Voyages on Viola Rhonda Lorence Releases Classic Winter Moon Album Rhonda Lorence. Photo by Jeff Eason By Jeff Eason For most musicians who live in Deep Gap, playing a stringed instrument with a bow no doubt means you are a fiddler. That’s not the case for Deep Gap’s Rhonda Lorence, however. She’s a violist—a player of the viola, that somewhat larger cousin of the violin. “In most classical music, the viola plays the harmony note while the violin—higher on the musical scale—plays the melody note,” explained Lorence. “But I think some melodies just sound better on the viola. Its range is in the midrange to upper-midrange. It creates a much fuller sound than the violin, which I find perfect for melody lines.” Lorence has just released an album of original compositions called Winter Moon. Influenced by classical string compositions, jazz and new age music, Winter Moon is reminiscent of the Windham Hill label instrumental albums of the 1980s and 1990s. Some tracks, such as the sprawling “Vanishing,” have an exotic Asian feel to them while others, such as “Lament of the Loons,” are very much in the classical tradition. When pressed for a definition of the genre of music she composes, Lorence herself offers “neo-classical, new age fusion.” The category is apt because of the mixture of classical, jazz and new age present in her music. Winter Moon features Lorence on viola and synthesizers, Angela Sterling Forest on vocals, and Elaine Gray on guitar. The album was recorded at Adventure Girl Studios in Orlando and is available at area record outlets. It is also available at Appalachian Music, Rydell Music, and through the websites www.amaridolce.com, www.cdbaby.com and amazon.com. Since its release, Winter Moon has been enthusiastically received by listeners and critics and has been in the top twenty on dozens of new age radio programs both nationally and internationally. Bill Binkelman of Wind and Wire Review wrote, “Lorence’s playing is lyrical, passionate, and emotive without being pretentious or so steeped in classical music that it would alienate the very audience for which it was intended.” Some tracks on Winter Moon convey a definite air of sadness, imparted by the somber low notes of the viola. Others are more upbeat and adventurous, suggesting trips through otherworldly vistas. Lorence is already working on a follow-up to Winter Moon. The new album will continue to draw upon her new age music explorations but also contain elements of rock & roll and blues not found on the previous album. Lorence’s background in music is solidly in the classical camp. Formally trained on the viola, she played professionally during and after college while living in Florida during the 80s and 90s. In addition to performing classical music, she played with a group of professionals who provided backup string music for touring musicians such as Glen Campbell, Julie Andrews, Henry Mancini, Tony Bennett, Liberace, Sammy Davis Jr. and others. She performed in the band during one of Red Skelton’s last ever shows, providing music for the songs and sound effects for his comedy routine. Working in such orchestras also gave Lorence the opportunity to see the world. As a member of the Montovani Orchestra she toured Japan and Korea. “It was like getting paid to travel,” said Lorence. “It was a huge mixed bag of musical styles that I was playing back then. We played operas, ballets, popular music. We performed with the Russian Ballet when they were still touring with members of the KGB. At the time it was just work for me—a way of making a living. Now I really feel blessed to have had those experiences.” After taking an extended break from performing professionally, Lorence was encouraged a few years ago by friend and producer Elaine Gray to explore musical composition. “My heart is now connected to my music,” said Lorence. “I really feel like composing has helped me rediscover my love for music. Some former classical players and music teachers become bitter. But I am so excited about music now that I have figured out how to feel the music. I’ve been trying to explain this missing element to my music students so they can love what they’re doing.” Violin and Viola Instruction Lorence is a trained instructor of the violin and the viola and offers private or group lessons. Following the traditions of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, Lorence’s instruction emphasizes body posture and structure necessary to develop a beautiful tone with the instrument before venturing into more advanced musical theory. “Suzuki believed the analogy for learning one’s native language could be applied to learning music,” said Lorence. “Children at an early age have a keen sensitivity to audible sounds. The Suzuki Method emphasizes listening to recordings. Additionally, for young children, the parents’ involvement is critical to the success rate and speed at which the student advances. “He thought that talent is learned not inborn and that environment is key. For this reason, as parents actively participate in the lessons and monitor the student practicing, it provides the nurturing support needed to accelerate the student’s success. Success breeds success.” Right now Lorence is teaching about a dozen students. “They range in age from three-and-a-half to 15, plus I have one adult student who is in his thirties,” said Lorence. Three of her younger students have already made a name for themselves as the popular string trio The Forget-Me-Nots. “For me, teaching is a spin-off of my composition,” said Lorence. “I encourage my students to play in my recording studio and they get a chance to listen to themselves. I think it really helps.”