HENRY DOKTORSKI - Accordionist Pianist Organist Composer Conductor Author Educator

My introduction to the exciting world of music performance began in 1963, at the age of seven. If I remember correctly, I was reading at the desk in my bedroom when a sudden loud knocking on the front door interrupted my concentration: a traveling salesman. My mother stopped working in the kitchen and greeted the caller, who spoke briefly to her. I overheard my mother's reply, "Yes, perhaps my eldest son. . . ." She called for my father and then for me, but I hesitated, being extremely shy of strangers. After a few moments, my father -- in a very loud voice -- called out my name and I quickly ran into the den, where the three adults were sitting on the couch.

My mother explained, "This man is giving free musical aptitude tests for children and I want you to try it." The man played a simple scale passage on a small set of orchestra bells, handed me the mallets and asked me to repeat it. After my attempt, the man enthusiastically exclaimed, "Your son has definite talent! You should enroll him in my music school; and if you sign up today, the first lesson is free!"

Complete Bio at Henry's WebSite: http://www.henrydoktorski.com

Dr. Lou Persic is AAMS honor recipient for 2006

Lou has been a participant at Stanley and JoAnn Darrow’s meetings for the past seven or eight years and a supporter of their programs.

Lou took accordion lessons for a little over one year from Paul Donath, 3rd violinist for the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. Beyond that he is essentially self taught.

For a number of reasons, he was without an accordion for over 35 years. “Freddie”, his wife bought him an accordion about 25 years ago and as Lou states, “She has regretted it ever since.”

Like most of the “Old Timers”, he plays the Squeeze Box in the privacy of his own office or studio. He did come out of the closet to play at each of his four daughter’s and his son’s weddings.

His only real claim to fame, is that the AAMS gives him an opportunity to entertain each year at the Saturday Night Dinner.

Lou believes that the histories of many individuals are similar to his, e.g.having to forsake their music to pursue other life goals. He also believes that it is never too late to return to the accordion later in life. Just playing in the quiet of one’s home is very rewarding.

He advises all former students of the accordion to begin playing again and experience the pleasure it brings. Take lessons again. Encourage promising young people to play the instrument that makes such beautiful music.

Support a kid who plays the accordion and don’t be afraid to offer a scholarship to a bright young person eager to learn playing one of the most beautiful instruments in the world.