President's Message

Fran Maddox

             The May 17th meeting was another wonderful time to meet with fellow club members to share music and friendship. It started early, 10:00, to rehearse for the upcoming Scandinavian Festival in Astoria. Coreen Bergholm is the leader of this group. She has put together a fabulous program for the accordion orchestra to play at the Festival. The “Beer Babes” will also be performing. 

                   Micah Cowan, led the music circle. Micah wrote a new arrangement for “Beautiful Dreamer” which was delightful to play. Congratulations on the arrangment of such a beautiful song. The other music circle songs were: “I’m Going to Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter”, the “George Cohan Medley.” The latter in honor of Memorial Day.

                   The business meeting summary will be on page 3. Items that were discussed at the recent board meeting were presented. One was regarding music circle and some ideas to enhance it and make it more enjoyable for everyone. I asked for input regarding music circle and some of the ideas presented were: 1)  repeat songs from previous circles; 2) choose something specific to work on with the songs we play (e.g. dynamics, timing, switch changes, etc). and 3) possibly having a Master Class . The last idea brought much discussion. Members seemed excited about going beyond the basics and extending our abilities. The group asked for a survey asking for input on the subject of a Master Class: how many are interested, topics to be addressed, format it would take, etc. Amber Matz volunteered to help write it with me. We will do that after camp.

                   RCAC Accordion Camp is around the corner: June 1-6. Susan Schwab reported that everything is ready. There will be 33 orchestra members, Joe Natoli and Gail Campanella are the conductors with Toby Hanson and Courtney Von Drehle the instructors. Joe got the music to us early for plenty of practicing time. The instructors are using technology to deliver their sessions. Emails containing their information will be emailed but there will be some printed copies available. Many thanks to Susan and the camp committee for getting this event ready.

                  After the business meeting, members performed one or two songs.  Today Paul Bria and his wife Judy joined us. We enjoyed having him come and play for us as well as everyone else.  

                    This Memorial Day, let us remember all the service men and women who have given their lives so our democracy can continue to exist. May God bless the United States of America.               T