Born: November 11, 1919, in Parsons, KansasMelba Jean Baxter was a professor’s daughter and was shown the value of determination and consistent hard work. There was never any doubt she would go to college. When Melba married her life-time mate Oakley Yale June 1940, she became “Mrs. Yale,” as she would be affectionately known to thousands of music students over a 71 year career.
She received her BA Degree in music from Kansas State Teacher’s College, class of 1939. She had studied and performed on the pipe organ, played string bass in the College Symphony, and taught accordion to the local youth based on her reputation as a fine accordionist.
Moving to Buffalo, NY with her husband they formed the Yale Accordion Duo and performed many engagements and concerts together. They also began their family with son Oakley, then Paul & Darrell, and daughters Margo and Melody.
When the harsh cold of winter became a health concern, the family migrated by auto to sunny California and founded the Yale Accordion Academy, Inglewood in 1953. all of their children learned to play the accordion and played together in the original formation of their Yale Accordion Symphony under the guidance of Columbia Artists Management. Later, the symphony would make six concerts tours to Europe, and perform an annual spring concert in Inglewood.
Melba’s list of professional standing is very impressive: Life member of Sigma Alpha, Alpha Kappa Chapter (the National professional music fraternity for women) and life member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 46: the P.E.D. and past president of the Accordion Federation of North America (AFNA).
To cherish her forever with loving memories, Melba leaves sons Oakley (wife Connie) and Paul (wife Anne), daughters Margo (husband Ron) and Melody (husband Dave), daughter-in-law Irene, grandchildren Julie, Thomas, Mark, David, Paul, Christina, Brian, Kenneth, great grandchildren Mellisa & Cameron, and Great-great grandson Damien, and hundreds of music students, families and friends.