Published: 8/4/2019 9:52:15 PM
ATHOL – James Duteau, Jr. of Orange could not have predicted that during his internship at the Athol Daily News he would receive an accordion lesson from an HVAC technician.
While at the Daily News office to replace a 30-year old compressor last month, Austen Kruse of Uxbridge, who works for Gervais Plumbing & Heating of Auburn, had time to kill waiting for a vacuum to clear the system, and happened to have an accordion with him. He started a conversation with Duteau which led to an impromptu lesson just outside the front door of the business office.
Duteau remained focused, studying and playing each note explained patiently by Kruse who told him it’s just like playing the piano.
Kruse, a self-taught musician who also plays the guitar, piano and harp, said he’s played his accordion while on the job at nursing homes and wishes he had more time to play for people.