Violists—may be the “Rodney Dangerfields” of musicians—they often get no respect. But Monday viola enthusiasts gathered at the CMU School of Music for a day filled with music and camaraderie at the fourth annual “Viola Day.”
The CMU School of Music was the place to be for a group of musicians who are not often in the spotlight. But on this special day, violists were in their glory!
Dr. Alicia Valoti, assistant professor of viola at CMU, welcomed more than 20 students, teachers, and players of all ages and skill levels from around the state--to Viola Day.
“So Viola Day is a really important day because there are not so many violas in the world and there are not co many violas in the world of Michigan. But we have managed to find quite a few of them, and getting all together and creating this kind of community and playing in an ensemble where everyone has their own voice, but we are all kind of working together—that’s really really important to us. And so that’s why I really think that Viola Day is always something special to look forward to.”
After a full day spent listening, learning, rehearsing and making new friends, an ensemble of violists presented a concert for the public. Viola Day was just the first in a series of similar special events at CMU that include Double Reed Day, Jazz Weekend, String Day and Brass Day.
For more information about upcoming events at the CMU School of Music, visit music.cmich.edu.
