Confirmed presenters and jam session leaders with updated information listed on the Handout Page:
- (alphabetically)
Potential presenters but without all the necessary information:
- (in random sequence)
Viewers may use the links in the table or scroll down to see the information.
| Presenter | Skill-building/training Event | Image | Location |
| Social Center | Nancy Bernstein: Java Time! | |
24-7 Coffee Bar |
End of Social Table
| Directed Groups: | Skill-building/training Event | Image | |
| Albreski, Dick | NAA Fun Band |  |
Conference Room Two |
| Kohl, Gordon | Accordion Orchestra |  |
Conference Room Two |
End of Fun Band and Orchestra Table
| Jam Sessions: | Skill-building/training Event | Image | |
| Abel, Maggie | Off-the-Wall Jam session (displayed music) | |
Room one, two, or lobby |
| Frauenthal/Helsing | Whatever Happens Jam Session | |
Room one, two, or lobby |
| Kasper, Donna | Off-the-Cuff (name that tune) Jam session | |
Room one, two, or lobby |
End of Jam Session Table
| Breakout Sessions: | Skill-building/training Event | Image | |
| Archuleta, Mary K. | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Bisciglia, Bob | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Casper, Ed | Opportunities with Seventh and Augmented Chords | |
To be Determined |
| Custer, Rick | True Confessions | |
To be Determined |
| Custer, Linda | Coordinator and Artist | |
To be Determined |
| Custer-Traylor, Mindy | Artist |  |
To be Determined |
| Frauenthal, Max | Friday Night Polka Party Coordinator |  |
To be Determined |
| Helsing, Roy | Digital Basics: Language of Sound | |
To be Determined |
| Fries, Ian | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Klugiewicz, Greg | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Malloy, Darryl | Collective Art | |
To be Determined |
| Middleton, Mike | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Rommel, Jim | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Seaton, Sharon | Circles of Excellence | |
To be Determined |
| Weldy, David | 2026 Information? | |
To be Determined |
| Young, Johnny | 2026 Information? |  |
To be Determined |
End of Breakout Table
| Small-Talk (groups) | Skill-building/training Event | Image | |
| Coordinators | Informal discussions coordinated by Linda & Nancy |
|
Coffee Shop/Lounge area | Leader (Is it you?) | Informal discussions |  |
Coffee Shop/Lounge area |
| Leader (Is it you?) | Personal tutoring - Topic? | |
Coffee Shop/Lounge area |
| Leader (Is it you?) | Open mic between sessions | |
Conference Room Lobby |
| Leader (Is it you?) | Discussion about things of interest | |
Coffee Shop/Lounge area |
End of Small Talk Discussions Request
Participative Workshop Titles, Descriptions, and Bio
2025 Convention Social Center
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Nancy Bernstein is the NAA Official who will manage the Social Center
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This center is a java rest stop for conventioneers available 24/7!
Abel, Maggie
2026 Training Activity: Off-the-Wall Jam Sessions-
Description: Jam sessions with music displayed on the wall)
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Maggie Abel, based in Oklahoma City, is a longtime member of the Oklahoma Accordion Club, where she has served as president for six years and continues to produce its newsletter. The daughter of an instructor from the original Dale Carnegie program, Maggie is a passionate multi-instrumentalist with a love for accordions, the musical saw, harmonica, and theremin. She hosts technology-assisted jam sessions—24 annually in her own living room and approximately 100 times each year at the Will Rogers Senior Center.
Richard (Dick) Albreski
2026 Training Activity: NAA Famous Fun Band-
Join the NAA FUN BAND, led by Dick Albreski, for a joyful and inclusive musical experience at the 2026 convention! This band brings together accordionists of all skill levels to play for fun and entertain others. Participants will enjoy this organized jam sessions, multiple rehearsals, and a final concert performance on Saturday evening.
The music is upbeat, familiar, and tailored to your level of experience. You're encouraged to practice ahead of the convention, then rehearse and perform with fellow musicians in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, the NAA FUN BAND is your chance to shine, connect, and celebrate the joy of accordion music!
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Dick Albreski Declares:
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"The accordion has kept me young and vibrant. For decades, it’s been my companion—helping me collaborate with others, bring joy through entertainment, and serve my community. My curiosity led me to learn how to repair accordions and keep them playing. The challenges inspired me to compose and arrange music tailored for this unique instrument. Simply put, the accordion holds a special place next to my heart."
Mary K. Archuleta
Mary K. Archuleta2026 Training Activity: Topic Unknown at this time:
- Mary K. Archuleta and daughter have not made any statements at this time.
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Music Education: University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Denver: Advanced Accordion Performance
Post-graduate hours in music theory and composition, and child development: UTSA
Mary Kathryn Archuleta is uniquely qualified as a teacher of piano/keyboard and accordion to individuals with all types of special needs, including both those who are intellectually and developmentally delayed as well as many who are gifted and talented. With 36 years of professional experience before she became the parent of an adult child with multiple disabilities a unique perspective of understanding and the insight to provide solutions for teachers, students, and families whose goals are to bring the joy of creating and performing music to anyone with special needs.
Her broad range of experience in both classroom and private instructional settings during her 60+ year long career, coupled with an unparalleled passion to serve others is the heart of her presentations at the Texas Music Educators Convention, the Texas Music Teachers State Convention [2008 - 2009], the Texas Music Educators’ Conference for the SW Division of MENC, the MTNA (Music Teachers’ National Association), the American Accordionists Association [2009-2014] and the World of Accordions Museum in 2022. Her expertise in the integration of elements of Applied Behavior Analysis in the teaching of students facing the challenges of Autism makes her a highly sought-after clinician.
As the CEO of DREAMS FULFILLED THROUGH MUSIC, she leads Professional Development Seminars, Workshops for Music and Special Education Teachers, administrators, area Colleges, and Specialized Presentations for Parents and Professionals serving the disability community.
Bernstein, Nancy
2026 Training Activity: Java Center Coordinator-
Information coming soon.
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Information coming soon.
Bisciglia, Bob
Bob Bisciglia2026 Training Activity: Will be defined soon:
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Description will go here
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Meet Bob Bisciglia Accordionist • Performer • Educator:
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Bob Bisciglia picked up the accordion at age 7—and hasn’t put it down since. Over the years, he’s earned three (3) national titles and seven (7) state championships, proudly representing Ohio in the Coupe Mondiale (World Cup of Accordion) national eliminations for four (4) consecutive years.
His performance career spans variety shows and concerts across the U.S., showcasing a dynamic range of styles from jazz and classical to folk music.
Bob is an active member of the National Accordion Association, the Central Texas Accordion Association, and the Austin Polka Band. Passionate about sharing his craft, he loves demonstrating and promoting the accordion, especially to young musicians eager to explore its expressive potential.
Casper, Ed
2026 Training Activity: 7th and Agmentented ChordsDr. Ed Casper Biographical Background:
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Ed Casper started playing the accordion at age seven and took lessons until he was 14. He’s continued playing ever since, sharing his music at local events and senior living facilities in Batesville, Arkansas.
- The M.I.T. Logarithms, an a cappella group where he served as President and helped produce their recording “The Logarithms of M.I.T.”
- The M.I.T. Choral Society, with whom he toured England, France, and Germany
- He continued singing with choirs at Columbia University and with groups like Chorus Pro Musica in Boston and the Pittsburgh Oratorio Society.
- Independence County Fair (“Fair Idol” winner)
- Bean Fest (Mountain View)
- Batesville Artoberfest
- Delta Arts and Music Festival (Newport)
- Independence County Museum Christmas Family Day
Ed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from M.I.T., and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Columbia University. He currently works as Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at Lifeplus International in Batesville.
While at M.I.T., Ed was deeply involved in music. He sang in both popular and classical choral groups, including:
Ed has performed his accordion arrangement of Midnight in Moscow at the 1975 Seymour Bicentennial Arts and Crafts and International Variety Show. Over the years, he’s played at many Arkansas events, including:
He also plays the National Anthem annually for the Arkansas Travelers baseball team and has performed at several Oktoberfests. In 2018, Ed led a bass workshop at the National Accordion Convention.
Custer, Linda
2026 Training Activity: Small Talk Coordinator-
Information coming soon.
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Information coming soon.
Custer, Richard (Rick)
2026 Training Activity: True Confessions-
How to prosper as a performing recreational accordionist with relatively little formal training. Tricks I have learned, mistakes I have made, my hundreds of teachers along my musical journey.
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Rick has spent an entire career in Logistics and Transportation related activities. His BSBA from Akron University in Finance and his MBA from Syracuse University in Law and Public Policy have qualified his appointments as negotiator and author of transportation contracts, project management, logistics research, interface with the Interstate Commerce Commission, the U.S. Department of Transportation – Hazardous Materials division, and other state government organizations. His familiarity with law and regulations qualified him to publish an entire textbook chapter, and direct the corporate hazardous materials transportation training and compliance effort for Corning Incorporated.
Frauenthal and Helsing
Max Frauenthal and Roy Helsing2026 Training Activity: New Exciting and Satisfying Jamming!
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Max and his tuba have been the driving force behind the successful evening jam sessions for many years. For 2025, Max, Roy, and Rick Custer (2025 Convention Chair) are providing the music in advance (view the handout page).
Frauenthal, Max
Max Frauenthal2026 Training Activity: New Exciting and Satisfying Jamming!
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Max and his tuba have been the driving force behind the successful evening jam sessions for many years. For 2025, Max, Roy, and Rick Custer (2025 Convention Chair) are providing the music in advance (view the handout page).
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Max has served the Little Rock, AR area with concerts in many venues including National Anthem opening at the ballpark, senior living facilities, ethnic festivals, and is active in encouraging accordion enthusiasts of all skill levels. In a previous life, Max graduated from University of Arkansas with a degree and certification as Registered Professional Chemical Engineer.
Fries, Ian
Ian Fries2026 Training Activity: Coming soon! The following information is from 2025.
1. The Accordionist's Hand:
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I am honored to present a medical school lecture on the accordionist's hand - anatomy, physiology, pathology and treatment. This is a hands-on session. You are requested to bring to class two hands and at least one thumb (preferably the right thumb) for demonstration and experimentation. How your hand functions while playing and how it may be affected by arthritis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, injuries, and musician's dystonia will be discussed.
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Playing an accordion bass is not restricted to major, minor, seventh, and diminished chords. Constructing complex bass chords, half diminished, ninths, flatted-ninths, minor sevenths, minor sixths, major sevenths, etc. is not difficult. These chords, typical to jazz, are often seen in lead sheets. This is a hands-on seminar, so please bring your accordion - acoustic or digital - as long as it has a Stradella bass. It is important to have an accordion on your lap as the fingering must be felt and the chords heard.
- The Accordionist's Hand
- Stradella Bass Chords
- Ian Blair Fries, an orthopedic and hand surgeon, was taught accordion as a teenager by Paul Martell sitting on the Roseland Ballroom bandstand in New York City. He returned to the accordion about 20 years ago and shortly became enamored with digital accordion sounds. For more than a decade he hosted the Digital Accordion Suite at annual National Accordion Association meetings. He has performed at venues in the United States and France. He enjoys playing French musette and the American songbook on a Roland FR-4x. He has an accordion (or two) with him in the TBM960 turboprop aircraft he flies about the United States.
Helsing, Roy
Roy Helsing2026 Training Activity: Programming Basics for Digital Accordions
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Programming Basics for Digital Accordions – Understanding the Language of Sound Design
Roy's basic documentation
This session is designed for accordionists who want to demystify the world of digital sound programming — without diving into the specifics of any one brand. Drawing on over a decade of experience programming sounds into Concerto, Roland, and Korg digital accordions, I’ll explain what terms like attack, delay, release, sustain, pan, and more really mean, and how they shape the voices you play. We’ll discuss how to think about combining voices effectively and how your programming choices should influence your playing style. This is not a deep-dive into button-by-button instructions for a particular model (though I’m happy to meet separately with anyone who wants that level of detail). And just to be clear — I am not Richard Noel, Joseph Natoli, or Gordon Kohl — either musically or in my programming approach — but this session will give you a solid foundation to make sense of your own instrument’s capabilities.
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Roy is a retired Army Officer and Business Owner. I played and studied piano for many years from kindergarten through high school - but always wanted to be playing an accordion. In my thirties I took accordion lessons for a few years but military service interrupted that training. Later in life I was stationed in San Francisco and tried again to take some lessons, but that got interrupted when I retired and started a business. The accordion (and the piano) sat untouched for 27 years. When I semi-retired a few years ago,I was finally able to get active studying and playing the accordion again. I am interested in jamming because I live in a very isolated area and rarely get the opportunity to play with others. Those sessions are most enjoyable for me when there is music available because trying to just join in by ear is not my skill set.
Kasper, Donna
2026 Training Activity: "Off the Cuff" Jam Session:- This session forcusus on "playing by ear".
2026 Challenge to Conventioneers:
- Try to request a Czech tune that is unkown to Donna.
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Donna is recently the new president of the San Diego Accordion Club. She took up the accordion after retiring from the U.S. Navy a few years ago. A native Texas from a 3rd generation Czech family, she grew up on polkas and waltzes and learned the words and melodies to a zillion Czech tunes. She’s always humming and singing to herself all the day long. Donna says she's quite reluctant to play her accordion solo, but loves to fold into a small or large group and play by ear.
Klugiewicz, Greg
Greg Klugiewicz, Accordionist 2026 Training Activity: Comming soonGreg's Biographical Background:
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Greg is an accordionist based in Garland Texas. He is often seen as a soloist for events, home parties, and restaurants, but he also performs with his 3-piece group “The Bavarian Brothers”. He has entertained at other regional venues including The Toyota Music Factory stage in Irving, Texas, and various other commercial celebrations/grand openings including HEB Stores, Fiesta Stores, Park Place Motors, The Star in Frisco, and Northwood Country Club.
Greg has been performing at the McKinney Oktoberfest for 12 years.
Greg is the President of the Dallas Accordion Association.
He teaches accordion to a limited clientele in his home studio.
Kohl, Gordon.
Gordon Kohl2026 Training Event: Accordion Orchestra
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Gordon Kohl has defined, arranged the music, and will direct the 2026 Accordion Orchestra that includes the sounds of multilple instruments. View the "handout and music page" for full information.
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Note from Norman: Gordon has been a popular instructor and performer for the National Accordion Assocation since 1990!
Gordon has been teaching music since high school. He has been teaching accordion, piano, keyboard, music theory, music arranging, and workshops on a variety of music study topics. He especially enjoys teaching in the topics of chord usage and electronic voicing for the digital accordion. He also has a passion for being a musician.
At the age of thirteen, he began playing the accordion professionally. From his high school years to the present, he has enjoyed gigging in a combo. Teaching music and being a musician has been his passion and journey. Gordon continues to write music arrangements, new compositions, and educational materials for individual and group instruction. He chose as a teen to develop his sounds using both the acoustic and digital musical instruments along with the accordion. He really has a passion for expression and dynamics on the reed accordion.
Malloy, Darryl
2026 Training Activity: Coming soon- Darryl's music-related Information is coming soon!
Darryl Malloy Biographical Background
Middleton, Mike
2026 Training Activity: Circles of Excellence Enhance your acoustic accordion with MIDI:-
Mike will highlight how to enhance your acoustic accordion using MIDI sounds. He will include in his presentation examples like the Texas Folk Medley, his popular Amazing Grade accordion variations, and other musical selections.
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Dr. Mike Middleton, an award-winning Texan accordionist, and will be interacting in various convention activities that include Midi enhanced Accordion music and other accordion favorites from his recent albums and from his participation at the World Accordion Museum, where he serves as a Board Member. He also leads a popular band, “Mike and The Middletones.”
Dr. Mike's music is unique in that he utilizes Midi to enhance and modify his acoustic accordion sound. Selections could include various Texas folk music pieces such as Ghost Riders in The Sky, Red River Valley, Yellow Rose of Texas, Waltz Across Texas, San Antonio Rose, and others featured with the 2017 Temple Symphony (Temple, Texas), as well as his unique Amazing Grace Accordion Variations. Mike is always ready to provide 30 minutes or one hour of polka/waltzes and Texas folk music suitable for dancing.
Rommel, Jim
2026 Training Activity: Creative Description is Coming Soon! Jim's Biographical Background-
Jim Rommel does it all the time and will demonstrate and teach you how to sing and play pop, rock, and country hits, while preserving original spirit, essence, and attitude of the original song, and avoiding making it sound “hokey”. We will discuss how to present the accordion to a younger generation, so that even polkas can be “cool”. Jim loves to surprise audiences with his performances. You may have seen him perform the Phantom, the “Folsom Prison Blues”, the “Devil Went Down to Georgia”, even some Led Zeppelin! Jim’s specialty is finding a way to make people say, “Wow, I did not know an accordion could do that!” or as some like to express themselves, “Dude…That accordion rocks!” Come find out how he does it.
Seaton, Dr. Sharon
Sharon Seaton2026 Training Activity: Circles of Excellence
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Calling All Accordionists!
Join one of our most beloved annual workshops—an intimate, hands-on session designed for accordion players of all levels who want to polish their current pieces in a supportive, small-group setting. With only 8 spots available, this exclusive gathering offers a rare chance to receive personalized feedback and share your music with fellow musicians who are just as passionate (and just as nervous!) as you are.
No spectators—just players, progress, and plenty of encouragement.
Sessions fill fast—secure yours and bring your music to life!
Upon request, multiple sessions may be scheduled to accommodate demand.-
Accordion Teacher:
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Sharon became fascinated with the accordion after receiving Bachelor’s and master's degrees in music education. It was a natural transition for her to learn the piano keyboard accordion. She studied accordion at the Trick Bros. School of Music in Dallas, and she soon learned that accordionists were in demand at ethnic functions such as German, Italian, and French. She began specializing in private parties, festivals, and corporate events with her accordion.
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Sharon was a co-founder of the National Accordion Association and has been a member of the Board of Directors since the NAA's inception in 1986. She teaches workshops at the association's annual conventions, which attract accordionists and accordion enthusiasts nationwide and from several foreign countries.
She has taught piano and other music courses at Dallas College. She also holds a doctoral degree in higher education (Ed.D.) and currently teaches computer science at Dallas College.
Weldy, David
David Weldy2026 Training Session: Musical Arrangements Utilizing Chord Progressions
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David Weldy will be teaching chord progressions by drawing from decades of experience in music ministry and accordion performances.
- Substitution chords and their practical applications
- Alternate chord voicings using the counter-bass row
- Techniques for arranging and analyzing chord progressions
- Playing from the hymnal with stylistic versatility
His presentation will explore:
- David holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music, with a focus on composition and arranging. He served as a full-time Minister of Music for 36 years, integrating the accordion into Traditional and Contemporary worship services, as well as Children's Choirs.
Now retired, David continues to perform and share his passion for the accordion. He is a featured soloist at the Tulsa Oktoberfest—2025 marks his second year performing at the event.
Featured Arrangement: David’s arrangement TV Land Memories was performed in 2024 and is one of two pieces he has submitted for review.
Young, Dr. Johnny
Dr. Johnny Young2026 Training Session: Not defined at this time.
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The Importance of Music in Health and Education
Music is one of the oldest medicines. The accordion is the ideal instrument with its portability and versatility to be used in therapeutic realms. We will look at the various uses of music today in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, and stroke. I will share some powerful videos of how music has been used to treat diseases. Music is essential in student’s lives for them to learn and thrive. I will show scientific evidence that supports its benefits. For the aging accordionist, I will go through an “accordion workout” that helps maintain our strength and balance.
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Johnny Young – Co-founder and President. Johnny grew up in Epping, a town of 100 people in western North Dakota, whose main street today is still not paved. His mother ran a café that seated up to 13 people. He took accordion lessons starting at age eight and, by age 10, had played as a soloist with the Epping High School band and won a local talent show. He did take a year of piano lessons from his cousin, Bernie. He learned to read sheet music and even played dinner music one summer at a country club in suburban Chicago. Once a guest came up as he was playing, and asked if he could play “A Summer Place.” He embarrassingly said, “I am playing it!” He put the accordion aside for 55 years, rarely taking it out of its case, except to play a polka for his relatives.
During those years, he pursued a medical career and earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate in medicine. Dr. Young’s long and distinguished medical career in Bakersfield, California, contained numerous notable events. He went on many short-term medical missions to Guatemala under the auspices of Helps International.
Johnny recently retired from his medical practice and has dedicated the next phase of his life to creating the Happy Music Center. Although Johnny practiced medicine as a family physician, he believes that true wellness requires a healthy body, mind, soul, and emotions–“A Cheerful heart is a good medicine,” and “The heart at peace gives life to the body.” His goal is to put "a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and a skip in your step” with a genre of Happy Music.
Small Group Discussions: Individual facilators have not been assigned at this time
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Information will be here - once decided.
Copyright © 2018 National Accordion Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
This page was last updated October 14, 2025.
This page was last updated October 14, 2025.