1, 2, 3 Play! 2.0 Supplemental Viola Part: Viola Book

Martin designed this collection specifically for the realities of mixed-level ensembles. The flexible scoring (one, two, or three players with teacher or piano accompaniment) means you can assign the same piece to heterogeneous groups without rewriting or splitting rehearsals. Her stylistic variety keeps students engaged across a full rehearsal cycle while the grading from easy to intermediate builds confidence without sudden jumps in difficulty.

The collection moves fluidly between styles and moods. You encounter lyrical pieces that reward careful phrasing alongside rhythmic character pieces that sharpen ensemble precision. Keys, meters, and textures shift enough to prevent monotony while staying within the technical comfort zone of early intermediate players.

Viola students in grades 2-3 who are ready for ensemble experience but still building fundamental skills. Teachers managing groups where some students advance faster than others will find this collection essential for keeping everyone engaged without separate materials. Studio teachers also use these for duet and trio coaching outside private lessons.

• Balance your tone with the accompaniment by listening for the harmonic foundation rather than trying to cut through it. This teaches ensemble listening early.
• Experiment with different accompaniment options in rehearsal. Playing the same arrangement with teacher part versus piano reveals how students adapt to different sonic textures.
• Vary vibrato intensity across the different styles and moods. Martin's collection spans character pieces that benefit from a lighter touch and others that sing better with fuller tone production.
• Let students choose which piece to perform first when multiple players use the same arrangement. Agency in performance selection builds ownership.

Assign different pieces from the collection to different ability pairings within your ensemble, allowing each group to rehearse and perform at their own level during the same rehearsal block. The stylistic variety makes these suitable for casual in-school performances, winter programs, or studio recitals where mixed-age groups perform together. String teachers also use individual pieces as bridge material between method books and standard solo repertoire.

• Reading in multiple keys and time signatures
• Ensemble balance and listening in small group settings
• Sustaining musical phrases across simple and complex textures
• Responding to different accompaniment styles (teacher and piano)
• Playing independently while tracking a separate part