aaa celebrates its 70th anniversary · with the growth of accordion popularity, more music was...

Our Mission and GoalsFrom its inception, the American Accordionists’Association’s (AAA) mission has been to elevateaccordion standards of education, musicianship,performance, and repertoire, while providing thepublic and media with information to stimulate anincreasing awareness of, and appreciation for, thisremarkable instrument. To accomplish these andother such lofty goals, AAA has consistently attractedthe most outstanding educators, concert artists,manufacturers, music publishers, professionals,students and accordion enthusiasts to work together. Today, seven decades after it was founded in 1938,the organization continues to enjoy an enviableposition as a foremost accordion organization ofboth national and international scope. It holds aprestigious position within the renownedConfederation Internationales des Accordeonistes(CIA), with affiliations to UNESCO and theInternational Music Council (IMC).

While modest membership dues provide some ofthe operating income for the association, majorfunding is derived from competitions, concerts,scholarship dinners, artist testimonials, seminars,journals, general membership activities and tax-free donations.

The officers and board members together constitutethe governing board, which carries out the AAA'smyriad of accordion-related projects, donatingpersonal services according to the association'sneeds. These include adjudication at regional,national and international competitions, concertperformances, committee functions, workshops,etc., as well as efforts to facilitate and coordinatethe various segments of the accordion world.

Conforming to the organization’s bylaws, officersand governors receive no compensation for thework they do. The organization is tax exempt andencourages donations from accordion aficionados.

AAA Celebrates its 70th AnniversaryCompiled by Faithe Deffner, Joan Grauman and Linda Soley Reed

THE FOUNDERS - Left to right, front row: Pietro Frosini, Abe Goldman, Sidney DawsonCenter row: Anthony Galla-Rini, Charles Magnante, Pietro Deiro, Sr., Charles Nunzio

Back row: Gene von Hallberg, Joseph Biviano.Not shown in photo: John Gart, Sam Roland, Byron Streep

AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATIONFOUNDED 1938

AAA Celebrates its 70th Anniversary

MARCH 9, 1938 M I N U T E S - AMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS' ASSOCIATION MEETING

The first meeting of a group of New York accordionists was called for8 P.M. Wednesday evening, March 9, 1938. The subject under discussion atthis meeting was to determine whether or not an association foraccordionists should be formed.

The meeting was attended by the following: Charles Magnante, AbeGoldman, Joe Biviano, Pietro Deiro, Pietro Frosini, Gene Von Hallberg,Anthony Galla-Rini, Charles Nunzio, Sydney B. Dawson, Sam Roland and ByronStreep.

This meeting was presided over by Sam Roland, who introduced the planof the association to the previously mentioned men. A lengthy report wasread covering the object of such an association, and the report of a surveywas given also by Mr. Roland, which covered the recognition of theaccordion in 48 states. The survey showed that it is not recognized in anystates as far as high school competition is concerned. Whenever theaccordion is used in competition, it must be sponsored by a private schoolor dealer.

A motion was made by Abe Goldman and seconded by Joe Biviano to theeffect that this group should form an accordionists' association and thatthis group plus John Gart should form the charter membership. The motionwas carried unanimously. A motion was made by Sydney Dawson that the nameof this association will be The American Accordionists' Association." Thiswas seconded by Charles Magnante, carried unanimously. A motion was made byAnthony Galla-Rini, seconded by Pietro Frosini, that the officers of theassociation shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer,Sergeant-at-Arms.

Frosini under the nomination for President, suggested that because ofPietro Deiro's record and reputation as "The Daddy of the Accordion," he benominated and elected by acclamation as the first President of theassociation. Although nominations do not require a second, it was secondedby Galla-Rini and others. He was elected unanimously. The followingnominations were made for vice president: Joe Biviano nominated by AbeGoldman; Frosini nominated by Biviano; Galla-Rini by Nunzio; Nunzio byGalla-Rini; Magnante by Deiro. Charles Nunzio was elected vice president.The election of secretary-treasurer: Sam Rowland was nominated by JoeBiviano; motion made by Abe Goldman, seconded by Pietro Deiro that theelection be by acclamation. Rowland was elected by acclamation. Motion wasmade by Sydney Dawson to the effect that that the one receiving the secondhighest number of votes in the election for vice president be given thesergeant-at-arms office. This was seconded by Abe Goldman. The motion wascarried. Frosini was elected sergeant-at-arms. A motion was made by AbeGoldman that the members of the board of directors would not be eligiblefor the Academy Award as distributed year to year by the association. Thiswas seconded by Dawson and carried. Rowland was instructed at the close ofthe meeting to prepare a model constitution and by-laws for acceptance,correction, amendment, or rejection at the next meeting. The next meetingwas scheduled for April 6th. The meeting was adjourned at 10 P.M.

Association Office 117 West 48th Street New York City


The Early Years - 1938-1950On March 9, 1938, a distinguished group of NewYork accordionists gathered in a 48th Street officein Manhattan for the purpose of forming theAmerican Accordionists' Association. Each was anaccordion icons or a significant member of theaccordion world: (alphabetically) Joseph Biviano,Sidney Dawson (public relations guru), PietroDeiro, Sr., Pietro Frosini, Anthony Galla-Rini,John Gart, Abe Goldman, Gene Von Hallberg(well known for writing jingles), CharlesMagnante, Charles Nunzio, Sam Roland and

Byron Streep. Soon afterthe organization wasfounded and the con-stitution and bylawsadopted, Pietro Deiro, Jr. joined the original group.

The accordion was arelatively new addition tothe musical instrumentfamily of that day. Notmuch was yet stand-ardized and little musichad been written for theaccordion. Most wasinformally jotted downwithout much concernfor proper notation. Theaccordion’s popularitywas largely related to thepopularity of vaudevillethroughout this periodwhen several accord-ionists became prom-inent in this medium.

Standardization was sorely needed in a number ofareas if the instrument was to achieve the greaterpopularity and respect in music circles, which itdeserved. At the time, music for both hands waswritten in treble clef. The founders unanimouslyagreed that left hand notation should be in bass

clef. There were some ideological differences inchoosing single note notation over the full chordnotation and publishers, resisting single notenotation because of existing inventories, furthercomplicated matters. Eventually, AAA’s supportfor single note notation made it the standard weuse today in the US and throughout the world.

During the war years, many accordionists servedtheir country as entertainers and some of AAA’sstandardization efforts were tabled. But, in thefollowing years, members worked diligently tocreate the standard notation, which became knownas the AAA-notation for writing accordion music.Additionally, the organization pioneeredstandardization of accordion sizes, registermarkings, sequence and reed configurations thatproduced combinations and other concepts,eventually accepted by the industry as well aseducators and other fraternities worldwide.

With the growth of accordion popularity, moremusic was needed for both instructional andpopular use. Biaggio Quattrociocche ofSteubenville, Ohio was one of the very firstpublishers to issue Frosini's music. Archivepublished the first accordion method in Americathrough Carl Fischer Publications. Pietro Deiro,Sr. set about to prepare the "Pietro Method" incollaboration with Ottavio Pagani of Paganipublications. Later, both Deiro and Pagani issuedtheir own methods. These were followed by theworld famous Palmer-Hughes Courses andsupplementary material issued by the AlfredMusic Publishing firm.

Theresa Costello of O. Pagani was a longtime, andimportant, member of AAA’s board, whocontributed greatly to development, standard-ization and publication ofaccordion music. FrankGaviani, a prolific composerand arranger, later joined herin the firm. O. Pagani & Bro.and Pietro Deiro Pub-lications were heavilycommitted to publishingmusic written for accordion,using AAA-notation. Manyof these early compositionsby Biviano, Deiro, Frosini,Galla-Rini, Gart, Gaviani,

Pietro Frosini

Charles Nunzio

Anthony Galla-Rini

Theresa Costello


International Competition 1962 – Carnegie Hall BackstageLeft to Right: William Cosby - 3rd Place; Stephen Dominko - 2nd Place and

Mario Tacca - 1st Place

AAA Board Congratulations Mario Tacca (center)Left to Right: Anthony Ettore, Pietro Deiro, Jr., Carmen Carrozza,

Charles Magnante, Louis Iorio and Joseph Biviano


Magnante, Nunzio and Palmer form the nucleus ofaccordionists’ repertoire in this country and arealso commonly esteemed abroad.

By 1945, the AAA turned its attention to teachermembers and the standardization of accordionpedagogue by creating a teacher certificationprogram. Successful completion of the examqualified a musician to receive an AmericanAccordionists’ Association Teacher Certificate and

membership pin. This impor-tant certification committeewas under the guidance ofCharles Magnante & MarcelloRoviaro.

S h o r t l ythe rea f te r,the AAAbegan to or-g a n i z e

student competitions. The earlyones were unrestricted.allowing contestants to playselections of their own choice.Before long, criteria were addedto reflect age and ability levels.

These successful competitions drew participantsfrom nearby states. The one-day events were heldat New York City high schools, where classroomsand auditoriums were utilized. Soon the handful ofparticipants grew beyond 1,000, necessitating thecreation of regional events as the play-off venues.

AAA members attended the New York State MusicTeachers conventions, which were held in theCatskills, and there they created displays anddistributed literature about the accordion and theadvantages of using the instrument in elementaryand high schools.

Concerts and workshops broadened the appeal ofthese events and helped to standardize accordioneducation to follow that of other longtimeestablished musical instruments.

1950-1960The American Accordionists’ Association’scompetitions grew steadily through the dedicatedefforts of accomplished teacher-members whoseeducational and musical standard were advancingsignificantly. The students developed theirmusicianship and technical skills, achieving a highlevel of excellence. Accordion schools wereeverywhere and instrument popularity wasboundless.

PRESIDENTS OF THEAMERICAN ACCORDIONISTS’ ASSOCIATION

Pietro Deiro, Sr. ........................1938-39Charles Magnante.....................1940-41Joseph Biviano..........................1942-45Eugene Ettore ...........................1946-47Joseph Biviano..........................1948-49Charles Magnante.....................1950-51Pietro Deiro, Jr................................1952Eugene Ettore ...........................1953-54Charles Magnante.....................1955-56Louis Iorio..................................1957-58Pietro Deiro, Jr. .........................1959-60Joseph Biviano..........................1961-62Eugene Ettore ...........................1963-64Carmen Carrozza......................1965-66Joseph Biviano..........................1967-68Charles Magnante.....................1969-70Maddalena Belfiore ...................1971-72

Elsie M. Bennett ........................1973-74Maddalena Belfiore ...................1975-76Carmen Carrozza......................1977-78Maddalena Belfiore ...................1979-80Frank Busso ...................................1981Addie Cere ................................1982-84Faithe Deffner............................1985-86Anthony Ettore...........................1987-88Carmen Carrozza......................1989-91Frank Busso ..............................1992-94Faithe Deffner............................1995-96Faithe Deffner............................1997-98Faithe Deffner........................1999-2000Carmelo Pino.........................2001-2002Carmelo Pino.........................2003-2004Linda Soley Reed..................2005-2006Linda Soley Reed..................2007-2008

MarcelloRoviaro

CharlesMagnante


By 1955 the AAA was ready to enter the esteemedConfederation Internationale des Accordeonistesso that advanced students could compete in theCoupe Mondiale. Foundedin Paris in 1935 as theAssociation Internationaledes Accordeonistes, the"Confederation Interna-tionale des Accordeonistes"(CIA) was reconstitutedunder its present name inMay 1948 at a well-attended meeting inLausanne, Switzerland.Our first contestant wasLouis Coppola, a student ofRudy Molinaro in Bridge-port, Connecticut. Lou competed in 1955 atBrighton, England and Pietro Deiro, Jr.accompanied the young man. Our first entrant didnot win the coveted prize, but it was aneducational experience for the contestant as wellas the AAA.

From its inception, one of CIA’s primary aims hasbeen to elevate the status of the accordion in theworld arena of music, paralleling those importantgoals of AAA. Players were nominated by manyof the participating countries to compete in the"Coupe Mondiale", which soon becameinternationally recognized as the highestdistinction an accordionist could achieve. TheUnited States, under the AAA banner, was readyto assume a major role in international events.

In 1956, John LaPadula won the Coupe Mondialein Bienne, Switzerland. In 1957, the United Statesrepresentative, Ronald Sweetz, a student of FrankAlfidi, received the award at the competition heldin Saarbrucken, Germany.

About this time, the AAA began to direct itsattention toward the institutions of higher learning-- colleges and universities – where accomplishedyoung accordionists might pursue degrees usingtheir instrument. The dearth of original musicwritten for the accordion was a serious stumblingblock. A repertoire of transcriptions did not satisfycollege and university requirements.

The Composers' Commissioning Committee wasformed under the guidance of board member Elsie

M. Bennett who chaired this group until the yearbefore her death in 2005. Ms. Bennett workedtirelessly throughout the years to seek newcommissions to enhance the accordion’s prestigewithin the music community. Contemporarycomposer Paul Creston was the first to accept anAAA commission and his Prelude and Dance waspremiered by Carmen Carrozza with the Boston

Pops Orchestra, conducted by Arthur Fiedler. Thiswas one of the greatest achievements for theAmerican Accordionists' Association and thebeginning of an expensive, but very meaningful,ongoing program of repertoire building whichtoday boasts more than 50 works by well-knowncontemporary composers. (See list ofcommissioned works)

In 1959, under the presidency of Pietro Deiro, Jr.,the AAA hosted its first Coupe Mondiale in NewYork City. This spectacular event was highlightedwith a Carnegie Hall concert that featured the U.S.Navy Band and AAA members Charles Magnante,Daniel Desiderio and Carmen Carrozza performedwith the band. The AAA members were enthralledwith the Coupe Mondiale competition and theyhad the opportunity to "hear this high calibercompetition first hand." Marianne Probst ofGermany won the coveted prize that year.

Louis Coppola

Paul Creston is pictured with Chairman ofComposers Commissioning, Elsie M. Bennett

and concert artist, Carmen Carrozza workthrough the details of Prelude and Dance.


Joe Biviano andCharles Magnante

Millie Martignone was Secretary of the AAA for many years. She is pictured here (left) with Addie Cere.

Always the picture of elegance,Maddalena Belfiore is pictured with

Charles Magnante

The boys from DCLeft to right: Carmelo Pino, Sid Kowalczyk and

Lou Coppola


Music Commissioned by the American Accordionists’ Association

Adler, Samuel Canto XVIII Ernest Deffner PublicationsBennett, Robert Russell Four Nocturnes Chappell & Co.Bennett, Robert Russell Quintet (Psychiatry), for Accordion and String Quartet Chappell & Co.Biviano, Joseph Quintet in G, for accordion and string quartet Rental onlyBrant, Henry Sky Forest, for four accordions O. Pagani & Bro.*Brickman, Joel Prelude and Caprice Pietro Deiro Publications*Cowell, Henry Concerto Brevis, for Accordion and Orchestra Pietro Deiro Publications*Cowell, Henry Iridescent Rondo Pietro Deiro Publications*Creston, Paul Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra Ricordi Music/reprint by Ernest Deffner Publications Pietro Deiro Publications*Creston, Paul Embryo Suite Pietro Deiro Publications*Creston, Paul Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra Mills Publishing Co.Creston, Paul Prelude and Dance Pietro Deiro Publications*Diamond, David Night Music, for Accordion and String Quartet Southern MusicDiamond, David Introduction & Dance Southern MusicDiamond, David Sonatina Southern MusicFlagello, Nicholas Introduction & Scherzo Pietro Deiro Publications*Foss, Lukas Curriculum Vitae Rental OnlyFoss, Lukas Triologue for Violin, Cello and Accordion TBAFranceschina, John Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra Ernest Deffner PublicationsFranceschina, John Scaramouche Pietro Deiro Publications*Fremar, Karen Introduction and Allegro, for Accordion and Synthesized Tape Ernest Deffner PublicationsGordon, louis Aria, Scherzo and Finale, for Accordion and Orchestra or Band Pietro Deiro Publications*Halac, Jose Accordion Shadow, for Accordion, Flute and Percussion Ernest Deffner PublicationsKrenek, Ernst Toccata O. Pagani & Bro.*Lockwood, Normand Sonata Fantasy O. Pagani & Bro.*Luening, Otto Rondo Pietro Deiro Publications*McMahan, Robert Young Apparitions, for Flute and Accordion Ernest Deffner PublicationsPisk, Paul Adagio and Rondo Concertante, for Two Accordions and Orchestra Alfred Music Co., Inc.Pisk, Paul Salute to Juan Alfred Music Co., Inc.Riegger, Wallingford Cooper Square Pietro Deiro Publications*Schimmel, William Fables Ernest Deffner PublicationsSchimmel, William Remembering a Legend: Charles Magnante Ernest Deffner PublicationsSchimmel, William Variations in Search of a Theme Ernest Deffner PublicationsSeigmeister, Elie Improvisation, Ballad and Dance Sam Fox PublicationsSerebrier, Jose Danza Ritual O. Pagani & Bro.*Serebrier, Jose Passacaglia and Perpetuum Mobile, for Accordion, Strings, Brass and Percussion Peer International PublicationsStill, William Grant Aria Sam Fox PublicationsStill, William Grant Lilt Pietro Deiro Publications*Soldier, David Sontag in Sarajevo, for Accordion, Melody, Chordal, Bass Instruments and Drums Ernest Deffner PublicationsSurinach, Carlos Pavana and Rondo Alfred Music Co., Inc. Reprint Ernest Deffner PublicationsTcherepnin, Alexander Invention O. Pagani & Bro.*Tcherepnin, Alexander Partita O. Pagani & Bro.*Tcherepnin, Alexander Tzigana Pietro Deiro Publications*Thompson, Timothy Growth Cells Ernest Deffner PublicationsThompson, Timothy Keyworld Ernest Deffner PublicationsThompson, Timothy Rossiniland Ernest Deffner PublicationsThomson, Virgil Lamentations Pietro Deiro Publications*

* The libraries from these firms are available from Ernest Deffner Publications.** Commissioned in 2002 and dedicated to Elsie M. Bennett


1960 - 1980The years 1963, 1964 and 1965 again brought usCoupe Mondiale winners: Skeets Langley, studentof Larry Malmberg, represented the AAA in BadenBaden, Germany; Stephen Dominko, student ofRudy Molinaro, won in Toronto, Canada andBeverly Roberts, student of Carmen Carrozza,brought home the top prize at the 1965 event inValetta, Malta. The Coupe Mondiale exposure hasbeen significant in establishing continually risingstandards of performance.

The New York World's Fair in August of 1964attracted thousands of visitors from around theworld. The AAA competition that year was held at

the Hotel Com-modore in New YorkCity. Joe Biviano,Pietro Deiro, Jr.,Carmen Carrozza,Charles Magnante,Anthony Ettore andLou Iorio are picturedat the Singer Bowlduring the World'sFair. Performers atthe World's Fair

included Anthony Galla-Rini, Art Van Damme andCarmen Carrozza.

The 1960s saw the rapid growth of stateorganizations and regional competitions. By theend of the decade, there were well over 20 stateorganizations, most of which were AAA affiliates.

In 1969, Charles Magnante served as president andthe AAA again hosted the Coupe Mondiale whichwas won by Valeri Petrov of the USSR. The eventattracted throngs of accordionists and enthusiastsand the concert and performances enthralled thecrowds.

Competitions soared in the 70s. The introductionof the United States Band Championship in 1970attracted orchestras from near and far. The winnerof the first AAA U.S. Band Championship was theUMKC Accordion Orchestra (University ofMissouri-Kansas City) directed by Joan C.Sommers, playing Rimsky Korsakov's Schere-zade. In 1972, the Molinaro Accordion Orchestraunder the direction of Linda Soley (Reed)performed Debussy's Les Fetes and was awardedthe first place award.

In 1971, Maddalena Belfiore became the firstfemale president of the American Accordionists’Association.

Eastern Cup competitions held during thetraditional Accordion Week Celebration inNovember each year brought many new faces to

Pictured at the World’s Fair Singer Bowl are left to right: Joe Biviano, Pietro Deiro, Jr., Carmen Carrozza,Charles Magnante, Anthony Ettore and Lois Iorio.


the competitions. The Eastern Cup championshipswere held in the greater New York area and bands,ensembles and soloists competed to qualify for theUnited States Championship categories. The AAAnow added United States Championships forsoloists in all age categories as well as ensemblesand bands.

Diane Schmidt, ourrepresentative tothe Coupe Mon-diale in 1970 wontop honors at thecompetition, whichwas held in Salz-burg, Austria.

In 1976, MaddalenaBelfiore was againpresident and the American Accordionists’Association again hosted the Coupe Mondialecompetition in the historic Shoreham Hotel inWashington, DC while the nation celebrated itsbicentennial. The event was chaired by MaddalenaBelfiore and Carmelo Pino.

In 1978 the AAA celebrated its 40th Anniversaryat a competition held at the Americana Hotel inNew York City. The organization’s pride wasreflected in the message from then-President

Carmen Carrozza…"In celebrating the 40thanniversary of the American Accordionists'Association, we look back proudly on the greatstrides that the accordion has made and AAA'ssignificant contribution to these advancements.Accordion enthusiasm is growing continuously --no longer as the fad or novelty instrument of the50s, but as a legitimate musical instrument offormidable stature. Today, accordionists arefeatured soloists and concert performers withlevels of artistic achievement parallel to those ofother noteworthy musicians…"

In 1979, president Maddalena Befiore staged anaccordion extravaganza in Nashville, TN, wherethe annual festival was held. Several hundredaccordionists played The Tennessee Waltzoutdoors and were conducted by Maddalena in a“cherry picker”. Later, the group presented anaward to PeeWee King at the Grand Ol’ Opry.

1980 - 1990

During the 1980s the AAA's festival format wasrefined. Competitions continued to grow,Composers Commissioning flourished and beforelong we were celebrating our 50th Anniversary.

In 1985 Faithe Deffner was elected president andtook the AAA festival to Disneyworld in Florida.

AAA Governing Board - 19731st Row: Theresa Costello, Addie Cere, Elsie Bennett, Maddalena Belfiore, Linda Soley, and Faithe Deffner

2nd Row: Marcello Roviaro, Aldo DeRossi, Julio Giulietti, Emil Baldoni, Louis Iorio, Carmelo Pino, Frank Busso,and Carmen Carrozza Top Row: Charles Magnante, Sal Sava and Sid Kowalczyk

Absent from photo: Joseph Biviano, Tony Dannon, Pietro Deiro, Jr., Anthony Ettore, Eugene Ettore, Michael Fernino, Paul Leone, Anthony Mecca and Jacob C. Neupauer.

Maddalena Belfiore andCarmelo Pino

Co-Chairmen 1976


There, all the participating accordion orchestrasand bands concertized throughout Disney’s MagicKingdom, to be seen and heard by more than40,000 daily visitors. Disney rewarded theperforming musicians with free passes to the ridesand shows. A spectacular accordion exposure wasthe Disney Orchestra’s evening concertperformance of Accordion Concerto by FrancisFord Coppola, Sr., which featured Donald Hulme(an earlier Coupe Mondiale winner) as accordionsoloist.

Special judges for the AAA accordioncompetitions were Gaby and Fernand LaCroix ofSwitzerland and AAA members Addie Cere andAldo DeRossi. During the same year, Mrs. Deffnerappointed Dr. William Schimmel to be moderatorof a yearly weekend series of lectures andconcerts, which have become an ongoing

testament to AAA’s farsighted programs and haveresulted in annual New York Times publicity.

In 1986, President Faithe Deffner arranged anincredible Accordion Fantasy Cruise aboard the ssGalileo to Bermuda. Six hundred accordionistswere on deck playing Anchors Aweigh as the linerslipped past the Statue of Liberty in the New Yorkharbor. Bars, function rooms and reception hallswere all converted to accordion contest rooms asyoung participants filled the ship with accordionmusic all day long. In Bermuda, the manyparticipating accordion bands played in publicvenues throughout the island. This was the firstaccordion event to take place aboard a cruise ship,long before such events were popularized forgroups.

That same year, the American Accordionists’

Association held an elegant Testimonial Dinnerand Dance on May 14, 1986, honoring fourdistinguished board members. Honorees wereJoseph Biviano (Carmelo Pino, presenter), TheresaCostello (Maddalena Belfiore, presenter), CharlesMagnante (Carmen Carrozza, presenter) and JacobNeupauer (Faithe Deffner, presenter). Thismemorable event took place at the Imperial Manorin Paramus, New Jersey, with Douglas Ward astoastmaster and music by the Billy Costa Trio.

1990 - 2000The 1990s began the resurgence of the accordionas the instrument was being seen in "Rock" bandsand with popular musicians of the decadeincluding Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Hootieand the Blow Fish, to name a few. Accordion clubsbegan springing up throughout the country andenthusiasts were eagerlysearching for new musicand thirsting forperformers to attendtheir meetings.

From 1992 to 1994,Frank Busso waspresident and theannual festivals tookplace in Wash-ington,DC and twice in LakeGeorge, New York,respectively.

The AAA added "Ac- cordion Day" to the EasternCup Festivals. Accordion Day honored such greats

AAA Board Members attended the 2008 Master Classand Concert Series, Dr. William Schimmel, Moderator.

Left to right; Mary Tokarski, Joan Grauman, LindaSoley Reed, Faithe Deffner and Kevin Friedrich.

The late Pietro Deiro, Jr. presented an Accordion Daydisplay honoring his dad, Pietro Deiro, Sr.,

“The Daddy of the Accordion.”

The “K” Trio


as Joseph Biviano,Charles Nunzio, PietroDeiro, Sr. Pietro Frosiniand Frank Gaviani fortheir contributions to theAAA and the accordion.Performers included theAccordion PopsOrchestra directed by

Daniel Desiderio,Carmelo Pino, Eddie Monteiro, Carmen Car-rozza, Maddalena Bel-fiore, Marcello Roviaro andthe "K" Trio.

In the mid-90s, Faithe Deffner again becamepresident of the American Accordionists'Association for six consecutive years during threeterms, ably assisted by Frank Busso, Linda Reed,and the late Pietro Diero, Jr. in variousadministrative capacities. This new administrationaccepted the challenge to change, innovate, andintroduce new concepts:

In 1995, AAA honored accordion great, BillPalmer, in Houston, Texas, recreating the famedPalmer-Hughes Orchestra in a breathtakingperformance; the first Massed Band conducted byJoan Cochran Sommers was publicized in

newspapers andTV coast to coast; participants played out for TVpublicity at the Transco Water Wall, AAA’sperformers entertained in the streets of Galveston,and we initiated the Endless PerformanceBallroom in the Club Pub. Publicity

was emphasized to bring the association’sactivities to the attention of the public.

In 1996, we honored accordion legend, MyronFloren, in Philadelphia with a Concert Tribute(featuring Mat Mathews, Peter Soave, CarmeloPino, Maddalena Belfiore, The "K" Trio, andLionel Reekie), and president Faithe Deffnerintroduced the exciting "Press and Squeeze" Partyfor the media, Myron Floren concertized with theTim Laushey Orchestra, the Massed Band andRosita Lee Studio Showstoppers played atIndependence Park while TV cameras rolled.

We celebrated 1996 as "The Year of theAccordion," and were seen on "Good MorningAmerica" (ABC-TV). “The Year of theAccordion,” resulted in a bevy of publicity for theinstrument, including mention by Charlie Brownin Charles Schultz’s syndicated cartoon,

Bill Palmer washonored at the1995 Festival.He is picturedhere with hiswife, Ruby.

Michal Shapiro (Planet

Squeezebox) ispictured with

Faithe Deffnerand 1996honoree,

Myron Floren.

Above: AAA officers,Frank Busso, Linda

Soley Reed, and FaitheDeffner in New Orleans;

left, AAA President,Faithe Deffner is

pictured with the latePietro Deiro, Jr.

Frank Busso entertains honoree, Myron Floren in Philadelphia;


“Peanuts.” Additionally that year we paid homageto Michal Shapiro for her contributions toaccordion recognition through her CD trilogy,Planet Squeezebox that mentioned the promotionalefforts of AAA through its president, Faithe

Deffner.

In 1997, we honored eight AAA board members(Maddalena Belfiore, Elsie M. Bennett, PietroDeiro, Jr., Carmen Carrozza, Aldo DeRossi,

The United States Army Strolling Strings, accordion, Manny Bobenreith, top left.

In 1997, we honoredAAA board members fordistinguished service.Left to right: (1st row)Aldo DeRossi,Maddalena Belfiore, ElsieM. Bennett, and the latePietro Deiro, Jr. (top row)Anthony Ettore, LouisIorio, and MarcelloRoviaro. Absent fromphoto was honoreeCarmen Carrozza.

Anthony Ettore, Louis Iorio and Marcello Roviaro)in Washington, DC. The Tribute Concert featuringperformers Eddie Monteiro, Carmelo Pino, PeterSoave, Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, The "K"Trio and Lionel Reekie. The Testimonial Banquet was outstanding! Festiveballoons and glitter adorned the ballroom at theSheraton City Centre Hotel in Washington, DC.Entertainment included strolling musicians

throughout theevening, the Massed Band conducted by JoanCochran Sommers, the Staten Island AccordionOrchestra under the direction of Frank Bussoperformed "Americana" and the highlight of theevening was a performance by The United StatesArmy Strolling Strings with accordionist Manny

Bobenrieth.

Cabaret Night was introduced as an annual event.Hundreds of accordionists play en masse in front ofthe Capitol building and Fox TV broadcast livefrom the midst of the festival during their two-hourmorning show with Tony Perkins interviewing ourparticipants and featuring accordion performances.

In 1998, Faithe Deffner was president when theAAA celebrated its 60th Anniversary Jubilee in

New Orleans where the Massed Band played inJackson Square, the Jubilee Concert featured ArtVan Damme, Mat Mathews, Carmelo Pino, theUMKC Accordion Orchestra, The "K" Trio, andRay (Elvis Presley) Rue, and the Battle of theBands (with accordion) was introduced and won byDwayne Doopsie's Cajun Band.

Later that year the “Search for the HottestAccordionist” again brought young Cajun artistDwayne Doopsie to the forefront with his energeticperformance in Branson, MO. The AAA inconjunction with the Lawrence Welk Organizationsponsored this event.

A special 60th Anniversary party took place at theBeatrice Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village.The Beatrice has hosted many AAA meetings fromthe 1960s until this restaurant closed many decadeslater.

In 1999, President Faithe Deffner brought the


Joan CochranSommers

conducts themassed band at

the 1998 NewOrleans Festival

celebrating the60th anniversaryof the American

Accordionists'Association.


festival to Nashville where we honored "America'sPolka King" and Grammy winner, Frank Yankovic,with a Tribute Concert featuring the Don LipovacEnsemble, Tony Dannon, the Jeff Lisenby Trio,Accordion Concertina Music Ensemble, The "K"Trio, and LynnMarie Rink. The Massed Bandperformed at the State Capitol in Nashville drawingconsiderable press coverage.

Recognizing the historic importance of anaccordion museum, the AAA became affiliatedwith the World of Accordions Museum and atraveling display of thesehistoric instruments has sincebecome part of our festival,brought annually by founderand curator Dr. HelmiHarrington.

2000-PresentIn 2000, AAA’s MillenniumFestival took place inWashington, DC where the USArmy Band, featuringaccordionist, ManuelBobenrieth, performed. TheMillennium Festival Orchestrawas led by symphony

conductor, Gary Daverne. The Massed Bandgarnered publicity in front of the Capitol Dome.Helmi Harrington's World of Accordions Museumdisplayed a fascinating array of instrument history.The "Press and Squeeze"Party, Cabaret Night, theMillennium Concert, theEndless PerformanceBall-room, and anAccordion Sum-mitMeeting all contributedto the festivalexcitement and success.

A special award waspresented to HarleyJones of New Zealand,the founder and directorof AccordionsWorldwide. Thismammoth site has grown to be the cyberspacevoice for all bellows-driven instruments andinstrumentalists.

At the end of her term, President Faithe Deffnertold the participants, “It is gratifying to see thesuccess of our efforts as the accordion soars to newheights of pop-ularity. Our efforts to bring this

Dr. Helmi Harrinton givesa workshop in front of "AWorld of AccordionsMuseum" display inNashville.

A World of Accordions Museum

Harley JonesAccordionsWorldwide

Dr. Carmelo Pino


magnificent instrument to public attention havebeen fruitful, but it is the accordion's diversitywhich has made it a living presence in thetraditional, the contemporary, and the cutting edgeof music around the world.”

Dr. Carmelo Pino ascended to the presidency and the2001 festival movedwest to Clevelandwhere the firstPolkaFest drew acapacity audience. Inaddition, many otherregular festival eventstook place.

In March 2002,president Pinoconceived the ideafor AAA to presentLifetime AchievementAwards, the first ofwhich went to Carmen

Carrozza. A cash gift from Steve Stolaruk wasturned into the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fundto establish an ongoing program.

Moving further west, president Carmelo Pino heldthe 2002 festival in Minnea-polis and appointedFaithe Deffner as contest chair, to organize theevent.. What a warm wel-come we received as theaccordionists of Minnesota embraced the AAA!Larry Malmberg (teacher of Skeets Langley) per-formed at our Lunch-eon Concert. The highlight ofthe Festival was a trip to Duluth/Superior to visitDr. Helmi Harrington’s “A World of Accordions

Museum,” for the openingof the Charles MagnanteExhibit. (The Magnantefamily has donated theCharles Magnantemusical legacy to themuseum. It is a "must see"for every accordionist.)

More surprises were instore for the festivalattendees as the SkeetsLangley Ensembleentertained at our Gala Banquet. An all-star concertwas held on Sunday. It featured performances byCarmelo Pino, Peter Soave, Dee Langley and The“K” Trio.

In September of 2002 we were honored to havenoted Russian accord-ionist, Friedrich Lips,perform in concert.

In 2003 the AAA cele-brated its 65th anniversary atthe Philadelphia festival featuring the Polkafest

under the presidency of Carmelo Pino. Accordionsfilled Independence Park asthe Massed Band played infront of the Liberty Bell.This celebration featuredseveral concerts with top-notch performers includingLou Coppola and the StereoStrings, and the AccordionPops Orchestra, under thedirection of DanielDesiderio.

Magnante exhibit opens atA World of Accordions

Museum

2002 AAA Festival in Minneapolis brought Larry Malmberg to perform at theLuncheon Concert, above - The Skeets Langley Trio performed for the Gala

Banquet, and far right Dee Langley coordinated an all-star concert.

Friedrich Lips

Dick Contino


In November, the AAA presented a LifetimeAchievement Award to Dick Contino, an ever-popular accordionist. The CUNY Program ofContemporary Works took place October 10, 2003at the CUNY GraduateCenter in Manhattan.

The first fundraiser for theCarmen Carrozza Scholar-ship Fund took place inMarch, 2003 at theMagnanini Winery in NewYork where it met with greatsuccess and subsequentlybecame an annual AAAevent.

In 2004, a Master Class andConcert Series was held at theTenri Cultural Center inNYC, presented by Dr.

William Schimmel. The AAAalso presented a LifetimeAchievement Award tofounding father, CharlesNunzio.

Russian concert artist andworld acclaimed accord-ionist-composer VyacheslavSemyonov was featured in aconcert at the GreenwichHouse School of Music onBarrows Street in New Yorkwhere he premiered severalpieces including one he hadwri t tenf o rF a i t h eDeffner

Magnanini Winery - 2003 Carrozza Scholarship Dinner, annual fundraiser

VyacheslavSemyonov premiered

Divertimentodedicated to

Faithe Deffner

Frank Marocco (top) andAlexander Poeluev (center)were guest artists at 2004

Festival. Left - HavardSvendsrud of Norway winner

of the StolarukEntertainment Competition.


in honor of her many successfulterms as AAA president.

The festival, held in Boston,brought music to famousQuincy Market. Jazzaccord-ionist FrankMarocco, Coupe Mondialechampion AlexanderPoeluev, and many othersdelighted the audiencesdaily with their superb

skills. Thanks to the generosity of Steve Stolaruk,twelve thous-and dollars in prize money went towinners in the Stolaruk International EntertainmentCompetition.

President Dr. Carmelo Pinopresented a LifetimeAchievement award to AldoDeRossi, a member of AAAsince it was founded in 1938.

Linda Soley Reed presidedover AAA’s 2005 festival inDearborn, Michigan. Theaddition of the InternationalEntertainment Competitionbrought contestants fromeverywhere. The $15,000 inprize money for this category

Above: Frank Busso conducts the2004 AAA Massed Band atQuincy Market in Boston.

Right: Aldo DeRossi was presentedwith a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Steve Stolaruk presents International Entertainment Competition prizes. Top right: Julian Labro of Michigan

was the top prize winner.

Linda Soley Reed conducted the Massed Band inFrankenmuth, MI in 2005.

Far left, AAA member Linda Lee Brown helpedcoordinate the visit to the Bavarian Village.

Tony Dannon receivedAAA’s Lifetime

Achievement Awardin 2005.

Frank Busso, Jr. selected accordionist for the USAir Force. Young John Moceo appeared with

Ellen Degeneres


was donated by our friend and supporter, SteveStolaruk in memory of his wife, Vivian VivioStolaruk. Concert performers included Linda LeeBrown, Stella Allison and Joan Grauman, RayBattani, Bart Beninco, Helmi Harrington andCarolyn Carver at the Luncheon Concert. The GalaConcert featured, Dick Contino, Carmelo Pino, The“K” Trio, Peter Soave, Tony Dannon and Joe Cerritoand Madeleine Soave. The premiere of a workcommissioned for the accordion, written by John

Franceschina in honor of Elsie Bennett, wasperformed by Peter Soave at the concert.

AAA paid homage to one of its outstandingmembers, Michigan's own jazz giant and teacher,Tony Dannon. He received the coveted AAALifetime Achievement Award.

In the spring of 2005, two young accordionistsfrom Staten Island, NY made the news. FrankBusso, Jr. was selected as the accordionist for theUnited States Air Force Strolling Strings, and 12year old, John Moceo, a student of Frank Busso,Sr., was a featured guest on the Ellen DegeneresShow on TV.

Music filled the air as guests honored the legendaryFrank Marocco on June 4, 2006 in New Jersey.Many traveled from as far as California to pay

Eddie Monteiro and Frank Marrocco jammin’ it up at the Lifetime Achievement Award Banquet at

LaFiesta in New Jersey.

2006 Massed Band at Niagara Falls conducted by Frank Busso

Gary Daverne Mary Tokarski


Faithe Deffner and former CIA General Secretary, Walter Maurer (Austria) Faithe Deffner, Heather Masefield (New Zealand),

Frank Busso, Jr., Frank Busso, Sr., and CIA PresidentKevin Friedrich

The 2007 Massed Band appeared before the State Capitol Building in Washington, DC during the Coupe Mondiale.Pictured in forefront are Faithe Deffner, 2007 Coupe Mondiale Coordinator and Frank Busso, conductor.

These photos were all taken at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale


homage to the great musician as he received the AAALifetime Achievement Award. Guests included otherLifetime Achievement honorees, Carmen Carrozza,and Charles Nunzio. President, Linda Reed hostedthe event.

The spectacular Niagara Falls were the backdrop forthe Massed Band at AAA's annual festival of 2006,which took place in Buffalo, NY. Symphonyconductor, Gary Daverne, of Auckland, New Zealandconducted the AAA orchestra which includedfeatured soloist, Mary Tokarski. As at every AAAfestival, excellent workshops were given by notedaccordionists. That year'sworkshop leaders were Dr.Robert Young McMahan, SidKowalczyk, Eddie Monteiro,Karen Adam, Joe Cerrito, andTony Lovello.

In 2007, every effort wasdirected at the Coupe Mondiale

which we hosted in the year of the 60th Anniversaryof CIA, in August in Alexandria, VA. The AAA,ATG, and CIA pooled their resources to make this anamazing success (see separate article). AAAPresident Linda Soley Reed, ATG President JoanCochran Sommers, and 2007 CIA Honorary VicePresident and Coupe Mondiale Coordinator, FaitheDeffner, did an outstanding job to make this eventspectacular. Special thanks to the WashingtonMetropolitan Accordion Society for their assistancethroughout the Coupe Mondiale week, and forhosting the well-attended International “Afterhours”party for all attendees.

As the American Accordionists’ Associationembarked on its 70th year in 2008, one beautifulcelebration of this anniversary took place in June atthe Westchester Community College in New York.This celebration, "Accordion Extravaganza,"dedicated to the memory of Maddalena Belfiore, wasfilled with music and warm memories of years spentworking to fulfill the dreams of the founders of ourinspirational organization. Maddalena's endless,enthusiastic support of the AAA has greatly helped tomake it what it is today. Entertainers at this memorialconcert included: Master of Ceremonies, FrankBusso, Sr., AAA President Linda S. Reed, theAccordion Pops Orchestra, under the direction ofDaniel Desiderio, Bob McMahan, Beverly RobertsCurnow, Joe Cerrito, Mary Tokarski, Mario Tacca andMary Mancini, Bill Schimmel, "The AmazingAccordion Kings" (Angelo DiPippo, Frank Toscano,Manny Corallo), with dinner entertainment providedby Dominic Karcic and the Continental SoundsOrchestra.

Further celebration of this special anniversary will takeplace in Arlington, Virginia in August at the AAA’s2008 festival. We wish to thank all who continue, yearafter year, to support our efforts to bring the accordionhonor and prestige in all areas of music.

It is our firm belief that the most meaningful accordionaccomplishments are only possible through theexpanded scope of national organizations such as theAmerican Accordionists’ Association. Too often we askwhat the accordion associations have done for us, whilethe more pertinent question of what we have done forour organizations is ignored. Organizations are notmore than the cumulative muscle of their members.

National organizations are simply vehicles to initiateand sustain programs of collective magnitude, beyondthe limited scope of individuals or clubs. National

Linda Soley Reed, Faithe Deffner and Joan CochranSommers at Coupe Mondiale 2007

breakfast meeting

Maddalena Belfiore

Frank Busso and Linda Soley Reedperform Maddalena’s Pan Polka

AAA 70th Anniversary Celebration

Accordion Extravaganza70th Anniversary Celebration dedicated to the memory of

Maddalena Belfiore Greco

Saturday, June 21, 2008 • 2:00 p.m.Academic Arts Theatre at Westchester Community College

75 Grasslands Road • Valhalla, NY 10595

Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini

Mary Tokarski

Beverly Roberts Curnow

Dr. Robert McMahan

Dr. William Schimmel

Joe Cerrito

The Accordion Pops Orchestra, Conducted by Daniel Desiderio

The Amazing Accordion KingsFrank Toscano, Angelo DiPippo and Manny Corallo

aaa celebrates its 70th anniversary · with the growth of accordion popularity, more music was...

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