Retreat treat

We finished up our choir retreat today with a concert run-through and a closing circle. During the morning rehearsal, these two women, the Madrona Viola Duo, played on some of our songs and demonstrated a bit of what they'd be playing in their set for the concerts. Amazing.

Here Sharon is giving us a little history of the viola - once a bit of a joke among orchestras (a little like the banjo is today) - but Mozart played viola, so it has been redeemed. Such a rich tone to these instruments. They're tuned an octave above a cello; they're considered the altos of the orchestra, which made our alto section happy.

Our director has written viola and choir parts for my song, Everyday Graces, that I'll be performing at the concerts next week. What a thrill to hear the additions to my song! It certainly comes alive!