NAA 2027 Musical Convention Emphasis:

"Accordion Fun Band, Orchestra, and Professional Presentations!”

Convention Coordinators


Rick and Linda Custer

2027 Convention Links

• Hotel/Convention Registrations
• Daily Schedule and Floor Plan
• Daily Workshop Information
• Music and Handout Materials
• Public Concerts
• Display Information

Rick Custer writes:
Going forward, the Conventions will:
1. Focus on the overall education of accordionists, regardless of their musical skill levels.

Objective (and incentive for accordionist to come, participate, learn, and benefit) is to contribute to the success of the musician as they mature and publicly perform.

2. Train basic musical skills such as basic theory, building treble chords, building bass chords not built into the existing rows, playing by printed charts and by ear, sight reading, improvisation, and other basics. We would encourage physical development by using finger exercises.

3. Teach and briefly demonstrate successes in these areas, then give the musicians time to practice in an immediate follow-on session.

Musicians will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in the classroom setting, an open-mic environment, with out any fear, nor condemnation.

Musical styles include – not necessarily in order of emphasis:

Western, Tejano, Conjunto, Country, Religious (sacred hymns and campfire type choruses), standards, ballads, movie soundtrack, polkas, and waltzes from different ethnicities, and dancing.

Workshop education topics – again not in order: basic theory, major and minor keys, chord construction, reading charts and benefits of learning how, playing by ear and benefits of learning how, expression, bellows control, fake books, negotiating performances, professional courtesies in band settings, and other classroom type topics.

Source: The Way We Operate

2027 National Accordion Convention Planning Team

Left to Right: Sharon Seaton, Rick Custer, Linda Custer, Barbara Yuill, Dick Albreski, and Gordon Kohl

2027 Meeting Location

Highlights of the Convention!

Complete details are on the Workshop and Handout pages

For four fabulous decades, the Fun Band and Accordion Orchestra have been the life of the party at our conventions—sparking joy, laughter, and a whole lot of toe-tapping. So guess what? They’re making a grand comeback for the 2026 Convention!



But we’re not just turning back the clock—we’re remixing it.

The specialized training tracks you’ve loved from recent years will be woven into this lively format, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts education and celebration. Get ready to learn, jam, and connect like never before!

Accordionists are asking:

"Accordion Fun Band vs. Accordion Orchestra: What’s the Vibe?"
      What’s the main difference between an accordion fun band and an accordion orchestra?
“Great question! It’s like comparing a backyard barbecue to a black-tie gala—both fabulous, just in different flavors. The Fun Band is all about joy, spontaneity, and musical mischief—think toe-tapping tunes and big smiles. The Orchestra, on the other hand, brings the accordion into the spotlight as a refined, symphonic powerhouse. One grooves with heart, the other dazzles with precision. Either way, the accordion wins!”

2026 Jam Sessions and other traditional NAA activities?

Yes, we constantly change a few things every year. Musical jam sessions will still be scheduled.