too bad you didnt get in on the contest...nice job...with a little practice you'll have it

I see in your Bio you switched from viola to violin. I did just the opposite. I played violin for a bit over 4 years and because of my size I found viola a much better fit. Now when I play my wifes violin it feels like a toy in my hands.

With the violin I was all scrunched up and not able to reach my full potential . I found myself playing with the tip end of the bow as was pointed out to me on more then one occasion . My fingers seem to fall into intonation better on viola also. I had put a viola on lay a way a few years ago, then some folks on another fiddle site talked me out of it with their wrong for me advice which I was a beginner and didnt know any better, should have stuck with the viola, but live and learn.  I ended up buying the German violin which now resides in Russia with Naska.

Anyway, we havent met yet so let me say welcome aboard !!