WMAS
NEWS
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WMAS NEWS UPDATE
September 27, 2007
Meeting Notes
The middle weekend of September was all accordion all the time for some members of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society. For the second event in our guest artist series, Mary Tokarski came from Connecticut to offer a concert and workshop during our regular monthly meeting September 16 – and private lessons Saturday and part of Sunday. The concert was a marvel, and at least some people are already noticing improvements to their playing after practicing the exercises Mary taught during the workshop. Those who spent $60 to have Mary to themselves for an hour during the weekend are already asking when we can bring her back for more lessons.
If you missed the workshop and want to improve your playing through 15 minutes per day of warm-up exercises, ask for a copy of the handouts at the next meeting.
Photos of the concert and workshop are at www.washingtonaccordions.org. Mary’s web site, where you can buy her CDs, is at www.accordions.com/mary/.
Next Meeting
On October 21 Jim Vandelly and Joan Grauman will present a workshop on diatonic accordions. In honor of the season, Joan will also play some Oktoberfest tunes. In addition, Jim will show some videos of Russian musicians. Afterwards we’ll begin rehearsing for the December 16 holiday concert, so please bring your accordions. Check the calendar for the rehearsal schedule.
Also at the October meeting the nominating committee will be presenting the slate of candidates for the 2008 calendar year. Current officers (Karen Malan Uribe, president; Joan Grauman, vice president; and Mara Cherkasky, secretary/treasurer) are willing to stay on, but nominations from the floor will be welcome at the November meeting, and we will vote at the January meeting. The club’s bylaws are posted on About Us if you’re interested. The executive committee has voted to raise membership dues to $20 individual and $30 family. The dues policy is also posted on About Us.
Announcements
Accordionist Needed
Saturday, October 6, between 4 and 7 pm, for an Oktoberfest Brat Day at Whole Foods (not sure which location). Call William Gold at 703-851-3332 or 703-992-0651.
Updated Web Site
Loads of photos, videos, and calendar listings have been added to the web site. If you missed Ken Kunec’s workshop in July, the handout is posted under Lessons (on the link bar on the left side of the home page) and includes a whole series of short videos in which Ken demonstrates various techniques. Keep checking back for more instructional videos now that the webmaster has figured out how to post them. Sound clips are coming soon, too. Additional videos are on the Miscellany page.
WMAS Shirts
If you’ve ordered a shirt, please pick it up at the next meeting. We still have shirts to sell, but not in all sizes. Contact wmas2002@cox.net if you’d like to have one set aside.
Chamamé at Millennium Stage
The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is hosting a wonderful Argentine accordionist, Chango Spasiuk, on Wednesday, October 4, at 6 pm. The style he plays is called Chamamé, and this is a rare chance to hear it right here in DC. All Millennium Stage concerts are free.
Small Freebass Accordion Needed
Wei Wei is looking for a light-weight freebass accordion for his son. If you have one to sell, or have any leads, please contact him at wei4918@hotmail.com.
Accordion Teacher Needed in Richmond Area
Please contact Pat Moore
804-526-5250
pmoore@commtronicsofva.com
Information on Accordion School Needed
Judy Hallenbeck is trying to find info about a school for accordion instruction named the Guild Institute of Music on G or H Street in Washington, DC. She took lessons there in the late 1940s and early 1950s and had a teacher by the name of Mr. Kessler.
Does anyone remember this school? If so, please contact jhallenbeck@wildblue.net.
The Bolling Clubs Proudly Present…
STEREO STRINGS
This popular strolling ensemble will be performing Saturday, September 29, 2007 in our dining room from 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Alternating with the “Stereo Strings” will be an exciting dance combo. Dance your cares away until 11:30 P.M.
The club will be featuring specially priced dinners for two (including salad) for only $31.95. (Members' price @ $22.95). Choices will include Prime Rib, Salmon and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Don't miss out on a great value!
Join us for a fabulous relaxing evening of dining and dancing!
Call (202) 563-8400 for reservations. We look forward to seeing you!
Those of you who do not have access to the base may call Lou at 703-379-7400, or email Stereostrings@aol.com for further information.
Please visit Stereo Strings web site at… www.loucoppola.com.