Viola vs. Keyboard: a musical debate

Summary

Smash Boom Best: Viola vs. Keyboard – A Musical Showdown

Episode Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Smash Boom Best, hosted by Molly Bloom and featuring judge Amira from Memphis, Tennessee, the age-old debate between two beloved musical instruments takes center stage: the viola versus the keyboard. Representing Team Viola is Sam Bergman, a violist and Executive Director of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, while Team Keyboard is championed by Katie Drahos, a seasoned keyboardist and musician involved in multiple bands. The episode promises a blend of humor, facts, and passionate arguments to help listeners decide which instrument reigns supreme.

---

Round 1: Declaration of Greatness

The debate kicks off with each debater presenting their case for their chosen instrument, followed by a brief rebuttal.

• Sam Bergman on Viola ([02:31]–[07:11]):

  Sam extols the virtues of the viola, highlighting its rich, mellower sound compared to the violin. He emphasizes the viola's historical significance, tracing its use back to the 1500s in Italy. "Violas have a mellower, almost buttery sound," Sam explains ([03:32]). He underscores the dedication required to master the viola, noting the meticulous practice violists undergo: "We violists spend hours, months and years perfecting our bow holds and our hand positions" ([04:23]). Sam contrasts the viola’s organic sound with the electronic keyboard, which he humorously likens to a "robot pretending to be a whole bunch of other instruments" ([05:55]).

• Katie Drahos on Keyboard ([09:17]–[15:00]):

  Katie counters by highlighting the keyboard’s versatility and accessibility. She argues that keyboards offer a one-stop musical solution capable of producing a wide array of sounds: "With the keys, they can make different noises. Really? Whatever you program into it" ([15:58]). She also points out the practicality of keyboards, noting their portability and affordability: "You can probably find a used keyboard for sale in your neighborhood for like 30 bucks" ([12:49]). Katie emphasizes the keyboard's role in modern music, naming iconic musicians like Stevie Wonder and Elton John who have popularized the instrument ([12:53]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sam Bergman: “Violas have a mellower, almost buttery sound.” ([03:32])
  • Katie Drahos: “Keyboards are a great way to jump into music.” ([12:37])

• Judge's Feedback ([08:47]–[09:04]):

  Amira praises Sam’s presentation: “I liked that he showed, like, not just facts, but also how viola is used in everyday life and how it makes orchestras better” ([08:54]).

---

Round 2: Micro Round – Twinkle, Twinkle in Different Styles

In the Micro Round, both debaters showcase their creativity by performing "Twinkle, Twinkle" in three distinct musical genres.

• Katie Drahos:

  Katie demonstrates versatility by performing the tune in jazz, dance music, and Broadway musical styles. Her lively rendition in dance music earns praise: “I was grooving, I was bopping, I was dancing in my chair” ([22:37]).

• Sam Bergman:

  Sam delivers "Twinkle, Twinkle" in country western twangy and avant-garde classical styles, as well as a lullaby version. His avant-garde performance includes a humorous remark: “Imagine that I am wearing a black turtleneck and that I look very bored” ([24:29]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • Katie Drahos: “Keyboards have the keys to all of our hearts.” ([15:40])
  • Sam Bergman: “A lullaby version... that was so realistic.” ([29:53])

• Judge’s Feedback ([25:25]–[26:14]):

  Amira commends both performances but notes particular strengths: “I think the keyboards version of the Broadway musical was very good” and “I liked the country one for viola” ([25:25], [25:38]).

---

Round 3: Super Stealthy Sneak Attack – Instrument Charades

This impromptu round challenges debaters to express emotions and concepts solely through their instruments.

• Challenges and Performances:

  • Laughing:

    • Sam's viola produces a gentle giggle ([26:51]).
    • Katie’s keyboard mimics laughter with a playful tone ([27:03]).

  • Crying:

    • Katie’s keyboard rendition evokes emotion, prompting Sam’s heartfelt response: “Aw, viola, buddy. It’s gonna be okay” ([29:07], [29:35]).
    • Sam’s viola produces mournful sounds ([29:53]).

  • Robot:

    • Sam humorously notes the irony of his viola imitating a robot: “I would just like to point out that Katie's instrument is a robot” ([28:48]).
    • Katie’s keyboard delivers an angular, metallic robot sound ([28:53]).

  • Animal Sounds:

    • Katie’s keyboard imitates a frog: “Ribbit” ([29:22], [29:33]).
    • Sam’s viola replicates a cow: “I can smell the cow” ([29:53], [30:01]).

• Notable Quotes:

  • Sam Bergman: “I have no idea who will win that fight, but it's sure gonna be fun to watch” ([11:21]).
  • Katie Drahos: “Because maybe robot frogs are animals too” ([29:37]).

• Judge’s Feedback ([30:07]–[30:34]):

  Amira acknowledges the impressive improvisations, ultimately awarding a point based on who she found more expressive and creative: “That was so realistic” ([30:01]).

---

Round 4: Final Six – Six-Word Summaries

Both teams concisely encapsulate their instrument’s essence in six words.

• Katie Drahos (Keyboard): “Accessible. Fun. Everyone can play forever.” ([30:50])

• Sam Bergman (Viola): “A triumph of the human spirit.” ([31:06])

• Judge’s Feedback ([31:24]–[31:26]):

  Having deliberated, Amira adds a final point based on these summaries.

---

Final Verdict

After a closely contested debate, Amira reveals the winner:

• Winner: Viola ([31:37])

Amira explains that the decisive factor was the impactful "Final Six" round and Sam’s memorable imitation of a cow: “It really came down to the final six... Also, the cow. When he impersonated a cow” ([31:48]).

---

State of Debate Segment

Mid-episode, during a brief interlude, the State of Debate segment tackles the "hasty generalization" fallacy. Through a playful skit involving a gardener and a bee infestation, listeners learn to identify and avoid making broad claims without sufficient evidence.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Hasty Generalization: Making a broad statement without adequate evidence. Illustrated by the unfounded claim that bees would "drain your flowers to death" ([19:04]–[19:46]).

---

Conclusion

The debate concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments from both teams. Sam praises Katie’s musical prowess, while Katie expresses newfound appreciation for the viola. Listeners are encouraged to visit smashboom.org to vote for their preferred team and suggest future debate topics.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Katie Drahos: “Maybe I will have more of an appreciation after leaving this session” ([32:27]).
• Sam Bergman: “There is just no musician I know cooler than Katie” ([32:03]).

---

Key Learnings and Insights

• Viola’s Strengths:

  • Rich, warm, and resonant sound.
  • Essential team player within orchestras.
  • Historical significance and emotional depth.

• Keyboard’s Strengths:

  • Versatility in producing diverse sounds.
  • Accessibility and affordability.
  • Integral to modern music genres and technology integration.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Smash Boom Best not only entertained with its spirited musical debate but also educated listeners on the unique qualities and contributions of both the viola and the keyboard. Through humor, factual arguments, and creative performances, the show highlighted the enduring appeal and versatility of these instruments, ultimately celebrating the human spirit and the joy of making music.

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

From the brains behind Brains on, it's.

[Amira]

Smash Boom Best, the show for people with big opinions.

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, I'm Molly Bloom and this is Smash Boom Best, the show where we take two things, smash them together, and ask you to decide which one is best. Today's debate is a match up between two musical marvels. It's viola versus keyboard. We've got violist and executive director of the Apple Hill center for Chamber Music, Sam Bergman, ready to vie for team viola.

[Sam Bergman]

No, listen, I promise it's not a violin.

[Molly Bloom]

And keyboardist, musician and member of many bands, Katie Drahos is here to rock the keys. For team Keyboard, it's Katie Drejos.

[Katie Drahos]

And I'm here to boast that keyboards really do be doing the most.

[Molly Bloom]

And here to judge it all is Amira from Memphis, Tennessee. Amira loves theater, is in her school's K pop club, makes short films with her pals, and raves about her mother's veggie pizza recipe. Hi, Amira. Hi.

[Amira]

Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Amira, what do you like about K pop?

[Amira]

I like K pop because it has a lot of different types of songs. So there can be, like, sad songs, happy songs.

[Molly Bloom]

Awesome. So I've listened to a lot of K pop too. I really like K pop, but I'm not in a K pop club. So can you tell me what you do in a K pop club?

[Amira]

We mostly just watch videos, talk about stuff that's going on. We kind of just hang out to.

[Molly Bloom]

Kind of keep up on the latest. Hang out, listen to music. It sounds fun. What's your favorite K.O. pop band?

[Amira]

BTS, of course.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. You're very wise. Clearly. Do you have any advice for our debaters today?

[Amira]

I would say for the debaters, it's important to have a lot of laughs in your debate, but also share important facts.

[Molly Bloom]

We need laughs. We need facts. Will Amira side with Sam or Katy? Only time will tell. But first, here are the rules of the game. Every debate consists of four rounds. The declaration of greatness, the micro round, the sneak attack, and the final six. After each round, our judge, Amira will award points to the team that impresses her the most. But she'll keep her decisions top secret until the end of the debate. Listeners, we want you to judge too. Mark down your points as you listen. At the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org and vote for whichever team you think won. All right, Sam, Katie, and Amira, are you ready?

[Sam Bergman]

Let's go.

[Amira]

Yeah, let's do it.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, then. It's time for the Declaration of greatness. In this round, our debaters will present a well crafted immersive argument in favor of their side. Then they'll each have 30 seconds to rebut their opponent's statements. We flipped a coin. And Sam, you're up first. Tell us what makes violas so vibrant?

[Unknown]

Settle down, Settle down everyone. Alright, let's get this rehearsal started with the symphony by Brahms. Here we go. Wait, stop. Something is missing. Are you all playing the right parts?

[Molly Bloom]

Of course. Yeah, definitely. So, yeah, definitely.

[Unknown]

Well, I can hear the melody and the bassline, but it's like the whole core of the sound has just been deleted. It wasn't like this yesterday.

It's the violas. They're on strike. They say they're not going to play until everyone appreciates them. They're over there in the corner with their little picket signs.

Hey ho, we won't bow. This disrespect has got to go. Hey ho, we won't vote.

[Molly Bloom]

This disrespect has got to go.

[Unknown]

Oh, for the love of violas. Hello. Do you suppose you might want to join us for some lovely Brahms this morning?

[Molly Bloom]

Not until everyone is nicer to us.

[Unknown]

Nicer to you? I see. May I ask, who hasn't been nice to. Oh wait. It's the violins, isn't it?

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. Look, to be fair, the violas don't really do anything. They don't play the melody like us violins.

[Katie Drahos]

And they don't play the bass line. They're irrelevant.

[Molly Bloom]

Oo.

[Sam Bergman]

Ah yes, the violist. Underappreciated by many, but beloved by those who know the true secret to a great string sound. Some of the earliest stringed instruments first developed in places like India, China and the Arabian Peninsula. While we don't know exactly when or where the first viola was invented, we do know that people started using violas in Italy, starting way back in the 1500s. A viola looks like a slightly larger violin, and like a violin, it's held between the player's chin and shoulder. But the similarities end there. The violin is designed to be high pitched and a little bit shrill, able to kick out a powerful sound over the rest of the orchestra. Violas have a mellower, almost buttery sound. Let me show. It's so buttery. Right. That's a tune by my friend Alice Jones called the People Could Fly. And it sounds perfect on viola. Now, because of its awkward size, the viola is challenging to play. We violists spend hours, months and years perfecting our bow holds and our hand positions. We practice muscle relaxation and breathing exercises like we're in a yoga class. But the payoff is worth it when you hear how warm, full, and resonant our music is. Now compare that with an electronic keyboard, which, let's face it, is really more of a robot pretending to be a whole bunch of other instruments. It's like those annoying AI prompts that pop up on every website and app now.

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, I'm Cracky the Keyboard, your digital music assistant. It looks like you might be trying to make a sound like a trumpet or a bassoon or possibly a hacklephone. Would you like me to help you out with my preloaded artificial hacklephone enabler unit?

[Sam Bergman]

Ugh, that guy is the worst. You know, another great thing about violas is that they are team players. They're the Mr. Rogers of musical instruments. Because they're helpful and cooperative, they support other instruments from within the ensemble. Violists know that music isn't about being the flashiest or hogging the spotlight. Music is best when it is shared, when we work together to create deep connections between people who might otherwise never know that they had anything in common. And no instrument represents this cooperative approach to music better than the viola.

[Unknown]

That's right. And did you hear how barren and cold our symphony sounded without them? Violas give warmth and vitality to an orchestra. Right, violas? Well, I'm glad we settled that. Now, violas, will you please come back so that everyone can hear just how much you add to our ensemble? Thank you. Now, from the top once again, this time with all of us.

[Molly Bloom]

A harmonious ode to the lovely viola. Amira, what stood out to you about Sam's declaration of greatness?

[Amira]

I liked that he showed, like, not just facts, but also how viola is used in everyday life and how it makes orchestras better.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. Katie, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why the viola is no better than an old bowl of grapes. Granola, you've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Katie Drahos]

Well, I mean, just to start off, it's not accessible. Why do I need to know a secret in order to get what this instrument is all about? Also, you play me a viola and a violin. I don't know who's who. Sorry. And also, I was falling asleep until that cool robot showed up and stole the entire show. So I'm sorry, I just, like, you made a point of that AI and this robot wasn't that cool, but literally was falling asleep until that cool robot showed up. I mean.

[Molly Bloom]

And time.

[Sam Bergman]

I will tell you what you want to talk about. Accessibility Katie is playing a keyboard that in order to even get it into a room to play it for people, she's got to pack it up, unpack it, repack it, set it up. It takes an entire table to put it on. It's basically a piece of furniture. She has no ability to just sling that thing on her back and then take it out and play it. My viola can go anywhere. It can go on a train, in a car, on a plane, on my back, on my bike. And I can play for anyone, anytime.

[Molly Bloom]

Katie, I feel like you should describe your keyboard.

[Katie Drahos]

Yeah, well, my keyboard is smaller than your viola. I also took this on a plane to Spain earlier this year as a carry on. It's like the size of my forearm. It's extremely powerful. So I don't really know what you're talking about.

[Sam Bergman]

So what you're telling me is that you've brought a keyboard today that has a fraction of the number of keys that a keyboard is supposed to have? That's what I'm hearing, yeah.

[Katie Drahos]

And it does just as much, if not better.

[Sam Bergman]

We'll see about that.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Katie, it is your turn. Please tell us why the keyboard is king.

[Unknown]

Welcome to the Keyboard, the only wrestling competition where we see who will be crowned the king of kings. In this corner, we've got the classic piano ready to rumble.

[Molly Bloom]

Chip, chip, cheerio.

[Unknown]

And in the other corner, we've got the young synth. Here to smack down, I'm gonna have.

[Molly Bloom]

You running back to your motherboard.

[Unknown]

And here to make it interesting is the keyboard Glockenspiel. Glockenspiel. Which keyboard will win? Only time will tell. Now let's rumble.

[Katie Drahos]

Geez. I have no idea who will win that fight, but it's sure gonna be fun to watch. There's so many different keyboards, and I love them all. Pianos, synthesizers, organs. I even love glockenspiels. Why? Because keyboards are a great way to jump into music. Some other instruments require you to learn special breathing or finger techniques. But with keyboards, all you need is the ability to press keys, one, then another, and another, and the next thing you know, you're playing seriously. Which sounds like a better music lesson. This.

[Sam Bergman]

To play the viola, you must shape your hand like a chicken's foot and place your fingers atop these strings.

[Katie Drahos]

Or this.

[Sam Bergman]

Just hit those piano keys in this order.

[Katie Drahos]

Isn't that so much simpler? And with a digital keyboard, you can program in different sounds so the instrument can sound like anything. Horns, marimbas, bells. Maybe you like Beethoven's 5th Symphony in C minor. So you Decide to play it on piano, but then you decide you want to play a little differently. So you program whistles into your digital keyboard. But then you want something sillier, so you make your keyboard sound like butts. Now that's what I call music. Another key difference between the keyboard and the viola is that the keyboard is affordable. While most violas can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, you can probably find a used keyboard for sale in your neighborhood for like 30 bucks. Which means almost anyone can start playing and even writing their own music. That's because the keyboard is a one stop musical shop. You can use it to create melody, bass lines, and even rhythms. It can be a whole band. That's why so many incredible musicians play the keyboards. Stevie Wonder, Elton John, myself, the list goes on. Plus, keyboards don't break down as easily as other instruments.

[Molly Bloom]

Ah, no, bro, I totally broke my guitar string.

[Unknown]

Dude, you gotta drive to the faraway music store to get a new one. Dude, dude, dude.

[Katie Drahos]

I'm in three bands and snapping strings is a very common problem. You know what isn't as common though? A broken keyboard. I've had my microkorg synthesizer for nearly 10 years, and in that time it's never let me down. And it's cover for other instruments when they've broken down because it can make so many kinds of sounds. I love you, synth.

[Molly Bloom]

I love you, Katie.

[Katie Drahos]

Whoa. I didn't know I could do that. But I'm not surprised. I love keyboards. I love to learn from them, to buy them, to play them. Heck, I even love it when they wrestle. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a match to watch.

[Unknown]

Oh, my goodness. It looks like glockenspiel has pinned the classic piano. Oh, goodness, my back. Glockenspiel.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, man. Katie. Showing us why keyboards have the keys to all of our hearts. Amira, what stood out about Katie's argument?

[Amira]

I like that she ended it with the glockenspiel winning.

[Molly Bloom]

Definitely. Any facts about keyboards that will stick with you?

[Amira]

Probably that, like, with the keys, they can make different noises. Really? Whatever you program into it.

[Molly Bloom]

Totally. All right, Sam, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why keyboards don't strike a chord. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Sam Bergman]

Well, listen, I also love a glockenspiel. Who doesn't? But Katie's argument sounded like you don't have an instrument there. You've got a full blown identity crisis. You have no idea what instrument you want to play, and so you've just decided to pick up a computer that can sound like any of them as soon as your mood changes. And frankly, I don't know what you have against learning to play something and do it well. I mean, if you decided to become a great cook, would you learn to chop vegetables and put things together in a great recipe or would you throw a frozen din in the microwave?

[Katie Drahos]

First of all, what do you have against people with identity crisises? That's my first question. I think there's room for us all here. Let's be for real and sometimes you just want a little bit of everything.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Amira, it is time to award some points. Please give one point to the declaration of greatness that you liked best. Add one point to the rebuttal that won you over. You get to decide what makes a winning argument. Did one team's jokes make you giggle? Was another team's logic impeccable? Award your points, but don't tell us who they're going to. It's completely subjective and completely up to you. Have you made your decision?

[Amira]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. Katie and Sam, how are you two feeling so far?

[Katie Drahos]

I feel great, per usual. But yeah, I feel really good. I feel like my arguments are strong. I feel like the other team's arguments aren't that great. I'm feeling good, Sam.

[Sam Bergman]

I'm feeling all right. I felt good about my argument. I will admit I'm a little nervous about the fact that I did not think to include a pro wrestling match in my declaration of greatness.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes, well, maybe you'll find a way to sneak that. It is time for a quick break. Adjust your bridge and wipe down your.

[Amira]

Keys and we'll be right back with more smashboom. Best.

[Molly Bloom]

You're listening to State of Debate, home.

[Katie Drahos]

To ragin rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation.

[Molly Bloom]

Hello debate ics. This is Taylor Lincoln here with my.

[Unknown]

Flower friend Todd Douglas. We're standing in my garden waiting for my tulips to bloom.

[Molly Bloom]

I just wish they'd put the petal to the metal and bloom already.

[Unknown]

You know, this reminds me of a real stinker of a logical fallacy I heard the other day.

[Molly Bloom]

Those are unbeliefably bad arguments that don't stand up to scrutiny.

[Unknown]

And this one was the hasty generalization fallacy. That's when you make a bold statement about a group or phenomenon without evidence to back it up. Here, lets listen.

[Sam Bergman]

Ah, is there anything better than a perfectly maintained garden, Tony?

[Unknown]

I don't think there is, Jerry. As a matter of what's wrong? There's a bee in your rose bushes. Bees gobble up all the nectar flowers have to offer. Your garden is going to shrivel up in a few days.

[Sam Bergman]

What? Where'd you get that idea?

[Unknown]

Bees need nectar. It's how they make honey. If we don't stop this infestation, they'll drain your flowers to death.

[Molly Bloom]

Ooh, wow. It sure sounds like Tony has a problem with bees.

[Unknown]

I'll say. But he didn't have any evidence to back up his claim. Sure, bees drink nectar from flowers, but that doesn't hurt the flower.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, bees actually pollinate flowers, which helps plants survive.

[Unknown]

Oh, my gosh, Taylor, look. The flowers are blooming. Quick, take a picture.

[Molly Bloom]

We'll see you next time on State of Debate. Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of smashboom Best, you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore. It's alien laundry day. While I wash my nose mufflers and Tummy Togas, I'll listen to a new podcast.

[Sam Bergman]

How about.

[Molly Bloom]

Forever Ago, my favorite history podcast? Whoa.

[Amira]

I was not expecting that to work or for it to sound this good.

[Katie Drahos]

That's the DJ Dolo technique.

[Unknown]

DJ Dolo.

[Katie Drahos]

When I say pizza, you say bagel.

[Molly Bloom]

Pizza. Zorp signal down. Stay right there. Tummy Togas. Must find Forever Ago. Now listen to Forever Ago wherever you get your podcasts. Best. Boom.

[Katie Drahos]

Smash.

[Molly Bloom]

Smash. Boom. You're listening to smashboom Best. I'm your host, Molly Bloom.

[Amira]

And I'm your judge, Amira.

[Molly Bloom]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Take a listen to this potato based debate idea from Ezra.

[Amira]

My debate idea is French fries versus potato chips. Can anyone hear my stomach rumbling?

[Molly Bloom]

Or mine? We'll check back in at the end of this episode to see which side Ezra thinks should win.

[Amira]

And now it's back to our debate. Viola versus keyboard.

[Molly Bloom]

That's right. And it's time for round two, the micro round. Today's micro round challenge is Twinkle, Twinkle. I'm a star. I'm going to ask each of you to play Twinkle, Twinkle, that famous song in three different styles. We'll go back and forth. You don't have to play the whole song as much as you'd like. Debaters, are you ready?

[Katie Drahos]

Yes.

[Sam Bergman]

Oh, yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Katie, you're up first. Let's hear you do Twinkle Twinkle in the style of jazz. Lovely. I was swinging to that. All right, Sam, let's hear you do Twinkle Twinkle in the style of country western twangy. I like it. Okay, Katie, let's Hear you do it in the style of dance music. Wow. I was grooving, I was bopping, I was dancing in my chair. All right, Sam, let's take it down a notch, and let's hear a lullaby version. So relaxing. All right, Katie, your last genre for Twinkle Twinkle is Broadway musical. Yes. Jazz hands. Jazz hands. All right, Sam. And finally, avant garde classical music.

[Sam Bergman]

Mm. All right, everyone with me, please. Imagine that I am wearing a black turtleneck and that I look very bored.

[Katie Drahos]

It.

[Molly Bloom]

Cutting edge. Oh, my gosh. That was the future right there. Incredible.

[Sam Bergman]

Let's hope not.

[Molly Bloom]

I enjoyed all of those renditions very much. So, Amira, tell me what stood out to you there about those beautiful versions of Twinkle Twinkle?

[Amira]

I think the keyboards version of the Broadway musical was very good. It reminded me of, I don't know, some kind of, like, small town music number kind of thing.

[Molly Bloom]

Totally.

[Amira]

I liked the country one for viola. It just felt very country to me.

[Molly Bloom]

Totally. They were both so good. But I'm sorry to say, Amira, you can only award one point for this round. The criteria are totally subjective and totally up to you. Did someone really capture the genres? Did someone make you dance? Did someone relax you? Did someone give you a vision of what they were going for? Have you awarded your point?

[Amira]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Fantastic. Then it's time for our third round, the super stealthy sneak attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called instrument charades. How expressive can your instrument be? We're gonna give you three challenges, and we want you to make your instrument embody that thing. Debaters, does this make sense? Are you ready?

[Katie Drahos]

I'm so ready.

[Sam Bergman]

Absolutely.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Sam, you are up first this time. So please make your instrument sound like it's laughing.

[Sam Bergman]

O.

[Molly Bloom]

Nice. Nice little giggle there. All right, Katie, same challenge. Let's hear your keyboard. Sound like it's laughing.

[Katie Drahos]

Hmm. That is an interesting one.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, very nice. Okay, Katie, you're gonna go first on this next one. Please make your instrument sound like it's crying. Oh, man. Brought tears to my eyes. Sam, same challenge. Please make your viola sound like it's crying. Aw, viola, buddy. It's gonna be okay. Okay, very good. Sam, we're gonna have you go first on this next challenge. Please make your instrument sound like a robot. Yes. I felt it. Angular, metallic robot. Y. All right, Katie, same challenge. Please make your keyboard sound like a robot.

[Sam Bergman]

I would just like to point out that Katie's instrument is a robot.

[Molly Bloom]

Fair.

[Sam Bergman]

And so I don't know about the fairness of that last one. I feel like mine should get to sound like a viola if she's gonna get to sound like a robot.

[Molly Bloom]

Yes. Please make yours sound like a hollow bodied piece of wood.

[Sam Bergman]

Yeah. Yeah. Let's hear that.

[Molly Bloom]

Sounds cool.

[Katie Drahos]

Yeah, I can do that. I can do that.

[Molly Bloom]

All right. You know, it's all up to Emira to take into consideration. Here is our final challenge. Katie, please make your instrument sound like the animal of your choosing.

[Katie Drahos]

Oh, okay. Frog.

[Molly Bloom]

Ribbit. Love it.

[Sam Bergman]

All that a robot frog?

[Katie Drahos]

Because maybe robot frogs are animals too.

[Sam Bergman]

That feels like another episode.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Sam, last one. Let's hear your viola. Sound like any animal you like.

[Sam Bergman]

We're gonna go with a cow.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my gosh. I can smell the cow. That was so realistic. Well done, Amira. Those were some excellent impersonations, but only one side is going to get a point. So please, Amira, think about which side impressed you the most and award your fourth point. Again, the criteria are totally subjective. Did someone really nail it? Did someone impress you with their quick thinking? Have you made your decision?

[Amira]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Perfect. Then it's time for our final round. The final six. In this round, each team will have just six words to sum up the glory of their side. Katie, let's hear six words that give kudos to keyboards.

[Katie Drahos]

Accessible. Fun. Everyone can play forever.

[Molly Bloom]

Yay. Excellent. All right, Sam, it is your turn. Give us six words on why violas should be victorious.

[Sam Bergman]

A triumph of the human spirit.

[Molly Bloom]

Mm, I see what you did there. Okay, Amira, it is time to award a final point for this final six. Have you made your decision?

[Amira]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, add up those points. Are you ready to crown one team the smashboom best?

[Amira]

I am.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, drumroll, please. And the winner is.

[Amira]

Viola.

[Molly Bloom]

My goodness.

[Sam Bergman]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Amira, was there a moment that decided it for you? What was your favorite part?

[Amira]

It really came down to the final six. It was tied before that.

[Molly Bloom]

As close as close can be.

[Amira]

Also, the cow. When he impersonated a cow.

[Katie Drahos]

That was pretty good.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, pretty, pretty, pretty good.

[Sam Bergman]

Well, listen, it is always a pleasure to be in any room with Katie Drahos. She's an incredible musician. And, you know, one of the best things about being a musician is getting to look and sound and feel cool while you're doing what you do. And there is just no musician I know cooler than Katie. I'm in awe. Truly.

[Molly Bloom]

Aw, that's really sweet.

[Katie Drahos]

That's really sweet. Well, I mean, Sam. I mean, it's also ditto, honestly. But Sam is such a prolific and amazing musician and being able to even collaborate in this space is so much fun and I got to learn so many new things about the viola. Maybe I will have more of an appreciation after leaving this session, even though I do still love robots a lot. But no, Sam is incredible and I just loved being able to spend time with him.

[Molly Bloom]

And that is it for today's debate battle. Amira crowned Viola's the Smashboom best. But what about you?

[Amira]

Head to smashboom.org and vote to tell us who you think won Smash.

[Molly Bloom]

Boomvest is brought to you by Brainson and APM Studio Studios. It's produced by me, Molly Bloom, Anna.

[Sam Bergman]

Wegel and Aron Woldesilasi.

[Molly Bloom]

We had engineering help from Derek Ramirez, Dan Cahill and Chris Isaac, with sound design by Rachel Brees and Anna Wegel. Our editors are Shayla Farzan and Sandon Totten with fact checking by Ruby Guthrie. And we had production help from the rest of the Brains on Universe team. Rosie Dupont, Anna Goldfield, Nico Gonzalez, Whistler.

[Sam Bergman]

Lauren Humphrey, Jess Miller, Joshua Ray, Mark.

[Molly Bloom]

Sanchez and Charlotte Traver. Our executive producers, Beth Pearlman and the APM Studios executives in charge are Chandra Kavati and Joann Griffith. Our announcer is Marley Feuer, worker Otto. And we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Sam, is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today?

[Sam Bergman]

I'd like to shout out the Apple Hill String Quartet who helped me record the music you heard in my declaration of greatness. That's Elise Cooter, Jesse McDonald's, Mike Kelly and Jacob McKay. And also I'd like to shout out the Minnesota Orchestra viola section where I played for 25 years.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. And how about you, Katie? Any special shout outs?

[Katie Drahos]

Yeah, I want to shout out my bands Butter Boys, Ghost Kitchen and High Tiny Hairs, which you can catch around town all of the time. And then my cutie husband, David Trejos.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. And how about you, Amira? Any special thanks or shout outs? I'll.

[Amira]

I want to thank my family, my friend Ashlyn, and yeah, all the people who have let me come on this podcast and just given me the opportunity to be here.

[Molly Bloom]

You did a great job. Before we go, let's check in and see who Ezra thinks should win the French fries versus potato chips debate.

[Amira]

I think potato chips would win because they are more delicious than French fries. But French fries are delicious too.

[Katie Drahos]

Bye.

[Molly Bloom]

Can't argue with that. Smashboom Best is a non profit public radio program. If you're between the ages of 13 and 18, and you'd like to be a judge. Or if you're any age and you have an idea for a knockdown, drag out debate head to smashboom.org contact and drop us line. And make sure to subscribe to Brains on Universe on YouTube where you can watch animated versions of some of your favorite episodes. We'll be back with a new smashboom Best Debate Battle next week. Bye bye.

[Katie Drahos]

Bye. See ya later.

[Amira]

After a while, crocodile.

[Molly Bloom]

Better than the rest.

[Sam Bergman]

Can I just tune real quick so it doesn't sound terrible?

[Molly Bloom]

Thanks. Yes, please.

[Katie Drahos]

Not something I have to do.

[Unknown]

All right.