The Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble was founded in early 1991 by Ray Tomaszewski, a talented accordionist whose aim was the promotion and preservation of quality accordion learning and performance. Domenic Marinelli became the director after the death of Tomaszewski in 1992 and the ensemble continued to flourish under his leadership. Domenic passed away in May of 2006; the ensemble appointed Dr. Jon Nichols as conductor in May of 2007. The ensemble, with a present membership of 42, meets for rehearsal each week and is in great demand for performances at area retirement/nursing homes, many ethnic festivals and for other types of local groups.
Practice sessions 7-9 p.m. weekly on Thursday nights at the Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Clyde Park S.W. in Wyoming. Visitors and new members welcome! Contact one of the members listed above for inquiries or email us: