In honor of Ronny Setniker’s life, his daughter Shelby suggested the monies raised at the A World of Accordions Museum (AWAM) memorial event, be used as a scholarship to benefit a promising accordionist who has expressed interest studying accordion repair at the institution.
Ron Setniker, who died in 2018, was a professional accordionist, beloved by the crowds he entertained, and active in many aspects of the accordion world. He performed often in support of AWAM with his Button Box Showcase Band that included his daughter.
Sixteen year old Aiden Gort of South Range, WI, has been chosen as recipient of this $500 award enabling six two-hour apprenticeships at the museum and Harrington’s book, A Technician’s Manual for Understanding Procedures. His studies will include familiarity with major members of the accordion family, their quality criteria, and basic handling and repair procedures.
Aiden is now in his second year as student of Helmi Harrington at Accordion Concertina Music (Superior site). Helmi calls Aiden “a courteous, intelligent, attentive and self-motivated young man intent on precision and detail—an ideal student. During his music sessions, his ambition grows as his skills progress with speed and ease. His curiosity extends to exploring various members of the instrument family which has led to purchases of piano- and button diatonic accordions, laudably, from his own savings.
He has often expressed interest in understanding reed and machine characteristics that distinguish accordions in construction and performance quality.”
He says it was interest in Eastern European culture that inspired his accordion studies. It also spurred his application to the Department of State’s NSLI-Y language program. He is currently a semi-finalist in their Russian language program to be held abroad during 2019.
Aiden also enjoys playing trumpet and euphonium in his Northwestern High School band as well as participating in choir. An exceptionally well-rounded teen, Aidan is involved in his school’s track, cross country, drama, and musical programs. He is an honor student considering a career in engineering.
