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Fall 2013 Vol. 16 No. 3

“Advancing the Accordion

in Michigan & Beyond.....”

Officers

President: Joe Recchia Vice President: Bob Berta

Secretary: OPEN

Treasurer: Jerry May

Directors Tony Papa

Tony La Tona Lorraine Lozovoj

Jim Rand Sam Randazzo Mike Zawojsky

Address/Phone

Michigan Accordion Society

5955 Cobb Creek Rd. Rochester, Mi. 48306

248-652-9154

Web Page Robert Stead, Web Master

steadrw@gmail.com

Newsletter Committee Bob Berta Editor, Bob Stead

Phillip Ma, Joe Recchia,

Tony La Tona

Photographers:

Tony La Tona Bob Berta

Music Editors: Bob Berta & Joe Recchia

Office Hours

For information, music from

the Library, or MAS Events call 248-652-9154.

For Accordion Teachers or

Accordionists for hire, news of special events, etc. please

visit our website at www.michiganaccordion.org

Past Presidents

Steve Stolaruk: 1996-2005

Lana Gore: 2006 Ray Battani: 2007-2010

Stephen Kaye: 2011

Bob Berta 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS October 5th Peter Soave in

Concert. see

page 2

-NO regular Oc-

tober meeting.

-Oct 19th con-

cert...see page 1 for flyer.

-October 28-31

Las Vegas Accor-

dion Conven-

tion...see page 3

for flyer.

-November MAS Musical Get To-

gether Nov 19th

Working with

another great

featured artists, stay tuned!

-December MAS Music Event—

TBD

Each monthly Meeting is on the third Tuesday of the

month at 7:30 at the Forestre Banquet Center in

Rochester Hil ls 1919 Star Batt Drive (West s ide of

the Concorde Inn). Take M-59 and exit at Crooks Rd.

NO OCTOBER MEETING… INSTEAD PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND SPECIAL

GALA CONCERT ON SATURDAY, OCT. 19TH.

===================================

The normal October general music get together is cancelled due to a spe-

cial concert on Oct. 19th. It will feature Michele Ramo World Jazz Or-

chestra with accordion jazz great, Eddie Monteiro , Billy Cairo on drums,

Heidi Hepler voice, and wind instruments Russ Miller. Other top musi-

cians may also attend making this the biggest thing since our Tony Dan-

non tribute last year. Check the poster below for further information.

Note that due to the popularity of these top musicians a large crowd is

expected so reserve your tickets early.

For up to date MAS info

v i s i t u s o n

www.facebook.com and

search for the Michigan

Accordion Society. Please

consider Joining Facebook

it is 100% free and always

will be. A number of our

members have already

joined. It’s a great way to

connect with your family

and friends as well as

thousands of accordionist

from all over the world!

HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR ACCORDION TODAY?

www.michiganaccordion.org

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PETER SOAVE TO PREMIER WITH THE

MIDLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OCTOBER 5TH

Our MAS Honorary Member and good friend PETER

SOAVE will be performing in Michigan with the Midland

Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 5th, 2013. His program will

include:

Bedrich Smetana -Moldau

Astor Piazzolla -Aconcaqua, Concerto for Bandoneon

The Center is located about 1.5 hours North of Detroit at

the Midland Center For the Arts. 1801 West St. Andrews

Rd., Midland, MI Phone 989-631-8250.

The event starts at 8:00 pm and a pre-concert discussion at

7:00pm from the stage. This is the season opener and we

should feel very honored that Peter Soave was asked to

help open their 2013-2014 music season with them.

HELP NEEDED

The Michigan Accordion Society is growing and we need

your help. We have opening sfor Board positions as well

as a vacancy with our secretary position and will soon have

vacancy as our treasurer will retire at the end of the year.

If you would like to offer your services in either of those

two positions it would be greatly appreciated. There is a

minimal amount of work in either position and it can be a

lot of fun. Your assistance in either position will ensure that

MAS has the best people running the club. We have be-

come one of if not THE best accordion clubs in the US and

this can be your chance to bring it to the next level by shar-

ing your enthusiasm for the accordion.

SURVEY UPDATE

Again thank you for your participation

with our recent Surveys . Results have been

collected and are being reviewed and re-

sults will be communicated soon.

Some items that we have already reacted on

was more of our members wanted special

entertainment so we are responding to your

request alreay. In addition we have had

several members that wanted to help with a

officer or Board position, Please contact

Bob Berta of Joe Recchia as we need your

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EVENTS CALENDAR

MAS members get discounts for attending. When booking your attendance let them know which club you

belong to in order to insure the very best deal.

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OUR NEW PARTNERS

Bellini Opera Company

We are now affiliated with the Bellini Opera Company. We support each other and have had members at-tend and entertain us at our monthly meetings. Please show your support of this fine company by attending

their events. For more information about this event and future Bellini concerts go to

WWW.BELLINIOPERAFOUNDATION.COM

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OUR NEW PARTNERS

We have partnered with the Slovene American Club to help promote our organizations and the accordion. We ask our members

to visit and support the Slovene Club. As a MAS card carrying member you are a welcomed guest and will get in free of charge.

We are working on future collaborations that will bring our two clubs closer together in the future so stay tuned for more an-

nouncements!

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CORY PESATURO THRILLS AT SEPT. MEETING

Three time accordion world champion, Cory Pesaturo www.corypesaturo.com was our featured guest at the September MAS

Musical Get Together. WOW what an amazing artist. His playing of both an acoustic accordion and his Roland V accordion

proved why he received that champion designation. In addition we were treated to one of the very first Roland FR 8 accordions in

the US and were able to hear and see the difference between it and the previous model. As if that wasn't enough Cory was joined

on stage by singers Ashley Ault & Aaron Caruso plus Amy Wallace, from Oakville, Ontario, accordionists Al Battistelli from

Cleveland, OH, & Joe Recchia, Later after the official meeting was over, guitar and violin virtuoso Michele Ramos dropped by

and the music flowed until after 2:30am!

Everyone agreed that you would be hard pressed to find this level of musical talent and entertainment all in the same place any-

where else but at our monthly musical extravaganza. Plus for the nominal door fee you even get pizza and cake ;-)

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CORY PESATURO THRILLS AROUND TOWN

Starkweather Art Center party with MAS Member Eric De Berardo and Ashley Ault in Romeo, MI

Bellini Opera Performance with Aaron Caruso at the Concorde Inn Clinton Township, MI

MAS Members Johnny Trudell, Jeff Trudell, Michele Ramo and Heidi Hepler performing at Jenuwine Cigar Bar in Sterling Heights, MI

MAS Members Dino Valle performing at the Bellini Opera in Clinton Township, MI

MAS President performing with Cory Pesaturo at the Bellini Opera Foundation Event

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BELLINI OPERA COMPANY AT MAS AUGUST

MAS members were treated to a special performance by the Bellini Opera Company at our August meeting. WOW...what

a great concert. Dino Valle, Eva Evola and Lisa Agazzi were accompanied by pianist Martin Mandelbaum and our own Joe

Recchia on accordion. They performed a selection of famous opera pieces and well known Italian songs.

WHERE CAN YOU GO TO HEAR ACCORDIONS?

Are you playing accordion around town? If so you may want to let others in the club know

where...that is one of the FREE benefits of being a paid member of MAS. If you want to be

listed here give Bob Berta a call at 586-992-0498. (members only!!)

============================

Slovenian American Club in Melvindale.

See flyer in this newsletter for more information

AND OF COURSE YOU CAN HEAR LOTS OF ACCORDION MUSIC AT OUR MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP

GET TOGETHERS….THIRD TUESDAY EVERY MONTH...SEE YOU THERE!!

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NICK BALLARINI NIGHT AT MAS JULY

Guest artist Nick Ballarini came all the way from Texas to give an outstanding performance at our July musical extravaganza. He

also was joined by several of our members in jamming that resulted in one of the most memorable meetings in recent memory.

Nick is owner of Ballarini Accordions and sales representative for several brands of accordions and had them on display for us to

drool over. For more information on Nicks company please refer to his website at www.nickballarini.com

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MAS ANNUAL STUDENT NIGHT IN JUNE

MORE MAS STUDENT NIGHT PHOTOS

The following teachers and students were at our 2013 MAS Student Night Teacher- Susan Witucki- Rondeau- Studio-88- Student's- Jillan Essig- Joshua Hoenscheid- Jacob Poniatowski- Mark Cunningham. E.B.D. Studio- Teacher- Donna Di Berardo- Student's- Eva Lisowski- Zosette & Zachary- Berna-dette Kathryn- Morgan Jones. Teacher- Yakov Todromovich- Student- Anthony Wiederhold. Teacher- Noelle Mo-rabito D'Anna- Evola Music- Student's- Allison Lemons- Jaixai Reineke- Bianca Licari- Justina Gaynor-Catie Vagli-ca. Teacher- Vickie Robasin- ( Zoppi Music ) Student's- Echia Tiwari- Frank Scarchill- Kati Litwin- James Van-Wagner.

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Accordion Stuff

On the heels of the earlier release of a single and two CD music trib-

ute to Tony Dannon we have a new 3-DVD set of videos made during

the Dannon Tribute. It was professionally filmed with excellent video

and sound. All proceeds from their sale go to the club.

It is available for sale at upcoming meetings as well as direct from Joe

Recchia. Price is $30 total for all three DVDs. For $50 you can have

both the DVD set as well as the CD music tribute to Tony Dannon.

Call Joe at 248-824-3856 or jrecchia@comcast.net.

HEAVENLY VIEW OF ACCORDIONS?

FROM THE EDITOR

I have sad news to report….fellow member and long time MAS newsletter photographer, John Stopa, passed

away in September. John was always one of those members that worked in the background and provided a

valuable service to the club. I will miss him greatly!

Someone decided it would be a neat idea to suspend accordions from the ceiling.. I guess it is artistic but it is to bad those ac-

cordions aren’t being played! This picture made me think of all those accordions stored in basements and hall closets that aren’t

being played anymore. If you know of one of those accordions….why not give it a chance to “breath” again. Perhaps you could

bring it to a meeting and we can find someone., perhaps a youngster, that might enjoy learning to play it.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TEACHING A BASIC ACCORDION GROUP CLASS?

We have heard that some members may be interested in an occasional group accordion class to refresh their

skills.

If you have an interest in teaching this class contact Joe Recchia.

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EXPAND YOUR BASS SKILLS

The accordion has always impressed me with the genius of its design. In particular the bass side is a work of

art. Over the years of refinement it has seen various versions but the current design of the “120” bass has a lot

of potential. While the Stradella system of 2 rows of single bass notes and 4 rows of chords is pretty much

the standard there are other systems such as converter or free bass systems that allow for multiple octaves of

single notes. One of my accordions is a converter free bass that allows me to switch between standard

Stradella and B system free bass. Such a system combined with the standard treble side can equal or exceed

the range of a 88 key piano.

But you may be thinking….I have a Stradella system and I am perfectly happy with that. But the fact is you

most likely have never used it to its full ability. Most accordion players fall into a “comfort” zone of standard

bass patterns. I encourage you to experiment with new patterns and bass fills. The “circle of fifths” design of

the single bass notes on your accordion begs for some creativity in your playing.

To start, consider ignoring the bass line as written and instead use the circle of fifths to substitute alternative

notes. Use your ear to find pleasing runs and ornaments. This is one of those times when playing “by ear” can

provide some real learning experiences.

Next….while your standard accordion has major, minor, 7th and Diminished 7th chords...you aren’t limited

to those. By combining standard a chord button with a single bass note you can create chords beyond those 4

rows.

Finally….in the spirit of this experimentation I have included a musical selection in our newsletter to allow

you to develop and expand your bass playing abilities. Take a look at the selection….you will find there is

something missing. There is NO treble line and the melody and some of the accompaniment is solely played

with your left hand. When playing these start by playing the notes paying attention to your fingering. I tend

to discourage people who rigidly try to follow some fingering pattern that another player uses. This is because

human hands are not machines and what is comfortable and possible for one person is not for another. Don’t

only use the fingers you normally use. I have no problem using all four of my fingers and may even use my

thumb although generally not. Some of these tunes may cause you to stretch your hand to reach the notes.

This is good exercise for your hand and helps develop the muscles in those fingers that aren’t used as much.

Make sure you treat the bass solos like you would any other selection. Pay attention to the note values and

phrasing. I intentionally chose a tune that is normally sung. You may find your playing gets better by singing

at the same time as you play. Take a musical pause when a singer normally takes a breath...you will find your

performance vastly improves in its “musicality”.

Hopefully after you complete this exercise and spend some time upping your bass “tool kit” you may find

that the bass really adds an additional dimension to your bass and gets away from the mechanical playing of a

simple bass/chord/chord/chord, bass/chord/chord/chord accompaniment.

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MAS Music page featuring great Accordion music!

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MAS NEWS

FROM THE EDITOR

I have sad news to report….fellow member and long time MAS newsletter photographer, John Stopa,

passed away in September. John was one of those members that worked in the background and provided

a valuable service to the club. I will miss him greatly!

There have been two radio programs that featured the Michigan Accordi-

on Society in interviews and Accordion music by MAS members during

the month of September. Featured were Cory Pesaturo, Eva Evola, and

Joe Recchia.

MAS would like to thank Dino Valle for supporting the club and invite

you to listen to his shows.

Listen to Dino Valle Songs of Faith, and Devotion, Opera, and Father

Justin’s Rosary Hour.

WDRJ CHRISTIAN RADIO 1440 AM every Sunday 1:00 till 2:00pm

OPEN MIKE CLUBS

Many of our members enjoy attending

not only MAS but OPEN MIKE clubs

in the area.

There are two outstanding Open Mike

clubs that are particularly popular with

our members locally.

An OPEN MIKE club has attendees

sign up to play 2-3 tunes when they ar-

rive. On any given night you will hear

just about every possible type of instru-

ment, different types of music such as

folk, country, jazz, classical, and some

light pop music. The performers skill

level ranges from the low end to a few

professionals but everyone supports all

the players whatever their ability and it

is common for attendees to get together

for future duets, combos, etc. Member-

ship ages ranges from young to “well

seasoned” and are family friendly

events.

THE SHELBY MUSIC SOCIETY

Meets the second Saturday of each

month from 7:00-10:00pm at the Shelby

Senior Center Auditorium on Van Dyke

near 23 Mile Rd. in the rear of the city

library. Admission is by donation. At-

tendees often bring deserts to share at

the break.

THE STARK WEATHER ARTS CEN-

TER IN ROMEO meets at 219 N. Main

St. on the fourth Friday of each month

from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Admission is $4

for non-members and $3 for members.

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Music Authority offers MAS members: Buy four lessons & get two free!

Address: 24736 W. Warren St.

Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Phone: (313) 551-5420

Website: www.musicauthorityschool.com

Attention: Pavel

MAS Members Please Support the Business that support MAS!

MAS Business & Classified Section

EDP Studios offers MAS Members: 20% off all in stock items, including Les-sons, Instruments and Professional Record-ings!

Address: 30640 Dequindre Rd Warren, MI 48092 Phone: 586 751-8616 Website: www.edbstudios.com Attention: Eric or Donna

Gus Zoppi Music Center offers MAS Mem-bers:

20% off all in stock items, including Les-sons & Instruments!

Address: 38944 Dequindre Road

Sterling Heights, MI 48310

Phone: (586) 978-1816

Website: www.guszoppimusic.com

Attention: Vicky or Tom

Accordion International offer MAS mem-

bers: 20% discount on Accordion Straps and cases and special Member pricing on the

lineup of Roland V Accordions

Address: 1760 South 450 West

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Phone: (800) 935-0013

Website: www.accordionfactory.com

Attention: Paul Pasquali

ConCorde Inn offers MAS members:

20% discount on Rooms at both locations

www.concordeinn.com

1919 Star Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309,

Phone: 248-299-1210

44315 Gratiot, Clinton Township, MI 49036

Phone: 586-493-7300

A Portable Charger is now available for your Roland FR7/FR7x V Accordion which is specifically engineered and designed

for your BP 24-45 Battery pack. Stop carrying around your bulky Roland Charger and upgrade with this very small and portable

(less than 1 pound) very high quality Micro processer based charger. Retail price $249.00. MAS Members will receive a 25% discount.

JR Products LLC, jrecchia@comcast.net, 248-824-3856

Avoid high legal costs with Legal Shield

Very Affordable Legal and Identity Theft

Protection Service. MAS Members will

receive personal 1 on 1 program introduction.

Please contact our MAS member Jeanette Fulton

at 248-229-4880 or for more info please visit her

personal website at

www.jeanettefulton.legalshieldassociate.com

MAS Members receive

A wonderful 30 Plus % off on a brand new Borsini Accordion!

www.borsiniaccordions.it

Please contact Mr. Jeffrey Iacono, President of

Borsini Accordion of America 1814 Tanger Drive,

Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714)-269-8648

Jeffrey@borsiniaccordion.it

Alesis RA-100 power amplifier and 2 Alesis Monitor One speakers. Includes connecting cords, etc. Asking

$250. Contact Evelyn Pasko evelynp1@yahoo.com

ACCORDIONS FOR SALE

Sonola SS-5 model with mikes. Excellent and handmade reeds. 6 treble and 3 bass switches $2500

Universal with 4/5 Hand Made reeds 9 treble and 1 bass register. “Beveled” keyboard. This one was made in

Detroit. $2500. Both accordions are in pristine condition! Contact Stan at 734-671-9126 (Grosse Ile area)

For advertising, or to participate in the MAS discount program, please contact one of our Officers or Board Members

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Michigan Accordion Society Application Form

I express my talents as:

Accordion Fan / Supporter Student (must be under 18 yrs of age)

Play For My Own Enjoyment Performer Teacher

We would be delighted if you would join the Michigan Accordion Society!

Please fill out the form below and mail back with your enclosed check at:

“Michigan Accordion Society, 5955 Cobb Creek Road, Rochester, MI 48306”

Name:

Address:

City, State, ZIP:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

“Referred by”

Signature: _______________________________Date: _______

Dues are to be made payable

to the “Michigan Accordion

Society” with application for

membership. Single Mem-

bership dues are $30.00/year

or $15.00/year for students.

Spouse / Family Plan

(Includes children 18 and

under) just $20.00 extra with

Single Membership Pur-

chase.

2013 CY Sliding scale for

new single members/ Spouse

& Family plans are:

Jan—Feb = $30.00/$20.00

March—April = $25.00/$18.00

May—June = $20.00/$15.00

July—August = $15.00/$10.00

Sept—Oct = $10.00/$5.00

*Nov—Dec = $30.00/$20.00

(*paid through 2014 CY)

Join MAS and Enjoy these 2013/14 Membership Benefits!

visit us at www.michiganaccordion.org or our

Your $30.00 MAS membership entitles you to:

Receive our brand new official Membership card and use it to save money at local area business

(please refer to our website for the latest list of our MAS business supporters and discount listing)

Be added on our Website Performers Directory and Teachers Directory

Promotion of your CD's, events & performances

Periodic Updates & Newsletters

Free Classified Advertising in our Newsletter and Website

Membership meeting entrance discounts $5.00 for MAS Members and $8.00 for Non Members

Receive a copy of our MAS members list and begin to access a great network of Musicians

Membership Incentive, a little effort and you can get your membership for free (see below incen-

tives)

Invitation to work shops and special appearance as they become available

Help support the Accordion

FREE CURRENT C/Y COMPLIMENTARY MAS MEMBERSHIP!

In order to qualify, all of the following must apply:

Solo Music performance during one of our Membership Meet-

ings

Placed on our playing roster by the Clubs Music Editors

Membership Incentive Programs: $5.00 Finders Fee Details:

You must be a current and paid in full MAS

member

The new member you refer must have never-

been a MAS member

The new member must also be paid in full

Your name must be placed on our MAS Appli-

cation form where it says “Referred By”

page!

Membership Form Revision Nov 2012

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MAS Last Note News

DID YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE UP TO 200 MAS MEMBERS!!!

MAS Members WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY DEC. 31ST,

MAIL YOUR PAYMENT OUT EARLY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY SEASON STARTS!

Your dues help to fund our operations and bring in top entertainers. Also, we need your help to search for more members, so please do your part and help support the Michigan Accordion

Society by attracting more members to our club to join, with out members we are nothing!

Lastly, if you wish to provide a future article or photo, contact Bob or Joe. We always need items for our newsletter! Also, if you run across an interesting article let us know.

See you on October 19th!

Michigan Accordion Society

5955 Cobb Creek Rd Rochester, Michigan 48306

Place

Stamp

Here