Hey galen! I'm a student focusing on medical microbiology with a minor in German. On a far spectrum from science, I work as a radio host/personality with a live midday show. I read more than I should, and I buy books even more than I do that. I have a gnarly collection of over 300 books of all sorts, so I'm always looking for reading recommendations and stuff like that. I love to play the viola (my biggest love), piano, cello, and violin. I game as well, but on my old-as-Methuselah PS3. RPG games are my jam, and I can dig some strategic games and shooters as well.
I played the viola in high school! It was awesome being the only or one of a select few in every orchestra I joined. I've always loved the cello though, I think it has the most soulful sound of any instrument.
It's always nice to meet someone who's played the viola! I think it's one of the most underrated instruments in an orchestra, to be honest. But hey, I'm a bit biased. And I have to agree about the cello - its sound is so rich. I often get chills listening to it. Have you ever tried playing the cello? Playing the viola gives a bit of an edge when learning it, since they share the same order of strings.
No I haven't unfortunately. I don't envy the task of carrying a cello around, but damn if it isn't the most beautiful sound. I love the Piano Guys mostly due to their cello renditions of songs.