Orchestra!

Last night I made my debut as a violist in the Claremont Concert Orchestra. This year we have 12 violas! Which is good since we are playing Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique and the Faure Requiem - both heavy on low strings. Yay, violas! I really enjoyed myself in my new position. First of all, I'm much closer to the front, so I can see the conductor better. Second of all, I am having so much fun playing the viola. I love the challenge of the new clef which I think is keeping my brain exercised. Also, viola music isn't quite as fast as violin music, nor do we shift so very much.

I made one gaffe, though. I knew, but didn't really register, that the violas and cellos are opposite the violins in regards to who is on the inside and outside of the stand. The reason that this matters is that there are certain tasks that are relegated to which side of the stand you sit on. Inside players play the bottom notes in any divided sections, with the outside player performing the top notes. Inside players turn the page. I was sitting inside, but thought it was outside, until my stand partner made some sort of comment and I realized my mistake.

I am very happy to be playing in an ensemble again after a year off.