Documenting the Final Days of the First Viola.

He’s been playing the viola since September, and making excellent progress.  He’s also grown so much in six months that he needs bigger viola already.  Gracious.  I think I need to stop feeding him vegetables or something.  In a week or so he’ll be moving to a larger instrument.

Mr. Trouble on Feet was really persistent about wanting to play the viola, and I’ve been surprised about his determination.  There are times he’s frustrated about practicing, or frustrated about learning something that is hard, but hands down, I would tell you in half a second, this kid has been working hard for the past few months.  When he’s frustrated he complains, and maybe fusses a bit, and then takes a deep breath and keeps going.  He has great goals for the viola:  he wants to play in youth orchestra like his sisters, and someday he wants to try playing in a chamber group.  He listens carefully, and he sounds better all the time.

He’s excited to play his viola at a big recital this week.  He’ll be wearing his suit, of course.