WMAS update June 2007

WMAS NEWS (Visit the news archive for past announcements) (To post a news item, e-mail mcherkasky@verizon.net)

WMAS NEWS UPDATE July 1, 2007

Meeting Notes WMAS celebrated Fathers’ Day with a member concert at our June 17 meeting. As usual, this was a treat for longtimers and newcomers alike – and we did have some newcomers, thanks to our new sign placed out at the road, and to the Washington Post Thursday calendars. The lineup included Peter DiGiovanni; Phil Fox, back after shoulder surgery; Peter Fuehres; John Giunta on mandolin accompanied by Dale Wise (on “Oh, My Papa,” the only father-specific piece); Robert Juszczyk; Joseph Kulick; Ken Kunec; Rick Nunno and Mara Cherkasky in duet; Joann Pankow in her first time at WMAS; Mary Elizabeth Smith with her “Random Band” (Karen, Phil, Peter and Mara); and four members of the Potomac Ensemble (Lou Silvia, Karen, Peter and Mara). Dale emceed and played a couple of numbers himself. Next Month At next month’s meeting – July 22 – Ken Kunec will present a workshop on creative arrangements -- ideas on improving your playing through the use of technique, style, improvisation and full use of the accordion's capabilities. If you’ve attended any recent meetings, you’ll know that Ken is a wonderful entertainer, so you’ll want to see what he has to show us. Announcements New WMAS Shirts We want to submit our new WMAS shirt order in time to get the shirts to wear at Coupe Mondiale in mid-August, so you need to PLACE YOUR ORDER BY JULY 9. This is especially important if you are concerned about getting your size. We will be ordering extras, but there is no guarantee that we’ll have enough of each size. Photos of the shirts are attached. The men’s version is a polo shirt and comes in sizes S through 3XL; the women’s has a v-neck and collar, similar to a polo shirt but without buttons. It comes in S through 2XL. Both men’s and women’s come in red and black, with the WMAS logo on the left chest. The price is $15. If you’ve already placed your order, you’re set. If you have questions about sizes, please contact Joan at 301-279-8716. Send your order (or questions about orders) by replying to this email. Coupe Mondiale/Milliennium Stage If you haven’t yet registered for the Coupe Mondiale in Alexandria August 13-18, please do so soon, at http://accordions.com/coupeusa/tickets.htm. One of the highlights will be the massed band performance at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, August 17; another will be WMAS’s “after-hours” party on Thursday evening, August 16. And then, of course, there are concerts every night, a banquet, and loads of other activities. Also, in honor of the Coupe, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage will present free accordion concerts every evening at 6 pm during that week. Don’t miss the fun! And let’s have a strong presence at the Coupe! Picnic At Dale & DeAnn Wise’s Saturday, August 4, 2007, 10:30 – 5:00 4314 Burr Hill Rd. (P.O. Box 53) Burr Hill, VA 22433 RSVP to 540-854-5209 / Accordionplus@aol.com Bring salad or dessert to share, and don’t forget your accordion! Directions from the North: 95 S; 3 W; 20 S; right on 611; left on 692; first driveway on right or 495 S; 66 W; 29 S at Gainesville; 3 E; 522 S; pass Baker’s Store; left on 611; right on 692; first driveway on right From the South: 95 N; 3 W; 20 S; right on 611; left on 692; first driveway on right or 29 N; 3 E; 522 S; pass Baker’s Store; left on 611; right on 692; first driveway on right Please call if weather is questionable. We’ll pass out some music wenyagithere!