My orchestra only has one viola player and I made the mistake of saying that I play the viola but am only a beginner and eventually I would like to play viola instead of clarinet in the orchestra, somehow I've been pursuaded to play viola ... like now, starting strings rehearsal on Thursday

I've got all the music at home and been really practising (it doesn't seem too bad actually, having to change positions for the first time though ) at least I have time to practise and get things right(ish!!) before orchestra next week.

Wish me luck ...

Nicia

think about it this way--you're already second chair viola, and you didn't even have to audition ;-)

That sounds great, sometimes it's good to live on the edge a bit!

I'm sure you'll be fine!

I know In one way its very exciting in another it's just scary

...but I love playing viola and eventually I would actually like it to be my "1st" instrument, just took to it so well, this should hopefully get me to a beter standard quicker and I'll have fun in the process

Brill Nicia, go for it

Look forward to hearing how you get on!

All the best to you Nicia

Have fun Nicia, and the very best of luck to you!

Having moved the other way in an orchestra from strings (violin) to woodwind (oboe), albeit with a twenty-five year gap, I have to say that playing in the two different sections is a different experience. My oboe playing is better than my violin playing ever was but I think playing a string instrument in an orchestra is easier than playing a wind one.

Thanks all

Had last concert as a clarinettist tonight!! Strings sectional on Thursday!

How exciting (and not silly at all) - do let us know how it goes on Thursday.

Good luck! Hope you enjoy it!

Will do

As I've only been playing two months it's a little bit silly maybe !!

If you can play the notes on the viola and know them then you should be fine. Just practice lots. I can already play my grade 1 pieces relitivly well and I've only been playing little over a week. I don't start lessons till tuesday. So anything is possible.

Try playing bass in a Beethoven symphony.

Good luck! I think you're rather brave. I've only ever experienced playing violin in an orchestra and some of those parts were pretty scary! This isn't the same orchestra that you were really pleased about getting a place to play clarinet only a few weeks back though is it?

Yes it is I've decided to concentrate on jazz and contemporary classical on clarinet.

Well you're certainly brave!

Liz

Not at all silly, definitely brave, and will probably speed up your progress a lot.
For what it's worth I found it harder to play in a string section of an orchestra than the woodwind because I found I couldn't hear myself properly and intonation was really difficult. However, it made me a more confident player and sightreader, and was a good experience generally.
Have fun!
N