BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION

Executive  Director

Raymond Bodell

 Bsc(Hons), FLCM, AmusTCL, LBCA(TD), ABCA(TD), LBCA.

Secretary

Pauline Noon HonFBCA.

Promotion Director

Graham Laurie ABCA(TD) LBCA

Administrator

Anna Bodell

Assistant Secretary

NEW BCA SYLLABUS

As a reminder although the new BCA syllabus is now in full operation – the old Schedule of pieces may be used until the end of July 2006. Further copies of the new syllabus are available from the BCA Secretariat.

THEORY EXAMINATIONS

The College is pleased to announce that a complete set of the BCA November 2005 Examination past papers are now available to teachers and students (as are the March 2005 set) WITH specimen answers at a cost of £6.00 (incl P&P) from the Secretariat.  

From Colin Cook …………………………………….

                     Chairman of the Governing Council

A very warm welcome to 2006! A milestone in the History of the British College of Accordionists. Founded back in London in 1936 – the college celebrates its 70^th anniversary providing an invaluable service for Accordionists throughout the UK. 1000’s of candidates have passed through its examination system throughout its continuance and most of the teachers today have benefited from the numerous classes, workshops and specialised syllabi as have been the college’s feature.

To mark this 70^th anniversary the Governing Council are  delighted to announce a weekend of activities for all teachers and those interested in the college to be held in Leicester on the 23^rd/24^th September. Full details will be circulated following the Governing Council’s meeting in late March but please do make a note of the date now.

I am also delighted to hear the many positive comments from teachers following the publication in the autumn of the series of Theory Workbooks compiled by Rita Psaila. These books which were for many years suggested at our Teachers meetings, clearly are proving to be a valuable asset to students and teachers in the preparation of all theory examinations as are the Aural Test books.  

1936 marked the founding of an Examination System for accordionists under the auspices of the British College of Accordionists and this has continued to date including some 500 Diploma successes, many thousand graded successes as well as numerous other activities. To mark the occasion the Council is planning a reunion day including a meeting of the ATA to be held on Sunday 24^th September 2006. Further details will appear in the next issue of the BCA bulletin but make a note of the date NOW! It is also hoped to produce a commemorative booklet covering the last decade. 

At recent meetings of the Council various issues have been under discussion including significant changes to the format of Diploma examinations, scale requirements in the early grades, the reformation of a Board of Administration under the helm of the Executive Director Raymond Bodell, the production of new promotion material as well as a new initiative for getting the accordion accepted in primary schools. This new initiative being piloted in various Yorkshire schools by local teacher Harry Hinchcliffe, having two introductory level assessments (pre Preliminary) which aim to make the accordion appealing to youngsters! The initial results has been very encouraging.

As always the Council reminds all that the College is for all interested in the accordion and welcomes views and concerns.

The Council  wishes to remind all Grade 6 Practical Candidates of the new Sir James Anderton Challenge Shield to be awarded to the candidate who achieves the highest mark in this grade.