Interview with Aaron:

How did you first get started with the viola, and how long have you been playing?

I started on the violin in the 5th grade in Bellingham, Washington.  In the 6th grade, the orchestra needed violists so I picked it up.  I didn't take the viola seriously until I was in college and then I switched to the viola exclusively.  The viola, it turns out, liked me better.

For those unfamiliar with orchestral roles, how would you describe the viola’s place in a symphonic piece?

Often the viola's role is to accompany the melody.  We sometimes get the melody, but not often.  In earlier centuries, violas were considerably larger and unwieldy.  This led to slower moving notes that functioned as harmonic texture to fill out the chords.  As time went on, smaller violas were made which allowed for more virtuosity, giving composers a broader range of ways to use the viola.

The viola is often the subject of light-hearted teasing in orchestras. Why do you think that is—and do you have a favorite viola joke to share?

This very much ties into the fact that violas were originally larger with slower moving notes.  I've seen some historical references to it as the 'Pensioner's Instrument', and a lesser endeavor, the butt of many jokes. However, the composers in the 20th Century have ignored the past prejudices and have greatly increased the technical demands on the violist.  Unfortunately, inertia has kept the Viola Jokes alive (I often think of it as Scapegoating, but don't tell the other instruments).

An example that immediately comes to mind would be, "What's the difference between a Violin and a Viola? ... The Viola burns longer".

What’s your earliest memory of attending a symphony concert, and how did it influence you?

I remember sitting in a school auditorium and listening to the local orchestra play a short concert for the schools. Unfortunately, I don't remember much about it since I was in first grade. The school program in fifth grade, while providing me with an excellent excuse to avoid a less-than-excellent teacher, also provided me with a career goal. By sixth grade, I knew I wanted to be a professional musician. In eighth grade, I joined the orchestra I had seen when I was in first grade. My first concert with them was The White Peacock by Charles Griffes and The Firebird by Stravinsky. My first lesson: don't play in the rests (silences).

In your view, what is it about music that makes it such a powerful, life-affirming force?

For me, music has always been an emotional expression. I remember being a very angsty teenager, and I thought Shostakovich really captured my emotions, even without understanding the political pressures of his life. His music spoke for itself. Great music doesn't just convey the emotions of the human experience; it also makes us feel them. Sometimes this can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, but even those moments are important because they acknowledge the breadth and depth of the human experience. At times, we can identify with those harsh moments and feel less isolated.

What does being a part of the Riverside Philharmonic mean to you—both personally and musically?

With all that changes, it's been remarkable to be anchored by our love of music and the opportunity to share that with the community. 

When you're not performing, what are some of your favorite ways to unwind or explore creativity?

Practicing for future performances. It's not really unwinding, but there's joy in learning and improving. It's a double-edged sword: there's always something to improve / there's always something to improve.

Away from music, I'm learning to keep bonsai trees and orchids alive. I sometimes read, paint, and do yoga, but not often enough. I have an obsession with a specific kind of Chinese tea called Pu'er, but I try not to talk about it because I end up sounding unhinged.

And finally, what are your favorite local spots to grab a bite in Riverside? 

Before a concert, I enjoy the restaurant, ProAbition.  After a concert I've been known to enjoy The Salted Pig if the concert is out early enough, and if not I try to find a Starbucks that's still open for the drive home.