Anyone hanging around the amphitheater lately may have witnessed an accordion player serenading other students. The one responsible for this unique lunchtime entertainment is sophomore Dominic Correa.

As the accordion is such an uncommon instrument to play in 2018, it’s no wonder people are fascinated with its appearance on the Diamond Bar High School campus. Correa normally has quite a crowd of curious listeners.

“When I was little, my family had gatherings where we would always play traditional hispanic music, Nortenos and Corridos [genres of Mexican music related to polka]. One of the instruments used in that music is the accordion,” Correa said. “So one day I thought: I want to play that.”

When he first saw his uncles play the drums, guitar, bass and keyboard, Correa knew he wanted to play alongside them. As a result, he saved up his allowance and celebration money in order to buy his own accordion. It cost him $500.  

Correa is self-taught, having learned to navigate the instrument without any formal lessons or tutoring. He started out listening to music and trying to figure out the notes on the accordion. From there he proceeded to watch videos on YouTube to help familiarize himself with the instrument.

Not only is he the first in his family to take up the accordion, but Correa is also the only accordion player in the DBHS Commercial Music program. Having learned how to play the instrument over this winter break, Correa is not an expert yet, but he does have a musical background. He started playing the electric bass when he was in eighth grade and joined the Commercial Music program this year.

“I might want to do something related to music in the future since we’re learning how to produce music right now,” Correa said. “But I’m still thinking about it. For now it’s still a hobby.”

While deciding what to do with his musical talents, Correa has been juggling his academics along with baseball, cross country and commercial music. He plans on continuing to play the accordion and electric bass in the future, whether recreationally or professionally, and is considering picking up the saxophone.

“Right now, I’m just trying to get my music teacher to let me do a song with my accordion for one of our performances,” Correa said. “She said she’d think about it.”