Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts will sponsor their 51st Music Festival at the Boston Newton Marriott in Newton, Mass. April 5-7, 2013.
In 2012 the ATAM celebrated their 50th anniversary with the Air Force Strolling Strings performing for over 500 people at Saturday nights’ milestone banquet which was attended by over 35 past champions, past members and current contestants and their families.
Chairman, Peggy Falcetti, from Springfield, Ma., states that this years’ event will be as large as last year with over 700 contestants. Roger Latulippe, co-chairman with Peggy for over 30 years has retired his position as co-chairman as of 2013 and will be surely missed. He will continue as an active member and assist at the Festival.
Two new and exciting workshops will be presented by Jay Latulippe and Sam Falcetti. The workshops entitled “How to Memorize a Song In 5 Minutes” and “Choosing a Career in Music” will take place on Saturday. There is no charge to attend these workshops.
The ATAM will also award a $500.00 Music Scholarship to a contestant planning on majoring in music in college this September and over $4000.00 in cash awards to all 1st place winners in high level categories.
President, Johanna Lewis, is happy to announce the premier performance by the “New England Roland V Accordion Orchestra” on Sunday afternoon. This orchestra is the first of its kind in the United States. Sam Falcetti from Springfield, Mass. will conduct this new sound by an accordion orchestra.
The New England Music Festival is an annual musical competition sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts, Inc, (ATAM; established in 1962) which typically features more than 3000 entries and 800 contestants from all across New England.
All events are free and open to the public, while entry fees for contestants vary by category. During the festival, contestants, ages through 22, take part in accordion, guitar, bass guitar, drum, percussion, piano, violin and voice competitions. Solo, duet and group categories are also offered. Non Competitive Categories include evaluation solos and festival group divisions. Contestants must be students of ATAM teachers.
The three-day event takes place Friday through Sunday. On Friday evening and Sunday a “Battle of the Bands” is held in the hotel ballroom. Cash awards are given to the first, second and third place winners in three divisions. The Accordion, Guitar, Drum, and Piano Championships are also held Friday evening with cash awards given to all competitors.
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. One of the best things about the event-contestants can participate regardless of their experience level or ability.
For further information: http://www.accordions.com/atam/
