Mark your calendar for the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) Master Class and Concert Series on August 1-3, 2014 with Master Classes from 3-5:PM and Concerts from 7-9:PM. It will be held at the Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City. You can choose any or all of three consecutive days of seminars, workshops, lectures, discussions and performances with accordionist-composer-author-philosopher, Dr. William Schimmel as Moderator/Curator.
Mayumi Miyaoka is the Founder of the Brooklyn Accordion Club which was formed last year. Through her efforts, the club has been selected as a Community Arts Fund grantee this year. The Brooklyn Accordion Club is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). Mayumi answered the following questions:
How did you find out about the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) seminar? And what motivated you to attend one?
“I’ve been playing accordion for about ten years, and I’ve always enjoyed being involved in the communities of accordion players and enthusiasts. As my husband and I were relocating to the East Coast at the end of the year 2010, my former accordion teacher from San Francisco Accordion Club, Sharon Walters recommended that I con- tact Dr. William Schimmel. Soon after we settled in Brooklyn, I contacted Dr. Schimmel, and he informed me of his Summer Seminar. I immediately registered for the seminar because it sounded like a lot of fun, and I wanted to meet accordion players and enthusiasts in NYC area.”
Tell us about the seminar. What are they like?
“The seminar covers all things accordion; history, philosophy, techniques… The seminar is opened with an introduction by Dr. Schimmel, and leads to topical presentations. The previous presentations include introductions to Claviola, accordion look-alike instrument.
Sheng, the oldest ancestor of the reed instrument, and sound textures that you could create on an accordion etc. After the presentations, the floor is open for informal performances. You can perform a piece or two and receive critique from the audience. I’ve found the audience very friendly and supportive, and the comments received from them have been very helpful in improving my performing skills.”
You have been attending the seminar every summer ever since. What do you like about it?
“Each summer, I learn something new from the presentations by Dr. Schimmel and his fellow musicians. It is inspiring to find out about the projects and the experiments that others have been work- ing on. The concert in the evening is a must see, too!”
Do you recommend the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) seminar to others? And why?
“Yes, definitely! It is a great way to meet with accordionists and other musicians, and to learn about the infinite possibilities of the instrument. Regardless if you are new to the accordion or an expe- rienced player, you will leave the William Schimmel led seminar with inspiration to squeeze more!”
For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com
Call: 212-876-0827
