OK. So, I can't even play my violins as much as I would like to because as some of you know, it hurts my back to do so........yet for some reason I have become drawn towards the mysterious cult of violists that exists on this forum, and I am about to order myself a Gliga Gama viola from Liz!

What is happening? Why do the viola players seem to outnumber the violinists? There's definitely something strange going on......is it that the alto clef hypnotises people? I can't wait to find out!!

YAY! *grin* *evillaugh*

Oh No!!!! It's happening to oboebunny now.

You can resist you know...its hard, but possible. Join the AA (Altos Anonymous) like me...

"Hello I'm Janexxx and I am seriously tempted to learn alto clef and buy a viola...please help me to resist"

Fortunately I only have a viola case so far...but I very nearly bought a bow this afternoon, just to be ready.

.....There's no way to resist.......I'm being lured by the mellow alto-clef loveliness.......ahhhhhhh!!!

I'm very keen to the the Grade One Challenge, and as I think my signature says, I fully intend to do the Postman Pat theme tune (although do you think the examiners would mark me down for taking the p!ss?)

BTW Monty approves of you having "honorary cat status"! You're the only friend of mine he's ever allowed to snuggle him

Jane, you have a case for a viola but no viola??! What are you like??!


I felt the honour, I assure you

Excellent, another violist.


Methinks it won't be long now. That case must look so empty without a gorgeous, deep resonant viola inside.

I'll explain about the case so I don't look quite so nutty
I needed to take 2 violins, and a suitcase, with me on a train, and I thought if I got a double case it would be one less thing to carry. And then I thought if I got a double violin / viola case, I could pad it out to take two violins, and it would be "ready" for when I eventually succumb to all this temptation of a viola. (You see I know it is inevitable...maybe it will be a present to myself when I get this grade 5.)

Hmmmm...well it made sense at the time.

Then today, after an earlier thread with PV, I found myself browsing bows on the Arcus site, and thinking if I got a viola it would make sense to get an Arcus bow as that's what I use for my violin..and found myself checking prices for viola bows. Oh dear!!!!!

Hmmm, well it's flimsy, but it's an excuse

No need to explain, it's perfectly reasonable to want a viola.

I don't want one.


*sneaks back out of viva strings*

Well I'll have to buy a viola now cos I've just ordered some viola music books!!!! I'm getting Time Pieces Volume 1, and Starters for Viola. It looks like they'll give me a nice range of pieces to choose from for the Grade 1 Challenge

After a day of listening to 10 year olds on squeaking E strings, going home and playing the viola literally gives my ears a rest. A welcome relief

AmandaL, I see you play the violin, viola, cello and oboe too.........don't be scared but I think I want to be you!!!

If you're as nutty as a fruit cake, you'll be fine!

Ooh you must let me know what the first one is like, I've got the second one and it is good.

I quite liked Time Pieces for Viola 1 when I used it. There was a real variety of styles in that book!

In our wee orchestra, the violists, and aspirant violists( hoping to escape from the violins) outnumber the violins. We have T shirts with ," Violas.the Brains of the Orchestra " printed on them.There is even a small viola section in the junior orchestra, and I've just bought my wee one a half size viola, and have left it lying around , looking alluring!!!!

Someone shoot me.......I ordered the wrong size viola from Liz!!! The 14" viola she sent me arrived today.....it's beautiful, but too small. So, it's got to go back, and I'll have to wait for her to get a 15" one to send to me.

I'm frustrated at myself, but I guess I'll appreciate it all the more when it arrives! Anyhoo I have oboe scales to learn and a lot of real life work to do today so it's good not to have the temptation to spend time with a new viola! Also, the viola music I ordered hasn't arrived yet, so it's not meant to be. Yet

My lovely new viola bow was bought and paid for yesterday so that should arrive sometime this week. I can't wait!

We aren't a cult!

Bought a new viola the other day. French.. 1897.... 14 and a 1/2".... its love

Oooohhhh....Jealous

Oooh that sounds beautiful, you lucky thing!