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Reese's Pieces: On The Lighter Side

April 1, 2008 at 8:15 PM

A Humorous Experience

I don't often have the opportunity to play the viola, but every once in awhile the opportunity will present itself. I can remember the first time I ever picked up a viola to try was in a music store a number of years ago. At that point, I had already been playing the violin for several years, and so in picking up the viola, I just made a few ajustments in my fingering and I was off and running.
As I was playing, a small crowd began to gather to listen to me and after I had finished the short piece that I was playing, they commented that I must have played for a very long time. Of course I couldn't resist telling them that that was the first time I had ever picked up the instrument in my life. Of course their jaws dropped in hearing this, and I got a chuckle out of it. Afterward I explained that I was a violinist and that the viola was very similar to the violin in many ways and that was why I was able to play it. It was quite a funny experience.

What did you play?
It must have been a really magic moment to hear someone just pick up an instrument and play. Somehow I still think that people who can play the violin-viola are somehow not from this planet--I am still transfixed hearing an impromptu concert!
What a fun experience for all!
Hahaha, hilarious anecdote, made me laugh, thanks for sharing.