The New England Music Festival is an annual musical competition sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts, Inc, (ATAM). The festival averages more than 1000 entries and 600 contestants from all across New England.
The 2020 New England Music Festival will be held March 27, 28, and 29, 2020 at the Boston Newton Marriott, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02466
All events are free and open to the public, while entry fees for contestants vary by category. During the festival, contestants, ages through 22, take part in accordion, guitar, bass guitar, drum, percussion, piano, violin and voice competitions. Solo, duet and group categories are also offered. Non Competitive Categories include evaluation solos and festival group divisions. Contestants must be students of ATAM teachers.
The three-day event takes place Friday through Sunday. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday a “Battle of the Bands” is held in the Grand ballroom. Cash awards are given to the Junior, Intermediate and Senior winners in their divisions. The Accordion, Guitar, Drum, Voice, and Piano Championships are also held Friday evening and Saturday with cash awards given to all competitors.
The Accordion Teacher’s Association of Massachusetts ATAM is proud to bestow Honorary Membership upon Rita Davidson Barnea (picture right above) at the 58th Annual New England Festival sponsored by the “Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts. Rita is the National Editor of the Accordion USA News (www.accordionusa.com) for the past eleven years. This online monthly publication covering North American continent accordion events, artists, concerts, including video etc. has a huge readership.
On Saturday and Sunday continuous group competitions are held in the Grand ballroom. Solo and duet competitions are ongoing. An awards banquet is held on Saturday evening with more than 500 in attendance. A $500.00 and a $250 cash scholarship is awarded to a contestant accepted as a Music Major in college. More than $5,000 in cash is awarded to winners throughout the weekend. Contestants are evaluated by judges from all over the country.
At the event, students will have an opportunity to participate in workshops, compete in age-level categories, perform for evaluation, and attend concerts. One of the best things about the event-contestants can participate regardless of their experience level or ability.
Download rules and entry information: 2020ATAM.pdf
For more information: Peggy Falcetti-Chairperson-1-413-204-1022.
