This week let’s meet the Violas. Front-row-left is Chelsea, a long-time member of Citywide Symphony. She started her musical training in classical viola, but about 10 years ago added jug band and jazz-style playing. She’s also a really good swing dancer, you can find her dancing at the Green Mill in Uptown or Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen. Front-row-right is Sharon. She played in her college orchestra in Florida. Back-row-left is Kirk. Kirk found the viola to be his Goldilocks instrument. He started in violin but found it too small as it cramped his hands and arms—but cello seemed much too big—viola was just right. Back-row-right is Ross. Ross dabbled in violin first as well, but in 5th grade, his conductor persuaded him to take up viola instead (he still has an inkling to try out the cello, though). He was also a piano major in college. He’s currently a French teacher at New Trier.
Ross is in good company, as we have a good many French speakers in our community orchestra. If you get to Rex’s Tavern on the right night, you might just find a whole table of folks conversing en francais.
Interested in Joining?
The CWSO is open to any musicians who want to play—no auditions needed! Learn more about joining and come to the Jefferson Memorial Fieldhouse on Monday evenings to join us at rehearsal.
Chicago City-Wide Symphony Orchestra 