Welcome to the last Accordion USA News publication of 2021. In 2022, you will see an expanded version of the news with even more articles, videos, stories, and information. There is so much happening in the accordion world! Live events are more frequent. Live stream and zoom workshops, concerts etc. are also available.
Although we are still limited by the pandemic, live concerts and events are returning as you will read about in the December publication. It is the holiday season but a much more challenging time for all. The income of professional musicians continues to be greatly impacted by the cancellation of numerous live concerts, festivals, and events.
Please consider this year, more than ever, helping to support our accordion colleagues by purchasing holiday gifts from their online websites. Not only will you be giving a unique musical gift, but, at the same time, you will be helping to support them during these difficult times. In this publication, you will read many articles and you will think of gift ideas. I thank you in advance for your consideration of the people who bring music, light, joy, and positivity to all of us.
It is amazing to me that with this publication, I have completed THIRTEEN wonderful, exciting and fulfilling years as National Editor! Over the years I have produced 168 publications and over 4000 articles! Time flies when you are having fun, as the saying goes. And as the years goes by, I enjoy my position even more. I feel it is both a great honor and huge responsibility to serve as National Editor of www.accordionusa.com sharing with readers all types of information about the accordion.
I have been very fortunate to work with the AWW Editor and Founder, the amazing Harley Jones! Where in the world is he? Always traveling and participating in accordion events all over the globe but never too busy to assist and guide me with publication questions. I have learned so much from him and continue to learn from him. I also want to thank former National Editor Kevin Friedrich for his encouragement and continuing support.
Most importantly I want to thank you, the readers, for helping www.accordionusa.com to become one of the most popular accordion sites (along with the other AWW publications) on this planet!
In 2021, this USA News publication had almost 1 million page views! So we can conclude there is a growing HUGE interest in the accordion!
I would like to encourage you all to continue participation in the accordion world! What is the accordion world? You know what it is. It is a network, a special bonding, an instant friendship, a musical bonding, a sharing of feelings and ideas about the wonderful world of the accordion. As your National Editor, I enjoy presenting the accordion at all levels of accomplishment from beginner to professional. All are worthy of recognition for the great effort involved in learning the instrument. Additionally, the added great benefit is the wonderful people you can meet that ordinarily you would never encounter. The accordion unites us all bonding us with our love of music and the accordion.
Please read the AWW publications especially the USA News. I welcome you all to continue sending me your ideas and comments. I like to present an eclectic, well rounded concept of what the accordion can do. By reading the USA news, you will learn of events, concerts, festivals, performers on the North American continent. With our featured videos, you can actually hear and see the performers. Did you know that ALL of the articles in every publication remain accessible in the permanent archives on these sites. Simply click on “Past News Index” at the top of the page.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season. The holidays are quickly approaching! So much shopping to do. But wait, the holidays are much more than frenzied buying sprees!
It is time to think about others who are less fortunate. You can be generous with whatever musical talents you possess. What about sharing your holiday songs by playing for a senior center, hospital, or family gathering. Even though we may be prevented from actually physically going to these places, you can still entertain, perhaps outside, or on Skype, FaceTime, or other social media sites.
As those of us who have played for people already know… everyone enjoys music and marvels at HOW DO YOU DO THAT? on the accordion? The buttons, the keys, the bellows…. adults and children are always fascinated with the accordion. Playing the accordion is both pleasing to the ear and captivating to the eye. It is never boring!
So, why not be brave and go out there and play whatever you know for someone who doesn’t know the accordion! You can be socially distant and people will still hear you!
And…… since you are still going to go shopping anyway…….. please consider supporting the many accordion artists, composers, and writers…… who have created many wonderful musical gifts that you can consider giving as presents. They are inexpensive and you will be giving a gift that is entertaining, educational and, at the same time, supportive of our fellow musicians. Gift ideas include accordion related DVD’s, CD’s, tickets to an accordion event, a new accordion, etc.
Don’t forget that while you are making time for shopping, put aside some time for practicing and sharing your music. Make sure you read the 2022 January USA News for a comprehensive list and description of upcoming festivals, concerts, and more! Live events are returning!
A very special thank you to my fiancé, Dr. Leslie Strong, who continues to always encourage my accordion activities and enjoys attending accordion events with me! I greatly appreciate his understanding, support and enthusiasm!
The Accordions Worldwide Family wishes all readers from around the world, happy, healthy, safe and joyful musical festivities this season.
Editor Rita Barnea
Ritabelll@aol.com
