The 2011 New England Music Festival will be held from April 8-10 at the Boston Marriott in Newton, Massachusetts.
The New England Music Festival is an annual musical competition sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM) established in 1962.
2011 marks the 49th year for the event, which typically features more than 3000 entries and 1000 contestants from all across New England. This year’s festival will be held April 8, 9 and 10 at the Boston Marriott in Newton, MA.
Chris Gorton (picture below) will be a featured guest artist and perform in the Ballroom on Sunday, April 10 at 1:30 PM.Chris is the winner of the 2010 Roland U.S. V-Accordion Festival. Don’t miss his performance!
All events are free and open to the public, while entry fees for contestants range from $10 to $30. During the festival, contestants, ages through 22, take part in accordion, guitar, bass guitar, drum, percussion, piano, and voice competitions. Solo, duet and group categories are also offered. Non Competitive Categories include evaluation solos and festival band divisions. Contestants must be students of ATAM teachers.
The three-day event takes place Friday through Sunday. On Friday evening a “Battle of the Bands” is held in the hotel ballroom. Cash awards are given to the first place winners in three divisions. The Accordion, Guitar, Drum, and Piano Championships are also held Friday evening with cash awards given to the first, second and third place winners.
On Saturday and Sunday continuous group competitions are held in the hotel ballroom. Solo and duet competitions are ongoing. An awards banquet is held on Saturday evening with more than 500 in attendance. A $500.00 cash scholarship is awarded to a contestant accepted as a Music Major in college. More than $3,000 in cash is awarded to winners throughout the weekend. Contestants are evaluated by judges from all over the country.
At the event, students will have an opportunity to participate in workshops, compete in age-level categories, perform for evaluation, attend concerts, and have fun at a Dance Party on Saturday evening for contestants. One of the best things about the event-contestants can participate regardless of their experience level or ability.
More information will be in the April Accordion USA News.
For further information: New England Music Festival website.
or peggyfalcetti@falcettimusic.com
