Making Music

One of the most beautiful instruments in sight and sound is a violin, sometimes called a fiddle. The violin is a very sophisticated instrument. A violin has a unique shape that looks similar to a guitar except it is smaller and is held up under the chin and played with a bow made of horsehair and occasionally plucked with the fingers. Every violin is different. The difference depends on the wood, the strings and the makers of the violin. These differences create a variety of sounds and colors that make each violin unique.  Music is made when the bow is brushed against the strings. There are different ways of moving ones fingers across the finger board in order to get different sounds from this instrument.  If it’s not played the right way it makes a squeaky sound that can be annoying. When the violin is played by a person with experience the noise coming from the instrument can be beautiful and serene.

It takes a special type of a person to be able to play the violin. It may look fairly simple, but looks can be deceiving. A person must have patience and diligence in practicing this amazing instrument in order to create a smooth sound and touch.  Each individual playing the violin has their own technique. No violin sounds totally alike and each player has their own style and emotion that they put into the music while they are performing. Being too nervous can cause the player to rush through a piece of music making it so the audience won’t receive the messages that is meant from the performer. If too much emotion is put into a performance it can cause the music to become too overbearing and uncomfortable for some. When thought and emotion are shown through the music played, it can make an everlasting impression on those who are listening.

The violin is used in many different genres including classical, chamber, bluegrass, contemporary, pop and rock.  Violins can be played in a solo performance, an orchestra- in which they form a major part of, or within a group. Electric violins are popular in modern day concerts.

There are many places all over the world where we can attend different concert and symphony events. In Saint George the Southwest Symphony does exceptional performances year round. One of the favorite concerts for many in the community performed by this group is “The Messiah” a Christmas concert. This event is performed every year at Christmas time and is a good way to get away from the holiday rush to feel uplifted and at peace. Shows performed out at Tuacahn, an outdoor theatre, is also a wonderful place to be entertained. They also have their own symphony.

 All the schools offer programs to where one can learn to play a musical instrument including the violin. When playing the violin myself, it has brought much joy and comfort. A violin benefits the community by bringing people together at concerts or symphonies to hear uplifting music. It can also be very fun when violins are played at a hoe down or a bluegrass festival. Saint George also has their own fiddler group, when playing in a fiddler group you learn to play fast and fun songs.

The violin is a beautiful instrument and is good in many ways. The violin is a good thing as it provides comfort to the ones playing and also to the people listening. The soothing music that comes from this amazing instrument can bring tears to someone’s eyes or laughter and fun.