2005 ATG Competition and Festival
Richardson, Texas (Dallas)

Jazz was in the air when the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) held its 65th Annual Competition and Festival in Richardson, Texas (Dallas). Featuring Jazz legends Art Van Damme and Frank Marocco, the festival also featured an International Jazz Competition for Accordion which attracted contestants from the United States and Europe.

The $3,000.00 First Prize in the Art Van Damme International Competition for Jazz Accordion was won by Julien Labro (right) from Detroit, Michigan. Originally from France, Julien is student of World Champion Peter Soave at Wayne State University. The 2nd Prize was won by Peter Martin from California. In addition to the Art Van Damme International Jazz Competition, there was a special International Jazz Competition category honoring Frank Marocco which was won by Jérôme Richard (left) from France.

In addition to Art Van Damme and Frank Marocco, the festival concerts featured artists such as Mirco Patarini (Italy), ATG President Stas Venglevski, Dee Langley, Dr. Karen Fremar, the UMKC Community Accordion Orchestra, Jim Rommel, John Simkus, Gordon Kohl, Sharon Seaton and popular Texas artist Ginny Mac.

The 2005 Festival Accordion Orchestra under the direction of Joan C. Sommers performed at several concerts during the festival including the Taste of Musical Excellence Press Concert, an appearance accompanying Frank Marocco and closing the Saturday night Gala concert.

Workshop presenters included Frederic Deschamps from France (pictured right), Art Van Damme, Frank Marocco, Ginny Mac, Jim Rommel, Dr. Sharon Seaton, Gordon Kohl, Jeff Crilley, Misha Litvin and Dee Langley.

Joan C. Sommers was inducted as the new ATG President at the conclusion of the festival with Dee Langley re-elected First Vice President and Stas Venglevski Second Vice President.

The 2006 Festival will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota and will feature workshops, displays, concerts and competitions.

In 2007 the ATG will join forces with its sister organization and fellow CIA member - the American Accordionists Association (AAA) to co-host the 60th Anniversary Confédération Internationale des Accordeonistes (CIA) Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships in the United States.
 

 

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