Texas State ViolaFest : String Area : Texas State University

A large group of smiling Texas State ViolaFest participants wearing purple t-shirts.

Each September, the Texas State ViolaFest welcomes violists from throughout the state of Texas to the Texas State University campus to learn and perform alongside Dr. Ames Asbell, Professor of Viola, members and alumni of the Texas State Viola Studio, and distinguished viola artist-teachers from the state of Texas and around the country. We hope you will join us for this fun and educational celebration of the viola on our beautiful campus in San Marcos!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENT!

4th Annual TXST ViolaFest

Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00am-6:00pm

Texas State University School of Music
101 Pleasant Street, San Marcos, TX 78666

Join us for a day of fun and VIOLA! Ensembles, technique classes, workshops, masterclasses, and much more! The day closes with a public concert featuring students and faculty at 5:00pm in Evans Auditorium - family and friends are welcome!

Registration is just $30, and includes an event t-shirt and pizza lunch. Please register by September 1 to guarantee your t-shirt size.

REGISTER TODAY!

Groups of 5 or more may register at a discounted rate - please contact viola@txstate.edu for more information.

Faculty artists include:

Dr. Braunwin Sheldrick – Baylor University
Prof. Allyson Dawkins – University of Texas - San Antonio
Dr. Ames Asbell – Texas State University
Daniel Gee Cordova – Austin Suzuki Music School/Round Rock ISD
Jose Rivera – Klein ISD
Noah White-Telles – Houston ISD

Tone Competition and Instrument Demo presented by:
Terra Nova Violins

Additional artists and activities to be announced!

Event Schedule:

8:30-9:00 – Registration/check-in

9:15 – Welcome/orientation

9:30 – Ensemble warm-up/rehearsal

10:15 – All-State Prep and Special Topics classes

11:00 – Technique Classes

12:00 – Pizza lunch, Faculty Q&A

1:00 – Technique Classes

2:00 – Masterclasses

2:45 – Special Topic Classes
3:30 – Ensemble Rehearsal

4:30 – Break/Recital set-up
5:00 – Closing Recital, Evans Auditorium

Special topics classes include:
TMEA All-Region/All-State Preparation (high school only)

Paul Rolland Pedagogy for Viola
New Viola Publications
Viola Tone Demonstration
Warmup and Technique Classes for all levels
Faculty Q&A / College & Career Discussion

and much more!

If you would like to be considered to perform in a masterclass with one of our faculty members, please email a teacher recommendation to Dr. Ames Asbell at viola@txstate.edu by September 4. Masterclass slots are first-come, first-served and require a $30 masterclass fee.

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Ames Asbell at viola@txstate.edu.

Other Upcoming Viola Events

Friday, October 23, 2026, 8:00pm

Viola Guest Artist Recital featuring Dr. Marcin Murawski, IJ Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, Poland, and Dr. Katrin Meidell, Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University, USA!

Enjoy this free recital featuring virtuosic works for solo viola and small viola ensembles!

Texas State Performing Arts Center Recital
405 Moon Street, San Marcos, TX 78666

This event is FREE to the public – tickets or reservations are not required.

Texas State ViolaFest

4th Annual TXST ViolaFest

Saturday, September 19, 20269:00am-6:00pm

Texas State University School of Music 101 Pleasant Street, San Marcos, TX 78666