ConcertinaMusic.com is a web site devoted to the promotion and preservation of the chemnitzer concertina. This site features an extensive library of free sheet music, a collection of nostalgic and historic items, and some technical essentials. You will also find information on chemnitzer concertina clubs, honorary organizations and people associated with the instrument; a brief history of the chemnitzer, a database of manufacturer records, documentation of recent instrument sales transactions and more.
All of the arrangements in the sheet music library feature special notation for the chemnitzer concertina. Though the music has been arranged for this instrument, many professional and amateur musicians who play other musical instruments also enjoy these compositions. Visitors find this web site a valuable resource for both popular and hard to find polkas, waltzes, obereks, fox trots and other styles of music.
My name is Ken Yagelski (Jagielski). I am second generation, American-born of a proud, Polish family. I was born and raised near Chicago, Illinois (Michigan City, Indiana, USA). This is a part of the Midwestern United States that is blessed with many Polish people... and talented musicians!
My family cherishes the many ethnic traditions that have been handed down through the generations, including the enjoyment of Polish-American music and the chemnitzer concertina. I created the first version of the ConcertinaMusic.com web site in 1996 to help promote and preserve an important part of my Polish heritage: the music and the instrument that we love.
My father, Stanley Yagelski, is a very talented concertina musician and a member of the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame. He taught my brother and me to play the chemnitzer concertina over 30 years ago. I still try to squeeze the 'box on a regular basis, but must admit that it's not nearly as much as I would like.
I now live in Virginia and continue to play the concertina for my own enjoyment, to entertain family and friends, and for the occasional public performance. I value the chance to watch and listen to more seasoned musicians at festivals and jam sessions across the country. There is always something new to learn about this beautiful and unique musical instrument.
We hope that you find ConcertinaMusic.com useful and entertaining. If you have any comments, questions, or would like more information about this web site, please contact me .