Elena and Gregory Fainshtein, famous Russian accordion players
Three-Day Event Features Workshops and Performances
The melodic sounds of the accordion are a staple of many types of folk festivals. And once a year, the accordion takes center stage with that festive music as accordionists of all skill levels come together for a national conference.
Accordionists will converge on Plano, Texas, for the 28th annual National Accordion Association Convention on March 6-8 at Southfork Hotel.
“The accordion is a very social instrument, and accordionists love to get together to share music and techniques,” said National Accordion Association president Dr. Norman Seaton. “Since the accordion world was structured around competitions, you will find many local, state, national and international champions at our convention.”
The National Accordion Association is a group of accordion enthusiasts highly dedicated to promoting music on the instrument. Convention attendees include players who have won competitions at various levels and some who have won Grammy awards. Even special guests from China will be in attendance.
The three-day event opens March 6 with daytime workshops and presentations for accordionists – an opportunity to learn new music. The evening sessions feature performances and are open to the public. Among the scheduled highlights are a high school like band camp with 30-40 accordions playing at once followed by a demonstration by champions on Thursday, March 6; International Music Festival and dance party on Friday, March 7; and International Music Concert followed by a “meet and play-along” session with the artists on Saturday, March 8.
“Our convention attendees are historically over the age of 50 or under the age of 20,” Seaton said. “But, we have recently seen an interest in accordion by musicians in the 20-30 year old age range. Our goal is to attract more young people to add accordion to their current instrument lessons.”
The Association seeks to motivate accordionists in building their musical skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform both solo and with other musical instruments. Opportunities are provided for accordionists to collaborate with each other and to learn through numerous events held in various locations throughout the year, including the national convention.
For information about the National Accordion Association and the schedule of events for the national convention, visit www.Accordions.com/naa. For additional information about Plano, visit www.VisitPlano.com.
Text by Brian Briscoe
Photo by Serge Taran