Violin, viola students get a chance to learn from Virginia Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra held a master class for Eastern Shore violin and viola students at the Hermitage on the Eastern Shore in Onancock.

Amanda Gates, assistant concertmaster for the orchestra, gave pointers to 10 music students — from beginners to advanced students — who study at ESO Arts Center in Belle Haven under instructor Amy Betit.

For several students, it was their first time playing before an audience.

"I am thrilled to be here today. I really enjoy teaching and mentoring young violinists and young string players," said Gates.

Starting with the parts of a violin and how to stand while playing it, Gates' instructional advice also included ways to quiet one's nerves when playing in front of an audience.

The Jan. 29 class was sponsored by the Arts Council of the Eastern Shore, The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Violin playing is "very much a fine motor skills activity," Gates told one beginning student.

The first thing she talks about with new students who are just starting to take violin lessons is how to hold the instrument, Gates said.

"The aim is to get them comfortable with holding the violin," she told the audience.

Along with the music lessons, Gates taught students performance protocol, including how to take a bow.

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Jesse McCaleb arrived with a different instrument from the other students — a viola.

The viola is somewhat larger than a violin, and according to Gates is "an awesome instrument — you get that deep, rich sound."

"It happened to be Mozart's favorite instrument," she said.

Gates described the violin as "mainly a melodic instrument. It's intended to imitate the voice...The bow is the breath...The violin wants to sing."

As each student took the stage, the other students and audience members, including Hermitage residents and others, also got to listen in to the lessons, which included solos, duets and ensemble playing.

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