My Wondrous Life as a Violist

A Violist Playing the IV Violin Part (Part 2)

         After weeks (and months) of not attending orchestra rehearsals, the once MIA violist finally decides to show up. Let's call him, Aaron. From what I've experienced, he misses so many rehearsals that the members (and even the conductor) jokes about him being, "dead." I'm glad that he's a decent viola player. While rehearsing the 1st Movement of Vivaldi's Concerto in b minor for Four Violins the first time (that day), I notice him pausing every now and then. Even so, I admire how he tries to join back in after messing up. Afterwards, he tells me, "You're amazing [or something like that]." I'm taken aback by this compliment and quietly reply with a, "Thank you." I felt ecstatic and tried to hide my smile the best I could. It's not every day that you get a positive comment from a(n) (intermediate-advanced) violist that's (probably) five years older than you.

         As we move on to the Waltz, he asks me, "You can read with the treble clef?" Of course, I wanted to explain how I can read the G clef,  just slowly. I also wanted to add that I still have numerous aspects to improve on (such as playing with the written tempo, intonation, ect.). But I only stuttered a barely audible, confused, "Uuuumm... y-yes?" I wanted to repeatedly bang my head against the wall, but we were (supposed to be) rehearsing the Waltz. I ended up dropping out after about 8 measures since the tempo they were playing was much faster than I imagined. The other violist stood there, trying to follow where the rest were playing. Afterwards, orchestra rehearsal ended and we all left the room.

~Next Time in Part 3 of Orchestra Rehearsal~

         As expected, the other violist doesn't show up. To make the situation worse, the violinist who plays the IV violin part for the Concerto (who shall be called, Kaori) is also not here. How will I make it through this rehearsal without guidance and reassurance from Kaori?! Oh the amount of rests in the 1st and 3rd Movements of Vivaldi's Concerto is frustrating (but that's just going to be another reason why I should work harder). To be continued...