JAVS Spring 2006

Oklahoma

"Co Ahead - Step in the ('ow Pies! and Other Tmportant Advice for a Lifetime Career in Chamber Music. " She to ld about some of her experi ences and then opened the floor to questions; a lively exchange followed . T ime passed roo quickly and it was time for the final even t of the even ing: a concert ofViola music, including the Oklahoma C ity U niversity Viola Ensemble. The concert ended the scheduled events, but many people were not ready tO say good-bye. Several of the participants met at a nearby Viemamese resraurant for dinner and conversation. T his was a great day of information, music, and renewed friendships from across the state. We are looking forward to the nexr Oklahoma Viola Event. See you there!

Puchhammer-Sedillot drew a rich , gorgeous tone from her Ovington vio la, and performed all these works with a sensitivity untroubled by the frequent vi rtuos i.c demands. For more information about these and our orher activities, visit the New York V iola Society's website: www. nyvs.org.

O klal1oma Viola Day on January 28 was a fun, informative, and event-fill ed day held o n The OlJahoma C ity U niversity cam pus.The first even t was a master class with Julia Adams. She lis tened to and coached six students from across Oklahoma. T he musi cal selections ranged from the J .C. Bach c.:rmcerto to a movement of Hindemith's Schwanendreher. As a group we were reminded of rhe beauty and power of our viola in solo performance through Julia's expert advice and insigh t. The Mas ter C lass was followed by an hou r of Alexander Technique ftci l itated by Robert Britton. He helped us to become aware of our correct posture and how posture can effect our playing. Afrer lunch, Oklahoma Strings owner Joe Gueva ra (vio list of course) and lu thier David Rivinus displayed various violas from sever al different makers. T here were small vio las, ergonomic violas, and even an electric vio la!! We all had a chance to play on the instruments. David Rivinus not on ly had his viola on display, hut also gave us a short lecture on rhe "Origin of the Viola." Next , Phil Lowry con ducted a play- in. Some of the pieces were o ld and some were brand new. We read a piece by the new compositi on teacher from the University of Oklahoma, Rob Deemer. It was great fun to hear so many violas together!

- Kenneth johnson

Ohio

The O hio V iola Society welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors in the Fall. Peter Slowik and Karen Ritscher, both of the Oberlin ConservatOry, have agreed to accept member-at-large positions. Add itionally, Karen has agreed tO helm the 2006 OVS Solo competi - tion. We are ext remely thankful to both of them. April 2, 2006. Lucki ly, O hio abounds in violistic excellence, with a large number of excellent schools and teachers, and a bur geoning crop of young players! Our competition is open to OVS members who are residents of rhe stare of O hio o r who attend school in the state. We aga in w ill offer pri zes in three divisions, segrega ted by age: undergraduate college stu dencs, high school students, and those under age 13. A full report of the competition will appear in the next JAYS. Speaking of the competition, it is our next big even t, scheduled for

- Adct Sewell

Rocky Mountains

- Laura Kuennen-Poper

UC-8 Coflege mentor Brian Miller works with younger students on the Lawn.

JLdia Adam s ro unded out the after- noon with an open forum tided

_ JOURNAL or. THE AMERICAN VIOLA SOC I ETY 64