that and accordionselections from every genre of music. At my lastDan Newton Home ConcertNancy Kaye, Glenda McLean, Dan Newton, Connie Weimer,and Jeanne Olsonsession, Robert cued the music as usual. However Iheard an orchestra playing “Pomp and Circumstance”.I started laughing… They weren’t fi nished with that.As I got to my feet the background music started.The two of them broke in to a duet singing “HappyTrails to You”. Roy and Dale never did it as well. Theaccordion had an important role in my 33 radiationtreatments; it made an otherwise clinical experiencepersonal. I appreciated it very much.Remember to submit your articles and otherinformation to our magazine address: NWAS News5102 NE 121 st Ave Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682Check the web site, www.nwasnews.com for currentevents and updates.Winter Quarter 2012 21

Northwest Accordion NewsTo teach is to touch a life forever.By Kathy SeufertWhile standing at the podium listening to MarcWald’s beautiful accordion music and gathering mythoughts before I spoke, my eyes scanned the church,looking for a familiar face. Ah, there was Evelyn Wilson.Her daughter, Alice Currie and I are “best buds”, longtime teaching colleagues and seasoned Earl Gray teadrinkers!!!! But my eyes darted back… to the man sittingbeside her. He “caught” me sizing him up. I had tocontain my surprise; remain sedate as I recalled theconnection. I KNEW who he was; although after fortyplus years; gone was his curly hair and perched on theend of his nose were “grandpa“ glasses. But he didn’thave a clue who I was…. until I started to speak; to honorCrawford Clarke; my “advanced” accordion teacherand founder of the music studio I attended and whereI later taught during my high school days… the adeptman who took me from Good Night Irene to Gavotte. Isaw Evelyn nudge him and whisper “what ever” and itwas an OMG moment. Tom’s face broke into his famous“dancing eyes” smile and afterwards he said excitedly,“You’re all grown-up. What happened to your braids andsaddle oxfords?” “I hope you still play your accordion;remember what makes you come alive…….”. That wasour ONLY and LAST conversation since my childhoodalthough the rest of the story is quite remarkable; includingthe “full circle” journey of a beautiful accordion. Herewe are back to that “silver web” theory… the one thatlinks people and circumstances in such uncanny ways…I couldn’t help but remember my fi rst accordionlesson…..3:30 Thursday, January 16, 1958 (smile) ; asteely gray afternoon…my mother was fretting aboutbeing caught in a snow storm as we drove to town…the day my life changed so profoundly. How gentle andkind he was…. telling me I would play a song beforethe session was over. (“Really! That should impress myDad,” thinks I. After all a music lesson cost the same asa case of beer… $2.50.. so I better learn something!!))I recall not saying a word to him for weeks.. other thana “thank you” when I left (or else my mother would giveme “what for”; as her theory was good manners nevergo out of style. Hmm!!). Little did he know I could hardlywait for my next lesson… excited to learn …so one dayI could play as well as Uncle Frank. The main attraction,however, was simply staring at his BIG accordion;complete with personalized initials on the grill and fancy“pearl” keys. This little girl was totally mesmerized by themusic he made. At that young age I learned that musicis what feelings sound like!!!Thomas George Peacock ; born March 22, 1939 toFlorence and George, began studying the accordion asa young boy also under the tutelage of Crawford Clarkeand later taught at this same studio for several yearsincluding “young beginners like moi..” It seems everyaccordion player had a dance band and Tom was noexception. The call of radio broadcasting, however, wassimply too strong and so Tom left the accordion “business”and started another career. Being an announceron CHUB in small town Nanaimo led to far bigger venues,including a “D J” stint in Santa Barbara, Californiawhere son Greg was born.His velvety, smooth voice brought him and his familyback “up the coast” to Seattle and then Vancouver wherehe was affi liated with Radio Station C-FUN (greatestrock ‘n’ roll on the West Coast).Son Brad was born andbrought the family additional joy. Tom later became amain player/owner of “country/western” CKWX for theduration of his career. Although Tom’s life led him downexciting, uncharted paths… rubbing shoulders manytimes with the rich and famous…he never forgot hisroots and his love of accordion music. He liked nothingbetter than to play at a party or family get-together (aftera couple of beers.) Jamming with Diana Krall’s mother,Adela, on piano, always made for great jazz sounds.That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp was Tom’s signaturesong and absolutely no one could equal him!!!! He alsoloved to compose jazz; often “ad-libbing” on that samepearl-keyed accordion; just letting it all unfold. A truegenius!!!And now I return to my “guided journey” or “silverweb” theory. Penny Vicenti, in her book The Decision,page 644 states, “Coincidence is a powerful force. It runsits apparent untrammeled way, linking people acrosscontinents, events across time. Everyone has a particu-22Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion Newslarly striking example of it: A close relative of coincidenceis chance ….” which takes me back to the beginning ofRemembering Robert Troxelthis story regarding the silver web connecting me andmy dear friend Alice. We met “in the trenches” in 1989;Long time accordionist and Newport, OR resident,Robert E Troxel passed away May 12, 2012both of us teaching in a “high needs” school. I was inSpecial Education; Alice a gifted classroom teacher. Oneafter a lengthy illness. Bob rarely left the OregonMonday morning I waltzed into her room to inquire aboutcoast. He played and taught there for many years.some students and in the process asked her how sheAt his Celebration of Life his fi rst accordion, a 12was. Well, she told me!!!! Her shocking reply blind-sidedbass from 1934 – 35 was on display. Seven of hisme momentarily but I gained an even deeper respect forstudents entertained the guests and young childrenthis petite gal who I could see would take on “anyone”.belonging to Gina and Anna Capri danced.No one messed with Alice!!!!! Fast forward to about tenThe NWAS extends sincere sympathy to Bob’syears later… same school…a professional developmentfamily and his beloved wife, Rose. They had beenmeeting… one of those team building events. The taskmarried for 46 years.was to jot down something “unknown” about yourselfand of course, staff members would try to ascertain whothe mystery person was!!!!! My meager contribution wasthat I played accordion!!!! No one guessed and I fi nallywhispered to Alice;“ ’Tis me. I am the accordion geek!!!!”humbleness. How lovely when husband dear plays andI still remember her look of disbelief. “How can thisthe beautiful music from Uncle Tom’s accordion fl oatsbe??? We’ve known each other for years and you neverup the stairs!! My eyes mist over……….. and I think oftold me.” My reply was, “You never asked.” She startedsome of his favorite things ( as written on the back ofbabbling that her Uncle Tom was a fabulous accordionist.Did I know him? OMG!!!!!!!!!!! Her uncle was myhis memorial card)……gin and tonic with cucumber aboard the Sea Jazzfi rst music teacher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The silver webbeer and Clamato juiceconnecting folks near and far……..week-ends and biking at WhistlerTom Peacock died April 15, 2006 from heart complications.Such a loss… such a young age. The familywalks (saunters) with The FrogThe Peacock Openwas stunned. Although an elaborate Celebration of LifeDanielle Peacocktook place at the Hollyburn Country Club in Vancouver,getting the Gipper ReportTom wished to have his ashes scattered with those of hisSeattle Seahawkslate mother, at his (and everyone’s) favorite swimmingVancouver Canuckshole ; the Colliery Dam; a beautiful wooded park downFrank Sinatrathe street from where he grew up in Harewood; nowjazzknown as the University District. I had very mixed emotionswhen Alice asked me to “squeeze” my accordion atPalm SpringsThe Grillthe “event” . My Lord, this isn’t a dance, it’s not a party..pastaWhatever would I play????? She finally agreed to strumgardeningguitar with me and selected some favorite songs. It wasmaking CD’sa rainy, grey We(s)t Coast day. Richard, Alice’s husband,shopping for clothesheld an umbrella over my head as we concluded withMulti- talented beyond belief, my fi rst accordionThe Beer Barrel Polka. Later, back at Wilson’s, Gregteacher, molded my “musical career;” laid the foundationfor my future; made a gangly, shy kid believe shestood up and said the family; including Tom’s long timepartner, Carole, had a meeting and decided to give theircould do just about anything (now they call it buildingdad’s prized Titano accordion to ME!!!!!!! They wantedself -esteem). I realized only a few years ago that musicit to be cared for, cherished and played!!!!! That beautifulaccordion with the pearl keys and fancy initials nowreally does wash away from the soul the dust of everydaylife. Thank you can never express my gratitude to theis in my music room at home. I have been inductedgift he bestowed upon me. He touched my life forever.into the Peacock/Wilson/Currie family; providing UncleHe made a difference.Tom’s accordion comes to every party!! Indeed it has…REST IN PEACEat Evelyn and Fred’s 60 th anniversary and also at her80 th . Greg videoed “Glow Worm” and uploaded it onYou Tube. Now I can say Uncle Tom’s accordion andI have “gone viral”. I play it with such reverence andWinter Quarter 2012 23

Northwest Accordion NewsKeeping up with Cory PesaturoCory Pesaturo, award winning accordionist,continues to dazzle all with his performances. Recentlyhe performed with Wynton Marsalis, at Tanglewood,the summer home of the Boston SymphonyOrchestra. Wynton Marsalis is a trumpeter, composer,teacher, music educator, and Artistic Director of Jazzat Lincoln Center in New York City, United States.Marsalis has promoted the appreciation of classicaland jazz music often to young audiences. Marsalishas been awarded nine Grammys in both genres, anda jazz recording of his was the fi rst of its kind to winthe Pulitzer Prize for Music.Cory also performed for the French AmericanCultural Society in San Francisco on September 8th.As he did last year, Cory will perform on live TV, duringthe Columbus Day Parade starting with GracieMansion on Tuesday October 2 nd , hosted by MayorBloomberg. Cory will perform with American IdolFinalist, Elise Testone. On this years’ American Idol,Elise sang “Vienne” by Billy Joel accompanied by anaccordionist. Cory will accompany Elise on this songon live TV.Cory performs with Zulu Time Trio at the NewBridge on the Charles on October 6th at 8 PM. ZuluTime is a New England based trio committed to puttingtheir unique spin on music from around the world.Recent performances in and around Boston have metwith great praise, and the trio is happy to announcethe release of their fi rst album in June 2011. ZuluTime performs a vast array of repertoire, including folkmusic from Europe, tangos, French musette, Klezmer,jazz standards, and classical works.The trio’s colorful arrangements and dazzling performancesare sure to keep audiences on their toes.Members are: Gabriel Solomon, violin; Richey Tally,bass; Cory Pesaturo, accordion.Violinist Yasmine Azaiez and Cory will be takingtheir Duo Improvisation and Pop Music project toFrance for a 9 day Festival, Grand Suffl et, in Rennes,France. They will also teach improvisation and eartraining at a French School as part of the festival.Yasmine is of Tunisian origin and a violinist of internationalrenown. Cory and Yasmine have mixed bowand bellows, jazz, tango and world music.As evidence, they saw the magic of the duo andthe opportunity to create a new project. The GreatBellows has a chance to hear both sides of their talentincluding electro pop around the accordion, violin andvoice, electric capital formula and an acoustic versionand world music.24Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsImprovising Chords (Part 2 of 4)By Gary DahlWinter Quarter 2012 25

Northwest Accordion NewsThomas stars at accordion competitionAdrian Rogers The Spokesman-ReviewNovember 4, 2012Sam Thomas has traveled far and wide to play hisaccordion in national and international competitions. Tomake his mark on accordion history, the 23-year-old hadto travel a mile and a half from the apartment he shareswith his mother near downtown Spokane to the BingCrosby Theater. Playing a diversity of music includingJoe Spano’s “Chopin’s Nightmare,” Frank Marocco’sjazz piece “Take Ten,” and “a smoke-pot-on -the-beachdrinking-a-margaritatype song” called “Rumba Cubani,”Thomas became the fi rst American to place first in theTrophée Mondial in more than 25 years. The competitionwas held in Spokane, its first U.S. appearance. Thomaswon the “senior variety” category, squeaking past MacedonianAleksandar Kolovski to claim the $2,000 prize.Russia’s Josif Purits placed fi rst in the “senior classical”category, taking the Trophée Mondial’s biggestprize, $6,000. It was the fi rst time a U.S. accordionisthas won his or her category since 1986, competitionorganizer Patricia Bartell said. It was a re-emergenceon the major stage for Thomas, who last competed in anational or international competition when he was 18.As a teen he competed in the American Accordionists’Association’s national competition four times, winningtwice. He also traveled overseas twice to compete in theCoupe Mondiale, another international competition. Heand his mother, Pamela Thomas, were used to the road.Thomas was 11 when he started taking lessonswith Ilmar Kuljus, who ran the Accordia-Nova studio inSpokane and taught hundreds of students over 50-plusyears. But Kuljus retired soon after Thomas started, sellinghis studio and moving to Arizona. So Pamela Thomasdrove her home schooled son south every spring. TheThomases lived with Kuljus for a month at a time, spendinghours a day in lessons. Pamela Thomas – who’dtaken some accordion lessons on her own – listenedand learned along with her son, and she served asteacher back in Spokane. Then, in 2006, Sam’s fatherdied. He and his mother carried out plans to travel toNorway, for the Coupe Mondiale, but after that Thomasslowed as a competitor. The family had to go to workand pool their resources, Pamela Thomas said. For hispart, Sam Thomas works at a downtown Exxon station.And, in his grief, Thomas just didn’t want to compete orperform anymore. When he played, it was begrudgingly.“Not only were we out of money, but it just kind of leftme done with that point of view,” he said.When he learned the Trophée Mondial would takeplace in Spokane, he decided to take the stage again.Before the fi nal results, Thomas said, he thought he’dBartell is the force behind this week’s internationalaccordion festAdrian Rogers - The Spokesman-ReviewOctober 21, 2012Patricia Bartell is a native Bolivian, adopted whenshe was nearly 5 by parents who took her home toCharlo, Mont., seven miles northeast of the NationalBison Range. Her first musical influence, when it came tothe accordion, was one of her 17 siblings – a big brotherwho got to play one. She was 8 when her parents gavein and let her take lessons, too. Her second infl uencewas that fi rst teacher, a woman who was at least 80and lived in Missoula, an hour’s drive from Charlo. Shevisited that woman every month or two until she died,depending on how often her family could make the trip.That fi rst teacher “didn’t know anything about technique,but she knew how to have fun,” Bartell said. “Shetaught me how to have fun with my music, and that carriedme through many, many different things.” You neverknow where you’ll fi nd your infl uence, said Bartell, 34,an acclaimed accordionist and teacher in Spokane. Youplace in the top three, but he wasn’t sure where. Hecredits the win to the variety in his repertoire, but alsohis “American style.” “The European bloc kids, they gettheir variety of pieces, but they all kind of play them thesame. They add in the same little riffs,” he said. “ThenI get up there and I go from jazz to French tunes to onthe beach, with my American style.”Bartell, the event organizer and a Spokaneaccordion teacher, saidThomas’ category is thecompetition’s most popular.Each candidate playstwo rounds of music of justnine minutes or less each.So they must demonstratetheir skill quickly. “I wason the jury panel and althoughI can’t judge formy own country, I watchedSam take the stage, sitdown and perform like achampion,” Bartell wrote inan email. “We are all veryproud of him. He did USAproud and performed likea true artist.”Copyright 2012. Reproducedwith permissionof The Spokesman-ReviewBell & ReedACCORDIONWOODWIND* * *REPAIRTUNINGSALESRENTALSINSTRUCTION* * *www.bellandreed.comtel (206) 696-9054115 Prefontaine Pl S (401)Seattle, WA 98104by appointment26Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion Newsnever know how one thing will lead to another. Take theinternational accordion championships coming to Spokanethis week. Forty-eight musicians – each deemedamong the best in their countries – will converge on thecity to compete for a world title. They’ll be judged by aninternational jury. That path here, Bartell said, startedwith her relationship with another Spokane musician,a pianist who taught her a new way to make and hearmusic. “It’s an interesting thread, how it came to be,”Bartell said. “People infl uence things and sometimesdon’t even know it.”‘Catch people with a pulse’Bartell’s infl uences vary, as do her students inSpokane – those drawn to the accordion by the soundsthey heard as they passed her studio door, those who’velearned that hitting the right keys or buttons at the righttime is just the start, those who’ve risen quickly underher tutelage to compete internationally.But as for this week’s meeting of musicians andjudges from around the world, the thread starts withone teacher in particular, Kendall Feeney, a well-knownpianist at Eastern Washington University who, in all heryears in the music world, had not run into the accordionmuch. Bartell, who also teaches piano, sought outFeeney a few years ago to learn a way of playing thatcan prevent repetitive-stress injuries among students.Feeney taught an intriguing method she’d stumbledacross called the Taubman Approach. By focusing onpianists’ tiny movements as they’re playing – alignmentof fi ngers, rotations of forearms – the Taubman methodcan reduce strain. As Bartell learned, it also can helpmusicians play more expressively. When Bartell decidedto enter an accordion competition in Washington, D.C.,she and Feeney left behind the piano and switched toBartell’s main instrument.Feeney broke down the expression part – the musicianship– into the tiniest bites. A piece of music playedtechnically perfectly – each note hit and held as writtenon the page – but lacking good musicianship is like agrammatically correct conversation held in monotone.“We’re not feeling it, we’re not expressing it, we’re notshowing the energy behind it to emphasize certainthings,” Bartell said. “It’s not hard to judge, you just knowit when you hear it.”But it can be hard to do. Before studying withFeeney, she said, she’d get it sometimes. But it wasalmost accidental – she’d get there, but she wasn’t surehow. She remembered a piece she played in college,a W.A. Mozart composition she said she found boring.She played louder where the music said to play louder,40thanniversaryMyron Floren tribute“Lets Squeeze Together”JULY8th–13th2013Winter Quarter 2012 27

Northwest Accordion Newsor softer or slower. “It meant nothing to me,” she said.“But that was before I even knew something couldmean something to you.” Until one day it did. She “got apicture,” she said. The piece suddenly reminded her ofsomething, and she was able to interpret it in a certainway, express it as an individual. Still, she didn’t knowhow to duplicate that for another piece. Feeney gave hertools, Bartell said, to take from piece to piece. “And itwas then I understood musicianship,” Bartell said. “Shejust made everything come alive.” Bartell went to thatcompetition Washington, D.C., where she placed third inthe world, and where judges were “stunned,” she said,that anyone from the West Coast could play at that level“as a musician, not just technically.” She met FrédéricDeschamps, a world-class accordionist and president ofthe organization that runs Trophée Mondial, which ledto her study with Deschamps in France.In France, she asked Deschamps to critique a CDshe’d released. He was impressed enough to inviteher to serve in the international pool of judges for theTrophée Mondial. She remains the only American onthe jury. She invited him to work with her students inSpokane, and during one of his visits, he told Bartell hethought the next Trophée Mondial should take placein Spokane. She agreed to organize it. “He listened to(that CD),” Bartell said. “He says, ‘You know, you havean ear to hear the subtleties of music,’ and he said, ‘Thisis what we need on the jury.’ He said, ‘Not everybodycan hear these subtleties.’ Well, I didn’t, until Kendallopened up that world to me.”A famous pianist, Artur Schnabel, was quoted inthe Chicago Daily News in 1958 as saying, “The notesI handle no better than many pianists. But the pausesbetween the notes – ah, that is where the art resides.”With Bartell, Feeney said, she worked on timing andrhythm, “how you catch people with a pulse.” “Somebodycan do a brush stroke with the same brush and the samespeed and all the same paint, and somebody’s will havenuance and will breathe and have life, and others justwon’t,” Feeney said. “It’s about how you time.”‘Encouraging, but also demanding’Back in the day, Spokane was an accordion town.Ilmar Kuljus, an Estonian immigrant who taught Bartellat Whitworth College, was here to see it. “In 1952, wecame to Spokane which, back then, was the hottestaccordion town in the country. In those days, I alwayshad 50 or 60 students,” he told The Spokesman-Reviewupon his retirement in 2006.While Bartell believes the stigma that’s since grownup around the instrument is fading, especially among ayounger generation of musicians, accordion players arestill relatively rare. Yet Spokane is sending three of theUnited States’ fi ve delegates to the Trophée Mondial:Yevgeniy Nosov, 24; Gabriel Soileau, 16; and NaomiHarris, 12 – all Bartell’s students. They and others getinstruction and practice in her studio at Music City onNorth Monroe Street, crowding in between the pianoand the electric fi replace.As a teacher, Bartell advocates a teaching methodcalled Simply Music, a “playing-based” approach thatlets students learn to perform songs quickly, rather thanrequiring them to learn to read music at the start. Sheis at the center of an effort to adapt it for beginning accordionists.She also draws on techniques she learnedfrom both Feeney and Deschamps. Among them: afocus on how students move as they’re playing, saidSoileau, a high school junior who also plays piano andbass. More so than with other instruments, he said,seemingly unrelated movements in an accordionist’sbody affect its sound: “It’s strapped to you. It’s like part ofyou.” Bartell might tell her students to move their headsvery fast when they’re playing fast notes, or to raisetheir eyebrows, which “makes the whole body lightenup,” Soileau said.Among Nosov’s competition pieces is one called“Revelation,” written by Sergey Voytenko as an apologyto his own teacher. It’s a plea, Nosov said: Please,take me back. “You have to, in a way, act the piece out,”said Nosov, who also teaches at Bartell’s studio. “It’s achallenge. You have to tap into places where you don’tnormally go. If you’re portraying a bad guy, you have tobe the bad guy. If you’re this heartbroken student that’sbawling your eyes out, you have to portray that.”Harris, a seventh-grader, will be the youngest personever to play in the competition. “(Bartell) wants youto do really well, so she pushes you really hard,” shesaid. “But I like that, how she wants us to do so well thatshe pushes us and pushes us. And the outcome is thatyou do well in competitions.” “She’s a very energeticteacher, and very demanding, which would be expected,”Soileau said. “Encouraging, but also demanding.”Stage presenceHearing Bartell play is not just about hearing, Feeneysaid. “She’s all about giving what she has as a musicianand a person through her instrument straight out tothe audience,” she said. “First of all, accordionists getto face the audience, unlike pianists. People talk aboutthis totally giving nature of her countenance, and thisincredible presence she brings to the stage.”Bartell will take the stage again Tuesday, during theTrophée Mondial’s opening ceremony. There, too, will beFeeney – they play together in a quartet, Tango Volcado,scheduled to perform along with the Spokane Symphonyand world champion accordionist Grayson Masefi eld.Speaking weeks before the event’s start date – but notso many that she didn’t know how many days, exactly,28Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsA View From the WingsBy Ken SniderLike many of Patricia Bartell’s friends andstudents, I volunteered to help with the “TrophéeMondial.” I didn’t know quite what to expect. Being astudent of Patricia’s for the last few years, I know shetraveled to some far-off place every year to judge inthe event. She would tell us of her experiences, andwe thought we had a good idea of what they were.But, like the Grand Canyon, until you’ve seen it withyour own eyes, you have no idea how impressive it is.Just the scale of the thing was amazing. Therewere candidates and judges from all over the world,including many Russians, Italians, and Chinese.The US fi elded fi ve, there was a Brazilian girl anda charismatic Mexican performer. If that weren’tenough, Pietro Adragno, a recent world championshe had to pull it all together – Bartell looked forward tothat moment, when she would step onto the stage andsee her teacher there. It’ll be an honor, she said, to stepout with Feeney, whose infl uence she credits so heavilyfor her own success, and whose infl uence her own studentsare feeling, too. “She doesn’t even realize, to thisday, how much she plays a part in all this,” Bartell said.Copyright 2012. Reproduced with permission ofThe Spokesman-ReviewCastiglione Accordionsfrom Italy was on hand just to entertain both atevening concerts and in the atrium at River ParkSquare every day. He is an entertainer, to say theleast, look him up on YouTube!I was lucky to be helping backstage, so I gotto meet all of the candidates and be a small part ofthe proceedings by ushering them on stage. Theyall seemed so young, even those competing on thesenior division. They were polite, concentrated, andmost of all terrifyingly good.The classical competition kicked off the event,and the absolute perfection of almost every candidatewas incredible---jaw-dropping, at least in the fi gurativesense. And, most of their programs were 15-20minutes long. The variety portion of the competitionfollowed, and over the next four days, the 48 or soaccordionists appeared in nerve-wracking round afterround. All kinds of accordions, all kinds of music, andgood crowds really made this an experience that I’llfondly remember.Thanks to good organization and much work byall involved, and spear-headed by the inspiring andtireless Patricia Bartell, the fi rst “Trophée Mondial” tobe hosted in the United States was a great success.Contestants, judges, staff, audiences and all of themany volunteers attested to the quality of this worldclassevent.We are one of the principle peoplein selling the new “Virtual RolandReedless” AccordionsPlease visit our web site, www.castiglioneaccordions.comClick on Roland and then lookand listen to the Audio-Visualdemonstration of the instrument.Importers and ExportersFeaturing Castiglione, Beltuna,Scandalli, Guerrini, Excelsior, Dallapé,Tyrolean and moreAll types of accordions - piano,diatonic, chromatic buttonNew and Used - MIDI and ElectronicsBuy - Sell - Trade - Repair - Tunejohncast@bignet.nethttp://www.castiglioneaccordions.comPhone: (586) 755-6050Fax (586) 755-6339Winter Quarter 2012 29

Northwest Accordion News30Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsForest Grove’s Autumn SocialBy Doris OsgoodLate summer and autumn hasn’t been a “normal”time for me. Changing the date for the social waschallenging too. Gary had to work and the communitycenter had activities preventing early set up. However,members of the Tualatin Valley Accordionistsswooped in and the set up happened in a fl ash. Theywere miracle workers and I appreciated them morethan ever.With the social meeting at a different time otherthings were also different about our autumn event. Wehad fi rst time players, we had birthdays to celebrate,and we had a guest performer.We began with our soloists. Jeanne Olson, fi rsttime soloist, started the afternoon with “La Sorella”.Ann Thompson, also a fi rst time soloist, played“Ashokan Farwell” and an arrangement of “Night andDay” which she fi rst played in San Diego in 1944!She’d preserved the date on her music to be certain.Allison Wheelerfrom Roseburg,now age 13, played“Life in the FinnishWoods” and wasjoined by her grandfather,Dick Carlsonof Tillamook for alively schottischecalled “Hills of Kinney”.Allison’s usualduet partner is hersister, Emily. Emilyhad a soccer game.We’re happy to report that her team won! Next upwas Kathy Grambsch. She played “Hejre Kate” andEileen Hagen served as her turnist. Kathy also playedGalla-Rini’s arrangement of “Fascination”. As wasevident in Kathy’s performance, the Maestro usedcomplex and beautiful bass work.Forest Grove has a very large population ofDutch descendents. Here, there are many “Duyck”families. Jon Dyk was raised in the Netherlands.Jon explained that the “Dyk” families were from thenorth and “Duyck” families were from the south. Bothnames are pronounced the same way. Jon playedSouth African folk melodies. Diane Hagen followedwith “The Ragamuffi n” and “Bel Viso Polka”.Next we had Leonard Kosatka playing “12 thStreet Rag” and TBA (I didn’t catch his title). I wasproud that Leonard had one named piece on thesheet this time. Following was Paul Bria playing “Janet’sWaltz” and “Across the Plains”.“UncleYascha”, akaGerson Robboy,performednext. He played“Yascha Yascha”complete withhand puppet, and“I Found a MillionDollar Baby”.Ed Makovskytraveled up fromPleasant Hill toplay “TwilightTime” and “Champagne Polka”. He was followed byHans Friedrichswho played “Carmella”and Lizette.My friend JohnGiuliani traveledfrom Renton toplay too. He played“It Had to Be You”and another piecethat he titled TBA.Glenda McLeanalso traveled toplay. She played“Callers Waltz” andTBA. Friends, Ihave to blamemy memory onradiation… Ithought I wouldcatch the titles,but I didn’t!Beforebreaking forrefreshmentsthere were VIP’sto acknowledge.We celebratedVera Wendel’s89 th birthday.Then we celebratedEileenHagen’s comingbirthday. She willbe 80 November17; additionally it will commemorate 62 years teachingaccordion in Portland.After the refreshment break and the drawing forWinter Quarter 2012 31

Northwest Accordion NewsJohn Giulianicash and prizes, the Tualatin Valley Accordionistsplayed. The ensemble played “Autumn Leaves”,“Beale St. Polka”, “The Nearness of You”, and “MexicaliRose”. Participating members were: Jon Dyk,Glenda McLean, Mickey Eaton, Dick Carlson, AllisonWheeler, Rosalee Sherman, Colleen Halverson,Nancy Kaye, Connie Weimer, Ann Thompson,Jeanne Olson, Jack Jones, Pamelajean Myers,Paul Bria, Wil Knoop, Vera Wendel, Geoff Levear,and Doris Osgood.Our next performer is a young woman whommany here have watched grow up. She started playingaccordion at age 6 when her family happenedAlicia Bakeron the competitions in Kimberley one summer whilecamping. After that she started studying accordionwith Eileen Hagen and added the instrument to hertraining on piano and voice. As a college senior nowat Oregon State University, Alicia Baker is becominga fi ne musician and is also a very lovely youngwoman. Since she represents the Roland Corp, Aliciaplayed her Roland virtual accordion for her programhere. She demonstrated her skill with programmingand using the various special features along with herskill as an accordionist. For her program she startedwith Joe Morelli’s “Strip the Triplets”. She had playedthis in Kimberley as part of her award winning performance;Alicia is reigning “Happy Hans” champion2012!She continued with an original composition entitled“Musette Au Fromage Bleu” (aka Blue CheeseWaltz). She followed with “Cumana”, “La Vie En Rose”with her vocal accompaniment, “Tennessee Waltz:”with vocal and Geoff Levear providing the impromptuboom mic… A Dixieland style piece called “Struttin’Geoff Levear provides “boom mic”with some BBQ”, a Frank Marocco tribute on “IntoSomewhere- Out of Nowhere”, a classical styled piecebased on Russian folk melodies entitled “Meadowlands”,“Gitarereas”, “Rhapsody in Blue”, “O CaminoCaro” and “O Sole Mio” with vocals, “La Bourasque”, The spring social in Forest Grove will resume the“Skinny’s Polka”, and Eileen Hagen’s arrangement 4 th Sunday schedule, which is our norm. Plan to beof “Tico Tico”. For her encore she played “Tanzende in Forest Grove April 28, 2013. A guest will also beFinger Polka” (aka Bartender Polka).performing; that will be revealed later on. So, join usOur “different” afternoon turned out to a wonderful just for the fun of it.time. Knowing that Alicia was coming, all of our performersprepared and played well. It was FABULOUS.32Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsSeattle Accordion SocialBy Marjorie Rombauer(Socials were not held in July or August)September 10, 2012The social was held at the West Seattle SeniorCenter this month, organized by John Giuliani. Itfeatured an interesting variety of music, includingLatin, Cajun, Old Time, and International.Together they played lively Cajun music, with Markplaying a button box, both with obvious enthusiasmand enjoyment. The music was infectious, withdynamic rhythms and tonal variety. It was all newto me and I didn’t get the titles. In the end, Markswitched to the accordion and played a fast andfurious number, then a slower and more sentimentalnumber, and fi nally, “Jambalaya.”David Locke began the program in his usualrelaxed style, playing six numbers that included “It’sMagic,” “Girl From Ipanema” and a musette that wasa work out with lovely harmonies.Then came the Old Time music of Ted Lunka,playing a button box; Jack Morrison, the 88 year olddrumming wonder, and John Giuliani on string bass.They began with a lively polka and then played “TheHappy Wanderer” and “Just Because,” with most ofus singing along with them. They played two morenumbers, including a lovely Slovenian waltz.Lenny Luzi followed with his Prima Basso Band,playing an extended International program with greatverve and enthusiasm. Playing with him were two ofhis students, Clinton Patterson on acoustic guitarand Stan Johansson on string bass. They beganwith Italian music, followed by French, Greek, moreA new duo followed – Mark Myking and a violinist named Lucy Reuter.Winter Quarter 2012 33

Northwest Accordion NewsItalian and more French. Then some numbers I amfamiliar with: Chanson d’amour, an Edith Piaf number,“Evening in Roma,” “Amore,” and “I Ain’t Got Nobody.”They concluded with Italian music.In all, a lively and entertaining evening.lyrics, “Roll Outthe Pancakes” and“In Heaven ThereAre No Pancakes.”He concluded withLokkeren Vals(Callers Waltz).The BonnieBirch trio followed,with Bonnieplaying theaccordion, Nickplaying his guitarand Paul playingthe tuba. Theycontinued theOktoberfest andinternational musicOctober 8, 2012Again at the West Seattle Senior Center, weheard lots of good music, beginning with musicfrom the acrobatic fi ngers of Einar Tapio. He beganwith lovely adaptations of Fritz Kreisler violin music,Liebesfreud and Schön Rosmarin. Then it was aRussian number, “Festival,” Sprätt-Olson shottis,Sakkijärven (a traditional Finnish Polka) , El Relicario(a paso doble), Yvette Horner’s “Caprice” (a waltzwith delicate runs), “The Cuckoo-bird Polka” (likeSuperman, faster than a speeding bullet), and awaltz, “Dearest Amanda.” Dick Svenson followed onhis chromatic accordion, beginning with Oktoberfestmusic, the Alte Peter waltz and Capri Fischer. Hethen played and sang his “pancake” songs with newwith Nick singing “Beer Here, Beer Here,” seguinginto “In Heaven There Is No Beer,” Kufstein waltz(Nick singing in German and yodelling in harmonywith Paul), “Merry Widow Waltz,” Strauss’s Radetzkymarch, Tequilla (shades of the UW Huskies!), anItalian Tarantella, Muss I Denn (with Nick singingin German and then Paul singing in English the“Wooden Heart” lyrics that Elvis Presley sang to thatmelody), and “Drink, Drink, Drink.”Birgit and Phil Ages concluded the evening,with Paul again playing the tuba. Beginning with Philplaying a concertina with a clear, bright tone, theyplayed In Munchen Steht Ein Hofbrauhaus and “RollOut the Barrel,” Phil singing the German words forthat melody. Then they played a Swiss number, withPhil yodelling, and “Happy Wanderer.” Phil switchedto the mandolin and they played a number with theaudience joining Birgit in singing. In the concludingnumber, Phil picked the melody on his mandolin.34Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsTacoma Accordion SocialBy Eloise Adair13 September 2012We had a very nice sunny day for the 40people that attended our social. Edith Barrett, JimLeonhard, Rick Hatley and Dick Myking playeda few pieces together while we were getting ourprogram together. Our fi rst performer was JerryOlson playing “Shine on Harvest Moon”, “Over theWaves” and “Moonglow”. Then we had a duet withJim Leonhard and Edith Barrett playing “You Are MySunshine”, “Tinker Polka”, “Return To Me” and “BlueSpanish Eyes” Then Annie Liedtke played her smallbutton box. She did a great job on “Le Tambourim” byRameau, “Passepied” by Bach and “Menuet” by Bach.Next was Eloise Adair playing “Balen I Karlstad”,“Rookies on Parade” and a polka by Pietro Frosini -“Coquette”.After our break Dick Svensson played anAmerican Medley but I didn’t get the names, the“Marina” and “Lokkeren”. David Emter was up nextplaying “Kufstein”, “Until We Meet” and ‘’’’Top of theHill”. Our last performer was Jon Persson. We hadsome extra time so he borrowed my accordion andplayed a French medley - “Pigale, La Seine andAll The Things You Are”. And then he played “KalaShaven’s Waltz” from Sweden. Then he put downthe Petosa accordion and picked up his new Rolandand he played “Tango La Cumparsita”, “Air on theG String” by Bach and “Phantom of the Opera” amedley.Rick Hatley and Michael Barbarossa did a duet.Their fi rst piece was “Blue Skirt Waltz” then “JustBecause” followed by “(Hey)The Wiggin Polka”. Wehad a good attendance - 45.8 November 2012Our accordion social tis month only had fi veaccordionists and one drummer and one volcalist.Mark Myking and Dobrila Marinkovich were thefi rst to perform. They played “Blues de Bosco”, “I’mCommin’ Home” and “Tule ton son ton.” Then Mark’sfather Dick Myking played “Kristiania Vals”, “OlandaToser” and “Frank’s Polka.” Bob Westland wasup next playing “Bonnevitle Waltz”, “Sweet Phyllis”and “Patrona Bavaria.” Eloise Adair was up nextbeginning with “Lordagsvalsen”, “Johan Pa Snippen”and “Livet I Finnskogarna.”Diane Crews was our vocalist singing “MidnightBlue.” Then David Emter played his little button boxbeginning with a waltz “Prune Song”, “Barber Polka”and “Peek A Boo Waltz.” We ran out of performers soMark and Dobrila played again, “Cartpenter Waltz”and “Hey! Mama.” Since we ran out of performersRick Hatley said we should have a jam session. Hehanded out books. He, Dick Myking, Mark Myking,Dobila Markinkovich, Bob Westlund, David Emterand Eloise Adair joined the group. We played “Life inthe Finish Woods”, “Eldelweiss”, “Snow Waltz”, “BelaMia”, “Happy Wanderer” and “God Bless America.”11 October 2012We had a good Oktoberfest meeting this month.The Jammers! Which were Rick Hatley, DickMyking and Michael Barbarossa played “BasaglerrPolka”, “Bella Mia”. “Beer Barrel Polka”, Edelweiss”,“Fre at Eul Des Leiders” and “Give Me My HeartBack”. Our fi rst performer was Michael Barbarossaplaying “Happy Trails”, “By the Light of the SilveryMoon”, “Busy Time Polka”, “Chicken Polka” and“Pennsylvania Polka”. Next Eloise Adair played“Domowina Waltz” and “Liechtensteiner Polka” andBorsini Accordion“Engelberer Landler”.Excellent condition.Our next accordionist was Dick MykingTreble 4 sets of handmade reedswearing his lederhosen . He played “Silk Umbrella”,11 registers and master“Lauterbach” and “Heidewitzka, Herr Kapitan”.Bass 5 sets of handmade reeds - 7 registers.Then Rick Hatley played “Bergvabuden Sind Vie”,25 lbs. Keyboard 18 ¾”. Dry tuned.“Schotzenliesl Polka” and “Mehr Wie ein KuB (MoreAir tight bellows with stereo pickups.than a Kiss). Dennis Perry was next playing “VillageComes with soft case.Tavern Polka”, “Auf Widersehn”, “In Heaven There is$ 2100.00No Beer” and “Sailor”. Next Diane Crews sang forCall 503-484-5064us - “Walkin’ After Midnight” We ran out of players soWinter Quarter 2012 35

Northwest Accordion NewsLIAC 2013Will arrive before you know it!June 20 - 23, 2013By Bonnie BirchDear Friends of the Accordion,I don’t know about you but from my perspective,2012 absolutely fl ew by. Summer is over, Octoberfestseason is over, the holidays are upon us, and now itis time for those of us who work on the LeavenworthInternational Accordion Celebration (LIAC) to beginplanning the program, workshops, and taking care ofhundreds of details.I would like to thank all our hardworkingvolunteers. Without your participation, we could nevermake the event run as smoothly as it has. Of course,there is always fi ne-tuning required and we try to say,“Well next year, we will work on that problem.”The important thing to realize is that withoutyour participation by coming to LIAC, there is reallyno incentive to have this festival. Sure, it is niceto entertain the people who are in the lovely townof Leavenworth. However, that is mainly the jobof the Chamber and other organizations based inLeavenworth. The reason the committee workshard to keep LIAC alive is to nurture the love of theaccordion and create a vibrant accordion community.This is no small task considering everybody has theirown lives and priorities. This is why it is important foryou to realize that seeing you at LIAC is very valuableto this event and is your contribution to elevating thestatus of the accordion in this country.Those are my thoughts for today.You won’t be disappointed:We have high-quality workshops, concerts fromrenowned international artists, a competition, andopportunities for all to perform. For the listener, wehave music throughout the day in the Festhalle,Gazebo, and Grange. Prices are very reasonable(plus there are FREE events) and you have thebeautiful destination town of Leavenworth to enjoy.Just park your car and walk through town seeing thesights with accordion music and events interspersedthroughout. After hours, join the party in one of therestaurants hosting our famous jam sessions.We would like to hear from you. You may emailyour comments to the committee and we will strive touse this information to enhance LIAC. This is an eventproduced by accordion players for fellow accordionplayers and accordion friends. Your support is soimportant as an attendee, volunteer, or a donation .We look forward to hearing from you and seeingyou at LIAC.Most Sincerely,Bonnie Birch LIAC Chairman – bonniebirch@msn.comSteve Berg LIAC Vice Chairman - berg_sa@yahoo.comDoris Osgood LIAC Communication - dorisosgood@frontier.comFrank Bruchner LIAC Volunteer Chairman - sqzbox@dishmail.netRod Miller LIAC Competition Chairman -rodmiller55@shaw.caTo see Sam Thomas’ round 1 performancego to:http://www.livestream.com/deschampschannel/video?clipId=pla_3c602d75-42e7-460c-b916-a4212aaf8e41For Sale1969 Philharmonic Accordion w/case7 treble switches+master+mute4 base switches3/5 sets of hand fi nished reedsPurchased from Michael Arralde in 2008 for $2250Sounds and plays beautifullyAsking $1900Call Steven for more info 971-237-291336Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsThe planning for Leavenworth 2013 is progressing.Coordinating and confi rming schedules takes awhile. For certain, Gary Blair of Glasgow, Scotlandwill be with us. Besides being a great entertainer andmaster accordionist, Gary has been a fi ne adjudicator.Several other accordionists are working with usbut the details are not yet fi nal. Hopefully those will beresolved soon. The “short list” of potential entertainersis one to look forward to.Fund-raising must remain part of the celebrationin Leavenworth. While the Northwest AccordionSociety has enough in the bank from the past yearsof successful management to secure the basic piecesof the celebration, the competition piece of the celebrationremains one that does not generate income;it depletes the bank account. Keeping the bursaryprogram plus offering prize money and medals is verycostly. However, supporting our young players is aninvestment in the future of the accordion. Begin thinkingof how you can help fund those things. Any and allgifts are welcome and needed. The accordion communityhas been very generous in the past and wehope to count on that again in 2013.After the fi rst of the year, begin checking the official LIAC web site for information and updates. Theorganization for the gazebo performances will remainwith at the NWAS web site. The gazebo schedulewill not be set up until May 1. Remember those addresses:www.accordioncelebration.org and www.nwasnews.comWorkshops, free public performances, accordionparade, jamming in the restaurants, competitions,and concerts will continue as the focus for our familyfriendly accordion celebration. Start saving your gasmoney and set your vacation plans to be with us inLeavenworth, Washington June 20 – 23, 2013, forthe love of the accordio n.Winter Quarter 2012 37

Northwest Accordion NewsNWAS Socials in SeattleSocials resumed in September after the usual summerbreak in July and August. The socials will be held attwo different venues during the coming year: the SwedishCultural Center and the West Seattle Senior Center.All of the socials are held on the 2 nd Monday monthly7:30 – 9:30 PM. Different people will host each monthand special things are planned. Below is a partial listingof the events planned for the year.November - Scandinavian Music- Hosted by Br endaand Ione Bard (mother and daughter)December -Featuring Lyle Schafer, Jim Tobler andMurl Allen Sanders. Please bring your accordions for aChristmas large-group jam session, led by Bonnie BirchJanuary 2013-Featuring Jamie Maschler performingLatin Music, including a clinic (bring your accordions).Also featuring Laura Gardner.February .2013-Featuring and hosted by Birgit and PhilAges. Also featuring Kory Tideman, Bonnie Birch Trioand John Giuliani.Accordionist receives an award fromoutgoing Juneau Alaska MayorFrom an article on October 9, 2012, in the JuneauEmpire of the assembly meeting: “Also at the meeting(mayor) Botelho read out a proclamation declaring theweek to be ‘Dale Wygant Appreciation Week’ a tributeto the accordionist and longtime fi xture of the Juneaucommunity.“This is my last proclamation as mayor” Botelhoremarked, “It gives me great pleasure to read the proclamationin honor of Dale Wygant.After being serenaded by a group of kaazoo-playingfriends, Wygant received a copy of the proclmation fromBotelho who joked, “I’m disappointed Dale didn’t bringhis accordion, because the proclamation was for theaccordion as well.December 9 – SCCJanuary 11 – SCCFebruary 11 – WSSCMarch 11 – SCCApril 8 – WSSCMay 13 – SCCJune 10 – WSSCJuly – August – summer breakSeptember 9 - SCCOctober 14 - WSSCWest Seattle Sr. Center-(WSSC) Address- 4217 SWOregon St. Seattle, WA 98116Swedish Cultural Center-(SCC) (top fl oor w/elevator-3Crowns Room) Address-1920 Dexter Ave. N. Seattle,WA 98109Coming Special Events:The Day of the Accordion- Saturday, February 23,2013 at Crossroads Shopping Center(Mall) 15600 NE8th St. Bellevue, WA 98008Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration-June 20 - 23, 2013 in Leavenworth, WashingtonInformation will be forthcoming about the details for thespecial events.Seattle Accordion Social Contacts: Birgit Ages (206-947-8393) or John Giuliani (425-255-2121)Change of Address?Please contact NWAS when you have a change of address- email judith@ameshomeplace.com or send a note toNWAS, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682Welcome New MembersMia Bush, Hillsboro, ORDave Chelini, Sacramento, CAJonathan E Dyk, Tillamook, ORPaul Garavaglia, Seattle, WABetty Hamilton, Carmichael, CATed Lunka, Federal Way, WARichard Peterson, Port Orchard, WARon Sauro, Elma, WALaVerne Spilter, Visalia, CARemember, you are welcome to give gift memberships!The membership form is on the last page ofthis publication.38Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion NewsMURL ALLEN SANDERS is pleased toannounce his new CD:“Stories of Lucile”Murl plays accordion and piano with his band featuringsaxophonist extraordinaire, Warren Rand.Eleven songs in jazz/pop style including originals and Murl’sunique cover of “Fields of Gold”.Makes a great gift! Buy your copy today!By check only $18.00 by mail (includes shipping and handling)P.O. Box 30553, Seattle, WA 98113CREDIT CARD PURCHASES available online at CDBaby.comDIGITAL DOWNLOADS Available at CDBaby and iTtunesDon’t forget to purchase “Murl’s Holiday Favorites”, other CD’s and Accordion Songbook!Email murl@murlallensanders.comSnail mail P.O. Box 30553 Seattle, WA 98113Phone 206-781-8196Website www.murlallensanders.comA World of New PossibilitiesCombining i the familiar sounds andplaying feel el of atraditional acoustic accordion with the advantagesof a modern digital musical instrument, a Roland ®V-Accordion ®takes your music to places you’venever imagined. With a wide selection of standardand diatonic models to choose from and multiplecolor options, there’s a V-Accordion to fit any style,budget, and playing level. The FR-1x, the newestmember of the family, packs the latest V-Accordiontechnology in a light and compact design with builtinspeakers, making it perfect for everyone frompro players in need of a flexible mobile instrumentto young students just starting out.Discover the V-Accordion and explore a world of newcreative possibilities at www.RolandUS.com.Winter Quarter 2012 39

Northwest Accordion News40Accordion Events CalendarBy Doris Osgooddorisosgood@frontier.comNORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSSEATTLE, WA2 nd Monday monthly: Nov. 12 Swedish CC, Dec.10 WSSC, Jan. 11, Feb. 11 WSSC, March 11 SCCContact: John Giuliani 425-255-2121 or Birgit Ages206-368-9720 Back up contact: Bonnie Birch 206-622-4786.Music 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. *Note changes of venue inthis issue.NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSTACOMA, WA2nd Thursday monthly: Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14,March 14 Lutheran Church 121 st & Park Ave. acrossfrom PLU Library7:00 – 9:30 PM contact: Dick Myking 253-537-0136NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETY SOCIALSFOREST GROVE, OR4 th Sundays April and October. Forest GroveCommunity Center, 2037 Douglas St. Forest Grove,OR. 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Contact: Doris Osgood503-357-0417.April 28 and October 27, 2013ACCORDION CLUB OF CENTRAL OREGONBEND, OR2 ND Saturday Monthly, noon – 2 PM Aspen RidgeRetirement Home 1010 NW Purcell Blvd, BendMembers provide entertainment one Sundaymonthly also. Contacts: Lillian Jones, 541-536-1531lajones716@yahoo.com or Karl Kment, 541-548-0495kgkment@aol.comACCORDION JAM IN SANDYSANDY, OROn hiatus until further notice.ACCORDION CLUB OF ROSEBURGROSEBURG, OR3 rd Monday monthly 6:30, 553 Little Valley Rd.RoseburgPres. Karen Cordell 553 Little Valley Rd. Roseburg,OR 97471 541-784-1911 beltunagirl@aol.comACCORDION CLUB OF VANCOUVERVANCOUVER, B.C.www.meetup.com/Accordion-Club-of-Vancouvercontact: Haike Kingma, haike@telus.netACCORDION INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SOCIETYSANTA BARBARA, CA2 nd Sunday monthly 1 – 3 PM Vale Verde RetirementTheatre 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CAWinter Quarter 2012AIMS P.O. Box 4511 Santa Barbara, CA 93140Info: Heinz Trick 805-685-2260www.santabarbaraaccordions.comBROOKINGS ACCORDION CLUBBROOKINGS, OR4th Sat. monthly 2-4 PM, Evergreen Federal S&L, 850Chetco Ave. Brookings, OR, Pres. Cami Meccia 541-469-807EASTSIDE JAZZBellevue, WA3 rd Tuesday monthly, Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 7:30PM beginning January 2012. Contact: CooksieKramer 425-828-9104EMERALD VALLEY ACCORDION CLUBEUGENE, OR1 st Monday monthly: 7:00 – 9:30 PM Veterans’Memorial Bldg. 1626 Willamette St. Secretary LindaGunn 541-726-6330 cordiagunn@gmail.com V.P. LouMarzano Social time 6 PM, business 6:45 PMFAIRBANKS ACCORDION CLUBFAIRBANKS, AKMondays weekly 6 – 8 PM Pioneers Home, open to allfree reed instruments. Contact: Christine Upton 907-457-3392FIVE VALLEY ACCORDION ASSOCIATIONMONTANA5VAA Jams are 1- 5 PmNov. 11 Jokers Wild, MissoulaDec. 9 Rustic Hut, FlorenceJan 13 Eagles, HamiltonJan. 27 Rustic Hut, FlorenceFeb. 10 Jokers Wild, MissoulaPres. Helen Brady 370-8452accordion.club@yahoo.comMontana – NW Accordion AssociationNov. 18 Eagles, KalispellDec. 2 Elks, PoulsonDec. 16 Eagles, PoulsonContact Roger Wagner 406- 862-2436all NWAA Jams 2 – 6 PMMontana – Great Falls Accordion PlayersNov. 11 EaglesDec. 16 ElksJan. 20 MooseJams are 1 PM – 5 PMContact Pat Sharp for info: 406-452-4546GEM STATE ACCORDION CLUBIDAHOSunny Ridge Retirement Center Nampa, ID 3 rdSaturday monthly 2 – 4 PM

Northwest Accordion Newsfor information contact: Dianne Lansingslansing757@gmail.comHUGO’S ACCORDION BANDMT. VERNON, WA2 nd and 4 th Monday monthly 2:00 - 4:00 PMPresident, Duane Stowe 16580 Peterson RdBurlington, WA 98233 360-757-4826 dstowe@clearwire.netHOUSTON BAY AREA ACCORDION CLUBHOUSTON, TX2 ND Wednesday monthly 5 – 9 PM Joe Brikha, PresJoeBrikha@gmail.com www.bayareaaccordionclub.comMEDFORD ACCORDION CLUBMEDFORD, OR4 th Monday monthly 7 - 9 PM: Central Point SeniorCenter 123 N. 2nd St, Central Point, OR JeannetteDewey, Pres. 1029 SE Rogue Dr. Grants Pass, OR97526 541-471-7455OKANAGAN ACCORDION CLUBKELOWNA, BCTuesdays weekly Sept. – May, Senior Center onRichterInfo contact: Rod Miller 250-317-9088, Lela Bournel.bourne@shaw.caROGUE RIVER ACCORDION CLUBROGUE RIVER, OR1st Wednesday monthly. 7 PM Council ChambersRogue River City Hall, 133 Broadway St. RogueRiver, OR. Pres. Margot Turrell 206 Creekside GrantsPass, OR 97526 541-479-9409 yodelady@rascals.orgROSE CITY ACCORDION CLUBPORTLAND, OR3rd Saturday monthly. 1 – 5 PM Milwaukie PublicSafety Bldg, SE 32nd & Harrison, Milwaukie, OR.* meeting in September 4 th Sat.(Sept. 24)Pres. Steve Knapke 503-612-8381 email:squeezebox21@comcast.netwww.rosecityaccordionclub.orgSEQUIM ACCORDION SOCIALSEQUIM, WA2 nd Sunday, Odd numbered months, 1:00 – 4:00PM Sequim Senior Center 921 E. Hammond St;next meeting January 13 contact: Jeannie Bergjeannieberg@yahoo.com360-683-5620SIERRA NEVADA ACCORDIONSRENO, NVJohn Covarelli, Pres. 775-848-3777, sqeezebox2@gmail.comSPOKANE ACCORDION ENSEMBLESPOKANE, WAweekly rehearsals 6- 9 PM Eileen Webber, Pres. 509-290-6858 rick.eileenw@comcast.netSPOKANE AND INLAND NORTHWEST ACC. CLUBSPOKANE, WA4 th Monday monthly, 1520 W. 3 rd and Maple inSpokane, at the Global Credit Union Bldg. Exit #280off I-90.6 – 9 PM, $3. at the doorTUALATIN VALLEY ACCORDIONISTSFOREST GROVE, OR1 st Sat. monthly 10 AM – 1 PM Forest Grove LibraryPacifi c Ave. Contact: Paul and Judy Bria 503-591-0504 pjbria@aol.comYUMA ACCORDION CLUBYuma, AZEvery Tuesday, November - March at the Yuma FoodBank at 2404 E 24th Street, Yuma, AZPresident, Coreen Bergholm @ coreen3686@aol.com orGinger Purdy @ gpurdy1940@yahoo.comVICTORIA ACCORDION CLUBVICTORIA, B.C. CANADA1 st Sunday Monthly 2:30 PM, Victoria Edelweiss Club108 Niagra St., James Bay District Victoria, BCContact: John 250-386-7282 or 250-477-3098BUTTON BOX CAMPS JULY AND SEPTfor information contact: Joseph Smiell Jr. 812 Bantry WayBenica, CA 94510INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTIONLas Vegas, NV, Sept. 24 - 27 2012 Mardi Gras Style at theGold Coast Hotel, Las VegasUSA: 1-800-472-1695 outside USA: 1-801-486-1695paul@AccordionStars.comDAY OF THE ACCORDIONFebruary 23, 2013 Crossroads Mall Bellevue, WARCAC ACCORDION CAMP- SILVER FALLSCONFERENCE CENTER June 9 - 14, 2013 nearSublimity, OR. Camp treasurer: Marlene Meissner 503-463-9909 marlenem26@msn.comLEAVENWORTH INTERNATIONAL ACCORDIONCELEBRATION June 20- 23, 2013 Leavenworth,WA. www.accordioncelebration.org www.nwasnews.comKIMBERLEY OLD TIME ACCORDIONCOMPETITION KIMBERLEY, BCJuly 8 - 13, 2013, www.kiotac.ca 1-888-4KIOTAC or250-427-7318Winter Quarter 2012 41

Northwest Accordion NewsVICTORIA ACCORDION FESTIVALVictoria, British Columbia July , 2013www.bcaccordion.ca 1-778-433-8700FAIRBANKS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVALJuly , 2013 on the campus of U. of Alaska Fairbanks.www.fsaf.org contact 907-474-8869ACCORDION CELEBRATION – Historic WallaceWallace, ID August , 2013 www.wallaceIdahoChamber.comCOTATI ACCORDION FESTIVALCotati, CA August , 2013 www.cotatifest.com66 TH COUPE MONDIALEAugust 19 – 26, 2013 Victoria, B.C. Canada1 st time ever in CanadaALPENFESTAlpenfest Sept. 26 – 29, 2013 Wallowa County, OR,Oregon’s Little Switzerland Enterprise, P.O. Box 301Joseph, OR 97846 Details: oregonalpenfest.com or 541-432-0209. Cell 541-398-1096ACCORDION EXTRAVAGANZAEDMONTON, ALBERTA September, 2013www.edmontonaccordion.comEntertainers in the NorthwestSubmit your public performance schedules to Doris Osgood 3224 B StForest Grove, OR 97116 dorisosgood@frontier.comAlpiners USAwww.alpinerusa.com with Joe DomitrowichJuan Barco – BandContact: 23091 23rd Ave. W. Brier, WA 98036425-775-8150; cell 206-356-1878Corky BennettWednesdays at Polo Lounge, Fridays w/ 9 th St. BandReno Senior Center, Saturdays at Bavarian Worldwebsite: www.corkybennett.comemail: corky@corkybennett.com775-287-2050Bonnie Birchwebsite: bonniebirch.comFor scheduling information: write 1107 1st Ave.#1003 Seattle, WA 98101.206-622-4786, email: bonniebirch@msn.comChuck BergerAccordion Repair and Public PerformanceFor information call: 503-254-0996midimanchas@yahoo.comCharlie BrownContact: browncbrb@comcast.net hm 253-857-6557cell 253-376-5487Frank CalapristiWinter schedule at King Ludwig’s, Wed, Thurs. Sun.nights; tour groups as neededFor scheduling information write PO Box 1057Leavenworth, WA 98826 509-548-0155fcalapristi@msn.comGary DahlFor scheduling information write 509 Valley Ave. NE#5 Puyallup, WA 98372Phone/fax 253-770-9492garydahlmusic@msn.com; www.accordions.com/garydahl; www.beltuna.comTom Demski (Mr. Flash)For scheduling information write: 518 9th St. SWPuyallup, WA 98371 253-840-9277tomdemski@yahoo.comFolk Voice BandFor scheduling: Birgit Ages 206-368-9720 folkvoice@folkvoiceband.com; http://folkvoiceband.comHappy Hans’ Music Hans Rainer, Jr.Dec. 1 Berliner Pub 6 – 10 PM Renton, WADec. 16 Berliner Pub 3 – 7 PM Renton, WADec. 31 German House 8PM – 12:30 AM Seattle, WAFor scheduling information write Hans Rainer, JR42Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion News24613 231st Ave. SE Maple Valley, WA 98038425-413-6562 happyhans@comcast.net WWW.HAPPYHANSMUSIC.COMHALDEMAN’S OOM-PAH BOYSDer Rheinlander Restaurant Portland, ORWed, Thurs, Sat, Sun. 5 PM – 9 PMContact: Lynn Haldeman 1200 NE 199 th Ave. Portland,OR 97230 503-328-6099 lynn_haldeman@yahoo.comLittle Bohemian BandCheck web site for details.For scheduling contact: Gene Sadowsky541-990-3109email:littlebohemianband@comcast.net www.littlebohemianband.com 802 NW Quarry Rd. Albany,OR 97321Greg MeierFor scheduling information write: 38572 Park Ave.Sandy, OR 97055 503-668-7002. Fax 503-668-1058gsmeier@yahoo.comAndy MirkovichNov. 11 Sequim Accordion Club w/ John GiulianiFull schedule private engagementsMaster Classes by appointment: 425-451-1256Murl Allen SandersDec. 1 Boxley’s w/Janette West 7 – 10 PM NorthBend, WADec. 22 Lakeside Bistro 7:30 – 10:30 PM Seattle, WAwww.LakesideBistroSeattle.comDec. 24 Pacifi c Place Shopping Center 12 – 2 PMDowntown Seattle, WAFull schedule private engagements, regularperformances in synagogue and church, composing,and teaching.www.murlallensanders.comFor scheduling information write: murlsanders@cs.com PO Box 30553 Seattle, WA 98113, 206-781-8196Lyle SchaeferFor scheduling information write: 10523-63rd St.Ct. E. #61, Puyallup, WA 98372, schaeferband@yahoo.com, 253-848-0778.Sam’s Variety GemsSam Pecorilla: home 541-847-2282, cell 541-321-9088Smilin’ ScandinaviansFeb. 3 Swedish Cultural Center pancake breakfast11:45 AM – 1 PM Seattle, WAFeb. 16 Sons of Norway 8 – 11:30 PM Bothel, WAMay 5 Swedish Cultural Center pancake breakfast11:45 AM – 1 PM Seattle, WAToby also has regular gigs also with Jangles, aWestern Swing band, Cowgirl’s Dream, an Americanaband, and 1928, a classic jazz band.For scheduling information contact: Toby Hanson11123 216th St. E Graham, WA 98338 253-875-8580toby@smilinscandinavians.comhttp://smilinscandivanians.comDennis SchadduckChina Jade Restaurant 87th & Greenwood Ave. NSeattle Sunday nights.Joe SzaboFri – Sat. 6:30 – 9:30 PM Nonna Emilia’s RistoranteAloha, ORFor scheduling information: 13484 SW Devonshire Dr.Beaverton, OR 97005 503-641-2313Syl’s Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band (WA)Syl’s Arizona Dance Band and Polka BandDec. 15 Sons of Norway 8 – 11:30 PM Bothel, WAFull schedule in Mesa and Apache Junction, AZNovember - April(Jan.- April, Nov. Arizona Schedule, 480-357-2585)For scheduling: Sylvia Jorgensen, WA contact: 253-845-9321, cell 253-678-7682squeezeboxsyl@yahoo.com, www.fjordsong.comSVEA TrioSvea Trio- Richard Svensson and Bjarne Jacobsen206-523-3245, svea3t@winwins.com www.winwins.com/sveatrio/NW AccordionairesContact: Cooksie Kramer 425-828-9104Most of our professional players keep their current andupdated performance schedules on their web sites.Advance scheduling is diffi cult and often fl uid. Consultthe contact information and web addresses for up to dateinformation. Support them when you can.The Chester Pietka Scholarships areavailable for young accordionists. Young peopleages 18 and under, taking lessons from arecognized teacher, or wishing to do so, maysubmit a written request for scholarship fundsfor the purpose of taking lessons. Requests areto be submitted to Doris Osgood, 3224 B St.,Forest Grove, OR 97116 or e-mail dorisosgood@frontier.com.In addition to giving personal information,students are to share their interest and their goalsfor playing the accordion. These scholarshipsare open to the young people within the Pacifi cNorthwest, not just the greater Portland area.Winter Quarter 2012 43

Northwest Accordion NewsNorthwest Accordion Society5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12Vancouver, WA 98682www.nwasnews.comMembership ApplicationAll funds in U.S. CurrencyMembership Type:Regular MembershipNorth AmericaU.S. - $20.00Canada - $25 (U.S. Funds)Outside North America$35 (U.S. Funds)New MembershipStudent MembershipAge 18 and UnderU.S. $15/yearCanada $20/year (US funds)RenewalPatron Membership$35/year U.S. fundsGift 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)I would like to receive the _____Electronic version (PDF) _____Hard copy ____Both typesPlease mail to: Northwest Accordion Society, 5102 NE 121st Ave. Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682.Include SASE (Self Addressed STAMPED Envelope) for membership cardAll funds in U.S. Currency44Winter Quarter 2012

Northwest Accordion Society5102 NE 121st Ave., Unit 12Vancouver, WA 98682-6164PRESORTEDSTANDARDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDBRBCHANGE SERVICE REQUESTEDCurrent MembersYour membership renewal date is specified on the mailing label. Please assist our volunteerstaff 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 soonas possible. There is a $5 charge to resend undeliverable issues.New MembersWe encourage all individuals interested in supporting, playing, and/or promoting theaccordion to become members.Membership forms are inside the back cover.NORTHWEST ACCORDION SOCIETYMembership5102 NE 121st Ave., Unit 12, Vancouver, WA 98682-6164www.nwasnews.com