harold & helen estok founders of a.l.s.i. · pdf fileminnesota waltz”, a peppy waltz...

welcome to participate in this class and to join in with some "JAM" mu-s ic fo l lowing the class. Music phrasing and dynamic expression are the two topics for this class. Please bring your accordion and music stand. I will post some music and teaching ma-terials on the A.L.S.I. web site very soon .

Thank you everyone for supporting the ac-cordion club. Please share your ideas with us concerning fun and edu-cational club activities. Your ideas contribute to the club’s continued numerical and musical growth and also the en-joyment for all of us. I hope to see you at our future meetings. All the best to you all and may you enjoy the beautiful weather we are having in San Diego.

Gordon —

by Gordon Kohl

Hello!

A Happy St. Patrick's Day to our ALSI friends. Thank you Sharon Ma-rotte and fellow musi-cians for a great Febru-ary Showcase music per-formance. The music was uplifting and very musical. It just shows how well the accordi-on mixes instrumentally with so many other acoustic music instru-ments.

The music styles and themes have g iv-en our member accor-dionists an opportunity to explore new solos and group numbers for meetings. This idea is working. Players at the

monthly meetings can build their skills at read-ing music, memorization and music interpreta-tion. The diversity of music is really almost endless. With so many accordionists playing new musicic on the in-ternet a new apprecia-tion and respectability for the accordion is de-veloping.

I am sure that we will have many great Sunday accordion play-outs this year. You will enjoy playing your accordion along with other members this March meeting. We will all feel like we are in Ireland where Irish music is played mainly on the accordion, fiddle, flute, recorder, concer-tina, pan flute and tin whistle.

I will have a digital a c c o r d i o n w o r k -shop class in March on Saturday, March 21, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The cost for partici-pants is nominal.

In the month of April, I will present a workshop class at the A.L.S.I. meeting follow-ing the wonderful mem-ber music. Everyone is

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MARCH 2015

March 2015Volume 22 Issue 3

NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue:

President’s Message

1

General Information

2

Happiness at ALSI

3

Showcase ReviewChuck Henry

5

American Idol Contestant

8

Calendar 9

Playing Around 9

Showcase ReviewSharon Marotte

4

Accordion News 8

Coming This Month

5

Harold & Helen Estok Founders of A.L.S.I.

President:Gordon Kohl619-395-0454

Presidents Emeriti:(Founder) Harold Estok

Ron GriffinKjell HolmesGloria Ensign

Vice President:Mary Lou Erwin

619-448-9588

Meeting Coordinator:Bill Barr

619-337-1111

Corresponding Secretary:Marian Sowell619-448-4174

Treasurer &Ensemble Director:

Vicki Eriqat619-563-5586

Recording Secretary:Sharon Marotte

619-286-3948

Newsletter/Webmaster: Bob Page

760--815-4783

ALSI is on the

WEB at:

www.accordion-

club-sandiego.org

GENERAL INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIPS: New membership and renewal for year 2015 are; the fee is $100 Gold, $25 U.S.A., $26 Canada, $27 for International delivery. For new members; partial year memberships can be purchased. Make check or mon-ey order payable to ALSI and send to: Helen Estok Schoell, at P.O. Box 151357 San Diego, CA 92175. The REED BLOCK is published once each month. Your input to the REED BLOCK is invited and should be submitted to Helen Estok Schoell or email to Bob Page at [email protected] or email to Mary Lou Erwin at: [email protected]: Unless otherwise indicated, all articles were written by the Editor. Unless so stated, no article is to be construed as an endorsement and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or ALSI. CUT-OFF DATE: All contributors to The REED BLOCK please note: For next month all material is due two weeks before the next meeting, accordingly the due date for the April 2015 issue is: March 30th. This includes all items such as articles, upcoming events, playing around, accordion workshops, advertisements and ensemble schedules. Please submit your input to Helen Estok Schoell (at above ALSI address) or email to Bob Page at [email protected] or Mary Lou Erwin at [email protected]. Thank you for your cooperation. ADVERTISEMENTS: Members may place one small ad per year at no charge, business cards are $6/per issue or $60/per year, quarter-page is $15/per issue, half -page is $25/per issue, full -page is $50/per issue, one -page event flyer is $25/per issue. Cost is doubled for non -members. (All ads must be accordion related).MEETINGS: The club normally meets at 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. on the second Sunday of each month at the Mt Miguel Cov-enant Village, 325 Kempton Ave, Spring Valley, CA. Our next Meeting will feature a showcase program by the ALSI Ensemble on Sunday, March 8th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Mt. Miguel Covenant Village in Bailey Hall.STEERING COMMITTEE; Next meeting is on Wednesday, March 11th, 10:30—12:00 pm in the Coco’s Res-taurant in Mission Gorge area. (NOTE: MEETING NOW HELD ON WEDNESDAYS!).

ALSI MEMBERSHIP OR RENEWAL APPLICATION FORM

(Attention: All 2015 renewals are now due, per club by-laws)

Membership/Newsletter Subscription for 2015 (please print)

Date__________________ New___ Renewal___ Address Change___ Gold ____

Name___________________________________________________________________________________________First Last Spouse First

Address__________________________________________________________________________________________City State Zip Code

Telephone ( _____ ) -_______________ email address___________________________________________

Make Check or Money Order payable to ALSI (Yearly membership fees: $25-USA, $26-Canada, $27-International, $100-Gold)

Mail to: ALSI/REED BLOCK c/o Helen Estok Schoell P.O. Box 151357 San Diego, CA 92175

Call 619-584-4970 for questions

Volume 22 Issue 3

HAPPINESS AT ALSI

HAPPINESS at ALSIby Sharon Marotte

February 8, 2015 – Our ALSI meet-ing was a busy, musical event at Mt Mi-guel, Bailey Hall. Folks arrived early to set up for the Ensemble performance, Jane Ford came early to decorate the cake/coffee table, Jack Marotte was very busy setting up the sound equip-ment. Players around the village were: Brandel – Vicki Eriqat, Cafeteria –Jerry Odling, Crider 1 Gardenside –Laura Guerrero. Bill Barr was the MC for the day.� The ALSI Ensemble played first

at 1 pm. They looked very nice in their outfits: black slacks, black vests, white shirts/blouses & red bow tie. They were directed by Vicki Eriqat - Lois Lahoud was the percussionist. Their songs were: Life in the Finnish Woods, Red Wing, Let Me Call you Sweetheart, Wed-ding Bells, It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie, Whatever Will Be, Dream of Heav-en, Tick Tock Polka, Tango de Gelosia & Beer Barrel Polka.

� Steve Halpern played several songs for us: Amelie, Yesterday, Summertime, Traveglia e Sonno (Mazurka) Chosjajka, & Por Una Cabeza. Steve is a busy player at our club – keep sqeezing!!

� Marilyn Harkins – so glad to see our new player back again. Her songs were: Amelie & Road to the Isles.

We had our coffee/cake break, Sha-ron Marotte & Helen Estok Schoellfurnished a chocolate cake to honor their February birthdays. The table was decorated with Valentine napkins, hearts and all things red. Gordon Kohlplayed for us during the break, which was very enjoyable.

Sharon Marotte and friends per-formed a diverse and entertaining

showcase for the ALSI attendees after the break. Another showcase perfor-mance then followed by Chuck Henry, which ably demonstrated the evolving

world of the electronic accordion. (Reviews of these showcases are includ-ed in this newsletter).

We had a very fun day with accordi-on music. You missed out if you were not there. Hope to see you in March!!

SHOWCASE REVIEW — Sharon Marotte & Friends

SHARON MAROTTE and FRIENDS SHOWCASE

by Bob Warner

The ALSI organization is fortunate to have a number of good lady accordionists. Sharon Marotte is one of these. I have known Sharon for a long time and have en-joyed her musical skills throughout the years. She is a loyal participant in all of the ALSI musical activities and we were pleased to have her showcase presented this afternoon. The list of songs was designed to have some-thing for everybody and she showed that the accordion can be mixed with a variety of in-struments and come off sounding great. Her group consisted of Stephanie Millican on violin and mandolin, Tom Conti on sax, Joe Gist on banjo, Lois Lahoud on key-board and of course, Sharon on accor-dion. They were loosely grouped on the stage and everyone got a chance to solo on their instrument. I know that it took a lot of work to organize and rehearse the songs for this showcase. It was a relaxed, very enjoya-ble presentation that the audience appreciat-ed greatly.

Sharon and Lois on keyboard started the program off with a bang with “CHOO CHOO Ch’BOOGIE that took us back to the 40’s and 50’s followed by “COULD I HAVE THIS DANCE” made famous by Anne Murray, “AMAPOLA” a song that seems to have been composed for the accordion, “I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT” from My Fair Lady and finally the traditional “O SOLE MIO”. I’ve always felt that the ac-cordion and the modern electronic keyboard were made for each other and those duets really sounded good. Sharon’s presentation is smooth and relaxed where entertainment is the code word. Her accordion is an earlier

model Petosa that has a beautiful set of powerful reeds that sing easily.

Sharon’s version of “MY WAY” moved along at a slow tempo with the embedded musical mel-ody providing the drama in this famous piece.This was a fine, contemporary solo. “PACHELB EL CANON” had Stephanie playing the basic melody while Sharon filled in with variations in the background using the violin reed voicing. Sha-ron accompanied Stephanie in “SWEDISH RHAP-SODY” This moved along at a moderate, bouncy pace typical of this piece. Next this duo played “AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS” made famous by the movie of the same name. Stephanie was on the mandolin while they took turns with various solo parts.

Going on, Sharon soloed with “HARVEY’S MINNESOTA WALTZ”, a peppy waltz that really moved. It allowed Sharon to exercise her key-board skills. Next, the group launched into a group of old time songs that had everyone tap-ping their feet. “AIN’T SHE SWEET” had Tom Conti soloing on sax with vocals. Sharon has one hot sax player there. He is good. Tom followed this with “HELLO DOLLY” with accompaniment by Joe Gist on banjo. “SWEET GEORGIA BROWN” literally had Tom and Sharon jamming in a terrific arrangement of this familiar piece. That was hot accordion and sax. The final piece in this group, “AT SUNDOWN” was done al-most in dixieland style. This was more hot sax and accordion.

The group finished the afternoon with “HAPPY TRAILS” with everyone playing and Sha-ron doing vocals. The keyboard added an addi-tional measure of musicality to the group.

Sharon has an easy, relaxed style of playing, never man handling the accordion but when nec-essary she can step up the pace and technique as needed. The group’s showcase was full of enjoy-ment and fun. We will look forward to hearing them again as they expand their repertoire and musicality utilizing the strong musical base they have now. —

SHOWCASE REVIEW — Sharon Marotte & Friends

Volume 22 Issue 3

SHOWCASE REVIEW — Chuck Henry

CHUCK HENRY SHOWCASE

by Bob Warner

Chuck Henry in a way has become a new friend since he played for us not too long ago. Because we had two showcases today they were both necessarily shorter than usual. However, he had his Roland all electronic accordion along with him this time along with a BK-7M sound module which he used with another accordion that had a MIDI interface.

Chuck plays an expansive repertoire of con-temporary ballads, swing, jazz and easy listening music. At his finger tips are all of the different band an d o r c h e s t r a l sounds currently available along with straight acoustic. He is entirely comforta-ble with his instru-

ments, often strolling about as the music rolls off his fingers. With his technique he makes it all look easy.

It is clear that he is moving along with musi-

cians who are using the new electronic technolo-gies as they have been applied to the accordion. The world has changed with mass audiences de-manding different approaches and sounds to their musical experiences. The present technolo-gies do not abandon straight acoustic; they merge it with electronic replicas of other instru-ments, often in really interesting ways. Chuck’s showcase today was a demonstration, in part, of what can be done with the modern technologies.

Part of his presentation on the Roland includ-ed “CHICKEN DANCE”, a medley from “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”, some polkas that got some members of the audience dancing, and a variety of other songs of a pleasing nature. As an add on, Gordon Kohl, our president, joined Chuck for a duet jam. The merging of Gordon’s Petosa acoustic accordion with Chuck’s Roland produced a rich, interesting sound. They played such numbers as the theme from Dr. Zivago, “ELVIRA”, some country with “RELEASE ME”, “UNDER PARIS SKIES”, a tango “LA COMPAR-SITA” followed by a rousing finish with “PENNSYLVANIA POLKA”.

We want to thank Chuck for coming by again and sharing his musicality as the accordion con-tinues to evolve in the present day music scene.

* * *

COMING IN MARCH

After our ALSI meeting, at 3 pm, we are inviting one and all to our JAMMIN’ SESSION.

withIrish Music

Music will be made available at the meet-ing or on our web site under resources at

www.accordion-club-sandiego.org

These sessions are loads of fun, bring your accordion and you can join us.

“My Wild Irish Rose”“The Irish Rover”“The Kerry Dance”“Irish Washerwoman”“Garry Owen”“Haste to Wedding”

LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTION

Volume 22 Issue 3

LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL ACCORDION CONVENTION

ACCORDION NEWS/EVENTS

NAA Accordion Convention March 5-7 2015. Held in Plano Texas. This year’s theme is “Duet Together”. For more infor-mation contact Gref Klugiewicz Convention Coordinator at email: [email protected] or call (214) 538-5651.RCAC Accordion Camp at Silver FallsJune 7-12 2015. Conductors are Murl Allen Sanders and Stas Venglevski and workshop instructors are: Beverley Fess and Mary To-karski. For more information contact Club president Wayne Tiusanen @ (503)919-2962.Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration June 18-21 2015 held in Leavenworth Washington. This is sponsored by the Northwest Accordion Society and fea-tures concerts, competitions, jam sessions and parades. It is held in a quaint and Bavari-an style village of Leavenworth. For more i n f o r m a t i o n s e e w e b s i t e www.accordioncelebration.org/.Las Vegas International ConventionJune 22-25. This event will feature many artists including our Gordon Kohl (who will also hold several workshops). Joan Cochran Sommers will once again conduct the annual accordion orchestra. For more information contact Paul Pasquali at:[email protected] Accordion Teachers Guild Festival July 22-25 in Lisle IL near Chicago. It will feature concerts. Exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, Jam sessions and competi-tions at all levels. There will be a Festival Or-chestra conducted by Joan Cochran Som-mers. For more information see website www.accordions.com/atg.Cotati Accordion Festival August 22-23held in outdoor setting in Cotati California. Artists featured are Dick Contino, Bruce Gassman, Alicia Baker and the Steve Balich Polka Band. For more information call (707)664-0444. —

Joey Cook thrilled the judges early in Febru-ary on “American Idol” by auditioning with an accordion that complimented her voice quite awesomely.

The blue-haired contestant, a 23-year-old server from Virginia, played “Tallest Man on Earth” on her “squeezebox” as she sang, wow-ing the panel with her uniqueness, seen both in her unusual voice and her spunky personality. As she continued her performance, Connick whispered to his colleagues, “That could be on the radio right now.”

Keith Urban told her afterward, “Joey, that’s my favorite voice of the whole day. Seri-ously. We’ve heard some really good singers today.” Lopez agreed, saying to Cook, “You’re so unique and you look like a little doll.” Harry Connick Jr. went on to say, “I think you’re ab-

solutely terrific. I love you. I think you’re wonder-ful.”

Connick did have one cri-t i q u e , though, saying he w a n t e d t o “caution” Cook to not become a “novelty” per-

former. “But you’re very talented, for sure,” he added. In fact, the judge continued to gush af-ter Cook left the room. “Like, how many times have you seen that but an effort to be that?” he said to Lopez and Urban. “She’s legitimate, that girl. That’s cool.”

Cook was one of a group of contestants selected to audition for the trio in Kansas City, Missouri, after first trying out via the “American Idol” bus tour.

When not working, she’s playing her favor-ite instrument, the accordion. Her grandfather has always wanted her to audition for Ameri-can Idol. Without much hesitation, the judges agreed to send an ecstatic Cook to the next round of auditions in Hollywood. (Excerpted from the Accordion USA News February Edition website). —

AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT

Volume 22 Issue 3

ALSI MEETING CALENDAR

PLAYING AROUND

“Please share date,

time and location

of public appear-

ances. Submit

these, in writing,

complying with the

cut-off date, to

Mary Lou Erwin or

Bob Page.”

Louis Fanucchi

Most Tues-day’s at Café Zucchero in Little Italy from 7-10.Every other Wednesdays

at Romescos in Bonita. Most Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5 pm at Salerno’s Winery in Ra-mona.. (More info. at 619-948-3774 or online at www.loufanucchi.com)

Gordon Kohl

Plays Casuals, Weddings Dances and Special Events. Gordon’s Combo is noted for their repertoire of eth-

nic music such as Italian, French, Ger-man and Latin, Their specialty is Private Parties & Dancing Music.

(For more information and future availability. please call Gordon at: 619-395-0454.)

(

C U S T O M C R A F T E D —

March 8thMonthly meeting with a showcase by

the ALSI Ensemble & Jam SessionFeaturing Irish Music.

April 12thMonthly meeting with a workshop

held by Gordon Kohl.

May 1stMonthly meeting with a workshop

held by Bob Page.

June 14thAnnual Picnic atLindo Lake Park.

VENDOR SERVICES

Monthly Newsletter

ALSI Statement Of

Purpose:

� ALSI is San Diego’s forum for appreciat-ing and performing accordion music, including the MIDI electronic accordion

� We welcome mem-bers who enjoy lis-tening to or playing accordion music.

� We have an accordi-on ensemble group, monthly meetings, local concerts featur-ing local and interna-tionally famous per-formers, an annual picnic and a monthly newsletter.

MARCH 2015

EDITION

The REED BLOCKc/o Helen Estok Schoell

P.O. Box 151357San Diego, CA 92175

At Mt. Miguel CovenantVillage in

Spring Valley

MeetingFrom

1:00 to 4 :00 pm.

On March 8thJoin us at the ALSI gathering as we enjoy our monthly meeting with Ensemble Show-

case and Irish music at special late afternoon jam session

in Bailey Hall.

harold & helen estok founders of a.l.s.i. · pdf fileminnesota waltz”, a peppy waltz...

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