Bellow Tones. Rafael Moras Performs March 30. SAAA Fiesta Party is set for Last Tues in April 2010

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1 S A N A N T O N I O A C C O R D I O N A S S O C I A T I O N Bellow Tones March 2010 Next Meeting Tuesday March 30 at 6 PM Chester s Hamburgers NE Loop 410 between Nacogdoches and Broadway Guest Artist: Rafael Moras Bring your accordion and a friend Inside this issue: President s Message 2 Officers Reports 2 SAAA Convention group 2 Convention Summary 3 Youth Orchestra at NAA 3 Tribute to Ron Lankford 4 Convention News 5-6 Special points of interest: NAA Convention in Dallas was spectacular! More news inside. SAAA Fiesta Party Date set for last Tuesday in April at the home of Lane and Marty Sealy Debra Peters has a new DVD on bass patterns Rafael Moras Performs March 30 This month we are fortunate to have Rafael Moras playing for our club. Rafael is an accomplished pianist and accordionist and enjoys all type of music. He is especially fond of Latin music, and plays many classical tunes from Mexico, Spain and Latin America. His musical talents have no limit, so don t be surprised what we might play. Dr. Moras is an engineering professor at St. Mary s University. His musical roots began early with his introduction to both piano and accordion. His old accordion still resides at his parents home, where he often visits, but here he plays an Excelsior and other accordions. Many years ago, Rafael was in a musical group called the Excelsiors. Members included the band director, Robert Atwood, as well as Marty Sealy, Barbara Scott, Ann Thompson and Laura Niland. The group performed in San Antonio for a number of years. Today Rafael is still playing his accordion for church events, at events at St. Mary s as well as accompanying his son Rafael Jr. who is an accomplished tenor opera singer. Rafael Jr has been to New York as a semi-finalist for competition to sing with the New York Metropolitan Opera. Rafael will keep us informed on his son s latest endeavors. Rafael s entire family is multi-talented: artistically, musically and intellectually. His wife Gladys is an accomplished painter specializing in portrait work. Their other two children are equally talented in music and the arts. It is an honor to have Rafael here with us during his busy schedule. Please plan to be here early to get a seat, order food and get ready for some great entertainment. SAAA Fiesta Party is set for Last Tues in April 2010 Marty Sealy has agreed to host the SAAA Fiesta Party at her home on the last Tuesday in April. We will be sending out info about the party in the April newsletter, but mark your calendars now for this special event. Members should bring a covered dish. Choices include: Beans, salads( green Come early to hear Rafael Moras perform at our March 30th meeting at Chester s Hamburgers There will be plenty of time for other performers. Many of us have returned from the National Accordion Convention with lots of great music and stories to tell about our experiences. See you at the meeting. bean, fruit, potato, macaroni, vegetable salad,) dessert (easy to pick up, already cut into servings), vegetable casseroles, and more. Guests will be charged $8 per person. More information will be presented in the next newsletter, including a map.

2 SAAA Officers 2010 Call us for News or Info President & Newsletter Editor Laura Niland Vice President Irene Szurgot Secretary Bill Bahr Treasurer Maggie Bowker 4203 Big Meadows San Antonio, TX Member-at-Large Benno Real President s Message: The NAA Convention in Dallas was really great this year. As always, there were new performers, lots of dealers, new and used accordions for sale, as well as all the equipment you would need to put together a band. Musically, there was more variation this year than ever, with the prominence of MIDI and reedless accordions. If you saw Bruce Gassman, then you know that the accordion truly ROCKS! Joe Natoli and Eddie Monteiro were outstanding performers with their reedless Roland accordions. All three of these performers used MIDI accordions to enhance their sound which brought the accordion to a new level. There were many other performers, including the NAA Accordion Orchestra directed by Esther Landing which included about 40 members. No matter where you were, you Officers Reports L. Niland could find a great workshop, concert, demonstration, or performance. Having the entire convention on one floor really helped distribute the time more efficiently. The Westin Hotel service gave the conventioneers a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy wonderful music. Much thanks go to the staff at the Westin and all the NAA Convention planners, as well as Norman Seaton, President of NAA, for another successful accordion convention. You can read more about the convention in this special edition of the newsletter. Sadly, we were informed of the death of Ron Lankford, Roland dealer and avid supporter of the accordion world. He was a charismatic individual who made a positive impact in our world and he will be missed. Read more about his life and contributions in this newsletter. Maggie Bowker, Treasurer, reminds us all to pay our dues. There are just a few of you who may have forgotten, so check with Maggie at the next meeting as you walk in the door. Thanks Officers are getting ready for another Board meeting to plan for the SAAA Fiesta Party. Marty and Lane Sealy have agreed to host the party at their home again this year. Remember to dress in Fiesta attire and bring your accordion, a covered dish, and be ready for fun. Members are free & guests will be charged $8 per person. The club will provide beverages, meat and plates, cups, etc. We could use some help cleaning up afterwards to help Marty and Lane. It takes a lot of work to have a party and we appreciate everyone s efforts to help us out. Irene Szurgot is asking for items for door prizes. If you have anything to donate for the cause, please bring it to the meeting. Above: At front, Beverly Garcia with Shelia Lee and Dr. Kott s Folk Dance Orchestra SAAA Members attended NAA Convention The members who attended this year s NAA Convention included: Laura Niland, Marty Sealy, Cecil Campbell, Stephen Shanfield, Beverly Garcia, Edith Knuepper, Patti Burke, Rambie Briggs, and Jack Stankus. Edith Knuepper got the surprise of her life when Chris Rybak asked her to play her accordion with him in the foyer. Edith received her Star for being a starperformer and the crowd cheered her on! Yea Edith! She was so excited! Beverly Garcia also joined in the group too and received her Star for being on the stage. We are waiting for them to play for the club now that they are Stars! See Edith s Star photo with Chris Rybak at the left! Edith Knuepper after her accordion performance with Chris Rybak. Each of the attendees enjoyed the convention. There was so much to do between seeing the dealers, demos, workshops and more. These folks will have more to tell us about what they experienced at our March meeting. Page 2 Newsletter Title

3 Influencing Bass Lines NAA Convention madness always brings someone new into the picture. Take for example, Bruce Gassman, the Rock-n-Roll accordionist that makes his Concerto MIDI accordion truly ROCK! I thought I knew bass-lines, until I heard Bruce play. He can pound out the best rhythms from those 60s and 70s tunes from Cream to the sound tracks of James Bond movies and Star Wars! Perhaps it is because of his musical background playing drums, Fender bass, and supporting chords on keyboard that help him piece together the BEST-sounding Rock music on accordion that I have ever heard. Do it on an accordion! by L. Niland No doubt, he influenced me. Yes, I know the left hand is rhythm and support for whatever the melody is doing on the right hand. Bruce can unzip a chord and attach it to his left hand with melody attached as well! He made us all think differently. As Gassman was playing, I could see him totally immersed in the music. As you watched him, he anticipated the next move he would make on his accordion to give the audience a clue as to what tune was coming next. He kept us all on the edge of our seats, ready to leap with joy. Thanks Bruce Gassman for influencing our bass lines. Undoubtedly, there are a whole bunch of us practicing right now, getting ready for our next class reunion. Many thanks to the Greg Klugewicz, Convention Chairman for the NAA Convention 2010 and beyond. Thanks also to all those who worked to make the convention possible. Thanks go to Norman Seaton, President of NAA, for creating this year s theme: Accordions in Action. We look forward to another great convention in Roland V-Accordion with Joe Natoli and Eddie Monteiro Another amazing performance at the NAA Convention came from two Roland V- Accordion performers: Joe Natoli and Eddie Monteiro. Joe did a superb job on Fanfare for the Common Man with all the orchestral sounds. It was superb. Another beautiful piece was dedicated to Ron Lankford, entitled It Never Entered My Mind. The V-Accordion demonstrated its versatility of combining sounds and instrumentation giving the audience another dimension of accordion expression. Dick Albreski Youth Orchestra WOWs Audience Dick Albreski of Oklahoma has been dedicating his time as a teacher of young upcoming accordion stars. His work with the Youth Accordion Orchestra has demonstrated that young people everywhere CAN appreciate and play the accordion. His kids do an outstanding job and get better every year. Of course Dick is proud of his grandkids too, who obviously like to show off just like their Grandpa! The stars were: Hannah Braden, Job Elliott, Flora Hollifield, Roxanne Sidebottom, Brianna Smith and Maggie Smith, and Rebecca Smith. The Smiths are Dick s grand- Eddie Monteiro, a teacher from New Jersey, is known for his Jazz improv-style. His vocals were merged with the V-accordion to create the performance of the One Note Samba that was absolutely breath-taking! He combines his style of Latin-rhythms with jazz to blend a unique style of music. Both Natoli and Monteiro set high standards for Roland V-accordion performance. We hope to see more of their work in the near future. kids, and Rebecca is about 3 years old. They played the Accordion March, Honky Tonk Polka (solo by Elliott), the Band played the Melody of Love, and Flora played Comedians Dance, Rebecca also played a short piece. The Band played the Tinker Polka, later the Smith sisters played a Polish Folksong duet. Hannah played Sparkling and later played the violin accompaniment at the banquet. All the young players were superb and we wish them all the best in their musical future. Let s see them again next year! Debra Peters has a new DVD and Booklet ABC s Accordion Basics Bass Patterns for Piano Accordion Check the website for more information on Debra s DVD Series and more on her music Ask Laura Niland for details Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3

4 We re on the web at: San Antonio Accordion Association Application for Membership/Renewal Name: Last First M.I. Nickname Address: Street City, State ZIP Home Phone Business Phone Address Do you play the accordion? Piano Button New Member Renewal Make Check payable to SAAA for dues ($20.00 per member/yr ) and mail to: Maggie Bowker 4203 Big Meadows San Antonio, TX Tribute to Ron Lankford by Laura Niland Sadly, the accordion world has lost another great man, Ron Lankford, who lost his battle with cancer. Ron was known as the most avid supporter of the Roland reedless V- accordion, yet he was also known for his abounding love for great accordion music everywhere. As the National Accordion Convention was opening in Dallas this week, news came of Ron s death. Ron had planned to be at the convention, helping Joe Natoli and Eddie Monteiro with the Roland booth and meeting new friends. Ron loved the accordion and believed in the future of this great instrument. When you spoke to Ron, you could see him light up with joy, talking about all the wonderful things that music brought to his life. He believed in the Roland Accordion and showed us that anything is possible. Somehow, when you spoke to Ron, you felt like family. Ron made it a point to invite people to try out new inventions, like the Roland reedless V- accordion. He understood musicians needs and their We extend our sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Ron Lankford. concerns. Tex-Czech performer, Chris Rybak, recently incorporated the Roland V- Accordion in his band, and Ron was there to promote his work and cheer him on. It is clear to see Ron s influence at every turn. The presence of Roland at the National Accordion Convention would not have existed without the long-lasting support of Ron Lankford. The impact that he has made on all of us in the accordion world is enduring. Heaven has taken our friend from us, but Ron s influence on all of us is eternal. Joe Natoli dedicated his performance of Fanfare for the Common Man to Ron. Eddie Monteiro, Nick Ballarini, Chris Rybak, Jeff Lisenby, Mario Pedone, and many others also remembered him with their performances. We will forever remember our dear friend, Ron Lankford. May he rest in peace, knowing that he has done his job well on this earth. Heaven has gained a greater blessing.

5 National Accordion Association Convention 2010 Summary by Laura Niland This year s National Accordion Association Convention was held in Dallas, Texas March 11-13, 2010 at the Westin Hotel. The NAA Convention was dedicated to a dear friend Ron Lankford, Roland Products representative and avid supporter of accordionists worldwide, who died this week after a long illness. Our condolences go to his family and friends. The theme this year was Accordions in Action. President of NAA, Norman Seaton, kicked off the events with an all-day Anthony Galla-Rini Appreciation Day on Thursday that was led by Esther Lanting. Esther shared her experiences in working personally with Galla-Rini, who was Esther s teacher, mentor, and friend. Lanting directed this year s NAA Orchestra with approximately 40 members who performed Galla-Rini s arrangements of Tara, God Bless America as well as the Hallelujah Chorus on Thursday and Saturday evening. Other bands could be found at the convention as well, including the Jam Orchestra led by Shelia Lee The Jam Orchestra played popular folk tunes and also learned several folk dance tunes. Shelia did a great job of spreading the excitement about the accordion. Dr. Kott of Killeen demonstrated the folk dancing steps while the Amazing Marching Accordion Band demonstrated their skills. Dr. Kott and Shelia Lee have been instrumental in promoting the accordion to young people across Texas. Kott has published several booklets on folk and ethnic music that are available free online, contact dfkott@aol.com There were many demonstrations of youth talent every day at the convention. The youth groups promise to be an ongoing part of future conventions. Jim Rommel showed off his skills at directing a group of volunteers to demonstrate how to follow a director, improve expression, and master skills of playing with a group. Rommel also presented workshop on rhythm, presentation, and spicing up your musical style. Jane Christison presented her latest CD Music for children with her workshop: Music with a Smile. Christison s easy-style of performing was demonstrated the joy she shares with others. Dick Albreski from Oklahoma led the everpopular Youth Orchestra with these young performers: Hannah Braden, Job Elliott, Flora Hollifield, Roxanne Sidebottom, Brianna Smith and Maggie Smith, and Rebecca Smith. They were fabulous and left the audience cheering for more. Songwriter and singer/accordionist Debra Peters brought great blues music to life with her workshop Blues & Roots. Peters is also known for her creative work teaching accordion with her own series of DVDs which she has produced. Sharon Seaton presented a workshop on improving our skills in Sight Reading. Arlyn Visentin helped players learn how to practice effectively with her workshop on Perfect Practice. Manasseh Lee s workshop on Marketing Techniques taught the audience about methods to get the jobs you want. Accordions.com editor, Rita Davidson, shared her knowledge about Eugene Ettore s Music, and performed several of his pieces including Spanish Holiday. Davidson was fortunate to have known Ettore, as he was her teacher and mentor. Jay Fox brought a world of equipment for staging a band and supporting the accordion. Fox also presented a workshop introducing Electronic Wireless Accordions. Gordon Kohl offered a special workshop on Musicality, where the audience learned a host of skills in perfecting musical performances. Kohl also played for the NAA Dance and Party on Friday evening. Friday s activities included many workshops. Dan & Kim Christian returned to Texas, demonstrating their great performance style with perfect synchronization. Rock-n-Roll accordionist, Bruce Gassman, kept the audience pushing for more with his heavy bass-rhythms from 60s and 70s music. Jeff Lisenby, jazz musician, punched out some great tunes with his MIDI accordion, some of the music arranged by his teacher and mentor, Gene Van. Master accordionist and arranger, Mario Pedone found time to present his workshop on Accompanying, as well as demonstrating his performance skills at his booth. Pedone has given much of his time to promoting the accordion by writing accordion arrangements, creating accompanying CDs, and sharing his expertise with others. Dr. Kott and Shelia Lee worked with participants to improve their folk dancing skills, introduced the accordion to youth, and demonstrated the Roland V-accordion products. Valina and Ross Witte were superb in demonstrating techniques for effective stage presence and audience management. The Wittes have a relaxed, personable style that invites audience participation. Chris Rybak demonstrated ever-popular Texas Czech Music on the Roland V- accordion and later entertained the crowd in the foyer. Svetlana Ivanchenko was superb with her music on the Roland V- accordion and presented a workshop entitled Relax. Svetlana also performed in the Circle of Champions program Friday evening. Dr. Fries gave us all the cautions about what to do OR not to do, preventing injuries by over-extending our tendons and muscles; something all musicians need to learn. The Friday evening events included the National Accordion Dance and Party featuring players: Chris Rybak, Dick Albreski, Debra Peters, Gordon Kohl, Ross and Valina Witte, and the Dallas International Folk Dancers. Convention participants kicked up their heels, sang a few tunes, met new friends, and danced until the party lights went out. It was lots of fun for everyone. Meanwhile, Jessica Faltot organized the ever-popular Circle of Champions, where many champion accordionists performed including: Jessica Faltot, Esther Lanting, Rebecca Ratliff, Rita Davidson, Debra Peters, Joe Natoli, Ron Gassman, Jeff Lisenby, Eddie Monteiro, Mario Pedone, and more. You could hear all types of music from classical to jazz, modern to rock-n-roll. These performers were indeed champions and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the performances. Friday was packed with fun. (Continued on page 6) Page 5 Newsletter Title

6 (Continued from page 5) While there were workshops and concerts, the Trade Show also brought us wonderful music, plenty of accordions, and everything you wanted to outfit your own band. Trade Show participants included: Accordion Stuff with Debra Peters and Carol Garrison, Music Magic Accordion Company, Ballarini Music Company, Jay Fox Band and EWA, Ballarini Music Company featuring: Giulietti and Petosa Accordions, Petosa Accordion Company with Joe Petosa, Borsini Accordion, Gordon Kohl Music Company, Accordion-O-Rama, Mr. E s Music Company, Castle Accordion and Randy McPeck, and Jane Christison Music with a Smile Productions. There was so much to see and do especially at the Trade Show where you often heard star-accordionists demonstrating their special style of music. New and used accordions, MIDI accordions, reedless accordions, amps, music, and all sorts of accordion supplies lured the crowds. The best aspect of the Convention was being able to network with other accordionists from across the nation, especially at the Trade Show. The ample hotel space allotted for the Trade Show was easy to access, inviting, and casual. One of the best things about the convention this year was having the workshops and Trade Show all on the same level. Thanks go to these dealers and individuals who supported the efforts of the National Accordion Association. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Saturday s events let the good times roll! Nick Ballarini did his One-man Band Basics workshop, Arleen Faulkner presented Polka Rebellion, while Bruce Gassman continued to rock the world with more music from the 60 s generation. Matt Tolentino presented a workshop on singing and playing which taught how to concentrate on two separate rhythms at the same time. Mark Kenneth brought us the best Celtic Music just in time for St. Patrick s Day. Kenneth was also a participant in all the St. Patricks s activities around the Dallas area. Later in the afternoon, Shelia Lee found time to present a workshop on Diatonic Accordion Training, Bellows Control and Lesson Observation. World Champion accordionist, Jeff Lisenby, demonstrated the orchestral versatility of a MIDI accordion synthesizing a host of instrumental sounds in his workshop. Lisenby is an accomplished composer as was demonstrated by his evening performance with tunes from his new CD of Caribbean rhythms. John Martin, avid MIDI performer, presented a workshop on embellishments asking audience participants to demonstrate how they would embellish a particular musical selection. His workshop separated the participants into small groups allowing for conversation and sharing of ideas on how to enhance a performance using arpeggios, introductions, transitions, grace notes and more. Dan & Kim Christian presented a special Director s Training workshop for players and directors and offered private lessons as well. The Christians shared their expertise on, timing, expression, and working together. Continuing the program of excellence, Jane Christison, Jim Rommel, Mario Pedone, Rita Davidson, Sharon Seaton,and Ross & Valina Witte offered more of their expertise on performance, techniques, and musicality. Dr. Kott and Shelia Lee presented more training for Party Music, Americana Music and Dance, and Youth Party/karaoke. Dick Albreski showed off the great talents of the youth orchestra to a cheering crowd. It is always great to see young people so enthusiastic about the accordion. Later Saturday evening the NAA banquet was superbly prepared by the Westin Hotel staff. Strolling accordionists entertained the crowd while members chatted about the weekend s events. It was a great way to lead into the evening concert. Saturday evening s three-hour concert was hosted by some of the greatest accordionists in the USA. The ballroom was filled with an enthusiastic and excited crowd, cheering the performers. The NAA Orchestra led by Esther Lanting led the program with God Bless America and the Hallelujah Chorus. Performers included Joe Natoli on the Roland V-Accordion playing Fanfare for the Common Man, Sonatina in C Major, It Never Entered My Mind, Le Coucou, Piece in the Ancient Style and Dizzy Fingers; Bruce Gassman on the Concerto MIDI playing Star Wars, Beatles Medley, James Bond-007 Medley; Mario Pedone playing Flick Flack, American Standard Songs Medley, and a Polka Medley. In addition, there was Eddie Monteiro on Roland V-accordion playing One Note Samba and more; Rita Davidson playing Manhattan Concerto, Concert Etude N0. 2, Five O-clock Rush; Jeff Lisenby playing Solina, Donna Lee, A Spy in Tortuga, Rag Bag, Caruban Knights, Out of Nowhere. There was more to come with Nick Ballarini playing Cry Me a River, For Once in My Life, and a Medley of Originals; plus Dan & Kim Christian playing Accordion Boogie, Dizzy Fingers, Send in the Clowns and Bumble Boogie. These musicians deserve a standing ovation for their incredible talents and outstanding performances. Thank you so much for all that you do for the accordion world. The evening concert was fabulous and we all loved it! As another GREAT National Accordion Association Convention comes to a close., we find ourselves wishing it could last forever. Thanks go to Norman Seaton, President of NAA and Greg Klugewicz, Program Chair for the NAA Convention. Many thanks to the NAA Board Members, NAA Convention Committee, Westin Hotel and staff, and volunteers who helped make this convention successful. There were many people behind the scenes working sound equipment, videotaping, working with hotel staff, registration and more to make this convention possible. Thanks to Greg Klugewicz Louise Kucera, Bruce Lawrie, Pat Brady DDS, Norman and Sharon Seaton, Arleen Faulkner, Dick Albreski, Nick Ballarini, Judy Dillard and Walter Boyer who were on the 2010 NAA Convention Committee for their time and efforts in making this convention successful. We are looking forward to seeing each other again in Learn more about the National Accordion Association at the website Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 6