Viola Celebration

October 21-22, 2023

The University of Tennessee is thrilled to announce the 17th Annual Viola Celebration. This year’s event will be a special Viola Celebration that explores the many different ways viola can be used in music. Introductory classes in fiddling, improvisation, using electronics and loop pedals, writing your own cadenza and much more, all designed to inspire each violist to open their sense of possibility and dream big. We will also feature traditional masterclasses and viola ensembles, as well as the optional Ensemble Competition. Participate in person or via zoom and join our faculty and surprise guests for a weekend you won’t want to miss. The weekend is packed with audition related activities for violists of all levels, including a Saturday only option for the youngest violists.

Come join us as we celebrate music-making through the viola!

Faculty

Christia Chambers, Music City Strings
Molly Gebrian, University of Arizona
Hillary Herndon, University of Tennessee
Kari Lapins, Irish fiddler, Suzuki Teacher & Music Mind Games Teacher Trainer
Dana Meyer, Music City Strings
Trevor New, electro-acoustic viola musician
Gregory Williams, Aaron Copland School of Music

Class Topics to Include

NOTE: Topic classes subject to change

Masterclasses
Shifting
Vibrato
Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
Introduction to Fiddling & Old Style String Band
Bach & Improvisation
Introduction to Loop Pedal
Introduction to Extended Technique
Introduction to Electronics and Viola
Become a violist/composer!

Schedule

NOTE: Schedule subject to change

Friday, October 20, 2023

5:00pm	Ensemble Competition Warm-up Rooms Available
7:00pm	Ensemble Competition (optional). Pre-Registration Required.

Saturday, October 21, 2023

8:45am – 9:00am	Pick up Registration Materials
9:00am – 9:10am	Welcome
9:15am – 10:15am	SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS
	Masterclass with Hillary Herndon, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
	Masterclass with Dana Meyer & Christia Chambers, Room G25
	Bach and Improvisation with Trevor New, Room 110
	Electronics Trial Room open, Room G68
10:15am – 11:15am	SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS
	Masterclass with Hillary Herndon, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
	Masterclass with Trevor New, Room G12
	Tertis Group Extended Technique, Room G25
	Primrose & Zimmermann Groups Extended Technique, Room 110
	Electronics Trial Room Open, Room G68
11:30am – 12:30pm	Small Group Rehearsals (pre-assigned):
	Tertis Group (Sigler & do Prado), Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
	Primrose Group (Bonds & Respighi), Room 110
	Zimmermann Group (Knox), Room G12
12:30pm – 2:30pm	Pizza Lunch & Q/A with Faculty and Special Guests, Room 110
2:30pm – 3:30pm	SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS
	Fingerboard Geography, Room 110
	Fiddling, Room G12
3:35pm – 4:50pm	SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS
	All Viola Orchestra (full weekend participants only), Room 110
	Music Mind Games (Saturday only participants), Room G12
5:00pm – 6:00pm	Tertis Group and Faculty Recital, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall Reception to follow in Lobby

Sunday, October 22, 2023

9:00am – 10:00 am	SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS
	Masterclass with Greg Williams, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
	Technique Workshop by Request, Room G12
	Loop Pedal Trial Station, Room G68
10:00am – 11:00am	SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS
	Masterclass with Trevor New, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
	Intro to Jazz with Jon Hamar and Denin Slage-Koch, Room G12
	Loop Pedal Trial Station, Room G68
12:00pm – 1:30pm	Lunch, on your own
1:30pm – 2:30pm	Small Ensemble Rehearsals
	Zimmermann Group, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
	Primrose Group, Room 110
2:30pm – 3:45pm	All Viola Orchestra Rehearsal, Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall
4:00pm	Final Viola Celebration Concert, all participants (All Viola Orchestra, Small Ensembles & Ensemble Competition Winners)

NOTE: Schedule subject to change

Registration & Fees

In-Person Participants

Viola Participant, Early Bird Registration and fees paid by October 1: $125
Viola Participant, Registration and fees paid after October 1: $175

Saturday Only Viola Participant, Early Bird Registration and fees paid by October 1: $75
Saturday Only Viola Participant, Registration and fees paid after October 1: $90

Early Bird Teacher, Registration and fees paid by October 1: $40
Teacher, Registration and fees paid after October 1: $50

Pizza/T-shirt included in all in-person registration fees

Online Participants

Virtual Participant, Early Bird Registration and fees paid by October 1: $50
Virtual Participant, Registration and fees paid after October 1: $75

Option Add-Ons

$50 Full Master Class spot
$20 Introductory Master Class spot
$55 Full Master Class pianist (only available to in-person participants)
$20 Introductory Master Class pianist (only available to in-person participants)

Note: Your registration is complete upon receipt of your registration fees.

Competition

The UT Viola Celebration will host a Viola Ensemble Competition in 2023. This event is meant to provide a fun opportunity for students to prepare and perform viola ensemble music with friends and studio mates in a positive, friendly competition. Viola Celebration attendees are not required to participate in the ensemble competition.

There are two categories: Pre-College Ensembles & Collegiate. To enter, all members of an ensemble must be registered attendees of the Viola Celebration. Ensembles can compete either virtually or in person.

Winners will be featured on the Viola Celebration final concert and have their names engraved on the Viola Celebration Ensemble Competition trophy. This is a traveling trophy; the winner in each category will host the trophy in their home studio until August 2024.

Repertoire Requirements

Pre-College Division:
One work of your choice. Only one person is allowed per part. Participants should bring 3 copies of their scores to the audition, with accurate performance timings noted on the title page.

College Division:
Up to two contrasting works of approximately 10 minutes duration, total. Longer works can be prepared, but the judges will only hear 10 minutes. Only one person is allowed per part. Participants should bring 3 copies of their scores to the audition, with accurate performance timings noted on the title page.

Deadlines and Entry Requirements

To enter the Viola Celebration Ensemble competition, each member of your ensemble must:

Submit an online Viola Celebration registration form with your desire to participate in the competition and ensemble name indicated on that form.
Pay all registration fees by September 23, 2022.
Each participant should submit proof of age (a photocopy of a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate) with registration.

Competition Procedures

All ensembles will play for the judges on Friday, September 30 starting at 7pm.
Each ensemble will receive 10 minutes of audition time. If prepared repertoire totals more than 10 minutes, the ensemble should be prepared to be stopped and asked to continue to their second piece at any time.
Ensembles should provide three copies of their scores for jury members. Performance times of each piece should be indicated on the score.
Written comments will be provided to all who perform.
Winners will be announced at the lunch with Faculty on Saturday, October 1.

Competition Prizes

UT Viola Celebration Traveling Trophy, engraved with ensemble name & studio. The winning ensemble will retain the trophy through August, 2023.
Performance on the final Viola Celebration concert, Sunday October 2, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is early bird pricing?

We love it when your register early! It allows us to plan better; to this end we encourage you to register by September 18 by giving you a price break on the registration fee. The fee will go up after September 18, so make sure to register early to get the best deal!

Can I play in a chamber group and be a Saturday Only participant?

No. Chamber groups will rehearse and coach both Saturday and Sunday and then perform on the Sunday concert. If you wish to play in a chamber group, you should register as a full participant.

I’ve submitted my registration – what happens now?

Make sure to follow the link to pay your registration fee at the UT School of Music store. Once you’ve completed your registration and paid, you are set! You will receive further email with information as follows:

If participating in a Viola Chamber Ensemble, your music will be sent directly to you by October 1.

Master Class assignments will be made as soon as possible. You will be contacted directly with pertinent information if applicable.

An e-mail packet with a detailed schedule, All-Viola Ensemble parts and more information will be sent in mid-October.

Will there be an ensemble competition this year?

Yes! There are options for both virtual and live group participation. All members of a competing group must register, either for a virtual participation or in-person by October 1. The competition will be held starting at 7pm Eastern time on Friday, October 20, 2023.

What is a masterclass?

A Master Class is a public lesson. The student will first perform a movement for the Master Teacher and audience. After the performance, the teacher will work with the student on ways to improve. These events allow for everyone in attendance to learn from the Master Teacher as well as the performing student to get first-hand information from a new source.

Can I observe a Master Class without paying?

Yes! All master classes are open to registered participants to observe. The class fee is only required of those performing for the master teacher individually.

How are Master Class assignments decided?

Master Classes are assigned according to a number of criteria including age, ability, repertoire, date of registration and previous Viola Celebration assignments. Every effort is made to allow those interested in playing for a master class the opportunity to do so, as well as to honor the request for the level of class. However, as space is limited, it is possible that you will not receive the level of class requested or be wait-listed for a master class spot. Early registration is the best way to assure your spot!

Do I have to use a pianist for a Master Class?

No. It is encouraged that you use a pianist unless you will perform an unaccompanied work. However, it is not required that you use a pianist for an accompanied piece.

Why is there a different price for pianists in the Advanced and Introductory Master Classes?

Typically, the piano scores for the Advanced Master Classes are much more difficult and will require more personal study time by the pianist and more rehearsal time for the student and pianist together. The pricing for the pianists reflects this difference.

The Advanced Master Class pianist fee is $55. This will include a 30-minute rehearsal time prior to your master class.

For those playing in the Introductory Master Class, the pianist fee is $20. This will include a short 5-10 minute run-through prior to the class.

When do I rehearse with my pianist?

Rehearsals will be scheduled on an individual basis as soon as pianists are assigned. These will typically be in the mornings between 8-10, during lunch breaks and on Saturday after 4pm. A few students might be requested to rehearse on Friday evening, depending on availability. You will be contacted directly with your rehearsal time.

Can I bring my own pianist?

Yes, you can! Please indicate this on your registration form.

My child has been playing viola for 2 years – will this be an event they should attend?

Yes! The Viola Celebration is a great way to inspire your beginning violist by surrounding them with violists of all ages and abilities. There are activities to include every level of violist through the weekend.

Who do I speak to about travel arrangements and lodging?

The Viola Celebration Website has a list of area hotels and restaurants. If driving or renting a car while in Knoxville, discount sites such as Kayak.com are recommended to find the best price on a hotel. It is recommended that you rent a car while in Knoxville, or book one of the hotels listed as within walking distance to UT on the Viola Celebration website. The UT Viola Celebration Staff are not able pick you up at the airport or book your room for you.

I have a long drive on Sunday, can I skip the final concert?

The concert is purposely scheduled early on Sunday to allow for those driving to leave before it gets too late. The concert should be over by 5pm. Please plan on staying for the concert as the ensemble sections have been balanced and anyone leaving early will be disruptive to the quality of the performance.

What happens now?