Registration has begun! While students are browsing through the “Live Course Schedule” for spring 2010, they might be surprised at what’s being offered.
Deli Sacilotto, a retired director of research at USF’s Graphic Studio, hopes that his class will be on there.
In June, Sacilotto gave several lectures to the Quartet de Minaret on the basics of the violin, which included talking about the history and important dates, displaying photographs and presenting examples of violins taken apart.
He wanted to show the intricacy of the instrument and how each part related to and affected the sound. “Since the 1500s, the sound of the violin hasn’t changed much,” he explained.
He proposed the idea of the class to start the class to Dr. Libor Ondras, an assistant UT music professor.
While Sacilotto does not play an instrument, he does have a connection with UT’s music department. “My son is a violinist, who actually played with the original Minaret de Quartet,” he said.
The Quartet is currently led by Ondras.
The violin repair workshop will meet one evening per week during the semester for three-hour sessions. It’s open to all students, including freshmen. Sacilotto will also provide the tools—knives chisels, etc.—for retouching the instruments, trimming the sound parts and setting up the strings. Students are encouraged to bring in their own violin or viola in need of work for repairs and even demonstrations.
Course Overview
The course outlines the overview of the history of string instruments with a focus on the achievements of the great instrument makers such as Stradivari, Guarneri, Stainer and others, as well as their unique qualities and tonal characteristics.
It includes sessions on fitting a new soundpost with regards to its correct fit and placement and the effect on the sound of the instrument.
The workshop will uncover the relationship between the strings, nut, bridge, fingerboard and tailpiece, and their effect on sound and the playability of the instrument.
Students will learn how to fit a new bridge and its relevance to the transmission of sound to the instrument. He will also teach how to correct the slope of the fingerboard.
The class will focus on repairing minor cracks from the outside of the instruments with the proper use of hide glue.
Finally, students will learn the proper long-term care and maintenance of the instrument including retouching and polishing.
Goals
Sacilotto hopes that this will set the precedent for other instrument repair workshops to be offered in the future.
“I could really see this class growing into even a full violin-making workshop,” he said. “I’m very interested in what produced the sound, not only in violins, but in violas and cellos, as well.”
When asked about his goal for the course itself, he replied, “I really want the class to present a unique dialogue with musicians regarding their instruments.”
Currently, he finds entertainment in making violins. He describes them as “little boxes that make beautiful sounds.”
He’s restored several different instruments and has even sold one to the Florida Orchestra.
The violin repair workshop has six students interested.
The class needs only four more to become open for registration.
“I’d be excited to work with UT’s students. Through my son and the music program, I’ve met quite a number of them,” Sacilotto said.
With his love for the fine arts and enthusiasm for the university, he hopes to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for 2010.
For more information on the course, or if you are interested in partaking in the workshop, e-mail ddsacilotto@excite.com.