The 2021 "call" will be announced after the 2020 convention has officially be closed.
2020 Specialty - Selected music from:
Europe (French, German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Scottish/Irish etc.)
Americas (Mexico, USA, Central/South America, Canada)
Other (Israeli, Baltic, Balkan, etc.)
National Accordion Convention (USA) March 18-21, 2020
2020 "Call for Presenters" rules:
Proposals must include two or more presentations.
Selected presenters will be expected to perform on one of the evening concerts.
Avoid repetitive workshops; be creative with your proposals.
Proposals officially open on 10-20-2019 and close on 11-20-2019.
The planning team will start selecting and marketing presenters immediately (don't delay!)
The planning team may schedule some events more than once during the convention.
Conventioneers new to the "Call for Presenters" format, scroll past the form to read the directions.
Open Call Procedures:
Individuals or groups interested in making presentations are to
Review the previous convention layout and the Automated Open Call information
Review the National Accordion Convention information located in the lower third of the web page
Complete the above "Open Call" form as requested and press submit
* The National Accordion Association, Inc. (NAA) officials are announcing the first step in building USA future worldwide accordion conventions and festivals. We are incorporating presenter ideas and recommendations into the planning process by delivering the following Open Call process. Once the "open call" process closes, the Convention Team will combine the collected results with the more traditional procedures; thus, developing a fantastic convention!
Convention-related Information and Procedures
Convention Development Process
Convention Layout: Association officials determine the basic layout of the convention and assign various positions based on prior experiences. Those decisions are displayed near the footer of this web page.
Automated Open Call: Officials then issue a 30-day "Open Call" designed to involve professional presenters who may or may not be attending the convention on a regular basis.
Core Education: The "Open Call" is based on the Association's Core Category Descriptions (About Us) and the "Most Requested" list displayed on this page.
Notifications: Conventioneers attending the past three conventions and/or the current membership are notified at this time so they can encourage professional presenters and artists to respond to the "Open Call."
Closing the Loop: Upon closing of the 30-day "Open Call," the Convention Team organizes and markets the upcoming convention.
Requirement: All workshop descriptions and related facts must be entered into the "Open Call" form. Verbal and/or e-mail agreements are null and void.
Most requested activities
While analyzing post-convention evaluation reports from conventioneers and vendors, we observed that:
Accordionists want to perform solos and with:
1. Small groups with other instruments & vocals
2. Accordion ensembles (bands)
3. Accordion orchestras
"Open Call" Requested Topics: Workshops:
Seaton says: Individuals interested in delivering 50-minute workshops are to review the website and to propose good workshops for the conventioneers. This is an "Open Door" for innovative presentations.
Orchestra/Band Information:
Conventioneers have requested orchestra music with a unique emphasis not often found in symphonies or traditional accordion concerts. Hint: Traditional accordion music with a modern touch is really popular at our conventions.
Friday Evening Dance Party (after 10):
Nancy Bernstein is requesting a late session "open mike" accordion-driven dance party music. The dance session is scheduled for Friday evening after 10:00 pm. No closing time will be listed.
Digital Workshops and Presentations:
We are looking for workshop and presentation topics that include anything related to playing a digital accordion. Examples are basic and enhanced operations, sound programming, MIDI, backing tracks, peripherals and such.
Any Digital Accordion is Welcome!
If any conventioneer wants to show why you pick your particular instrument over another, please feel free to do so. We also like to include also any other electronic content from recording, amplification, sound modules, arranger modules, and digital sheet music.
Markus Baggio, Coordinator
Most Requested Workshop Subjects
Applied music theory as related to
Musical dictation, composition, modulations, fake books, comping, beginnings, and endings,
Applied music theory as related to
Group training for performing with duets, trios, quartets and/or quintets (demonstrate, discuss, and practice)
Applied music theory as related to
Working with other musicians, instruments, and vocals
Performance Tips and Techniques including
Analyzing, entertaining, and holding the attention of audiences,
strolling techniques, protocol, and courtesies
Musical Genres Requested
USA Western, Western Europe (Italian, French, German, etc.), and dance music
Musicality Techniques for the Accordion
Bellows, musical registers (switches), modulation, dynamics, balancing the treble and bass, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages of the accordion versus other musical instruments
Round-table and/or Panel Discussions including
1. Teaching and Learning Techniques
2. Working with teachers and musicians
3. Involving others in music
4. Critique sessions
5. Smart Phone for Convention pictures
What Action Should You Take Right Now?
Conventioneers interested in attending the various conventions should:
Make his/her travel arrangements.
Register for both the convention and hotel starting around November 15th every year.
Everyone:
All interested individuals are encouraged to forward the website and "Automated Open Call" information to presenters, artists, and/or vendors who should be leading the convention activities.
The full convention will be on-line and ready-to-go on or before January 1, every year.
Watch our website to enjoy our journey as we build the most fun accordion convention on the Continent of the Americas.
National Accordion Association, Inc.