The fourth graders were invited to attend a Strings Night at Martinez and try out the four options for orchestra: bass, cello, violin, and viola. I initially had no plans to attend but Alex was very very excited about it, so Mike volunteered to take him (I think he was happy to get out of the house and have something to do!) and here is what Alex found.
Alex tried the bass first, but it was too big.
He tried the violin next, but it was too high-pitched.
Finally, Alex tried the viola, and it was just right!
Now our eldest is one happy band kid!
I am glad this is Mike’s area of expertise, even though he says he’ll have to learn viola along with Alex, because I am not musical at all and this will be another great way for them to spend time together. Also, since Alex is doing so well in karate, which touches my heart since I did TaeKwon Do as a child, he will also be pursuing one of Mike’s childhood interests by learning to play an instrument.
I also think it will help his focus, concentration, and sensory processing disorder. So good things all around!
Final bonus? The viola has a rich, pure sound that I like, so listening to him practice shouldn’t make my skin crawl!
