Viola Congress high

So so so happy about the International Viola Congress 

hosted by my school and fearless teacher this week.

I have been living at school from 8am-12:30am, 

waking up at all hours of the night and morning, 

but on such an emotional high.

My responsibilities and duties proved to be such a pleasure,
which included the following 
-playing personal assistant to the former principal viola of Berlin 

(played chauffeur, retrieved daily diet cokes, ran serious interference with unwanted, stalking fans, took him shopping, conversed with him as a friend on his smoke and lunch breaks about Gott und die Welt)

-coordinate and organize, lead and conduct the Eastman Viola Ensemble 

(track down parts, make a billion and one photocopies, schedule rehearsals and performances, entice students to participate in said rehearsals, have something intelligent and helpful to say in rehearsals, dance around like a maniac to encourage and inspire excitement in our many performances, sell the fact that 45 violists on one stage is an awesome thing)

I never thought:

-I would appreciate my teacher in as many ways as I do 
-I would LOVE my fellow viola students as much as I do, 
-be proud to be at Eastman
-get to know to such incredible artists as people and almost friends,
-hear such a wonderful palate of colors and sonorities,
-have as much fun playing in viola choir, whether it is Beatles or Rossini,
-would feel as comfortable as I do, introducing myself and chatting up a storm
-love the viola in all its nerdiness as much as I do,
-love the people who play the viola as much as I do

IT HAS BEEN SUCH A BLAST

and I am so very, very grateful!

photo via {brain pickings}