JAVS Fall 1992

31

The Arizona Virtuoso Violas by DeeAnn Greene

otherwise be overshadowed by their other string counterparts. This year, a viola competition was added to the scheduled activities. Three cash prizes were awarded. VerRona Waddell, the first place winner, performed Alan Shulmans Theme and Variations for the noon recital. The second and third place winners were Sarah Chamberlin and Sara Lindsey. Another first for the Virtuoso Viola event was the addition of nationally known guest lecturer, Don Robertson, of Robertson's String Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Robertson discussed various functions and care of violas with each of the five master classes. Lecturers were geared to the age and ability level of the students. Young players delighted in seeing the inside of a viola for the first time while learning what a soundpost was. Older students learned about placement of the soundpost and how to treat unwanted problems such as wolftones. The growth of viola players in the communities of Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert, Arizona is indicated by the doubled enrollment of this year's event. Originated by Jill Osborne, the first event began three years ago with sixty violists. Excited parents flocked to this year's performance in record numbers. The Arizona Virtuoso Violas enthusiastically look forward to expanded state wide growth for their next annual event.

One hundred twenty Arizona violists performed a mass concert Saturday, 17 October 1992 for the Second Annual Virtuoso Viola Festival at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona. Sponsored by the Tempe Elementary School District, the event was coordinated by Arizona State University professor, Williams Magers, former Phoenix Symphony member, Patricia Cosand, a nd Tempe string specialist, Sally Pullen. The morning of festivities featured master classes, lectures, a viola competition, and a recital. Viola students ranged in ages from five years to high school and included nine students who flew in for the day from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Never before in Arizona have so many viola players gathered together. Jill Osborne, Katherine Black, Carol Reeves, Sherry Gordon, Jaime Johnson, Martha Hughes, and Margaret Haviland, were among the more than sixteen enthusiastic viola teachers who donated their time and talents to make the day possible. The common goals of these teachers was to bring young violists together and foster continued interest in the viola. Young violists enjoyed meeting and performing with fellow violists, learning more about the viola, and listening to fine viola performances. The Virtuoso Viola day filled a gap for these young musicians who might

BARITONE VIOLIN

AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CANADIAN VIOLA SOCIETY

MVlJIC !fO~ o/IOL~ THE COMPOSITIONS OF RICHARD LANE Qyartet for !Four'lJio[as (1978)

CVS 103 North Drive Islington, Ontario or Canada, M9A 4R5

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