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WMAS NEWS UPDATE
April 22, 2006

Meeting Notes

It sounded like April in Paris at our last meeting (April 11) as Eric Schwarz started out his program with a French tune. Things quickly got more complicated (tout se complique). Eric explained that his first instrument is the piano and, as a pianist, he tries to “make the accordion do stuff it wasn’t meant to do,” such as playing 6th and 9th chords and suspended 4ths by playing several buttons on the bass side at once. To get a C6, for example, he plays a C bass and an A minor chord together. To get a C9, he plays a C bass with a C major and G minor chords. Chaos ensued as everyone tried out these techniques.

Eric also demonstrated how he bends notes on the treble side. He claims it doesn’t hurt the reeds. “You can only hurt them by playing really loud, especially on the piccolo reeds,” he said.

At the May 9 meeting, Peter DiGiovanni will present a workshop on chord progressions. Our annual spring concert will take place at the June 13 meeting (please remember to sign up), and Joan will present a short workshop on bellows techniques at the July 11 meeting.

Upcoming Events

Las Vegas

Clay Bobrowski reported that he is planning to go to the Las Vegas accordion festival in late June.

Springfield Days – Please Sign Up to Play

One of the purposes of WMAS is to "promote accordion music in the national capital region." It has been suggested that one way to do this is to participate in local fairs, festivals, celebrations, etc. One such occasion is Springfield Days, held June 2, 3 and 4. We have an opportunity to perform at Lake Accotink on Saturday the 3rd, between noon and 2 pm, to a fairly large ambulatory crowd. We would have a shaded pavilion near the lake, but no seating for the spectators. Hopefully they would stop to listen, but only if we have someone playing! Are you willing to put in about 30 minutes or so to help promote our club? You can play alone, with a friend, any music you like for as long (or short) as you like. The important thing is that we have some representation for our organization. If you are interested, please contact Lee Paulson.

Polka Party with Blaskapelle Alte Kameraden
Friday, April 28, 2006, 8 pm
Old Town Hall
3999 University Drive (at Main Street)
Fairfax, VA

German beer & wine, pretzels & pastry. Polka dancing after concert.

Free. More information at http://www.fairfaxband.org, info@fairfaxband.org, (703) 757-0220

The Washington Balalaika Society
Saturday, May 6, 2006, 7:30 pm
Ernst Cultural Center
Northern Virginia Community College
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA
Sunday, May 21, 2006, 3 pm
Kreeger Theatre
The Jewish Community Center
6125 Montrose Road
Rockville, MD

Tickets: $20 adults, $18 seniors/students
Credit card orders at http://www.balalaika.org
By mail, check to WBS, 74212 Calamo, Springfield, VA 22150
Information and group sales: (730) 644-9151

Internationally known jazz accordionist Frank Marocco
Friday, June 2, 8 pm
Masonic Temple
410 University Blvd
Silver Spring, MD

Tickets $15 per person, including light refreshments

Info at (301) 279-8716 or Joan Grauman

See also http://www.frankmarocco.com.

MAC and WMAS (members only) are invited to a potluck dinner at the Masonic Temple at 6:45 pm. Email Joan about what dish you will bring. [POTLUCK IS CANCELED]

Dues
If you haven't yet paid your dues for 2006, please do so. Either bring a $15 check to the next meeting or email mcherkasky@verizon.net for a mailing address.