The journal, which will be devoted entirely to the concertina, will aim to publish articles that are both scholarly and accessible to as wide an audience as possible. Articles will deal with the concertina from a broad range of vantage points: the development of the instrument itself (construction, manufacture, and history), its repertory, sociology, and performance practices, biography, etc. In all, the range of topics will be as wide as the interests of those who would write and read them.

We plan to publish PICA on an annual basis, with a typical issue consisting of one "feature" article; another that is shorter and more documentary in nature (devoted, perhaps, to the presentation of an important document and with a brief introductory note); a review or two of notable books and CDs; and a section called "Briefly Noted," which will serve as a vehicle for announcements. Occasionally, an issue might center about a given theme, with a number of contributions that look at it from different points of view.

The journal will be published in two formats: after the distribution of a hardcopy version to all members of the ICA, an electronic version will be posted on the both the ICA and CSFRI websites: < http://www.concertina.org > and < http://web.gc.cuny.edu/freereed >, respectively. Non-members of the ICA are also welcome to subscribe to the hardcopy version and - better yet - join the ICA. Finally advertisers are most welcome (and with both hardcopy and electronic publication, the prospective readership is vast).

The editor of the journal will be Allan Atlas, aided by an Advisory Board consisting of Roger Digby, Jon McNamara, Richard Morse, Wim Wakker, and Wes Williams.

Needless to say, we will inform the concertina community (with the requisite pomp and ceremony) when volume 1 is ready to appear (probably in Fall 2004).

Those interested in contributing to the journal or having any questions about its content should be in touch with Allan Atlas at pica@concertina.org . For information pertaining to advertisements and subscriptions, please be in touch with Jon McNamara at the same e-mail address. Those wishing to join the ICA should go to its website: http://www.concertina.org .