By: Anna Rhoads ’19 and Kayla Sirlin ’19

Accordions may be associated with polka dancing, moonlit dinners in France and middle aged men with mustaches. But for Nicholas Daines ’19, playing this squeezable, box-shaped instrument is a calling.
Despite having only two years of experience with the accordion, his commitment to the instrument is evident. “I like to play everyday, whether it be playing random things or actually practicing,” Daines said.
The different registers and buttons on the instrument make it possible to play a variety of genres and musical styles, ranging from folk music to classical.
“I was interested in playing the accordion because I think it’s a really cool sounding instrument,” Daines said. “It’s very versatile with the types of music it can play.”
Daines works with the Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA) and periodically plays at their events. His teacher, Marilyn Zara, runs the association in addition to running her own orchestra. Daines will be joining this accordion orchestra in July for a competition.
Although it is not intended to be a secret, Daines said, “Nobody in this school has heard me play the accordion.” Daines said his unwavering love for the instrument does not rely on the approval of others. He simply plays for himself.
However, when given the opportunity to perform onstage, Daines never passes it up. Recently, Daines attended a CAA competition in Cheshire, Connecticut with his brother who played the tenor saxophone.
Very complimentary of his brother’s achievements, Jackson Daines ’16 understands the hard work that goes into playing the accordion. “I think it’s great. He is a dedicated musician and won’t stop until he is able to play something well,” Jackson Daines said.
Regardless, Nicholas Daines certainly does not have any worries about pursuing an unusual interest and is benefitting from everything it has to offer. According to the website Accordion Worldwide, benefits include “greater concentration, self confidence, creativity and self discipline.”
Most importantly, Daines says “playing it always makes me happy,” which to him is the greatest benefit.
When asked about future performances, Daines shrugged and said, “I don’t care much if my peers hear me play.”
What he knows for sure is that he will continue enjoying the “happy instrument that it is.”