Mission

The American Viola Society inspires excellence and builds community through viola study, performance, research, composition, and lutherie.

Vision and Core Values

The American Viola Society intends to be the premier source for all viola-related activities while building a community of enthusiasts and providing resources for the global viola community. The following core values are central to our mission and are demonstrated in a variety of ways:

Fostering Bonds among Violists

  • Encouraging local viola groups and activities
  • Providing a vehicle for networking at local, national and international levels
  • AVS Website and social media
  • Partnering with peer organizations

Providing Opportunities for Individual Growth and Recognition

  • Encouraging and promoting leadership through local viola groups
  • Identifying potential leaders for national offices and activities
  • Highlighting member accomplishments in JAVS (Journal of the American Viola Society) and American Viola Society E-Newsletter
  • Celebrating our “stars” by periodic awards ceremonies

Professional Development

  • Supporting professional development by providing performance, teaching, and presentation opportunities
  • Providing mentoring opportunities to emerging viola leaders

Supporting Professional and Artistic Performance and Expression

  • Festivals and International Gatherings
  • Primrose Competition
  • Gardner Competition
  • Orchestral Excerpts Competition
  • Commissions
  • Scores published or supplied by the AVS

Stewardship

  • Supporting PIVA (Primrose International Viola Archive)
  • Announcing viola related world-wide activities of peer organizations
  • Preserving our history, literature and heritage through JAVS and PIVA

Encouraging Teaching and Learning

  • Publication of pedagogical materials in JAVS
  • Master classes
  • Lectures
  • Online resources, including “From the Studio” blog and “Teacher’s Toolbox” series

Promoting Research and Sharing of Resources

  • Festivals and International Gatherings
  • JAVS
  • PIVA
  • Dalton Competition
  • AVS E-Newsletter
  • Local Chapters and Clubs
  • Job Posting
  • Viola Bank
  • Online publishing of scores and sound recordings
  • Health and Wellness web resources