JAVS Summer 2026

From the President

Dear Viola Lovers and Friends, Happy summer! I hope this issue of the JAVS finds you enjoying the gifts of the season, whether spending time with family, relaxing with a good book, getting outdoors for a swim or hike, or practicing and performing at a festival. The AVS team is still buzzing with excitement from the thrilling and highly

volunteers, and staff has streamlined operations, increasing both productivity and institutional continuity. Our financial position is stronger than ever, and we are well positioned for continued stability and growth. At the same time, our team continues to build enduring professional partnerships and collaborations that extend our reach, deepen our impact, and open new avenues for service and innovation within our vibrant viola community. With the steadfast support of our members and partners, the future of the AVS is exceptionally bright! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting me to lead our organization during such a dynamic and rewarding time. It has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life. I look forward to seeing the AVS reach new heights under the leadership of our incoming President, Daphne Gerling, and our outstanding Board. I will remain a lifelong AVS member, cheering enthusiastically for all that lies ahead. I invite you to join me!

successful 2026 AVS Festival this past June at James Madison University. Heartfelt thanks to those of you who joined us in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley to celebrate our beloved instrument and community. Please mark your calendar for June 2028 as we plan our next AVS Festival at Northern Illinois University, with additional special events to be announced in Chicago! When I first discovered the AVS by paging through issues of the JAVS in my middle school teacher’s living room, I never imagined that I might one day serve in a leadership role within our organization. It feels especially meaningful, then, that my final communication as President appears here – a true “full circle” moment. As I conclude my term and prepare to transition into the role of Past President, I reflect with deep gratitude on the many gifts I have received through my membership and service to the AVS: the tangible gifts of support, education, and community, as well as the less tangible but equally profound gifts of inspiration and motivation. I am honored to have helped guide our organization through a period of growth, strength, and expanding relevance. Together, our team of extremely dedicated board members, Advertiser Index Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions. . . . . . . ....... 80 AVS History & Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 73 Carriage House Violins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................. 73 David Dalton Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 6, 63 Journal of the American Viola Society . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... 10 Moes & Moes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

With warmest thanks and best wishes,

Ames Asbell AVS President (2023-2026)

Pirastro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................ BC Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...........IFC San Jose State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 79 Sixth Generation Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ 40 V Richelieu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 30 William Harris Lee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................... 74

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue