In Defense of Violas

The viola and its sound have gone from unquestioned and irrelevant to a controversial topic. As violas often play more harmonic, supporting parts in orchestras, they are often referred to as “silent.” This idea was amplified by a Leo joke issue article announcing that violas were to be banned from the Lakeside Middle School Orchestra. 

No matter your personal opinion on this musical affair, however, shouldn’t our ears get the final say on whether something is making a good sound? Luckily we have Lakeside’s very own pair of ears, Ms. J, to amplify violas' voices louder than ever.

Q: What do you actually think about the viola?

A: I think the viola has a beautiful sound, and I think it is a beautiful combination of the sounds of the violin and the sounds of the cello. I think it is an underappreciated instrument.

Q: What do you think of the volume violists play?

A: The violas can be harder to hear in an ensemble because of their range, which is why I ask my viola players to play out.

Q: Why do you think people like to put down violists? 

A: I’m not sure, to be honest. 

Q: When do you think the viola started being joked about?

A: Probably recently. By recently, I mean in the past 50 years, but I don’t know for sure.

Q: What do you have to say to the anti-violist Lakesiders?

A: Here are some things that people might not know: Violin is my main instrument, but I played viola in a string quartet. And, I recently performed a recital with Dr. Ekpo on the viola. Since I play the viola, I’m definitely a fan of the viola.

Q: Why do you think composers don’t write as much music for the viola as they do violins and cellos?

A: Violas aren’t as flashy. Violins like to be the center of attention, but violas don’t. They’re old souls.

So, anti-violists, don’t start celebrating just because your violin teacher had a little interview in a little joke issue degrading violas. In fact, you may want to pay a little more attention to who’s present when you crack your barbed jokes, because Ms. J isn’t the All-Violinist teacher you thought she was. Us violists can only be suppressed for so long…