Last Legs of the Viol-a-thon

June 26, 2009 at 3:48 AM

I have been formally accused of being a "viola-diva".

This weekend brings my viol-a-thon near to its end. I have a dress rehearsal Friday then the concert on Sunday. This will be the shortest preparation leading upto a concert I've ever had before - only 2 rehearsals before the concert. I'm now starting to understand what Joel and other performance professionals do for a living. This summer is turning out to be grueling musically speaking, but I'm loving every second of it.

After this weekend comes rehearsals to play the Handel Sonata for two violas at the church. I've prepped for this on my own time and during lessons, but now comes the time to rehearse with the pianist / harpsicordist. After that concert is prepping myself for Interlochen's Adult Chamber Music Camp. I am looking forward to attending it this year more so than last year - Joel and I will meet up for the first time since I moved to Texas. I miss him both as both a teacher and a friend. I fear that my musicianship has slid a bit since my last lesson with him.... day job demands. Either way, it will still be fun to catch-up with each other and have my counting and bowing skills come under expert scrutiny.

In a few short weeks, it will be time for orchestra season to start again. Luckily , we will be performing pieces that I've played before at least once - the Moldau and Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Symphony. Each of which comes with technical challenges on their own, but fun to play.

Somehow amongst this all, I must still keep up on my "Bach by 40" goal. There is only a little more than one year remaining...

From Dimitri Adamou
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 3:00 PM

I'm sure you'll reach your goals hun! Your doing what many people talk about wanting to do :)

Good luck with your concert!

It sounds like you've been having a blast! Haha, thats whats most important I'd say.

From Tess Z
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 4:45 AM

Mendy...you're just a baby yet. Forty isn't old, it's the new twenty-eight.

How is your new job? Are you feeling settled in and adjusting to the weather change? What about your new viola teacher...is he working out well for you?

From Mendy Smith
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 6:48 AM

Tess - lovin' the new job. Lovin' the weather (yes, I'm a southern gal and like this heat and humidity). New viola teacher is working out well. Each week brings a greater understanding of each other like I knew it would. Life is active and busy. I made a new best friend who also happens to by my stand-partner-in-crime and piano teacher. Life is good.

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Last Legs of the Viol-a-thon

Subscribe

Laurie's Books