It is with deep sadness that I tell you of the passing of Mary Tokarski, our esteemed former president of the American Accordionists’ Association. Mary served as president from 2015 to 2018. I recall the day that she told the board after she had been elected that this position was a life-long dream of hers.
Mary came from a family that had the Accordion in its DNA. Her sister, Julie Kasprzyk Cardona and brother Walter Kasprzyk were amazing accordionists in their own right. They formed the well-known "K" Trio which performed in many festivals such as various AAA festivals, the Cotati Festival in California and in France as guest artists at the 2004 Coupe Mondiale.
Mary represented the United States in the Coupe Mondiale in Belgium (1971) and France (1973). She performed with symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles as well as a soloist. Her many performances, accomplishments and CD Recordings can be “Googled” easily on the internet. Mary had accumulated many many accomplishments in the musical world. But rather than list them I wanted to share the many interactions that I was lucky to have had throughout the years with her. I don’t believe you can find these things on the internet.
I first met Mary when I was invited to join the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra / Association by the president, Marilyn O’Neil. I had met Marilyn at a testimonial dinner in New York City at Tavern on the Green which was being held for Faithe Deffner, another past AAA president. Marilyn asked if I would join and play with the CAA Orchestra. I recall going to the first rehearsal in Waterbury CT and the group was preparing for a Christmas Concert. I didn’t know any of the members since I was not from that area and did not ‘come up’ through the usual ‘ranks’ of the various accordion competitions as a youth. It was the first time I heard Mary and her sister Julie play. We quickly formed a close musical and friendly relationship.
Mary opened up a new world for me. I met an entire community of accordionists and started to perform with many new ensembles and musicians. I also became more active within the AAA and eventually was asked to join the AAA Board. There were many times when the orchestra would rehearse in Mary’s music studio in New Haven CT. She also hosted many AAA Board meetings and social events in her home.
It was always fun and a thrill for me to listen to Mary play, warm up and listen to her share her wonderful ability. There were also times before a rehearsal that she would play a duet with her sister, Julie, and it was such a great treat to listen to them perform together. As I would listen to them play it was clear that you could see two accordions playing with "One" Mind! Their musical connection to each other was simply amazing. It seemed like they literally 'breathed' together as they played each musical phrase.
I had first-hand experience seeing her work tirelessly at the competitions that were held at the AAA yearly festivals. She would also conduct the Youth Festival Orchestra as well. One memorable experience I had was when Mary was performing with the Westport Playhouse Orchestra for a Summer series of performances by broadway actors / vocalists. Due to Mary’s busy schedule there were several performances that she could not do.
I received a call from the conductor of the orchestra that Mary had recommended me to substitute for her. I was literally honored to be recommended by her. I could have not received a better compliment from a musician that I respected, enjoyed and honored. I am in the very large musical community of musicians, listeners, students and colleagues that will miss her terribly!
Picture left: Mary waves acknowledging tumultuous applause, solo concert 2018 AAA Festival.
Dear Members and Friends,
Welcome to the American Accordionist's Association and Happy New Year. As the new year starts we have had elections for the Executive Board. I am happy and excited to have accepted the nomination and election as its new president and I am committed to make a positive impact to the organization. I know the other members of the Executive Committee are also excited about their roles and starting to think about plans for the 2025 year. This Committee consists of the following individuals:
President (Comptroller) - Don Gerundo (picture right)
First Vice President - Joan Grauman Morse
Second Vice President - Mike Silvia
Secretary - Rita Davidson Barnea
Treasurer - Ray Oreggia
I want to thank Frank Busso Jr. for handing the "presidential baton" to me and has made the transition as smooth as silk. I want to also commend him and his father Frank Busso Sr. for hosting a wonderful festival last year. Frank Sr. conducted the orchestra and the participants are still sending in their accolades to the AAA and him. Thank you Frank! Of course there were many other people that were instrumental in making the festival a success. Joanna Darrow, Bob McMahan, Beverly Curnow, Mike Silvia, Dee Langley as well as our talented artists who performed so beautifully.
As you know, the AAA has been around since 1938 which in many ways is a world away from 2025. Many things have changed since that time. The internet, the popularity of the Accordion, Styles and Genres of music, how music is distributed, streamed, popularized. It is a new world to say the least. This year one of my plans is to take a look at the organization and ask how is it adding value to the Accordion Community. Are there things that we can do to better to serve this community and how can we be more relevant in 2025. The AAA is the oldest accordion association in America and was started in 1938. Certainly many things have changed since that time. The way we listen to music, musical styles, differences in popular music, classical music, the acceptance and knowledge of the accordion…. the list goes on.
2026 AAA 88th Anniversary Festival Daily ReportsAugust 13-16, 2026 Latest NewsAn Accordion Extravaganza! exciting concert, April 26th, NY. 2026 AAA Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition 2025 AAA Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition Results AAA History ArticlesHistorical Articles about the AAA by AAA Historian Joan Grauman Morse Music CommissionsHistorical and analytical articles by Robert Young McMahan. Recent articles:
AAA NewslettersLatest newsletters are now online. |