What are the positions on a viola?

Although 1st and 3rd positions are the two most commonly used positions in beginning and intermediate viola music, there are seven regular positions utilized in viola playing, and for very advanced viola music, 8th and higher positions (note: advanced violaists are usually less concerned with positions, and more …

Where do viola players sit in an orchestra?

If space or numbers are limited, cellos and basses can be put in the middle, violins and violas on the left (thus facing the audience) and winds to the right; this is the usual arrangement in orchestra pits.

What is the violas role in the orchestra?

In an orchestra, the viola often has a larger role, providing the middle space between the violins and the lower strings. The viola is built on the same lines as the violin but is slightly larger.

How many violas are in an orchestra?

twelve violas
The viola is the alto voice of the String family. It is larger than the violin, and its lowest note is a perfect 5th lower than the violin. A typical symphony orchestra will have twelve violas seated two to a desk for a large orchestral work.

What is 1/2 position on the viola?

On the viola, the half position is used more often, to avoid stretching the fingers. For example, if you have G#-B–E–G#, on the violin you could well use 1-2-1-3 (mostly 1st position, starting on the G string), because the distance between the notes is smaller.

Is there first chair for viola?

Gilliland is the first chair viola for the University Philharmonic Orchestra. First chair, or principal player, is second only to the conductor or maestro in an ensemble. It is the chair quite literally closest to the conductor in each section.

How are orchestras arranged?

From left to right, a traditional orchestral layout is first violins, second violins, violas in the middle, and cellos farthest to the right. Within this instrument grouping, there are first and second violin parts.

Are violas important?

In any orchestra ensemble, balance is extremely important, and violas provide crucial melodic stability between the violins and the cellos. Violas are imperative in order to have all the right pieces fit together.

Can a violinist play viola?

Playing the viola will benefit your violin playing. You’ll play lighter with a relaxed technique. By having to get used to larger distances between the fingers, your intonation (playing in tune) will improve. You learn to trust on your ears and adjust to what you hear.

What is half position on viola?

Half position is where you use the 2nd, 3rd and 4rd fingers for notes that you would use the 1st, 2nd and 3rd finger for in first position. For example, it could be useful in passages in B major on the G string, or passages in E major on the D string. You don’t play C major scale in half position!