For 28 years, the Fullerton-based orchestra has toured the world, performing intricately arranged jazz and classical music piece for audiences ranging from U.S. Presidents to the best accordion players in the world, most recently the 2009 Coup Mondiale International Accordion Competition in Auckland, New Zealand.

Comprised of the most talented members of the Martin Music Center’s accordion school, the 18-person orchestra will perform four times at The Big Squeeze, the 1st Orange County Accordion Festival on Sunday, October 11 at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa, the weekend swap meet at the fairgrounds. More than 40 accordionists and musicians, ranging in ages 8 to 91 will showcase a variety of music styles to demonstrate the squeeze box’s versatility and cross cultural appeal including Cajun, zydeco, folk, jazz, gypsy, French, German, tango, Russian, Tex-Mex, Latin, blues, rock and much more

The members of the Fullerton based orchestra range in age from 11—Buena Park’s Marvin Paguio—to the mid 30s. The orchestra’s Accordion Mistress, who would be first chair in an orchestra, is 34-year-old Anaheim resident Michele Demian.

“These are all very excellent accordion players and students,” said Sandy Martin, who launched the school 28 years ago with her husband, Randy. Most of the orchestra members are in high school and college and all take their instruments, and playing very seriously—which starts from the top down.

“It’s been our life for 28 years,” said Sandy Martin. “It’s been an amazing thing to be a part of and what makes it so amazing is our kids. One thing we hear a great deal from parents is that we are very professional in the way we teach our kids. Our standards are very high and parents and students like that.”

For instance, every member of the orchestra plays a Giulietti piano accordion, handcrafted Italian instruments that cost between $5,000 and $10,000. And male members of the orchestra wear suits while performing while female students wear equally appropriate orchestral attire.

The music they play is a match for their personal appearance. Sandy Martin runs the accordion school, but the orchestra is guided by Randy Martin, music major at Long Beach State who met his wife while both were teaching at other schools.

“He is very knowledgeable about music and very well known in accordion circles,” Sandy Martin said. “And since his favorite music is jazz, that is what the orchestra excels at, along with classical musical which is transcribed for the accordion.”

For instance, at the Coup Mondiale this year, the orchestra performed the overture to Wagner’s “Rienzi” opera, which Randy Martin transcribed for the accordion.

“All the accordions play at the same time, with some playing the violin parts, other cello, and so on,” Sandy Martin said. “When they’re playing together it sounds just like a full-fledged orchestra.”

Three of the most notable highlights of the orchestra’s history are the three times they performed at parties for sitting U.S. Presidents—Bill Clinton, in 1993 and 1995, and George W. Bush in 2003.

“A funny part about performing at a private party for President Bush’s family and friends is that, as we were being led into the East Wing of the White House, the president’s two dogs were outside with their handlers,” Sandy Martin. “So they were the first Bush family members to greet us!”

The Martin Music Center Accordion Orchestra goes on stage at 10:30 am., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and will also be at the Festival all day promoting the school and visiting with the public.

The Festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. features four stages of accordion music and accordion based bands and orchestras along with free dance lessons and a section for music related and specialty vendors.

Along with the Festival is the regular base of Market Place vendors which includes nearly 1,000 merchants offering a variety of products and services. fresh produce, gourmet foods to go, artisans and crafters, manufactured homes, kid’s play area, inflatable attractions, hair salon, food concessions and more.

Though the talent is rich, the Accordion Festival will not put a squeeze on your wallet. All activities including entrance to the swap meet are included in the price of Market Place admission, which is $2 or FREE with a canned food item to help the Orange County Food Bank. Children 12 and under are free. A complete schedule for “The Big Squeeze” is available at the website www.ocmarketplace.com.

All attendees will have the opportunity to win a FREE Hohner Bravo 48 II accordion donated by Hohner USA. Free sign up to win the accordion, which is ideal for beginners, will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Big Squeeze information booth. The winner, who must be present to win, will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

In its 40th year the Orange County Market Place is held every weekend (except during the Orange County Fair) at the O.C. Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information on these events may be obtained by visiting www.ocmarketplace.com or calling 949-723-6660.