The 77th Annual Accordionists & Teachers Guild International (ATG) Festival will be July 19-23, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency in Lisle, Illinois. We’ve got an exciting line-up of solo and ensemble concerts, workshops, activities, and fun. Make sure to make room on your calendar for an unforgettable accordion experience at the ATG!
ATG President Amy Jo Sawyer invites all to attend, “Check out the Quartette Gelato website: www.quartettogelato.ca. Another exciting group will be the “Alex Meixner Band” from Florida. See and hear their terrific showmanship on their website: www.alexmeixner.com. Fabulous Jazz accordionist, Paul Betken, will take the stage with two Chicago based excellent sidemen, drummer, Phil Gratteau, and Bassist Jim Cox. Paul resides in Arizona and has performed at many accordion and Jazz Festivals.
Workshops, Concerts, New Music for accordion Concert, Luncheons, Banquet, accordion vendors,Meet & Greet Party, CDs & Music for sale and new friendships! We all love to play the accordion! Please attend the Festival. You are guaranteed a “Squeezin’ Good Time”.
2017 Workshop Presenters and Workshops:
Lisa DeAngelis: “Alexander Technique” Session 1: Body Awareness Basics: Strategies for Ease and Performance Enhancement with the Alexander Technique. Session 2: The Accordionist’s Body Instrument: Hands on with the Alexander Technique.
Alexander Sevastian: “How To Practice and Learn New Material for a Performance” Description: Alex will talk about some methods of how to learn new material faster and about the most efficient practice technique. He will analyze the problems in learning the new pieces and give suggestions in solving them.
Beverley Fess: “Ensemble Fear? – Get Over it!”
Betty Jo Simon with Joe Natoli and Kenn Baert: “Condensing Your Music Repertoire Down To One Convenient Tablet”
Mike Zampiceni: “Avoiding Bellows Pitfalls and Achieving Dynamic Proficiency”
Murl Sanders: Mixed Ensemble “Not Just For Accordions Anymore!” Mixed instruments ensemble playing a short program of contemporary pop/rock styles. Three rehearsals. Reading ability required. Bring your sturdy music stand. All ages welcome. All instruments welcome. Music provided, intermediate level. Limited space available, sign up now! Contact: murl@murlallensanders.com
The ATG Festival Accordion Orchestra is a true highlight of the Festival, directed by Joan Cochran Sommers. Accordionists attending the festival sign up to rehearse/perform with the orchestra. When you register for the orchestra, you state the level of music you are able to play. Orchestra music is then sent to you several months ahead for you to learn and prepare to play with the fifty piece ensemble. Classical, Pops, Jazz, plus all kinds of ethnic music are chosen by Maestro Sommers for the orchestra to perform. It is always a very excellent performance that will enhance your accordion studies and experience.
The ATG is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization welcoming your donations to the various categories to promote and support the accordion funds: Youth Scholarship Fund, New Music Fund, ATG General Fund and more. We are here to help promote the accordion, to raise its standards, and to gain the popularity that it deserves in the world of Music!”
See more articles in this publication on ATG Featured Performers.
