Picture above (l to r): Frank Petrilli, Betty Fisher, Lynn Ewing, JoAnn Pankow, Gail Campanella, Joan Grauman, Mark Nejako, Joe Cerrito, Pat Racioppa
A good time was had by all as a small group of accordion friends from all over the country gathered at our home in mid-January for a 3-day accordion clinic, under the guidance of renowned accordionist Joe Cerrito.
The eight of us enjoyed daily sessions consisting of exercises, some improvisation, excellent teaching tips, sight-reading and group playing. Adding to the enjoyment was gorgeous mild weather, great food, and a little sightseeing in the Venice/Sarasota area.
The event ended on a “high note” when we performed for 70 of our very enthusiastic neighbors in the local clubhouse.
Since coming down to Florida, I have been working with Joe Cerrito (for close to a year now), and he has really changed the way I feel about daily exercises, along with instilling in me a new and exciting appreciation for my beloved instrument.
As a self-taught accordionist, I have found that working with Joe has given me more self-confidence, not only as a musician but also as a teacher. I wanted to share this experience with some of my friends, so Joe and I came up with the idea of a clinic for accordionists of all levels.
Also living close to us in Florida is former American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) President Linda Soley Reed, who moved here a few months ago. Linda spent time with us daily during the clinic and even prepared a lovely lunch for us one of the days. She was also our guest conductor at the concert.
Keeping the number to eight people worked well, as everyone had the opportunity to get one-on-one assistance from Joe. In the end, each person learned something new and had a great time.
Joe pointed out the need for others to create and direct events such as our clinic across the country. His message to all of us: “If you have the knowledge and ability to help accordionists to become better musicians and better teachers, please share this gift.”
The accordion is making a comeback and it’s important, for those who are qualified, to provide good instruction and guidance.
Participants: Gail Campanella, Lynn Ewing and Frank Petrilli from California; Mark Nejako from Maryland; JoAnn Pankow from Virginia; Pat Racioppa from Pennsylvania; Betty Fisher from North Carolina; Joan Grauman from Maryland and Florida.
Picture below: (l to r) Pat Racioppa, JoAnn Pankow, Gail Campanella, Mark Nejako, Lynn Ewing, Joan Grauman, Betty Fisher, Joe Cerrito, Frank Petrilli.
