The viola, similar to the violin, is one of the many instruments in the Athens Drive Orchestra.  Since freshman year, Sarah House, junior, has played for this class and has also participated in after-school orchestra associations.

House has been playing the viola since sixth grade.  She started out in kindergarten playing the violin and continued through fifth grade.  The main differences between the two instruments are that violas have larger frames and heavier bows. Unlike a violin, it has a c-string but no e-string, which contributes to the instrument’s lower sound.

“I like playing viola because it has a deeper sound, and it’s not screechy like a violin.  In fifth grade I switched to a new private lessons teacher and he played viola, so he recommended that I should switch [to viola] because he thought I would like it better,” said House.

Each student in the class is assigned a chair depending on how well he or she plays.  House is currently in first chair for school orchestra. She has practiced for many years which has improved her playing. She is also occupying second chair in Triangle Youth Symphony (TYS), a part of the Philharmonic Association.

“It’s basically made up of multiple orchestras.  I was also a part of Triangle Youth Orchestra for three years in middle school.  Now I do Triangle Youth Symphony,” said House.

House is involved in a string quartet with West Raleigh Presbyterian Church. She plays beside three adults and is the only student in the group.  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays occupy House’s after-school time for TYS, private lessons and group lessons. On the days she is not busy practicing the viola, House maintains a job.

With her busy schedule House said she,“attempt[s] to practice every day, an hour at the most.”

Seniors at Athens Drive usually think about whether or not they would like to go to college.  House is thinking about her future and believes she may keep playing in college with a minor in music.

House believes that “[music] is a way to express the composers ideas through different techniques like bowing,” and enjoys learning new pieces of music.

While balancing her after school activities, she is preparing for upcoming concerts.  At the end of fourth quarter, Orchestra will be performing a senior concert. The class will also be taking a trip to Atlanta for a concert April 10 to 12 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall.  House is excited for the trip because the Orchestra will be visiting Stone Mtn., the Atlanta aquarium and view The Lion King on Broadway.