Video: PS 203Q Accordions “La Donna E Mobile” and “Can-Can”

Joe De Clemente (Papa Joe) shares: “The The Oakland Gardens School, PS203Q Accordion Band, in Queens, New York presently has 17 Elementary School students lined up for their Accordion Band; however, there is a waiting list of about 20 more students who want to be a part of the accordion school band this year (which is absolutely fantastic news). So I am sending out this message as a plea for some 12 Bass Accordion to be donated to the school.”

“Papa Joe” De Clemente, who lives in Queens, New York, was brought up in an Italian family environment and started playing the accordion at the young age of nine years old in 1956.  He was interested in playing because he used to visit his relatives, the IORIO’s, who manufactured accordions in NYC, as far back as 1907.  Joe has performed in numerous venues and loves to entertain people.  He is also a member of the Long Island Accordion Alliance.  

Joe DeClemente volunteers once a week early in the morning to assist the music teacher, Linda Holcomb, at an elementary school music program at Public-school 203Q, in Bayside, Queens which may be one of the only elementary schools in the five boroughs of New York City that has a student accordion band. Linda, a wonderful and dedicated music teacher, is very enthusiastic about the accordion.The school started their accordion band fifteen years ago. They meet once a week, at the beginning of the school day to practice various songs that they will perform throughout the year. Papa Joe volunteers his time to join the students for rehearsals and he inspires them to be better accordionists. Among the many things he does for them, he also fixes their accordions!

Joe shares his love for the accordion, “To me, music has been a language that crosses all barriers, speaking to all people and bringing joy to those who listen. The box has been my pal for over 60 years and I am glad the Lord gave me this special gift.”

The school started their accordion band fifteen years ago. They meet once a week, at the beginning of the school day to practice various songs that they will perform throughout the year. “We enjoy performing for concerts and events in our school, and we love taking our show on the road, into our community,” says Holcomb. Last December, the group braved the frigid weather and played holiday songs outdoors for the Bayside Hills community holiday lighting celebration. They also entertained at the Clearview Senior Center located in that same area.

Linda Holcomb adds, “Performing for nursing homes and Senior Centers brings such joy to the people there. They love to see the children play their accordions. Our students always come home from those trips so excited, having experienced how their music can really be a blessing to others.”

 If you know of anyone who has a 12 Bass Accordion that is not being used, please have them contact me. Help me to promote the accordion in a NYC Public School. Let the Accordion play on 🎶🎶

For further information:
Joedeclemente@yahoo.com
“Papa Joe” De Clemente
Cell: 516-946-0198