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.