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ATG's Hall of Fame

Over the years, individuals have been recognized for their lifetime
musical achievements and extraordinary contributions to the accordion world
through inductions into ATG's "International Accordion Hall of Fame"  

Betty Jo Simon, 2023

Photo of Betty Jo Simon

In recognition of your service as ATG President for almost three years, as well as your many other years of serving as an active Member of the Board of Directors and various ATG committees, especially those regarding the Annual Festival, and your dedication to the accordion world through your hundreds of solo and ensemble performances,

 

You are hereby inducted into the

ATG “International Accordion Hall of Fame”

 

Awarded on July 21, 2023 by the ATG Board of Directors

Presented at the 81st Annual ATG Festival in Lisle, Illinois.

Betty Jo Simon brings endless enthusiasm to the stage for any occasion. A vivacious performer who enjoys intimate concert settings where she can talk with her audience, Betty Jo has a wide repertoire from which to choose.  She enjoys performing classical music the most, but she loves the schmaltzy stuff too and still likes to play as a strolling musician.

Her musical aptitude and love for the accordion appeared early. As a high school student, she became the first accordionist to win the instrumental division of the Youth Talent Auditions of the Topeka Civic Symphony. Betty Jo earned a Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance from the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), where she played the world premiere of Paul Creston's Fantasy for Accordion and Orchestra with the UMKC Civic Orchestra.

She participated in USO tours to Greenland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Germany, and did a two-year stint with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians. Betty Jo now performs as a soloist throughout the United States and internationally. In 2000 she appeared on a Chinese satellite TV musical variety program aired on Chinese New Year and went on to give concerts in Beijing and Shanghai. In 2007 she won the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition for Female Accordionist and currently leads a German polka band called The Alpen Spielers. In August 2009 she performed as soloist with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra at three different venues, one being the opening concert of the 64th Annual Coupe Mondiale (World Championship Accordion Competition).

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Betty Jo Performs "An American in Paris" at the ATG Festival

Liz Finch, 2022

Photo of Liz Finch

Tribute by ATG Board Member, Kevin Friedrich 

 

Liz Finch is an ambassador for the accordion in the global music arena, nestled into the vibrant world-renowned Los Angeles music scene.  She has spent her life working in the epicenter of some of the biggest names in the music industry.  She proactively ensures the accordion is always represented among her star-studded musician piers affording composers, top musical artists, venues, and musicians the opportunity to be exposed to the accordion, its repertoire, and its activities. 

 

As one of the most respected music copyists in the industry, bridging the transition between handwritten and digital work, engaged by the likes of John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and many other of the world's leading composers who produce the latest movie, theatre, and TV music, she has often been able to inspire them to consider the accordion in their work.   From having multiple accordionists on the Sound Stages of Hollywood to enticing renowned Hollywood composer Leonard (Lenny) Stack to write for the magnificent CIA World Accordion Orchestra including Lest We Forget (2007) and Film Noir - City at Night (2008), she never misses an opportunity to speak accordion to the world.

 

Liz brought in World Champion Grayson Masefield to perform for the elite of the Los Angeles based Composers and regularly places Cory Pesaturo among the city's top musicians at equally well-known performance venues, continually ensuring that the accordion is represented at the forefront of the world music scene.

 

A regular adjudicator at the CIA Coupe Mondiale, a valued member of the ATG Executive team and a regular supporter of the UMKC Accordion Orchestra and Ensemble activities, Liz remains at the forefront of the global accordion and music scenes.

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Amy Jo Sawyer, 2019

Photo of Amy Jo Sawyer

In recognition of your service as ATG President for seven years, as well as your many other years as Vice-President and Member of the Board of Directors, and

your dedication to the accordion world through

your accordion compositions and performances,

 

You are hereby inducted into the

ATG “International Accordion Hall of Fame”

 

Awarded on July 26, 2019 by the ATG Board of Directors

Presented at the 79th Annual ATG Festival in Denver, CO.

Harley Jones, 2018

Photo of Harley Jones

Harley Jones has shown his expertise and musicianship as an accordion soloist in many different countries.  He has also proven his abilities as teacher of and continuing mentor for scores of accordion students.  However, it is his keen vision and significant success in establishing www.accordions.com  for a more informed and united world accordion community that has made a commanding impact upon accordionists throughout the world.

ATG recognizes and acknowledges these accomplishments through the

presentation of this award.

 

Awarded on July 27, 2018 by the ATG Board of Directors

Presented at the 78th Annual ATG Festival, Lisle, IL    

Stanley A. Darrow, 2018

Photo of Stanley Darrow

In recognition of his long association with the ATG as an active member. 

As a performer at its annual workshops and festivals, Stanley brought a

perennial interest in, and awareness of, the importance of original

music for the accordion.  Stanley served on the ATG Board of Directors and

as Co-Historian for many years.

He was awarded the President’s Award for his service to the ATG in 2008.

 

Awarded on July 27, 2018 by the ATG Board of Directors

Presented at the 78th ATG Annual Accordion Festival

Lisle, Illinois

Photo pf Stanley Darrow Ensemble
Photo pf Stanley Darrow Orchestra

Titano Accordion Symphony of Acme Accordion Studios
Directed by Stanley A. Darrow, Westmont, New Jersey 
Read Story >

Kevin Friedrich, 2008

Photo of Kevin Friedrich

In recognition of his inspirational leadership role in the ATG, the CIA and other accordion organizations throughout the world. It is important to honor Kevin who has shared his passion for the accordion and musical achievement, while providing vision for the future with integrity, enthusiasm, commitment and wholehearted dedication. 

We thereby induct him into the ATG International Accordion Hall of Fame.
 
July 18, 2008
Presented on August 25, 2009 at the 
62nd Annual Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships, New Zealand.

Faithe Deffner, 2007

Photo of Faith Deffner

In recognition of your dedication to the goals of this organization and, particularly, 
for your guidance, commitment and service as the Coordinator of the 2007 Coupe Mondiale, 
you are hereby inducted into the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)
"International Accordion Hall of Fame"

August 17, 2007
At the 67th Annual ATG Competition and Festival
Alexandria, VA

John Copiskey, 2006

Photo of John Copiskey

In recognition of an inspirational lifetime of musical achievements and dedication to the accordion world
JOHN COPISKEY is being inducted posthumously into the

Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)
"International Accordion Hall of Fame"

July 1, 2006
At the 66th Annual ATG Competition and Festival
Bloomington, Minnesota

Joan Cochran Sommers, 2004

Photo of Joan C. Sommers

In recognition of an inspirational lifetime of musical achievements and dedication to the accordion world, 
you are hereby inducted into the

Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)
"International Accordion Hall of Fame"

July 24, 2004
At the 64th Annual ATG Competition and Festival
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Myron Floren, 2004

Photo of Myron Floren

In recognition of the extraordinary prominence you have brought to the accordion 
and the world of accordionists during a legendary career as an entertainer, 
you are hereby inducted into the

Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)
"International Accordion Hall of Fame"

July 24, 2004
At the 64th Annual ATG Competition and Festival
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Galla-Rini Hall of Fame

Maestro Anthony Galla-Rini 2003

Photo of Anthony Galla-Rini

In recognition of your lifetime musical achievements and extraordinary contributions to the accordion world, you are hereby presented this symbol of your induction into

The Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)
"International Accordion Hall of Fame"

January 18, 2003
Upon the occasion of your 99th Birthday Celebration
San Diego, California

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