JAVS Fall 2020

their practice and playing along the way, as I did. It is possible to enjoy the viola well into maturity and, as Julie mentioned, “contribute to the overall quality of life”! That is the promise of those who came before us. And, as we lead longer, healthier lives, playing into our maturity is the hope we give to those violists who will follow us. I believe I will know when it is time to close my case. Until then I will continue to enjoy my viola and share my music. It won’t be by memory though! Yet, it is comforting that I know the music well enough to play from my heart! Now retired, “Dr. Tom” Tatton enjoys sharing his love of music through performing, by giving occasional clinics and workshops and doing some judging. A former AVS Board member and president (1994-1998) he remains active helping to provide opportunities for violists in both the AVS and the Northern California Viola Society. Dr. Tom and his wife Polly live on the beautiful coast of central California. Notes 1 Violist Karen Ritscher is recognized internationally as a leading pedagogue and performer. Based in New York City she currently teaches at the Manhattan School of Music and New York University. 2 Thomas Tatton, “Bach Violoncello Suites Arranged for Viola: Available Editions Annotated”, Journal of the American Viola Society , Volume 27, Summer 2011 Online issue: 5. Yikes! I’m 76 and still in love with my viola!

3 One fun clinic is: “Bach, How Suite It Is.” I have a chance to share my understanding of Bach and his Suites, pick a suite then talk about and play each of the movements. 4 Aleve. 5 John Newton, Amazing Grace, arr. by Samuel Stokes, 2016; Jay Unger, Ashokan Farewell, arr. by Calvin Custer, Swinging Door Music, 1983; Franz Schubert, Ave Maria , arr. by Doris Preucil, Suzuki Viola School, Volume 7, Summy-Birchard, 2000. 6 Thomas Tatton, “Effective Practice Techniques”, American String Teacher , Spring 1997: 57; and Thomas Tatton, “Guide to Home Practice for String Orchestra Students and Their Directors” CMEA Magazine , vol. 47 #2 Summer 2012: 15. 7 May 11, 2019. 8 Today it’s called mindfulness 9 Stray thoughts. 10 Julie Howard, MSG, Director of Residency Development and Communications, Villaggio, San Luis Obispo (MSG = Master of Science in Gerontology). 11 www.ncbi.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3503892 12 www.news.usc.edu/142450/distracted-older-adults/

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 36, No. 2, Fall 2020