My Wondrous Life as a Violist

My Third Year Playing the Viola

              This year in Instrumental was AMAZING. Even though the "Advanced" Instrumentalists (3+ years of playing an instrument) was combined with the Intermediate (I'm pretty sure I don't need to explain), the year was really interesting. First of all, there were only 4 students in the Advanced Instrumental and about 15 students for Intermediate. My friend, the "not half bad" one, transferred to another school. My other friend said something about him moving to Australia (or something like that). Anyways, it was me (the only advanced violist) and my 3 other friends (who were going to leave me to join Choir!). Fortunately, Choir and Instrumental were rearranged on different days so they got to join both activities.

           I really wanted to challenge myself more this year. So, I'd ask my music teacher for some difficult pieces to play. She pointed to some in the beginner's book. Of course, I practiced them every day. Soon, there were no more pieces left for me to play. Then, one of the most surprising events happened... SHE GAVE ME SEPARATE MUSIC SHEETS TO PLAY!!!!!!!! It was, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, arranged by Larry Moore. On a side note, that music sheet was from her Orchestra class, for the 7th and 8th graders (the one I'm in right now)! The other students already left the music room. So when I happily walked to class, I put on the brightest grin I have ever expressed when I saw my best friend (she was one of the violinists) and I let her saw it. I then quickly got back in my seat.

            Back then, I didn't know what eighth notes were--heck, I didn't even know what staccatos were and I played a song cover using that articulation. So, I didn't learn how to play Rolling in the Deep based on the sheet music. This was because 1) I didn't understand what 50% of it meant, and 2) It was mainly harmony; I wanted a melody, but no one was able to play it. Instead, I searched up on Youtube for the piano synthesia version of the song (I know, it's awful that I couldn't read the actual piano sheet music, but at least I can now) and played the melody (I knew the keys, though). During the next Instrumental rehearsal, I showed my music teacher my interpretation of  Rolling in the Deep (I used the version I watched on YT as a guide, not copy). She said I could play it for a solo. I chose to play a different song instead. This other song (more like a selection) was called, "He's a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean. This was the viola cover when I played the opening with staccatos on the C string, playing a D. I was honestly shocked that she agreed to let me play a song that was separate from the book we used in class for a solo.

~Evening School Concert~

           Before my solo, my music teacher introduced the audience (of the 5th and 6th graders) to me. It was sort of funny when the students reacted surprisingly after my teacher announced that I would be performing a selection from Pirates of the Caribbean (like I hoped they would). Additionally, I found it so heartwarming when the other students on the stage corrected the teacher after she pronounced my surname incorrectly. Anyways, I (thankfully) played the song with tiny, minor mistakes (I was still content with my performance). When I finished, the applauding was louder than usual (which made me smile). Afterwards, some students commented  on how great my solo was. I guess the feeling of spreading joy is another reason why I love playing music.

~Night Concert~

          Unlike the evening concert, the night concert was way worse. During the earlier concert, I decided to not play the staccatos, feeling like I'd mess up if I did so. Even though I could've messed up if I did include them, I played them for the night concert. I remember all the squeaking and treacherous intonation mistakes. All I could think of was, "Hey, that's my Ashley's brother in the audience. I hope to make a good impression." Then I see his calm, solemn face with his harsh glare (well, that's what it looked like). I then get a weak applaud (probably since the majority of the audience are parents; they must've not liked Pirates of the Caribbean :p ). At least I think I regained some pride after my 3rd solo (yeah that's right, I had 2 other solos). I played that one with better intonation and tone. I was pleased after that.

~Bonus~

"Hey RandomAnimeFan, did you see my brother at the concert last night?"

"Yes, I felt awful because his expression seemed so serious and bored."

"*laughs* He was just surprised because he used to play the viola."

"Oh." I guess I worried for nothing.

A/N: Alright! Another story completed right after finishing the previous. I felt terrible after writing a boring story, so I immediately began this one. It's 1:33AM now T _ T

P.S. I didn't know what to call myself, so I used my username (in that Bonus part)