priceless viola moment

Tonight we had one of those rare moments that is hilarious and will love on in viola section lore for years to come.  At the dress rehearsal this morning, Joël, our principal, decided to have some fun with a melody in the Tchaikovsky First Symphony that is played by the viola section.  It’s a rousing, peasant-like tune (very appropriate for violas) that just cried out for a “HEY!” at the conclusion.  In fact, James Gaffigan, our guest conductor this week, did yell this very syllable at our first run through.  So Joël told everyone in the section to yell out a hearty “HEY!” at the end of the tune at the dress rehearsal.  We did, and it was fun for all.  It was supposed to only be for the rehearsal.  Cut to the concert.  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!”  Yes, someone didn’t get the memo, and the entire section virtually busted up laughing.  Fortunately, our conductor this week has a sense of humor and laughed along with the group as well.  Hmm… who knows what might happen Monday night…

Here’s a clever reenactment of the moment by principal violist Joël Belgique: