Airline vs Accordion

Tags

Accordion

Flying With Your Accordion

I am continuously getting this question – HOW CAN I FLY WITH MY ACCORDION?

I do it all the time!!! You do have to have a gig bag with NO WHEELS attached. (you can still carry a collapsible roller) That does NOT count as a carry-on item! It is considered just like a walking cane. I have a student that has flown all over the world – with her accordion as carry on!

I have flown, Delta, Continental, United, Southwest, Alaska, and Lufthansa. I do avoid the smaller airlines like Jet Blue or connections that include smaller aircraft. AND YES – I do check to see what style plane the flight will be. AND I TRY for non-stop flights – less gate agents to deal with!

I was once traveling with another accordionist – we each had an accordion and we were in line right behind Alicia Baker and she was with her parents and she had 2 Roland Accordions!!! We were flying from San Francisco to Las Vegas on Southwest.

At the gate: I just either sit in my wheelchair with the other grey haired ladies or avoid the gate agents until we FLY BY for boarding! I won’t say there could be issues – but here is how I have always handled them.

1. NEVER check your accordion through baggage! Not even at the gate!
2. SOUTHWEST AIRLINE – was just declared ACCORDION FRIENDLY. See this link : https://community.southwest.com/t5/Southwest-Stories/World-Champion-Accordionists-Fly-Southwest/ba-p/46670
3. YOU MUST HAVE EARLY BOARDING! You will need to insure you have early boarding – by either purchasing it or using the WHEEL CHAIR ASSIST technique. I am a senior citizen, and I when I book – I ADD that I need wheelchair assistance to the gate. (this gets you through security faster too!!!) Tipping the attendant is well worth it! (Grey Hair ROCKS!)
4. There is sometimes issues – at ticketing  – if they require you to place it in that stupid “too small” sizer – take it out the case – IT WILL FIT! (measure and add all the 3 dimensions of your accordion – in and out of the gig bag. By their “carry-on” rules – it is not supposed to exceed 62 to 115 inches depending on carrier. And if they say – the case is too large (fold the gig bag in half!!) and put your purse in it – now 2 carry-ons! (My Large Hohner totals only 47 inches”)
5. There is sometimes issues – at security – they think the accordion can not fit through the machine – so – take it out of the gig bag and/or can ask for a supervisor and they can hand check the accordion. My Roland went through the machine and they pulled me and accordion aside and asked what that battery was – and asked me to remove it. I told them I didn’t know how! and they just did that swab test and all was fine.
6. There is sometimes issues – at the gate – they politely say – let me get you a gate-check for that – it is too large for the overhead. That is where I state I have purchased early boarding – to insure there is space available, that this is a musical instrument that the FAA guarantees can be carried on, state the total 3 dimension size (under 90 inches or what ever that carriers rules are) and they are welcome to accompany you onto the plane to prove to them that it will fit in the overhead. If that doesn’t deter them – then pull out the FAA RULING – listed below for you to print out (AND PRINT out that carrier’s carry on size restriction). What ever you do – DO NOT WAIT FOR A SUPERVISOR – that will insure that there is NO SPACE for it!! Everyone else will have boarded.
7. There is sometimes issues – with the overhead bins. Once I had my Large Roland accordion in a gig bag that had wheels installed. The wheels were causing it to be TOO FAT to fit into the bin. SO I had to take the accordion out of the gig bag (wrapped it with the towel I ALWAYS keep in my bag) and then it FIT.
8. There is sometimes issues – getting up to the overhead bins. I simply can’t lift my accordion that far over my head!!! Believe me – after I “fake” try for a few times – there is always the person behind me wanting to get to their seat – that will help me!
9. You can always make a dry run to the airport with your accordion and place in the carry-on sizer they have at the counter – this way you will know everything will be okay!
10. ANOTHER OPTION – If you have an acoustic accordion – you can pull the bellow pins from the keyboard side – wrap each section in bubble wrap and place into separate back packs. Take your pliers with you! Don’t forget to TAKE or Check the case or gig bag you plan to use at your destination. I have used the accordion case AS MY SUITCASE – with my clothes in it!!! and then at my destination – empties my clothes and used the case for my accordion!
11. Most airlines restrict you to 2 carry-on baggage. Some are charging now for carry on. SO do not exceed that amount and pay for what you are “carrying on” – which includes your accordion.
12. Official FAA Ruling – Please print and take with you to the airport – and reference section 403

QUOTE – “Carriers must allow passengers to stow their small musical instruments in an approved stowage area in the cabin if at the time the passenger boards the aircraft such stowage space is available.  Under the rule, musical instruments as carry-on items are treated no differently from other carry-on items and the stowage space should be made available for all carry-on items on a “first come, first served” basis.”

SO PAY FOR EARLY BOARDING!!!!

Links to the FAA Rulings –

1. https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-issues-final-rule-regarding-air-travel-musical
2. http://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOT-OST-2014-0231-0002

Hope this has helped you.

Now ask me about flying with my handgun!!!! AND I DO!!!

Shelia

ALL ABOARD – Final Call For Accordion Cruise

Tags

Accordion, Accordion Ensemble

Honors Accordion Cruise Details (Click here)

Hi Accordion Bloggers,

I normally do not infringe on your privacy – but this is the FINAL CALL for the Accordion Cruise. We have space for 10 to 15 more accordionists and also looking for a drummer!

Aug 7th is the final “cabin rate” guarantee date – though you can still catch specials after that date and the Registration Cut off date is Sept 15. The parts are being distributed NOW!

Sun. Nov. 6 to Sun Nov 13 (USA – VOTE EARLY!) 7 – Day cruise – Royal Caribbean – Liberty of the Seas – Port – Galveston TX – Itinerary – Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Registration Form and Cruise Group Booking Information:
https://shelialee.wordpress.com/2016/03/22/honors-accordion-ensemble-cruise/

Be part of a FIRST – First International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of Stas Venglevski – to perform on a Cruise Ship!! We will rehearse on the AT SEA days and be free to explore the ports on port days. The General Orchestra will be performing ON BOARD for over 4300 passengers and the Chamber Orchestra will be performing in Downtown Houston on the Return Sunday evening with Stas Venglevski in Concert.

Please plan to join the FUN! (And escape all the USA Election Hype!)

The planned program:

General Orchestra

1. Classical Ouverture – Joerg Draeger
2. Memory – Andrew Lloyd Webber
3. Giro d’Italia – Medley
4. La Plaza De Toros – Luigi Rattaggi
5. Pasadena – Jacob de Haan
6. Irish Dream – Kurt Gaeble
7. Beautiful Waltz – Stas Venglevski
8. Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison (My arrangement)
9. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Solomon Linda (My Arrangement)
10. Big Chuich Tarantella – Stas Venglevski

Chamber Orchestra

1. Concerto a-moll – Josef Bodin de Boismortier
2. Neuveville 25 – Sophie Valceschini
3. Contradiction – Sophie Valceschini
4. Russische Fantasi – Joerg Draeger

Thanks – See you On Board – Shelia Lee

Where is that DARN C BASS!

Tags

Accordion, Practice tips

Can’t find the C Bass?

The hardest thing for beginner accordion players – is FINDING THE C BASS on a 48, 60, 72, 96 or 120 bass accordion! Some students even sit and watch their left hand in a full length mirror!

We know it is located in the MIDDLE (Vertically)!

• SO start with your wrist in the middle of the bass strap
• Reach beyond your basses to the front edge of the Counterbass ROW
• Line your fingers up vertically (all of them 2 – 3 – 4 – 5)
• Run all your fingers UP AND DOWN the Counterbass row
• THEN move back one row and run ALL YOUR FINGERS up and down
• WITHIN moving up or down 1 button – ONE of your fingers will FEEL the C Button!

HINT – by reaching all the way to the inside of the Counterbass row – You are also positioning your WRIST DEPTH through the bass strap CORRECTLY!!!

• When you pull back to the bass row – DO NOT pull wrist out – you will curl your fingers!!! YEAH!!!
• Your finger attack position on the bass buttons – should be STRAIGHT DOWN – just like if you had long fingernails – the fingernails would GO INTO THE BUTTON HOLE!

Some people JUST CAN’T FEEL the hole or the rhinestone that marks C Bass!

Does your C bass have the diamond in it? Or does not?

If you have diamond(s) – Some times the diamonds are TOO SMOOTH to feel – though they ride higher – so take tweezers and dig around the diamond and remove it. Be sure and HOLD the button in position with needle nose pliers. This will leave a depression – that might be easier to feel. DO NOT USE fingernail polish remover to remove the glue – that will melt the button.

AND if you don’t have diamond(s) – you can add diamonds – to the buttons that already have depressions (get pointed back ones) or to buttons with no depression – get flat back stones)

I would first use only tacky glue to affix the diamonds – to make sure that they will make the buttons easier to feel. Then permanently affix them.

OR if you only have a hole and you don’t want to add a diamond – you can “melt” the edges. You will need a needle nose pliers. Hold the the button in place – so it won’t push into the machine. Take a paper clip – heat it from a flame like a lighter or gas stove and gently – on its side – push it into the side of the hole in the button. This should BUBBLE up the plastic of the button enough to create a raised “pimple”. Do the same for the opposite side of the hole. A dremel (engraving drill) helps too!

If you need to mark your E Bass (4 above C) or your Ab Bass (4 below C ) Do the same with the hot paperclip. This time just push it straight in to create a pimple in the middle. A dremel (engraving drill) helps too!

Some of the newer accordions – have a HARDER plastic for the buttons – They won’t melt!!! SOO you will have to HOLD the button with the pliers and use a medal file and scrape lines vertically and horizontally on the button. A dremel (engraving drill) helps too!

From there – it is just practice and patience – you will learn to “hone” in on it – just like a Radar Beacon!!!

Hope this helped.

NEW! LIVE Bi-Weekly Lesson – Session 1C

Tags

Accordion, Accordion lessons, Accordion Sheetmusic, Accordion Solos, Practice tips

Honors Accordion Level 1 Session 1C

1st & 3rd Mondays – 8 PM CENTRAL DAYLIGHT SAVING – Mon. June 20th (next live Sunday July 3rd Level 1 Session 2) (normally on Monday – but – USA – Holiday is Monday July 4th)

• http://www.ustream.tv/channel/my-accordion-blog—shelia-lee
• Please watch Session 1A & 1B – this will be a continuation
• I DID do this LIVE – Now I am having problems with the USTREAM feed

The largest motivation I have for doing all this – is that there are NOT ENOUGH ACCORDION TEACHERS out there these days – and those that do teach – are hurting for new and modern materials to use. AND here in the USA – there is NO Certification process – for future accordionists OR teachers and no accordion organizations that offers it.

These sessions will be recorded so you can catch it at another time – or use it for review. AND see that even though I am starting VERY LOW – I will have challenges for the advance beginner, the intermediate player and the teachers!

I will be teaching on a TRI-Level basis. Please print out material needed:

• Level 1 Session 1 – no need to reprint – should already have from last lesson
• Dizzy Fingers pg 4 & 5 – please print pg 4
• This Land is Your Land – please print
• Chord Positions All Keys – this is the CORRECT chart – should already have
• Teachers – Session 1 – no need to reprint – should already have from last lesson

1. Beginner – Review 1b (Page 17 to 27)
   
   1. 1 PH Bk 1 – Keyboard – Session 1
      
      1. Review & Check off Songs and Drills-C, F & G Scales
         1. Go ‘Way & Merrily We Play Along
            1. All with backtracks
         2. Legato – Horse Sense
         3. The Donkey, Jingle Bells (Write in Bass Chord Bass Chord pattern)
         4. All with backtracks
         5. Join the Fun! & Charlie the Chimp (Write in Alternating basses)
         6. All with backtracks
      2. Review Reading Lines and Spaces and 5 Bass Notes
2. Beginner – Session 1c (pg 17 to 27)
   1. Beg. Sight Reading – This Land Is Your Land
   2. Beg. Sight Reading – When the Saints
      
   3. Theory Book through the Review 10
   4. Assignment
      1. Record yourself playing 1 song in 4/4 and one song in 3/4
      2. Be proud enough of the recording to post to You Tube and send the link!
      3. Answer Questions pg 29 (Done in 1b)
3. Intermediate – Chords and 1 Advanced Solo
   1. Dizzy Fingers Pg 4 (you already have pg 5)
   2. He – Level 2 – Sight Reading
   3. Chord Positions All Keys (Correction – wrong one posted last week)
      1. He – Chords Only
4. Teacher – How to relate these ABOVE skills to your students
   1. 1 PH Bk 1 – Workbook Level 1 Session 1
      1. Review Teacher Book pg 15 to 17
      2. Teachers – video all songs from this session – two speeds – Slow and Performance
      3. All through the Night (Teacher’s Explanation) (SKIP)
      4. This session and the Last Session – Great time to send home the worksheets to reinforce reading of notes and counts.
      5. Review – with teachers – how to use Drop Box
5. ALL LEVELS – ALFRED’S ESSENTIALS OF MUSIC THEORY
   1. Theory Book of Intermediate players – next section to review 10
   2. Beginners – under 12 years old – do the teacher handouts

NEW! LIVE Bi-Weekly Lesson – Session 1B

Tags

Accordion, Accordion Exercises, Accordion lessons, Accordion Solos

Honors Accordion Level 1 Session 1B

1st & 3rd Mondays – 8 PM CENTRAL DAYLIGHT SAVING (next live Monday June 20 Level 1 Session 2)

We made it through all the material! YEAH! – Except 6 songs in PH 1 – you are on your own on those! We will review those at the beginning of the next broadcast.

• http://www.ustream.tv/channel/my-accordion-blog—shelia-lee
• I am having difficulty uploading this 1B to YouTube! it is a poor recording – don’t know why?
• Please watch Session 1A – this will be a continuation

The largest motivation I have for doing all this – is that there are NOT ENOUGH ACCORDION TEACHERS out there these days – and those that do teach – are hurting for new and modern materials to use. AND here in the USA – there is NO Certification process – for future accordionists OR teachers and no accordion organizations that offers it.

These sessions will be recorded so you can catch it at another time – or use it for review. AND see that even though I am starting VERY LOW – I will have challenges for the advance beginner, the intermediate player and the teachers!

I will be teaching on a TRI-Level basis. Please print out material needed:

• Level 1 Session 1 – no need to reprint – should already have from last lesson
• Dizzy Fingers pg 5 – no need to reprint – should already have from last lesson
• Ob-la-Di Ob-La Da – please print both arrangements out
• Chord Positions All Keys – this is the CORRECT chart – please print
• Teachers – Session 1 – no need to reprint – should already have from last lesson

1. Beginner – Review 1a (Page 1 to 19)
   
   1. 1 PH Bk 1 – Keyboard – Session 1
      
      1. Review & Check off Songs and Drills
      2. Review pg 28 – answer questions
   2. Session 1A – Fill out the Theory Book through the Review Pg 3 to 9
2. Beginner – Session 1b (pg 17 to 27)
   1. Technique Drill #2 pg 23 – Intro to C, F & G Scales, Arpeggios, and 4 note M Chord
   2. Sight Reading – Go ‘Way, Merrily We Play Along (on your own)
   3. Intro to Legato – Saturn Waltz pg 25 and Horse Sense
   4. The Donkey, Jingle Bells (Write in Bass Chord Bass Chord pattern)
   5. Join the Fun! & Charlie the Chimp (Write in Alternating basses)
   6. Assignment
      1. Record yourself playing 1 song in 4/4 and one song in 3/4
      2. Be proud enough of the recording to post to You Tube and send the link!
      3. Answer Questions pg 29
3. Intermediate – Chords and 1 Advanced Solo
   1. Dizzy Fingers page 5 (Last 4 lines only)
   2. Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da (Lead Line)
   3. Ob-La-Di Ob-La Da (full accordion arr)
   4. Chord Positions All Keys (Correction – wrong one posted last week)
      1. Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da – Chords Only
4. Teacher – How to relate these ABOVE skills to your students
   1. 1 PH Bk 1 – Workbook Level 1 Session 1
      1. Review Teacher Book pg 15 to 17
      2. Teachers – video all songs from this session – two speeds – Slow and Performance
5. ALL LEVELS – ALFRED’S ESSENTIALS OF MUSIC THEORY
   1. We have already done the Level 1 Session 1 assignment – last lesson

When you have completed your assignments (Teacher and/or Student) – and submitted your videos and theory assignments – YOU HAVE COMPLETED LEVEL 1 SESSION 1!! Level 1 – has 9 more sessions that will complete PH Bk 1 & 2.

If you have paid for this session (1a & 1b) ($30 total or discounted $270 for the entire 10 session) – I will MAIL you your Master or Performance CERTIFICATE! Only 9 more session to your PLAQUE! for Performance or Master (Teacher & Student)

Please have these Books ready:

• Palmer-Hughes Accordion Course, Book 1 & 2 (these will be covered in level 1)
• Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians $US 39.95 (this will cover Music theory for Certificate Levels 1 & 2 – which include PH 1 to 4)

How do you “satisfy” a session level?
These sessions will be password protected because there is a $30US charge for each Session Level ($10 more for Teacher) – (this could take several 1 hours sessions to cover 1 Session level). I am showing this first session level – so you can get an idea of the intensity of the materials that will be covered. To receive your certificate or plaque – your fees will need to be paid.

• There will be written assignments that are to be turned in!
• There will be playing assignments that you will video yourself and post.
• With these accomplished – you will receive a “PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE“! for that Session Level.
• Those going for the Teacher Certificate – will only have a few more assignments to turn in and you will receive the “MASTER CERTIFICATE“! for that Session Level.
• There are two certificates available. Performance and Master (Teacher & Performance)
• WHEN the 10 sessions for that level is accomplished – you will receive a WOODEN PLAQUE denoting the Performance or Master Classification!!!

New Posts in May 2016

Tags

Accordion, Accordion Duet, Accordion Sheetmusic, Accordion Solos

See what You missed if you don’t Subscribe!!!

In May – I was really busy working on the arrangements for the ATG Prep Orchestra, planning the Accordion Cruise for this coming November, working hard on the Certificate Program Levels, and the Bi-Monthly LIVE lessons that went LIVE MAY 2, 2016. 8 PM Central Daylight Savings Standard US time. (Session 1B – Live Monday June 6 – 8 pm)

Here are the songs that were posted in May:

1. All I Have to Do is Dream (1958) Solo/Ensemble
2. Camptown Twist Ensemble
3. Chicagoland Twirl Page 2 (Polka by Yakovic)
   1. Chicagoland Twirl Page 1
4. Saltarella Tarantella
   1. Saltarella in G (written for Diatonic Accordion)
5. Ballad of the Green Berets (Solo/Duet)
6. A Teenager in Love BH – (Sight Reading from Live Lesson)
7. The Old Piano Roll Blues – arr. by Bob Butchart
8. Madame Butterfly selection (furnished by Alan Sissons)
9. L’Ultima Parola Tango (furnished by Alan Sissons)
10. Arrangements by Dunday
    1. Piano Man
    2. Yesterday
    3. Pearly Shells
    4. Tiny Bubbles
    5. Aloha ‘Oe
    6. I Love Paris
11. There’s Something About That Name
12. Macarena
13. Hukilau

A Review from April:

• I Walk the Line
• Happy Days Theme (Quartet)

Live Videos of Some of the Ensemble Arrangements on this site performed by The Norwich Accordion Band in England:

• Hey Jude
• Oh, Pretty Woman
• The Rose

Live Videos of Some of the Solo Arrangements on this site performed by Dr. Alan Sissons (please send me your videos and I will feature them too!)

• Dream a Little Dream of Me
• He
• Summertime

Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration

Collection of Music for playing in the Gazebo

NEW! LIVE Bi-Weekly – Session 1A

Tags

Accordion, Accordion lessons, Accordion Sheetmusic, Accordion Solos

Honors Accordion Level 1 Session 1A

1st & 3rd Mondays – 8 PM CENTRAL DAYLIGHT SAVING (next live Monday June 6)

OKAY – you have asked for it – SOO HERE WE GO!!!! Here is the link to this LIVE lessons and Click on the Session Level for that week – via

UStream – http://www.ustream.tv/channel/my-accordion-blog—shelia-lee

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqaG61m9Hww

I will be LIVE – IN FRONT of the camera – showing HOW TO PLAY – note for note, exercise for exercise, song for song – right through everything you will need to know!!! You will even be able to comment questions and suggestions!

These sessions will be recorded so you can catch it at another time – or use it for review. AND see that even though I am starting VERY LOW – I will have challenges for the advance beginner, the intermediate player and the teachers!

I will be teaching on a TRI-Level basis. Please print out material needed:

1. Beginner – NEVER had an accordion on before
   1. 1 PH Bk 1 – Keyboard – Session 1 (Page 1 to 19)
      1. pg 28 – answer questions
   2. Fill out the Theory Book through the Review Pg 3 to 9
2. Intermediate – Chords and 1 Advanced Solo –
   1. Dizzy Fingers page 5 (Last Line)
   2. A Teenager In Love – Sight Reading
   3. Chord Positions All Keys (Corrected link)
3. Teacher – How to relate these ABOVE skills to your students
   1. 1 PH Bk 1 – Workbook Level 1 Session 1
      1. Review pg 1 to 14
      2. Save the Student Worksheets to a Teacher Binder
      3. Video yourself playing the Solos through pg 19 in Student Sessions (Slow and fast)
4. ALL LEVELS – PALMER HUGHES LESSON BOOK 1
5. ALL LEVELS – ALFRED’S ESSENTIALS OF MUSIC THEORY

The largest motivation I have for doing all this – is that there are NOT ENOUGH ACCORDION TEACHERS out there these days – and those that do teach – are hurting for new and modern materials to use. AND here in the USA – there is NO Certification process – for future accordionists OR teachers and no accordion organizations that offers it.

Please have these Books ready:

• Palmer-Hughes Accordion Course, Book 1 & 2 (these will be covered in level 1)
• Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians $US 39.95 (this will cover Music theory for Certificate Levels 1 & 2)

How do you “satisfy” a session level?
These sessions will be password protected because there is a $30US charge for each Session Level (this could take several 1 hours sessions to cover 1 Session level). I am showing this first session level – so you can get an idea of the intensity of the materials that will be covered. To receive your certificate or plaque – your fees will need to be paid.

• There will be written assignments that are to be turned in!
• There will be playing assignments that you will video yourself and post.
• With these accomplished – you will receive a “PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE“! for that Session Level.
• Those going for the Teacher Certificate – will only have a few more assignments to turn in and you will receive the “MASTER CERTIFICATE“! for that Session Level.
• There are two certificates available. Performance and Master (teacher & Performance)
• WHEN the 10 sessions for that level is accomplished – you will receive a WOODEN PLAQUE denoting the Performance or Master Classification!!!

 

 

 

 

 

COOL Accordion Earrings

Tags

Accordion

Handmade Beaded Accordion Earrings

I have a very dear friend – Ginger (Virginia). She pays her way to a week long Accordion Camp each year – by making these really COOL ACCORDION earrings.

Let’s all get her to CAMP THIS YEAR!!!

You can have a pair or two TOO! I just ordered 3 – to give as gifts! Just comment in PayPal to let her know the colors you want and she will custom make it for you!!!

$20 a pair and add $1.25 for her to mail it to you. Now if you are out of the USA – be sure and do the proper conversion of your currency to make it US $20 and Ginger will let you know how much postage to add.

Her PayPal account is under the name – Virginia Purdy, gpurdy1940@yahoo.com

Be sure and leave in the comments – your full name and mailing address.

As you will notice – other than sheet music – this is only the 2nd time I have promoted someones “product”. Please let me know if you have something you would like to share with the Accordion Blog World and I would love to help you get the word out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honors Accordion Ensemble Cruise

Tags

Accordion, Accordion Ensemble

Honors Accordion Cruise Sun. Nov. 6 to Sun. Nov. 13, 2016 out of Port Galveston TX. (Houston TX)

Yes – IT IS OFFICIAL!!

We are SO EXCITED to announce that – Stas Venglevski will be the DIRECTOR for this inaugural ALL ORCHESTRA Retreat. Please plan now! Though EVERYONE IS INVITED – we have to cut off the number of Accordionists to 50! The arrangements will accommodate ALL LEVEL ACCORDIONISTS!

DON’T WAIT – Book your cruise cabin direct with Royal Caribbean – 800-465-3595 – Group # 2013714 – “Honors Accordion Cruise” Our Inside & Window Cabin Rates are guaranteed until Aug 7 and ask about 50% discount for 2nd in Balcony cabin! (the posted rates expired already!)

This retreat is designed for the serious accordion ensemble accordionists. We will be learning and performing light POP to Classical material specially arranged by Stas and Shelia Lee – All designed for the final CONCERT ON BOARD the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas! Here is the selected program and parts are being emailed NOW!

General Orchestra

1. Classical Ouverture – Joerg Draeger
2. Memory – Andrew Lloyd Webber
3. Giro d’Italia – Medley
4. La Plaza De Toros – Luigi Rattaggi
5. Pasadena – Jacob de Haan
6. Irish Dream – Kurt Gaeble
7. Beautiful Waltz – Stas Venglevski
8. Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
9. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Solomon Linda
10. Big Chuich Tarantella – Stas Venglevski

Chamber Orchestra

1. Concerto a-moll – Josef Bodin de Boismortier
2. Neuveville 25 – Sophie Valceschini
3. Contradiction – Sophie Valceschini
4. Russische Fantasi – Joerg Draeger

We plan rehearsals on AT SEA days and YOU ARE FREE on PORT DAYS!

Royal Caribbean has invited us to perform our final concert ON BOARD the ship! (not part of their Talent Show!)

There is also an additional Concert the Final Sunday Night in Houston featuring Stas in CONCERT! (If you desire to stay over another night in Houston)

A BONUS – Stas is personally inviting accordionists to be part of his CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (that will have their own rehearsal schedule). This group will  stay and perform with him in Houston.

ALSO – each evening – following the last rehearsal – there will be an opportunity to SHOW OFF – so bring your music and plan to perform with your personal ensembles!

Registration opens April 1 – $150 Registration Form (chrg for Accordionist only) – Link to follow

$250 deposit per person ($500 per cabin) – 100% refundable until due date –  will hold your reservation until Aug. 7 when the balance is due. YOU CAN PERSONALLY SELECT YOUR CABIN!! 25 are already booked ! We can use 10 to 12 more accordionists and need a drummer!!

Registration Fee – $150 – pay direct to Honors Accordion. Non-accordionists – NO Charge. Link to Registration Form –2016 Honors Accordion Orchestra Cruise Enrollment Form

If you have any questions – please call Shelia Lee at 281-788-6667 or email her at slee@shelialee.com or go to the website – www.accordionhonors.com

Print This Flyer and give to your Accordion Friends – AccordionCruise2016-4-5NewRates

(NAA) National Accordion Convention 2016

Tags

Accordion, Accordion Ensemble, Accordion Sheetmusic

2016 NAA Convention – March   9 – 12, 2016 – Hyatt Regency, North Dallas, TX (Richardson)

Every year – I have attended the National Accordion Convention in the Dallas area. It is attended by about 200 accordion enthusiasts. There are workshops, 3 different level accordion orchestras to play with and evening concerts.

In 2016 – I will be conducting a Workshop – about THIS ACCORDION BLOG and Distance Learning via Skype and FaceTime LIVE lessons.

See the links below for the Orchestra arrangements!

Link to Convention – http://www.accordions.com/naa/

2016 – Links to Band Scores

2016 Youth Orchestra Band Arrangements for this year (level 1-2) http://www.accordions.com/naa/convention/NAA-Youth-Albreski/0.YouthIndex.html

2016 FUN BAND Arrangements for this year (level 1-3) http://www.accordions.com/naa/convention/NAA-FunEZ%20Band-Albreski/0.EZIndex.html

2016 Intermediate/Advance Band Arrangements for this year – (level 2-5) http://www.accordions.com/naa/convention/NAA-Symphonic-Jarosh/0.SymIndex.html