JAVS Fall 2024

From the Editor

Dear friends and fellow viola lovers,

We also are thrilled to feature several reviews of recordings by women composers performed by women violists. This historic lineup fell as naturally as the winds of fall bellow through the trees, as Tallā Rouge, Molly Gebrian, Daphne Gerling, and Rose Wollman’s albums cascaded onto my desk together. These contributions not only highlight the incredible talent of female musicians but celebrate the diverse voices that enrich our musical history, reminding us that progress is not only about individual achievement but also about collective growth. As we embrace the changes and advancements in our society, it is important to remember those who have shaped a special featured journey and made progression possible. In this issue, the love and adoration for professor and performer Roger Myers is shared in our “In Memoriam.” Roger’s passion for the viola and his commitment to his students is truly telling in the stories shared. As we reflect on the shared memories, I hope you are able to draw inspiration and remember that it is our past that provides us with the foundation upon which we can build our future. The transition from summer to fall invites us to reflect, perhaps a bit more, on the ebb and flow of change in our lives and in our community. As we shift into this new season, I hope you remain open to change, celebrate your achievements, and welcome the opportunity for collaboration and growth.

As the warm hues of summer gradually succumb to the rich, warm vibrancy of fall, we find ourselves once again in a season of change—a time of transition that naturally encourages us to reflect on both what has passed and what is ahead. The natural world teaches

us that transformation is a crucial part of growth, and it is a lesson that resonates deeply with me and within our community through the ongoing evolution of the American Viola Society. As it so happened, this Fall issue of the Journal of the American Viola Society fell into place much like the leaves of fall to show the many colorful progressions happening around us. At the heart of our issue, we are thrilled to share the 2023 Second Prize David Dalton Research Competition winning paper, which showcases the extraordinary talent of Xue Ding, an up-and coming scholar and advocate of the viola. Scholarship is more important today than ever, not only to maintain adaptability and relatability in a profession, but to document our history, explore our roots, and question the limitations we place on ourselves. We are so grateful to all emerging scholars who choose to submit to the David Dalton Competition, as it is you who will continue the legacy of the viola for generations to come.

Until we meet again, happy practicing, friends!

Very respectfully,

Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc

Join the American Viola Society Your membership supports the viola community through performance, education, research, mentoring, publishing, commissioning new works and more. www.americanviolasociety.org/Join.php

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 40, No. 2, Fall 2024

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