| CFAC Member of the Month August, 2003 Joseph "Sonny" Tirpak |
| Sonny's love for the accordion began at age 4 when his parents bought him a 12 bass and he started lessons. . . . . |
| He progressed to a 120 bass Hohner, and at age 7 a Super 5 Cordovox which he still has today. |
| Sonny's first gig was New Year's Eve, 1961. He played at the American Legion Club in his hometown of Summit Hill, PA. Sonny's group was a replacement for a "no-show" band and he was paid $14 plus a free platter of food. When he was 12, Sonny formed his first group "Tirp-C-Chords" -- a combination of his family name (Tirpak) with "Tirpsichore" the Greek goddess of dance. |
| Sonny performed at Orlando Senior's Day |
| Sonny played on the Helen G. Stern (left photo, lower deck, 2nd from left) in Atlanctic City N.J. for tips. Other cruise ships include the Chandris & Brittanis. Through Sonny's Aunt, Lawrance Welk requested a recording of his band after she had written to Mr. Welk. In return, she received a letter signed from Mr. Welk himself ! . |
| Atlantic City, N.J. July, 1964 |
| The accordion is just one instrument Sonny plays,,,, he has played the trumpet, xylophone, guitar and French horn in his high school band. Sonny played in the Pocono Mountains for several seasons at the Split Rock Lodge, Holiday Inn, and Henning's hotel. |
| 1965 |
Sonny played engagements for the 101st
Airborne Group. At a reunion in Holland, he
played for the Queen in her convention hall.
He received a kiss !! He also played at a
convention in Wildwood NJ to raise funds for
the 101st Airborne Memorial in Arlington, VA,
and at a private party in Dusseldorf, Germany
for a professor who had operated on his
father's war wounds as a German prisoner of
war.
Airborne Group. At a reunion in Holland, he
played for the Queen in her convention hall.
He received a kiss !! He also played at a
convention in Wildwood NJ to raise funds for
the 101st Airborne Memorial in Arlington, VA,
and at a private party in Dusseldorf, Germany
for a professor who had operated on his
father's war wounds as a German prisoner of
war.
Sonny,
As a CFAC member, you are always there to help promote
the accordion and entertain the membership. We
appreciate your efforts and wish you continued musical
success !!!
As a CFAC member, you are always there to help promote
the accordion and entertain the membership. We
appreciate your efforts and wish you continued musical
success !!!
A true accordion enthusiast, Sonny has played for
many events including class reunions, weddings,
anniversary parties, conventions, government
affairs, senior meetings, and "Golden Agers".
many events including class reunions, weddings,
anniversary parties, conventions, government
affairs, senior meetings, and "Golden Agers".