Picture this: the lights dim, the curtains open, and an actor comes out onto the stage ready to put on the best performance the school has ever seen. But something else is happening… Behind the small lamps atop music stands and the watchful eye of a conductor, an orchestra is bringing the story to life with their spectacular songs.
Do you enjoy the theater and watching plays? Do you play a musical instrument in school or at home? Are you too nervous to act but still want to be involved with drama? Then this opportunity is perfect for you!
The BHS pit orchestra is composed of musicians, most being students, who perform alongside the Masquers Guild; they combine their efforts and put on a spectacular production. Instruments such as clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, acoustic bass, and keyboard are a few of many needed to play the parts of the show, this year being Legally Blonde.
You probably have a lot of questions regarding this extracurricular, so here are a few facts to clarify any inquiries. The rehearsals this year, and others, range in length depending on the circumstances of the practice. For example, the student orchestra practices are either an hour and thirty minutes or two hours and thirty minutes on Friday afternoons; they become a little longer once dress rehearsals and practices with pro musicians commence. Also, the music is put together in a book that is returned after the final performance. Each one consists of parts for various instruments. For example, I switched between clarinet and bari sax depending on which part I needed to play at that moment for the show last year.
Moving on, it’s understandable to be nervous about joining pit. We read Broadway sheet music and spend weeks perfecting our playing to the best of our ability, but it’s not as stressful as you may think.
You can write down as many notes as you’d like to guide you through your performance and lots of music teachers will play along with you, ready to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, there are plenty of rehearsals and tracks that you can practice with, giving you plenty of time and resources to learn the challenging elements of the show. Even knowing the lyrics to the music can be helpful in figuring out the cues!
“First of all, the music is GREAT and lots of fun! Second, you can learn as much or as little of the book as you want. You still need to follow the rehearsal schedule, but you can decide for yourself your level of investment in this project. Whether you learn one song or all 22, there are musical challenges and the pride and satisfaction of a job well done for all participants! Third, you will be participating in a great story of heartbreak, ambition, perseverance, and resilience. Finally, your role is to deliver this story through music and to support a cast of singers and dancers who will bring all their energy and enthusiasm to bear. It is a crucial role and essential to this story,” said conductor of the BHS pit orchestra, Dr. Kay. “ You’ll have fun and experience the fulfillment of creating something GREAT for our community to enjoy!”
If you were, understandably, too anxious or overwhelmed to join the group this year, then think about it, come see Legally Blond, and consider becoming a part of the pit orchestra next school year. Don’t worry, a book will be waiting for you when you come to the first rehearsal.
