Announcing the 2024 Texas State ViolaFest!

The Texas State Viola Studio is thrilled to announce our Second Annual Texas State ViolaFest on Saturday, September 7, 2024!

Please click here to register!
Extra t-shirts have been ordered, and registration will remain open through Saturday. Onsite registration will be available.

Join us for a day full of viola, learning, friends, and fun! Violists age 11 and up are invited to participate in a full day of sessions including warm-up and technique classes, TMEA All-State prep sessions (grades 9-12 only), special topics classes, and masterclasses. Everyone will also play in a viola ensemble appropriate to their level which will rehearse during the day and perform in the final recital.

Registration is just $25 for the full day and includes a t-shirt and pizza lunch. Please register by Friday, August 30 to ensure you get your desired t-shirt size. (NOTE: If you are unable to attend due to the registration fee, please email viola@txstate.edu for reduced registration.)

If you are interested in playing in a masterclass, please register by Friday, August 23 and indicate with whom you would like to work. A recommendation from your teacher will be required, and a $25 masterclass fee (in addition to registration) will apply. Piano accompaniment is not required, and will not be provided.

Faculty:
Lenny Schranze – University of Memphis & Interlochen Arts Camp
Daphne Gerling – University of North Texas
Kathryn Steely – Baylor University
Ames Asbell – Texas State University
Ruben Balboa – Southwestern University
Stephanie Phillips – Improvisation & Composition
Dwight Pounds – American Viola Society Historian
Sara Driver – Driver String Studio
and more!

Schedule:

8:45-9:15 – Registration/check-in

9:15 – Welcome and orientation

9:30 – Ensemble warm-up/rehearsal

10:15 – All-State Prep and Special Topics classes

11:00 – Technique Classes

12:00 – Pizza lunch, faculty Q&A

1:00 – Technique Classes

2:00 – Masterclasses

2:45 – Special Topic Classes
3:30 – Ensemble Rehearsal

4:30 – Break/Recital set-up

5:00 – Closing Recital, Evans Auditorium

Special topics classes include:
TMEA All-Region/All-State Preparation
Body Use and Setup for Violists
Warmups for every level
Improve Your Sightreading
Improvisation for Violists
Effective Practice Strategies
Using Creative Imagery to Enhance Technique and Performance
…and much more!

Viola Ensembles we will play this year are a tribute to legendary violist-composer Michael Kimber!

Advanced ensembles – Dancing Viola Suite
Intermediate Ensemble – Traveling Music
Early Ensembles – Cheerful Bells, Bells of San Marino

…and to celebrate the joy we feel when performing together as violists, we’ll close with Ode to Joy!

General Information
All classes will take place in the Texas State School of Music main building at 101 Pleasant Street, San Marcos, TX 78666. The final concert will be held in Evans Auditorium. Free parking adjacent to both venues will be available on campus during the event. You will receive an email with full details, including directions, parking, payment, etc a few days before the event.Thanks so much for your interest in this year’s ViolaFest! Please email me at the address below if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!Dr. Ames Asbell
viola@txstate.edu