The Roland Accordion Event sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of MA, Appeared in February 2006 issue of Musical Merchandise Review (MMR).

Providing the demonstration on the V-Accordion was Don McMahon, an accomplished musician and accordion instructor, and backing up McMahon on drums was none other than Vic Frith President Rick Drumm.

The 75 attendees were obviously impressed by the V-Accordion and its capability in reproducing different accordion types in various genres of music, and at one point even sounding like a bagpipe. Pictured from left to right: David Lewis - Immediate Past President of the ATAM, Peggy Falcetti - ATAM Treasurer, Sam Falcetti - ATAM Board of Director and Michael Falcetti - ATAM President.

The V-Accordion is lighter, more flexible, and has numerous combinations to customize the player's sounds and tailor their need and styles,"explained Sam Falcetti.

The V-Accordion can simulate up to 30 different accordion sound sets, each including 14 treble registers, seven bass and chord registers, and seven free bass registers. The engineers at Roland were able to reproduce various models of traditional accordions so the V-Accordion can instantly switch from an Italian jazz to a German folk, French Musette, or historic bandoneon.

The V-Accordion is available in three models: the FR-7, FR-5 and the smaller 37 key instrument the FR-3. All are offered in candy apple red, or charcoal gray. The FR-7 is an all-in-one portable instrument complete with internal speaker and amplification system. The FR-5 does not contain the speakers and amplification system, but is more lightweight for stage performance.

For more information on the V-Accordion, contact: Roland in the US at: (323) 890 3700 or visit www.rolandus.com

Pictured right - Don McMahon former Falcetti Music accordion instructor and ATAM Contestant.

During the awards banquet, for the second year in a row, 14 year old Dannielle Renzi was awarded the premiere solo title of ATAM New England Accordion Champion. Danielle is a student of Robert Paolo at the Paolo Music School in Johnston, Rhode Island.

Winners in the New England Championship were as follows:

• 1st: Danielle Renzi (Paolo Music)
• 2nd: Lenore DelPonte (Paolo Music)
• 3rd: Matthew Freire (Arruda Music)
• 4th: Ken Parsons (Rosita Lee Music)
• 5th: Paul Yao (Rosita Lee Music)

In addition to the New England Accordion Championship, another exciting Premiere competition was held. Danielle Renzi, in addition to taking the New England Accordion Champion title, also won the third ATAM Entertainment competition.

Winners in the ATAM Entertainment Championship were as follows:

• 1st: Danielle Renzi (Paolo Music)
• 2nd: Jeff Moore (Rosita Lee Music)
• 3rd: Ken Parsons (Rosita Lee Music)

• Arruda Music of Rhode Island - August Arruda Jr. - Conductor