Well, it's really not too surprising, but sometimes it seems that no one in the world plays a viola (except for me). I know many talented people who are simply great at the cello, violin, piano, guitar, trumpet, drums, etc. But it seems that I hardly know any violists at all, let alone people who are good at it. It's funny how so many people play violins, but so few play violas. I've always wondered about that. I find it interesting that each person who has taught me in viola practice has little experience with violas, because so many people play the violin. Not that it's a bad instrument, of course. Heck, I can visualize myself playing a viola by myself in a sea of cellos and violins and a few basses and a piano. But it seems that the viola never does anything important. But it's the inexperience with orchestras speaking. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone here plays the viola, or understands why the viola is not used too much in an orchestra. (I guess there's a really good reason why so few people play violas, but I've never figured it out.)

Well, thanks anyways if you respond.

[This message has been edited by C'Jakob (edited May 15, 2002).]

My sister plays the viola - I think she switched from playing the violin. Shes grade 6, I dunno if that's regarded as good or not though. Doesn't sound like it :p:D;). She plays in an orchestra with her school, and as far as I know shes the only viola player.

It's a shame too. Having played all the string insturments a bit, it's my opinion that the viola has the best overall sound... more sound than the violin, with a lower tone, but not as large and full as a cello; hell I wish I had played that one instead of the violin.