Percy Smith-Holzbaur is a violist and native Philadelphian. He is a ninth-grader in the Philadelphia Virtual Academy. Percy started learning the viola with Mary Moser and Shelley Beard at the Suzuki Academy of the Music School of Delaware at age three. There, he enjoyed private lessons, viola ensemble, musicianship classes, and youth string orchestra under the direction of Ms. Julie Ruiz. Percy now studies with Ms. Chrysyn Harp at the Settlement Music School and is a member of the Settlement Chamber groups.
Percy is a Philadelphia Music Alliance For Youth (PMAY) Artist and is a member of the Philadelphia Young Artist Orchestra. He is an alumnus of Musicopia's string orchestra, chamber music program, and X-tet ensembles. He has served as the principal violist with the Musicopia Chamber Orchestra and GAMP Middle School Orchestra. He has also been the assistant principal violist for the Philadelphia All-City Middle School Orchestra. While at the Music School of Delaware, Percy was part of the Brandywine Fiddlers. He has also performed as a member of the Philly Jens Ensemble with Jens Leckman.
Percy has attended summer programs at the New England Suzuki Institute, Point CounterPoint, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts’ All City Orchestra Summer Academy, and Music & Mindfulness. A recent highlight was performing an excerpt of the Hoffmeister Viola Concerto for a masterclass with David Kim, concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Percy hopes to one day major in music performance and education to help spread the love for the viola.
10 Questions with Percy Smith-Holzbaur:
1. What do you like to listen to?
I listen to a lot of different genres but my favorites have to be reggaeton pop, Tejano/Tex-Mex, Argentine tango, and R&B.
2. What was one thing about your instrument that surprised you when you started learning to play?
When I was 3, I was very surprised by how heavy it got. It was light when I picked it up but got heavy after a few minutes. It took a while to get used to that.
3. How would you describe the viola's role in an orchestra?
I’d say the viola is kind of like the glue of the orchestra. It tends to be overshadowed by violins or cellos, but it adds depth and balance to the overall sound. The viola fills in the spaces between the higher strings and the lower strings.
4. What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the way music breaks language barriers. You can tell a story without saying a word. It’s amazing that we can learn so much about a time period and location just from the style of music that was produced from it.
5. What did you enjoy most about participating in the All City Orchestra Summer Academy?
All City Orchestra Summer Academy gave me the opportunity to have a masterclass with David Kim. The subtle change that he made to my bow hold drastically improved my sound production. It was a really fun experience and the best part of camp for me.
6. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
Having so many fun things to do around city hall is one of the things I love most about living here. One of my favorite activities of all time is getting an iced latte from Dunkin' and taking a walk around the Rittenhouse Square area, watching the performers on the street.
7. If you could play a concert with any musician, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to play a concert with Joan Jett because of the vibe that she has. Considering that we are both chaotic, I think we would be able to create a pretty legendary concert.
8. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
On the weekend, I prefer to play music and hang out with my dog.
9. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
I want to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina to see performances in iconic venues such as the Teatro Colón or La Bombonera.
10. Do you have any advice for people just getting started with learning an instrument?
The most important thing (in my opinion) is to not let yourself get discouraged. It can be really disheartening when you can’t get your instrument to do what you want it to, but with patience and time, it’ll happen.
Percy's Recommended Playlist:
