The Accordionist

Ian Robinson is Woodstock's 'Accordion Maestro'. Steve Walker, the acting Headteacher of Redlands Junior and Primary school, Worksop Nottinghamshire, writes, 'At Redlands you certainly were the accordion maestro in our assemblies and it was always great to see the reaction of our children. You were and obviously still are THE ACCORDION MAESTRO. Long may it last.'

He is hoping to heighten the instrument's appeal to area residents. As an accordionist he is gearing up to perform at dances, weddings, funerals and a whole lot more. Performing the 'squeeze box' for more than 40 years, Ian has built up a musical repertoire ranging from Elvis Presley's 'It's Now or Never' to the Scottish classic 'Loch Lomond' and just about everything else in between. It's an instrument he still loves to play. 'I was introduced to my first accordion at age seven. My Grandad was an accordionist. He used to pomp. He didn't sight read music, he played by ear. When I was a toddler, if I went missing at my Grandparents' house I was usually in the other room pushing in the buttons of my Grandad's accordion.'

Growing up in northern England, West Yorkshire, his first accordion was a 12 bass Hohner. By age eight he was performing in front of school assemblies, by this time using a 48 bass Bell accordion. He joined his first band - The Junior Accordionaires - at this time.Ian was involved in a near fatal road traffic accident in May 1970. 'After recovering from a 13 day coma and other injuries I remember asking the ward sister if I could play my accordion in the mhospital, but my request was turned down.

'Due to educational demands Ian left the Junior Accordionaires for a period of time. He rejoined after a three year absence and became an integral part of the band.He parted company with his accordion teacher after a disagreement about taking part in the local galas in the Halifax area. He and several other Junior Accordionaire band members went on to perform at a number of venues within West Yorkshire.

Ian eventually helped form The DMD Accordion Showband, 'DMD was attributed to the initials of the three staff members; Donald, Maureen and David who oversaw this showband, as we had a number of young children as singers and dancers. As the DMD showband we gave concerts at a number of residential and nursing homes around the Halifax area.'A smaller showband called The Tropical Waves was formed when the DMD showband folded. The Tropical Waves performed at local socials, but the bookings were very few and far between and so the showband members parted company.

Ian was employed in a care home in Richmond-Upon-thames, just outside of London, and here he used his accordion playing skill to entertain the disabled ex-servicemen. He was also involved within a local church as part of the worship group.'

Ian moved to Worksop when he married Lesley, and here he played the accordion at the local anglican church. He also established himself as an accordion instructor.Ian's wife was killed in a road traffic accident in 1996. He recalls leading the gathered congregation at the celebration of Lesley's life, by playing Amazing Grace.

Several years later he met a lady online. The lady was Canadian and Ian, together with his two children, emigrated. The day following his arrival in Canada he and Sherri, the Canadian lady who had changed his life, were married. 'Unfortunately I had to sell my accordion (an Excelsior) before leaving the UK. The airline company refused to take the accordion onboard. I would gladly have bought a seat for my instrument. I was more than a bit peeved because their database showed that a seat had been booked for a Mr Cello a few months prior to our flight.'

Now residing in Woodstock, Ian is a stay-at-home father to two young children, Ellie and Frankie, in addition to instructing and performing. He has performed in front of appreciative audiences in schools, nursing homes, as a busker in front of Zellers/Foodland and other venues throughout SW Ontario.

A certified performer with the British College of Accordionists, Ian is eager to share his expertise with others. 'I am primarily an entertainer but through instructing I would like to pass on some of my acquired knowledge and experience.' Anyone interested in taking accordion lessons or have Accordion Maestro provide for you 'a musical experience, a lasting memory', please contact via telephone (519) 539 5031, e-mail: accordionmaestro@yahoo.com or visit web site http://tinyurl.com/yvfgla