Idaho...just
north of
Moscow!
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Greetings from the Idaho Viola Society!
On December 21st, a group of 25 young violists gathered for a morning of viola
caroling. Organized by IdVS secretary Jennifer Drake, the enthusiastic group visited
three nursing homes, spreading good cheer and viola power everywhere.
“It was a fun community outreach project. I do a lot of volunteering, but this was really
rewarding, because everyone was very happy to see us. It felt like we made a difference
in their day.” said Erin Carver, a violist from Boise’s Timberline High School. Sixth
grade violist Nat Steven said “I liked being able to play with the older kids!”
Sophomore violist Jessica Kenning said, “At one home, the activities director asked us
if we would visit a resident who is a retired music teacher. We all went to his room, and
played a few songs just for him. He was really impressed by all the viola players
gathered together. He had never seen so many!” Everyone who participated had a great
time.
The IdVS has two viola events coming up. On Feb 12th, there will be Viola Day, at
Boise State University. Hosted by IdVS president Linda Kline Lamar, the day will
include a master class by Neil Gu, an Alexander Technique workshop with Marisol
Mayell, and a viola ensemble play-in. March 5th is Viola Day at Albertson College of
Idaho, hosted by President Elect Dave Johnson. This viola day will include a master
class by Boise Philharmonic Principal Violist Tom Tompkins, a workshop on marketing
and management with Jennifer Drake, and a viola ensemble play in. Both days also
include a free lunch!
The other big news from the Idaho Viola Society is that one of our own members has
been invited to perform at the International Viola Congress in Iceland. Look for
Jennifer Drake and her group, the Darkwood Consort, in Reykjavik.
Visit our website for more information on any upcoming viola events.
www.idahoviolasociety.org
A New Chapter! The Idaho Viola Society: Violas of the Wild West!
Most of you probably went about your January 31st in a quiet and unhurried sort of way. Perhaps you
had a concert that evening, or you were involved in getting your Groundhog’s Day celebration pulled
together. But out in the Wild West, at least 350 miles from the next closest metropolitan area, the
Idaho Viola Society held its first meeting at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho.
Being a violist in Idaho is much like being a violist anywhere else, except for a few minor
considerations. Most of us wouldn’t bat an eye about taking a gig that involved driving over three
hours away; it’s simply par for the course. There is also a higher ratio of gigs that involve livestock, or
playing at some alternative venue, such as a ranch. Many of us have also survived countless
performances where a fog machine was considered to be the key component in creating a special
atmosphere. We’ve played for everyone from Pavarotti to Chuck Mangione, to a truly awful
performance of an original work by a lawn maintenance contractor cum composer.
So, how did we get our act together enough to start a chapter? It was really a three step process:
STEP ONE:
Go to your favorite coffee shop with a viola playing friend or two, drink lots of coffee and set an
arbitrary date way in the future to have some kind of viola event.
STEP TWO:
About two weeks before the arbitrary date begin panicking and send a flurry of e-mail to every violist
you know, and make up a bunch of hour-long activities. Assign someone to corral food and get all of
your students to stuff envelopes, make signs, and think up smart, fun activities. Ask friends to do
master classes and lectures, and find willing students to participate. Drop off “Viola Day!”
propaganda to all the local schoolteachers, and leave it on the stands of all the violists in your
orchestra.
STEP THREE:
On day of event, hope people show up.
And people DID show up! About 35 violists came to the very first Viola Day. The official list of
activities included a discussion of practice techniques with Dr. Linda Kline Lamar, a master class by
Dave Johnson, artist in residence at Albertson College of Idaho, a lecture on instrument maintenance
by viola maker Jack Koncel, free lunch, and a reading session. Students who participated in the
master class were Brianna Wright, student of Laura Berg, Merissa Moeller, student of Linda Kline
Lamar and Jennifer Drake, and Allyson Wuenschel, student of Linda Kline Lamar.
MEET THE IDAHO VIOLA SOCIETY TEAM!
PRESIDENT: Dr. Linda Kline Lamar is the assistant professor of viola at Boise State University, and
viola faculty at the Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory in Steamboat Springs, CO. She enjoys
hiking with her husband and their dog, Largo, the world’s most inappropriately named dog.
PRESIDENT ELECT: David Johnson is the violist with the Langroise Trio,
Artists-in-residence at Albertson College of Idaho, and the assistant principal violist with the
Boise Philharmonic. Dave is also a violist with the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. When Dave
isn’t playing his viola, he enjoys coaching his three boys in sports, figuring out new ways to install
even more television sets to his basement and playing floor hockey in his garage. All three of
Dave’s sons are string players.
BOARD MEMBERS:
LeRoy Bauer is a retired viola professor from the University of Idaho and maintains a
teaching studio in Boise.
Tom Tompkins is the Principal Violist of the Boise Philharmonic, and jazz violist
extraordinaire. Tom also plays with the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. Tom has done lots of
zany things, ranging from scuba diving to sky diving. He has two kids, and is married to Jill
Rowley, assistant concertmaster of the Boise Philharmonic.
TREASURER: Marcie von Huene is our treasurer, because silence gives consent!
Actually, Marcie is an active teacher, adjudicator and chamber musician in Boise. She plays with
the Boise Philharmonic and the Syringa String Quartet. She is married to Marc, and has two boys.
Marcie enjoys running and spending time with her family.
STUDENT LIASONS: Allyson Wuenschel, student of Linda Kline Lamar at BSU.
Kevin Turley, student of Kevin Call at BYU-Idaho.
And SECRETARY: Jennifer Drake plays viola with Darkwood Consort, Quartetto Vivace, and the
Boise Philharmonic. Jen lives on a diet rich in caffeine, which may explain the common title of
“energetic!”, or at least explain the chronic insomnia. Jen enjoys spending time with her husband,
Chad Marvin, and doing lots of outdoors activities. She spends part of her summer working as the
Residential Director for the Credo Chamber Music Camp, run by World Famous Peter Slowik.