June 1 - National Accordion Awareness Month

A one and a two and a three…! June is National Accordion Awareness Month. 

Through a complex construction of bellows and reeds, the accordion (also known as a concertina) produces its mournful timbre when air is forced over the reeds.  

While the accordion accompanies traditional polka music, the instrument has found its way into many classical and modern works of music. 

For generations the accordion complimented many genres in American music. From jazz and zydeco to folk and Gospel and Blues, musicians found the accordion a fit a variety of musical styles. 

The instrument changed, too. Manufactured in several different sizes, the smaller squeeze boxes became popular.  

The accordion fit well into country music, and when rock 'n' roll made the scene, the accordion followed. Today, the instrument is no stranger to the recording studio. 

Musicians such as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Mumford & Sons and "Weird Al" Yankovic all have recorded hit songs with the accordion playing a supporting role. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Learn about the history and kinds of accordions. Each one produces a different quality sound.  

The sophisticated instrument is not only beautiful to hear but to witness being played. Find a local performance near you or watch a video. Take up lessons. 

Use #NationalAccordionAwarenessMonth to share on social media. 

HISTORY 

Since 1989, National Accordion Awareness Month has been educating the public about the musical stamina of this outstanding instrument. 

#NationalAccordionAwarenessMonth 

#NAAM 

#SqueezeThis 

@LaMalleauxAccordions 

@weirdal 

@FamilyMattersTVShow 

@nichecinema