Click here to return to the featured members list
| Central Florida Accordion Club Featured member for August, 2004 |
| Peggy Cusumano |
| With Anne Smith, January 2004 |
| 8 years old |
| Peggy was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When she was eight years old her mother purchased a 12 bass accordion for her brother which included some free lessons. After a few lessons, her brother’s teacher told her mother that he was not suited to play the accordion. It was then that Peggy’s mother asked her if she would like to take the remaining free lessons. The rest is history. |
| With Kenion Thompson (left) and Brian Fitzgerald |
| Age 18 |
| Peggy continued her studies and in a few short months was playing beyond the 12 bass level. She then received her first 12 bass accordion. Her studies continued into her teen years. Peggy’s interest shifted to piano and then organ. Next came marriage and family. Peggy still played but only occasionally. As the children grew and required less attention, Peggy returned to her love of music. She started taking organ lessons again and eventually landed a job playing at a skating rink. At that time, she was also teaching piano, accordion and organ in her home. Peggy also aspired to have a college education. In 1978 she entered Glassboro College (Rowan University) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology cum laude in 1981. She worked in many hospitals, in cancer research and as a laboratory manager. After retiring, Peggy moved to Orlando. She decided to learn how to play classical guitar and has been studying ever since. In 2002, she read an ad for the CFAC, got the accordion ‘out of the closet’, and joined in May 2003. She recently accompanied Anne Smith in concert who had just returned from a two year engagement with Disney in Tokyo, and played in concert with Bryan Fitzgerald and Kenion Thompson at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Peggy also plays guitar in St. Luke's Liturgical Jazz Band and plays classical guitar and keyboard for many programs. She is also a member of the Sanctuary Choir. Peggy enjoys the CFAC for the many friends and fine musicians he has met there. |
