Hey all!
Happy Viola Selfie Day! This isn’t quite a selfie, but it is one of my favorite pictures, so it works! My name is Rochelle, and I am 19 year old music education major. As a music Ed, I play a vast array of instruments, but viola is my absolute favorite!
I began playing viola in fourth grade, after hearing my future teacher play “Hedwig’s Theme” from the Harry Potter series. I, as a Harry Potter fanatic, thought that was the coolest thing on the planet, and wanted to learn this instrument, so I could play my favorite tune. I soon grew to love the rich and dark tones of the viola, and decided to stick with the instrument for other reasons, other than my childish ones. I have played Viola for ten years now, and have played in a couple different orchestras around my home state. Most recently, I played in an orchestra for a university student’s piano recital in April (Moszkowski’s concerto for piano and orchestra accompaniment op. 59, and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16). I also enjoy playing in pit orchestras. I have so far played in Aida (viola), Jesus Christ Superstar (viola and French Horn){one of my favorite pits btws}, and The Music Man (Violin).
I am hoping to transfer to a better university in the fall to better pursue my dreams of being a strings teacher, as well as being a professional string player. It’s kind of scary because it’s going to be totally different from what I know. I also will be around people who will be equally as talented, or better. I will also have professors that know music that I can hope to learn from. It’s kind of a nervous-excitement, I suppose!
I am currently working on Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 for Viola for my audition! I might use another piece, but I’m not really sure what I should play. If anyone has suggestions, I am willing to listen!
I don’t have a name for my viola, but maybe… Margaret? Adeline? The one in the picture is my student viola that I love dearly that got me through middle school and high school, but I have grown since then, and am in need of a new one. I am using a viola from my current University, which has a lovely sound. I threw some Thomastik Infeld Vision Strings at it, and—oh boy—did that do the trick! I might have to fight my University to buy and keep this Viola.
Well, I think that’s all, so Happy Viola Selfie Day to all!!! 😁
