Polka Artist
Insider Info
Polka may not be mainstream, but it's losing its long-standing reputation
for being square. Around the world, spectators, musicians and dancers are
tapping away to snappy tunes and lively dances. They're called polka artists
and they're keeping the tradition alive.
Many people wrongly associate polka with large men playing tubas or with
a silly song they once heard at a wedding. This, however, is stereotyped polka.
Most polka artists agree that, musically, stereotyped polka is pretty bad.
Good polka is a little harder to find. To get off on the right foot, you
have to get in with the right crowd and the genuine artists. Once you're in
the polka circuit, spending time with talented musicians, you'll become more
knowledgeable and may even learn the history of polka culture.
The polka has been around for hundreds of years. Listen to the upbeat,
bouncy music for a few minutes or watch an accomplished artist play a tune
on an accordion and you'll soon understand why.
Fans of polka say it's some of the happiest music you'll ever hear. They
even say it's changed their lives.
Rose Marie Tynski is the founder of the Seniors Polka Association. She
is one of polka's biggest fans. Quite simply, says Tynski, "polka music is
happiness."
Polka musicians even have their own category at the Grammy Awards, though
it's not shown on television. Polka in Paradise, by Jimmy Sturr, was named
best polka album at the 2007 Grammy Awards.
But polka isn't just about music. Many people are drawn into the social
element of this music scene, which is heavy on the dancing, and spiced up
with a variety of hearty ethnic foods. Once a distinctive ethnic musical form,
polka music now shows up at festivals, on the radio, at weddings and parties
and even on cruises.
Polka musicians usually specialize in one instrument. The most famous is
the accordion, which is a one-person polka party when it's in the right hands.
Clarinets, tubas and even the piano also figure prominently.
There are two distinct kinds of polka. One, called Slovenian or Cleveland
style, features uptempo songs played by smaller bands, usually featuring an
accordion player. The other form, called Polish, Chicago or Eastern style,
features more brass instruments and a louder, more dance hall sound.
Polka continues to change and evolve. Some bands currently record on small,
local labels. But scores more play weddings and less formal occasions -- one
of the hallmarks of polka is that it can be played anywhere.
While some polka artists do earn a living through performing and recording,
most are hobbyists or moonlighters with other full-time work. Dancers may
earn a small income by teaching, but the market is too limited to make a living
teaching polka alone.
Polka musicians can play hundreds of shows a year and still have to hold
down day jobs. It's tough to make a career out of polka -- but it's definitely
not unheard of!
Getting Started
You must first decide if you want to learn the music or the dance -- they
go hand in hand, but only polka geniuses can perfect both at once.
Most polka musicians have some formal musical training, usually in the
form of private lessons in an instrument. But learning usually happens on
the job -- so to speak.
Polka artist Walter Ostanek grew up idolizing Frankie Yankovic, America's
polka king. According to Ostanek, the experience of following Yankovic's footsteps
was invaluable.
Get familiar with the music. Most record stores have polka sections, with
a good blend of the old standards and newer music.
Then you'll have to narrow down your instrument of choice. Accordions are
a popular polka instrument. But they can be difficult to learn and they require
a certain amount of strength to play. Clarinets, saxophones and other instruments
are options. Either way, count on lessons costing around $30 an hour.
Most ballroom dance instructors have some grasp of the polka. Look into
lessons through a local recreation center or a private dance school.
The best dancers often learn their moves from others on the dance floor.
So, find out where the local events are, grab a partner and polka! You'll
step on some feet and pull a few muscles, but jumping right into it is probably
the fastest way to learn.
Before you fly off to your first polka party, concerned relatives should
know one thing: polka people are notoriously friendly and peaceful.
"You'll never find a fight at a polka dance," says Tynski, "so that must
tell you something!"
Associations
United States Polka Association
7590 Pleasantview Dr.
Parma
,
OH
44134
USA
Internet
:
http://www.uspapolkas.com/
International Polka Association
4145 South Archer Ave.
Chicago
,
IL
60632
USA
Internet
:
http://www.internationalpolka.com/
Links
Jimmy Sturr's Official Website
Best Polka Album winner at the 2007 Grammy Awards
The Polkaholics Links
Great collection of their work, plus interviews and more
Polka Connection
Check out polka music around the world
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