Video 1: Accordion Pops Orchestra performing “Syncopated Clock” at AAA festival, July 14, 2023

APO Conductor Al Terzo shares, “Dig that instrument out of the closet, put some air in the bellows, and come join the fun once a month! Be a part of one of the largest accordion orchestras in the United States! Our next get together in Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 1:30 PM. Bring your accordion and music stand. Looking forward to welcoming you to our musical family! We will meet at the Elks Club, 1500 Brooks Boulevard in Hillsborough, New Jersey.”

The Accordion Pops Orchestras’ roots can be traced to 1970, when it was organized by the Accordion Teachers’ Association of New Jersey. Over the next ten years it performed at various community functions throughout the state under the direction of its first conductor, Dr. Jacob Neupauer of Philadelphia. In 1980 the orchestra members took a leave of absence, but four years later the membership was reorganized under the direction of the late Eugene Ettore of Livingston, New Jersey. In 1985, Daniel Desiderio was invited to act as a guest conductor of the orchestra and a few years later the A.T.A. of NJ appointed him as conductor in residence. The name of the orchestra was formally changed to the Accordion Pops Orchestra and its membership was expanded beyond the original members from New Jersey to include performers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Maestro Desiderio retired as conductor in May 2011 and turned over the baton to Al Terzo.

The largest professional accordion orchestra of its kind on the East Coast, the group consists entirely of accordions plus percussion instruments. In addition, the orchestra often accompanies guest soloists including pianists and vocal artists.

Al Terzo, APO Conductor 2011-Present, is a teacher, arranger, and conductor who has been with the orchestra since its inception in 1970. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, New Jersey Music Teachers Association, and National Association of Music Educators. Mr.Terzo serves on the governing board of the American Accordionists Association and is a founding member of the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild. He is an accomplished accordionist who has performed at the Garden State Arts Center and Newark’s Symphony Hall. Currently Mr. Terzo teaches accordion and piano in New Jersey.

APO Future Performances Include:
Bright View Senior Living
301 East Conestoga Road
June 8, 2024 at 2:PM
Wayne, Pennysylvania

Siminski Theater
June 23, 2024
8000 Fellowship Road
Basking Ridge, NJ

To inquire about performances or membership: webmaster@accordionpops.com