Klarinet Archive - Posting 000135.txt from 1997/09

From: SusiPontow@-----.com
Subj: Re: Welk, polkas, etc.
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 12:36:41 -0400

Dear Jim,

As a young performer trying to be as flexible as possible to find work, would
you have any suggestions for me as to how I would go about finding work in
polka bands?
I live in Pittsburgh and there are probably a few out there, since I grew up
with my dad listening to polkas on an AM station while in the car; and my mom
played accordion, so I heard "Beer Barrle Polka" quite often. Also, do you
have any suggestions on recordings to which I can listen to gain a better
understanding of that genre?

Thank you so much :)

Susan
SusiPontow@-----.com

In a message dated 97-09-03 10:29:12 EDT, you write:

<< Re: Dan Leeson's comments about polka music. Priceless!! I spent about
12 years playing in a 5-6 piece polka band, with jobs every weekend.
This experience (1) made me some of the best steady money of my career,
and (2) really helped my technique. Sort of like a violinist playing
barn dances. And the friendships I made then are still strong today
(You hear that, Don Blasick? Let's get a polka band from Hell going!).

Sorry all this is so late. I've been out of town.

--

Jim Lytthans "Welk and Polkas Forever!" >>