John Serry Sr
American concert accordionist, arranger, and composer (1915–2003)
John Serry (born John Serrapica, 29 January 1915 - 14 September 2003) was an Italian-American concert accordionist, arranger, composer, organist and music educator. He advanced the use of the accordion in both classical music orchestras and jazz ensembles during the early 20th century, while also contributing to the cultural diplomacy broadcasts by Voice of America (VOA) over the Columbia Broadcasting System network (CBS) during World War II. In addition, he appeared on the Broadway stage in the 1950s and 1960s during a career which spanned over seven decades.
Quotes
edit- Seventy-five percent of everything done throughout your life is the result of habit. Think of it! The way you walk, the way you eat, the clothes you wear, the places you go and...last, but not least, the way you play your accordion.
- John Serry Sr "Training: Reading From Piano Scores. Stumbling Cues. Avoid Time Wasters", Accordion News, 10 December 1935 Accordion News Vol 3-4 1935 p. 21 John Serry on Google Books
- Being a complete instrument in itself it has no equal as an entertainment medium in the home, outdoors, or wherever people gather to enjoy good fellowship. During the past 15 years or so the accordion has risen to the top of the field as a best seller in the musical instrument market. At present, it threatens to replace the piano as the medium through which Junior or little sister are initiated to the delights and sometimes pains of a musical education.
- John Serry, "What's Wrong with the Accordion", Accordion World (January 1947) p. 8 John Serry as quoted in American Music Vol. 25 No. 2 (Summer 2007) "Searching for Rockordion: the Changing Image of the Accordion in America. by Marion S. Jacobson. p. 221 on JSTOR.org
- The basic principles of all jazz styles are the same. Good musical taste, technical skill, and a firm grasp of the principles of chord construction and chord progression make up the sum total.
- John Serry Sr The Syncopated Accordionist (1952) Preface
External links
edit
- The John J. Serry Sr Collection at the Eastman School of Music – archive of scores, compositions, arrangements and recordings by John Serry at the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music – Sibley Music Library- Ruth T. Watanabe Special Collections
- Chicago Musette – John Serry et son Accordeon – sound recording of Serry performing "Granada" by Agustin Lara on BnF Gallica.bnf.fr
- Discography of American Historical Recordings: University of California Santa Barbara – Audio recordings online of John Serry and the Shep Fields Rippling Rhythm Orchestra 1937 – 1938
- Discography of American Historical Recordings: University of California Santa Barbara – Audio recordings online of John Serrapica (aka John Serry) and the Charles Magnante Accordion Band 1941
- Asi, Esta Noche Ha Pasado, Somos Differentes, and Tres Palabras – Sound recordings of John Serry Sr. performing as accordionist in the Orquesta Pan Americana with Alfredo Antonini conducting with vocalist Luis G. Roldan at the University of California Los Angeles on fronter.library.ucla.edu
- It's a Grand Night for Singing – CBS radio program excerpt from Program of the Three Americas -Viva America Orchestra sound recording at the New York City Public Library Online Catalog at catalog.nypl.org
- Latin American Music – Viva America Orchestra 78 RPM sound recordings at The Library of Congress Online Catalog at catalog.loc.gov
- Photograph of John Serry Sr. (circa 1967, New York City)
