Donna La Rue ~ Accordionist 16 Brooks Ave, Arlington MA 02474 1-781-646-3013 ihsdlrue@gmail.com
vocal and instrumental stylings for all occasions Private Lessons ~ Private Parties ~ Programs ~ Receptions ~ Concerts
~~~~ As a professional accordionist and vocalist. I enjoy playing and singing for people of all ages, especially while strolling and taking requests. I am available for evening, weekend, or longer-term engagements. ~~~~ Audiences enjoy the continental atmosphere I create with popular ethnic songs and light operatic arias…or they may find gaiety in swaying to lusty drinking songs, singing old favorites from both sides of the Atlantic. ~~~~ I am always interested in the group’s expectations and reasons for coming together; I am happy to play specific pieces to fit the occasion, given adequate notice. ~~~~
	Accordion Activities: Résumé
BACKGROUND AND TRAINING Instructors: Marie Bennett, Michael Rotunda (Columbus, Ohio); Naomi Griouard, Peter Casino (Boston, Massachusetts); Jean-Claude Roger, (Paris, France). Vocal Studies: James Johnston (Columbus, Ohio); Elizabeth Cain (Boston, Massachusetts) Academic Music Theory: Ohio State University; Music and Dance History/Writing: Lesley College. Competitions: Placed in State and National Contests Sponsored by American Guild of Music (State: Ohio Youth Talent Contests, Zanesville, Ohio; Annual National Competitions in: Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Louisville, Kentucky. Also competed in venues sponsored by the American Accordion Association: (State: Ohio Accordion Teachers’ Ass’n, Independence, Ohio; and Massachusetts Accordion Teachers’ Association, Boston, Massachusetts. Related Background: Play Flute, Piccolo; Teach Piano, Flute, Voice; Musical Theater Credits: Muisc Man, Carnival, The Dybbuk (voice, Dance); Most Happy Fella, Fiddler on the Roof (Orchestra/Accordion); B.A. with honors in liberal arts, Ohio State University; M.A., Lesley University; A.B.D., Boston University. I carry out research and writing projects with publications and presentations in the U.S. and France. Teaching Experience: Private Students and Groups since 1972; Studio Instruction and Band Conducting since 1977. Academic Teaching Assistant, Boston University; Music/Dance Critic, Boston Phoenix, 1986-89; Judge, OYTC and MATA State Contests, Ohio & Massachusetts; “Local Talent” at Lawrence High School. PROFESSIONAL HISTORY Affilliations/Agencies: American Federation of Musicians, Columbus, Ohio and Boston, Massachusetts Locals; John Nolan Agency (Columbus, Ohio); Billy Kroner Agency; Winniker Orchestra (Boston, Massachusetts); Concord Hill Players (Concord, Massachusetts). Ensemble Director, Board Member, MAAA. Assignments/Long-Term Venues: German Village Restaurants, Columbus, Ohio; Hofbrau Haus, Plainville, Rhode Island; Childrens’ Hospital/MPTF Quarterly Bookings; Italian North End Restaurants, Boston; Boston Museum of Fine Arts French Gala; Boston French Library Bastille Day Celebrations; Boston French Consulate Bastille Day 2008. DISTINCTIVE DESCRIPTIONS Audience Participation Encouraged: I have songsheets for audiences to sing with me in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Yiddish; for children’s gatherings; and for seasonal holidays of a variety of faith traditions. (see links below) Costumed Events: My background in costume history and construction, lets me appear in continental European dress, or evening attire for receptions and festivals. New Works: I enjoy researching specific works and learning new material. My multi-lingual repertoire of popular, semi-classical, classical and ethnic music is completely memorized; strolling and taking requests are specialties. I hope you’ll consider me for any future entertainment needs; I look forward to speaking with you—and playing for you—soon. ~~~~ Donna La Rue: Accordionist, Vocalist, Ensemble Director, Teacher and Performer
	Original Resources: Links (some in process)
	Theory for the Accordion (A Power-Point Presentation) Theory Exercises for Accordionists (Scorch Files) Arranging Works for Voice & Accordion (PPt) Music Lists: Repertoire for Voice and Accordion Songsheets: French, German, Spanish Singalongs Songsheets: Channukah Songs Songsheets: St. Nicolas’ Day (Belgian: Flemish/French) Songsheets: French, German, Spanish Christmas Carols
	Links To Other Resources Massachusetts Accordionists Association (MAAA) http://www.maaccordion.com/ Accordion Connection http://www.accordionconnection.com Barry Shapiro Orchestra (“The Other ‘BSO’”) http://www.klezmershack.com/contacts/klezbands_s.html
	Donna La Rue ~ 16 Brooks Ave ~ Arlington MA ~ 02474 ~ 1-781-646-3013 ~ ihsdlrue@bu.edu