Happy Music Ambassadors
Happy Music Ambassadors
Who are Happy Music Ambassadors?
The Happy Music Ambassador is a radiant and spirited individual dedicated to spreading joy, harmony, and positivity through the universal language of music. With infectious enthusiasm and a vibrant persona, they inspire and uplift others with their positive inspiration. Through their heartfelt efforts, they create a harmonious connection that transcends boundaries and unites diverse communities. Their mission is to ignite happiness, promote well-being, and leave a lasting impact, making them a true beacon of musical delight and ambassador of joy.
Nominate a Happy Music Ambassador
Do you know someone who deserves recognition and appreciation for their selfless musical work? Perhaps you’re familiar with an everyday hero who, without seeking the limelight, strives to make the world a better place for all of us. The Happy Music Ambassador recognition awards provide you with the perfect opportunity to celebrate these remarkable individuals!
Nominating someone for a Happy Music Ambassador award is completely free, and we will keep your nominations on file. Whether it’s an individual or a group, anyone is eligible if their exceptional efforts have inspired others. The HMC review committee diligently selects recipients for the Happy Music Ambassador recognition awards throughout the year. And if your nominee is chosen, you will have the privilege of assisting in the presentation of this prestigious accolade.
Let’s come together and shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who use music to make a positive impact in our lives. Nominate someone deserving today and let their dedication and passion be celebrated through the Happy Music Ambassador recognition awards program!
Go here to submit Nominations/Comments: https://happymusiccenter.org/contact/
Happy Music Center Honors Cory Pesaturo as Happy Music Ambassador August 17, 2024 – Cotati Accordion Festival
Johnny Young & Cory Pesaturo Johnny Young, Cory Pesaturo, Scott Goree
Happy Music Center (HMC), a new leading music institution, proudly announces the recognition of Cory Pesaturo as a recipient of the prestigious Happy Music Ambassador award.
The award was presented by Johnny Young, President of HMC, and Scott Goree, Executive Producer of the Cotati Accordion Festival at a special ceremony during the Cotati Accordion Festival on Saturday 8/17/24.
As a renowned musician, educator, and advocate for the arts, Pesaturo has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to spreading the joy of music. His exceptional talent and commitment to nurturing musical talent in the community have made him an inspiring role model for aspiring musicians. “We are thrilled to bestow this honor upon Cory Pesaturo,” said Johnny Young. “His passion, expertise, and tireless efforts have positively impacted countless lives, and we are proud to have him represent the Happy Music Center as a Happy Music Ambassador.”
Pesaturo’s contributions to the local music scene and his innovative teaching methods have garnered widespread acclaim. Through workshops, performances, and community outreach initiatives, he has touched the hearts of both young and seasoned musicians, igniting a passion for music in all those he encounters. The Happy Music Ambassador award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of happiness and well-being through music and exemplify the values of HMC. As a recipient, Cory Pesaturo’s achievements reflect the organization’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical community worldwide.
About Happy Music Center: Happy Music Center (HMC) is a renowned music institution dedicated to providing exceptional music education and fostering a love for music for all ages. HMC offers a comprehensive musical experience to students, professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Media Contact: Buz Wilburn, CEO, HMC. Phone: 805-320-0409 Email: buz@happymusiccenter.org
HMC Honors Happy Music Ambassador – Alex Meixner at the National Accordion Convention on March 21, 2024
The Happy Music Center (HMC), a new leading music institution, proudly announces the recognition of Alex Meixner as a recipient of the prestigious Happy Music Ambassador award. The award will be presented by Johnny Young, President of HMC, at a special ceremony during the National Accordion Convention on Thursday Evening 3/21/24: “Conventioneers’ Concert
As a renowned musician, educator, and advocate for the arts, Meixner has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to spreading the joy of music. His exceptional talent and commitment to nurturing musical talent in the community have made him an inspiring role model for aspiring musicians.
“We are thrilled to bestow this honor upon Alex Meixner,” said Johnny Young. “His passion, expertise, and tireless efforts have positively impacted countless lives, and we are proud to have him represent the Happy Music Center as a Happy Music Ambassador.”
Meixner’s contributions to the local music scene and his innovative teaching methods have garnered widespread acclaim. Through workshops, performances, and community outreach initiatives, he has touched the hearts of both young and seasoned musicians, igniting a passion for music in all those he encounters.
The Happy Music Ambassador award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of happiness and well-being through music and exemplify the values of HMC. As a recipient, Alex Meixner’s achievements reflect the organization’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical community worldwide.
About Happy Music Center: Happy Music Center (HMC) is a renowned music institution dedicated to providing exceptional music education and fostering a love for music for all ages. With a team of experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse range of programs, HMC offers a comprehensive musical experience to students and enthusiasts alike.
Media Contact: Name: Buz Wilburn, CEO. Phone: 805-320-0409 Email: buz@happymusiccenter.org
Alex Meixner, a nationally acclaimed musician, and advocate of polka music, brings a unique blend of classical, jazz, and ethnic influences to his performances. Beyond being a performer, he’s a bandleader, educator, and active ambassador for polka music, with a mission to create positive experiences that unite communities in celebrating history, culture, and good times.
Raised in a family of professional musicians, Alex’s early exposure shaped his passion for music. By age 6, he was on stage, playing piano and accordion, eventually mastering drums, bass, keyboards, and trumpet. He gigged with legends like Joe Oberaitis and Walter Ostanek, even contributing to a Grammy-winning album at age 18.
As a leader in the polka music renaissance, Alex seamlessly performs styles from various countries, adding a modern twist to appeal to diverse audiences. His extensive body of work places him among the finest performers in ethnic music.
Alex’s mainstream recognition includes collaborations with BBDO for Hormel Pepperoni commercials and recording with Jack Black for the film “The Polka King.” His professionalism extends to radio commercials for Ford Trucks and soundtracks for TV shows like Moonshiners.
Leading the Alex Meixner Band, he performs 180 times annually, headlining major festivals across the country. His influence is seen in over 50 albums, Grammy awards, and a Grammy-nominated collaboration with Bubba Hernandez.
Beyond performing, Alex founded AM Management, a talent agency for events, weddings, and corporate functions. As a formally trained educator with degrees from Ithaca College and Penn State University, he frequently conducts master classes, lectures, and clinics.
Alex’s impact extends to merchandising, with Faust Brewery launching the Alex Meixner Polka Pilsner in Texas. He’s not just a musician; he’s a positive force, believing that happiness is a choice. Amidst social and economic turmoil, he provides opportunities for people to gather, have fun, and enjoy life’s essentials.
For more on Alex Meixner’s multifaceted career, visit https://alexmeixner.com
Happy Music Ambassador Paul Ramunni plays for a Funeral
I recently had an experience that demonstrated an amazing effect that the accordion can produce. I was asked to play at a church service for a funeral. At first, I was reluctant to accept the request, but then I ended up saying yes. The church was filled with people. The deceased lady was 92 years of age and played an accordion most of her life. After the service, a small group of folks quietly approached me as I was packing up to leave. A feisty elderly lady leading the group looked at me and said, “I want you to see something!” She then pulled out of her pocket a large wad of unused Kleenex tissues as she continued to say, “She was my best friend and I would listen to her play her accordion often. I planned on crying my eyes out today. But when I heard your accordion, it made this whole ceremony feel more like a resurrection than a death….thank you so much.” So, it seems that the accordion also has the unique power to reach into the heavenly realms to bring us the ultimate form of peace and happiness. Now that’s the kind of musical instrument a person should want to play. – Paul Ramunni
HMC Comment:
Happy Music Ambassador Paul Ramunni’s story is a touching testament to the extraordinary power of music and, in particular, the accordion. His willingness to step into the role of providing solace and comfort during a funeral service demonstrates not only his musical talent but also his deep sense of compassion and understanding of the human experience.
The moment when the feisty elderly lady shared her feelings, describing how Paul’s accordion transformed a somber occasion into a celebration of life, is nothing short of remarkable. It illustrates the unique ability of the accordion to evoke emotions, bridging the earthly and heavenly realms with its soul-stirring melodies.
Paul’s dedication as a Happy Music Ambassador shines through in this story. He not only played the accordion skillfully but also intuitively understood the needs of the moment, using his music to offer solace and hope to those in mourning. It is a beautiful reminder that music has the power to heal, uplift, and bring people together during the most challenging times.
In a world that sometimes seems to be moving too fast, Paul’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing the traditions and instruments that can bring joy and peace to our lives. It’s clear that Paul Ramunni’s passion for the accordion goes beyond mere performance; it is a genuine gift to those who have the privilege of experiencing his music.
Paul’s ability to create an atmosphere of love, remembrance, and hope with his accordion is a true testament to his artistry and his role as a Happy Music Ambassador. His story is a shining example of the profound impact that music can have on our lives, and it is heartwarming to know that individuals like Paul are out there, using their talents to make the world a brighter and more harmonious place.
HMC Honors Happy Music Ambassador – Richard Noel
Johnny Young, president of The Happy Music Center Intl., Inc. presents Richard Noel the Happy Music Ambassador Recognition Award and Plaque on September 24, 2023
It is with immense honor, that I, Johnny Young, President of the Happy Music Center, am delighted to stand before you, Richard, with a heart filled with admiration. Today, I proudly present the Happy Music Ambassadors Trophy and Plaque to you. Let this tangible symbol of recognition be a testament to our heartfelt gratitude.
Richard, we offer our sincere congratulations on this well-deserved accolade. Your harmonies have transcended mere auditory experiences, touching the very core of human emotions. Your dedication extends beyond the buttons and keys, reaching the countless souls who have found solace and joy in your melodies. We are in awe of your artistic commitment and wholeheartedly encourage you to continue orchestrating moments of maestro magic, inspiring and uplifting humanity through your tunes.
We express our deepest appreciation as we commemorate your extraordinary musical journey, Richard Noel, our esteemed Happy Music Ambassador. https://www.noelaccordion.com/
HMC Honors 1st Happy Music Ambassador – Angelo Paul Ramunni
Happy Music Center (HMC), a new leading music institution, proudly announces the recognition of Angelo Paul Ramunni as the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Happy Music Ambassador award. The award was presented by Johnny Young, President of HMC, at a special ceremony held on Friday July 14, 2023.
As a renowned musician, educator, and advocate for the arts, Ramunni has demonstrated unwavering dedication to spreading the joy of music. His exceptional talent and commitment to nurturing musical talent in the community have made him an inspiring role model for aspiring musicians.
“We are thrilled to bestow this honor upon Angelo Paul Ramunni,” said Johnny Young. “His passion, expertise, and tireless efforts have positively impacted countless lives, and we are proud to have him represent Happy Music Center as our first Happy Music Ambassador.”
Ramunni’s contributions to the local music scene and his innovative teaching methods have garnered widespread acclaim. Through workshops, performances, and community outreach initiatives, he has touched the hearts of both young and seasoned musicians, igniting a passion for music in all those he encounters.
The Happy Music Ambassador award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of happiness through music and exemplify the values of HMC. As the first recipient, Angelo Paul Ramunni’s achievements reflect the organization’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical community.
About Happy Music Center: Happy Music Center (HMC) is a renowned music institution dedicated to providing exceptional music education and fostering a love for music in all ages. With a team of experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and through a diverse range of programs, HMC offers a comprehensive musical experience to students and enthusiasts alike.
Media Contact: Name: Buz Wilburn, CEO. Phone: 805-320-0409 Email: buz@happymusiccenter.org
Angelo Paul Ramunni: The Receiver By: Matt Powell
“Ever since I was a kid, people felt they could tell me things,” Angelo Paul Ramunni confesses.
Growing up on Long Island in the 1950s and 60s, Ramunni was a quiet and shy kid from a Catholic, Italian-American family. It was almost inevitable then that he would take some accordion lessons. His mother considered the accordion “good, clean, and wholesome.”
He played in accordion orchestras at school, but that same wholesome image caused young Ramunni to be, at times, embarrassed by the accordion. Like so many high school musical instruments, Ramunni’s accordion was set in the back of a closet, untouched and unconsidered for decades.
Ramunni married, moved to Connecticut, and grew a successful CPA business, giving little further thought to accordions or his Catholic faith. He had long considered himself a cultural Catholic, going through the motions but without a true belief. Ramunni would write a book about this not-uncommon phenomenon called The Poor Catholic. “I purposely kept a distance between myself and God for 41 years of my life,” Ramunni notes, “I played religion but had no genuine faith in Christ.”
His journey back to God began in an unlikely place. Ramunni was growing disillusioned with his CPA practice. He began to notice that most of his client’s financial woes stemmed from moral choices. “It became like a confessional,” he says. This led to a kind of faith-based approach to his financial counsel. “It gave me a great deal of wisdom. What was the real cure to help people with their money problems?”
In 1998, Ramunni began giving away pocket-sized stone crosses in his unusually intimate encounters with people. The crosses come out when he senses someone needing help beyond what they can find from this world. He often gives them in pairs — one to keep and one to give to someone else.
Ramunni was 42 when his faith was reawakened. At 59 — 42 years after he last played his accordion — that too came back into his life.
One morning, while on vacation in Vermont with his wife, Ramunni awoke with a sudden and “inexplicable urge to play again.” He made some phone calls and soon had an appointment with a nearby accordion collector, from whom he purchased an Excelsior model 00 that day.
While there, Ramunni noticed several concertinas among the collection that the collector informed him had been in Nazi concentration camps. This conscious connection between instruments and their human stories sparked a quest that continues to this day.
Only later at home, when he was looking over his newly acquired Excelsior accordion, did he notice two small engraved crosses on its face. Neither he nor his wife had seen them when he made the purchase.
Ramunni was now on a mission, whether or not he could fully articulate it. He placed ads in local papers, logging many miles and visiting the homes of people with an old accordion to sell. Every accordion he bought came with a story. The best of these stories are presented in his 2018 book, Accordion Stories from the Heart. Many of these accordions belonged to departed loved ones, and sellers would sometimes become overwhelmed with emotion. At times, after money and accordion were exchanged, Ramunni would distribute a stone pocket cross and, with it, a slow peace.
In order to house this growing collection, Ramunni opened The New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company in Canaan, Connecticut, in 2011, with the stated goal to “promote the accordion and re-introduce it to the general public.”
As Ramunni continued to collect accordions and stories, and to distribute pocket crosses, he developed a philosophy. Harkening back to his mother’s sage words — that accordions are truly good — he began to see them as divinely inspired, even angelic.
For one thing, they are made in our image, and we are made in God’s. “Accordions are built to mimic how humans are built,” he observes, “First thing you do is embrace it; the straps hold it close to your chest. You actually hug it. We hug things we love. The keys are like our fingers. The bellows are like our lungs. It has a heartbeat, which we call tempo. The expression is something inside of you, the player.”
Like their human counterparts, no two accordions in his collection are alike. Multiple stories in Ramunni’s book confirm that the spirit of the accordion player can reside in its bellows, even after death. Ramunni calls this the player’s “second voice.”
Ramunni is witness every day in his museum to this power. His location in the Tri-state area allows for a steady stream of visitors from all over the world. Every person who walks through his door leaves somehow changed for the better. “When they enter the room, they’re just stunned,” Ramunni notes, “They are no longer Republican or Democrat; they just melt, and all of a sudden, we’re friends, a warm connection we didn’t even know — and it’s because of the accordion.”
He has learned to keep boxes of tissue on hand around the museum. “I play a little bit, and they start crying.”
Ramunni is encouraged by research suggesting the benefit of music, and especially the accordion, on patients suffering with autism and dementia. Accordion music releases endorphins within us, and perhaps these endorphins reside in the accordions themselves, somewhere in the bellows, among the departed souls and second voices.
Ramunni hopes this goodness can be carried on through younger generations. Children, he notes, are fascinated by the elaborate design and mechanical levers, unlike the smooth glass of their familiar phones and tablets. “Kids go nuts,” Ramunni notes, “they ask, ‘what is this?’ When I explain that they can manipulate the instrument to make their own music, they say, ‘I can make music?’”
In an ever-troubled world, Ramunni’s museum serves as a kind of sacred site, a collective energy radiating from his vast assemblage of accordions, each containing in some way some part of a human spirit. Ramunni is hopeful that someone will emerge to eventually take custody not only of the museum and its significant collection but of its mission of goodwill and mercy.
“We used to be kinder, more compassionate,” Ramunni notes, “We weren’t so distracted. We don’t pay attention to each other like we used to.”
Ramunni’s compassion may come in the form of a stone cross or a song. Visitors to his museum especially love to hear the emotive, sentimental music — songs like “Arrivederci Roma” — but Ramunni notes the power of accordion music transcends sentiment alone.
“You can play polka, jazz, whatever — all of it is designed to be happy. The sound is the language of heaven.”
Matt Powell is a writer and musician. His work explores the interconnectivity of all music and the people who create or listen. His writing has been featured in several publications, including Variety, No Depression, Emmys.com, and Angels Flight—Literary West. Learn more at www.theemattpowell.com
For More info go here:
Angelo Paul Ramunni, Director
The New England Accordion Connection & Museum Co.
P O Box 943….75 Main St, North Canaan, CT 06018
www.neacmc.com / 1-860-833-1374(cell) / For Stone Crosses:www.stonepocketcross.com