Hello! I’m Mario Tacca, Organist here at Assumption Church. I was born in the Abruzzi region of Italy, and at an early age moved to France with my family, where I lived for twelve years. It was there that my God given gift of music surfaced. My Dad took me to my first Accordion teacher when I was twelve years old. I would walk two miles twice a week, carrying my Accordion. I loved practicing and made quick progress. I was actively competing and won regional as well as the prestigious “Grand Prix of Paris,” a national title. I continued my instrument(s) and musical studies and went on to graduate from the Anzaghi Conservatory of Music in Milan. I came to the United States in 1959, first to Philadelphia and then to Peekskill. I continued my musical studies in theory and composition privately and at Columbia University under Professor Robert Pace. I continued competing and won the US title and the World Cup in the finals held at Carnegie Hall. My concerts took me back to Italy, France, Germany and England. After arriving in Peekskill, living with my parents, I started attending our beautiful Assumption Church. I remember how much I enjoyed the music! It never occurred to me that one day I would be playing that magnificent pipe organ and that I would be married to Mary Mancini, who was the soloist! Mary and I have experienced God’s blessings and miracles many times over. We are both grateful for our gifts of music and that we have the opportunity to share them not only with our Assumption parish family, but across the US, Europe and China. We both agree that we are so grateful to be able to bring our worldly experiences to our music ministry at Assumption and to also bring that ministry out into the world as well. God has blessed us with three wonderful children and eight beautiful grandchildren. Whether I’m playing my accordion or the pipe organ, I always feel a special closeness and thankfulness to God for the special gift of music He has given me. And I pray that I will continue to make music for a long time to come.