Dallas Vietty shares: “Starting in September I’ll be running a program we are calling ‘Jazz Mondays’ at Acme Accordion School.
Jazz Mondays are three fantastic events for players of all levels. 

First, each month I am running compact group jazz classes. The classes lasts only 3-4 Mondays, depending on the month, so they are really easy to fit into people’s schedules. Everyone has too many commitments these days, so it is designed for accordionists to jump in for a month when they can, and then take a month off if they have to deal with other things.

Each class will be bite size, and each month will have a theme. I am running two of these classes each Monday, a lower level from 6-7p and an upper level from 8:30-9:30p. The classes are priced very affordably. These group classes are something I have been asked about providing for years, and I’ve just never had the time or space to provide them.

The group classes are going to help accordionists who are curious about what jazz is, and ultimately help accordionists find their own voice. After all, jazz is about personal expression above all else. And why else do we play music, if not for personal expression?

The other aspect I’m really excited about is an accordion orchestra I’ll be directing called the ‘Joe Mooney Jazz Ensemble’. (The name is a very respectful tribute to the great Paterson, NJ jazz accordionist who has inspired me and so many others.) The Jazz Ensemble will be open to all levels, and you don’t have to attend the group classes to come and participate in the jazz ensemble. I’m really excited to position this ensemble both as a vehicle to play beautiful jazz arrangements, and also to give the accordionists an opportunity to try skills and approaches from the group jazz classes.

On some songs they will have the opportunity walk bass lines, accompany, embellish melodies, and improvise. Although I’ve lead groups professionally for years, this will be my first time as a director of an all accordion ensemble. I’m very excited, and I want to make sure people know that everyone is invited to participate. We will have small fee to cover materials, facilities and my time, but it will be more than worth the experience.

Registration by phone is required, and interested parties can call:
Acme Accordion School at (856) 854-6628.
Or email me at dallas@rebelreed.com.

The first Jazz Monday will be September 12, and they will run nearly continuously until further notice.