Welcome!
For those of you who are being referred here from the Singing Woods web site, Greetings! Much of the historical information from that site will be incorporated here. Topics of interest to makers and composers will be expanded and included on this site as well. We'll also be telling you more about the OctaVivo organization and what its mission is, so stop back often to see what's new. AND, please send us your feedback. We want this site to be your best source for news and information about the New Violin Family, groups that perform on the new instruments, and all other items of similar interest.
Recent Happenings
Orchestra Concert Publicity
Listen to Bob Spear being interviewed by Gregory Keeler on WSKG radio.
2010 NVF Orchestra
Rehearsals are under way for the 2010 summer season.
YouTube Milestone
A new level has been reached, and the end is not in sight.
NVFO and China Strad Bulletin Board
It's a small world.
New Family Bass Quartet at Ithaca College
The Ithaca College School of Music has approved a one-semester chamber course featuring a most unusual ensemble.
Orchestra Roster Growing
With only five weeks to go before the first rehearsal, the open seats in this summer's NVFO are starting to fill up.
Chamber Bass Debuts in Recital
Ithaca College Junior Jarrett Bastow plays part of his recital on our new chamber bassetto.
Trios in Concert
The Archus String Trio, and Three, a piano trio, gave a benefit performance in Ithaca, NY for Haitian relief. Read all about it.
New Family Plays Movie Score.
Independent film maker John Martoccia looks at New Family to record soundtrack for indie film "Vito Bonafacci."
Performance Offer Withdrawn
Alas, no performance by the New Violin Family at the VSA Convention in November.
Orlando Cole, cellist
Famed cellist and teacher Orlando Cole, in Philadelphia, age 101.
Final Brunch With Bach
Patrick Tobin's run at Ithaca's Smart Monkey Natural Foods Cafe has come to an end.
User Forums Coming
User forums are coming soon! Keep up with the latest developments on our, well, "latest" page.
2010 New Violin Family Orchestra
The 2010 New Violin Family Orchestra, sponsored by the Singing Woods Violin Shop, is preparing for its 3rd annual summer rehearsals and concerts.
YouTube Video Stats Update
It's time to announce the YouTube video stats again, and the results might surprise you.
Awesome Alderley Edge Altos!
We have recently and belatedly come across this photo (right) of a part of the alto section of the Alderely Edge Community Orchestra, UK. Information is sketchy, but from what we know both of these alto violins on the Hutchins model were built by the musicians who play them-- Robert Morris (left), and Tod Young. We believe the photo was taken in 2008. It is rare to find an alto violin in an orchestra (Patrick Tobin plays alto in the Ithaca Community Orchestra (USA)), but it is even rarer to find two altos. The only orchestra to use more is the New Violin Family Orchestra, also located in Ithaca, NY, which utilizes three, but that organization uses New Family instruments entirely.
Featured Video
The 2009 New Violin Family Orchestra Plays the Second Movement of Greig's "Holberg" Suite"
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Introducing The Chamber Bass Tuned in Fifths
The Holberg Suite contains the first appearance in our group of the new chamber bass tuned in fifths, G-D-A-E a fourth below the baritone or cello and two octaves below the violin. The rationale behind this new instrument was to create a bass that didn't have the massive and sometimes cavernous sound of the standard orchestral contrabass, and one that would blend seamlessly with the higher instruments in the ensemble.
As the video plays (and please listen through good speakers or a high-quality headset), pay particular attention at 1:42 and again at 3:08. There is a passage at these times in three-part writing for tenors, which have the upper line; baritones, which take the middle part; and the chamber bass (or bassetto) as the lowest voice. We think you will find that the blend of the bass-- in fact, the blend of all three voices-- to be remarkable.
You'll see the bass on the right behind the tenors and baritones. Note that the bassist is playing seated. We were surprised at this because we assumed that the player would either stand or use a stool, as most bassists do. Since this recording was made, several others have tried the chamber bass, and all prefer the searted position regardless of whether they are bassists or cellists.
In case you were wondering whether this small bass has enough weight in its lowest register to serve as a bass instrument when needed, watch this video at 2:40:
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The first chair players of the New Violin Family Orchestra after a concert on August 1, 2009 in Ithaca, NY. (L.-R.) Angela Early, soprano violin; William Hurley, mezzo violin; Jaime Kibelsbeck, alto violin; Sarah Hummel, tenor violin; Elisa Evett, baritone violin; Graeme Bailey, bass violin; Paul Feissner, contrabass violin.