Sunday, February 8, 2015

Page March 2015 The Oklahoma Squeezins 4 February Meeting OAC Monthly Meeting February 8, 2015 arbara Duer opened the meeting, which was attended by 29 members and 3 guests. • The Accordionaires (Director Dan Orza, Karen West, Lois Roth, John Buchanan, and Maggie Abel), along with Mary Jeanne Hojem, Janet Haskins, and Steven Scott, played a medley of romance-themed songs for Valentine’s Day. • Past ick Albreski directed a youthful band comprised of the three Smith sisters and the three Smith brothers. They played “Jumbaloo,” “Reginella Compenore,” and “The Woodpecker Song,” a preview of tunes they will perform in the National Accordion Association Youth Band in March. • A newcomer couple was introduced. Chuck Vodicka, a former player from decades ago, is resuming his playing of the accordion. Members welcomed him and his wife Linda. • Karen West suggested attendees bring snacks or beverages to meetings. • Members sang “Happy Birthday” to Christopher Darr, Evie Albreski, and Bob Mansfield -- February birthdays. • Last month the Accordionaires played for the funeral of Annette Zongker-Smith’s husband Karl Smith in Tulsa. A video of Karl speaking on video at his funeral was playing in the back of the meeting room today for those who could not attend. • The 2015 National Accordion Association convention will be held March 4-7 in Plano, Texas. Since OAC attendees will still be driving back home to Oklahoma on Sunday, March 8, the regular monthly OAC meeting will be held one week later than its usual second Sunday -- that is, it will be held on March 15. • Bob Mansfield and George Secor will entertain in three spots at the March convention: Thursday from 5:00-6:30 pm in the Cattlemen’s Club lounge; Friday at 2:30 pm with Mr. Friede’s workshop; and Saturday evening at the concert. They will perform solos and duets at the three events. • George explained a little about his Moschino accordion system, and Barbara Duer said she purchased one and feels it is a wonderful system. • Dick Albreski directed members of the Fun Band (Barbara Duer, Steven Scott, Maggie Abel, Karen West, and Lois Roth) in playing “Marie” and “My Wife Is Happy.” They will perform these and other pieces at the convention under Dick’s direction, with band members from other cities. • Barbara Duer played “Minuet in G Minor” on the small 24-bass Machino-system accordion. • Bob Mansfield played “Waltz Allegro.” • George played Dominico Scarlatti’s “Sonata in C Major.” Then he played “Barushka,” which in Czechoslovakian means “Barbara,” and dedicated it to Barbara Duer. • Bob and George played four duets: “Gopak” by Mussorgsky, “Krakowiak #34” (“dedicated to Dick Albreski”), “Kolomeiki (Slovak Dance),” and “Canzona per Sonare #2.” • Steven Scott played “Fast Train,” featuring train-like noises. • Bob, Karen, and Barbara played three numbers: “A Joyous Acclamation,” “Patriotic Prelude,” and “Blow Up the Trumpet in the New Moon.” • Maggie Abel