Tonight we had one of those rare moments that is hilarious and will love on in viola section lore for years to come.\u00a0 At the dress rehearsal this morning, Jo\u00ebl, our principal, decided to have some fun with a melody in the Tchaikovsky First Symphony that is played by the viola section.\u00a0 It’s a rousing, peasant-like tune (very appropriate for violas) that just cried out for a “HEY!” at the conclusion.\u00a0 In fact, James Gaffigan, our guest conductor this week, did yell this very syllable at our first run through.\u00a0 So Jo\u00ebl told everyone in the section to yell out a hearty “HEY!” at the end of the tune at the dress rehearsal.\u00a0 We did, and it was fun for all.\u00a0 It was supposed to only be for the rehearsal.\u00a0 Cut to the concert.\u00a0 We get to this place in the movement, and it’s really rocking, the section sounds great, the conductor looks happy – then we get to the end of the tune, and from the back of the section comes one lonely “HEY!”\u00a0 Yes, someone didn’t get the memo, and the entire section virtually busted up laughing.\u00a0 Fortunately, our conductor this week has a sense of humor and laughed along with the group as well.\u00a0 Hmm… who knows what might happen Monday night…<\/p>\n
Here’s a clever reenactment of the moment by principal violist Jo\u00ebl Belgique:<\/p>\n