The FMAE event took place at the Arizona Golf Resort from February 16-20th in sunny Mesa, Arizona. Fifty accordionists from around the world gathered to share the music composed/arranged by accordionists Frank Marocco, Stas Venglevski, Joan Sommers, Amy Jo Sawyer, Peter DiGiovanni, and Judy Starr.

Those attending came from 14 states, 2 Canadian provinces, and Italy. Unfortunately, due to illness, Frank Marocco was unable to attend. His colleague, noted accordionist Stas Venglevski, assumed the role of FMAE Orchestra Conductor, soloist, Workshop Presenter plus more! .

Everyone enjoyed the full orchestra rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, workshops, demonstrations, and evening concerts. It was a friendly atmosphere where one could feel comfortable playing together. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were times of seeing old friends and cultivating new accordion friendships while being entertained by the attendees who ranged in age from 15 year old Canadian accordionist, Emmanuel Gasser, up to 90+! No one cared how old anyone was. The emphasis was on playing together and sharing musical experiences.

Thursday evening featured a wonderful concert by duet partners, Stas Venglevski and internationally renowned domra and mandolin player, Mischa Litvin, followed by participant performances. Friday evening also featured participant performances.

Workshop presenters included:
Elke Ahrenholz from Italy
Jana Maas: “The Best Things I Learned at Camp”
Lenny Feldmann: “How to Stroll”
“Teaching the Accordion Using Skype” with Vladimir Mollov presenting a lesson.
Master teacher, Llmar Kuljus, was available for lessons.

Stas Venglevski composed a beautiful orchestral piece, ” Memories of Joe”, to honor the memory of accordionist, Joe Smiell, who recently passed away. Its World Premiere was performed at the Saturday evening concert by 11 FMAE participants, who had played under Joe’s baton over the years.

On the final Sunday evening concert, attended by about 400 people, the accordion was presented in many unique combinations. Domra virtuoso, Mischa Ltivin, played a concerto with the FMAE orchestra. Judy Starr performed Mozart’s “Oboe Concerto in C”. (see article in this months news). 2010 AAA Virtuoso Champion Gabe Hall-Rodrigues with Ocotrillo members Sean Brogan, and Wes Anderson entertained. They were joined by jazz artists John Simkus and Frank Petrilli. Stas Venglevski took the stage with them and all were entranced by the four superb accordionists with Wes on drums and Sean on bass.

Stas Venglevski and Mischa Litvin delighted all with their lively duets. Several soloists including Jana Maas and Emmanuel Gasser also performed.

Special thanks goes to FMAE organizers Joan and Dan Grauman (picture above right) whose excellent organisation and enthusiastic dedication resulted in all being happy and busy from morning until night either playing, listening to, talking about and learning our favorite instrument….. the accordion!

For further information: Joangrauman@verizon.net