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This issue of The Orchestra Pit appeared in Winter 1998-99. For the current issue, click here. |
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Your pitmaster on the web:
Deb Walz Resources Orchestration misprint/correction knowledge repository News items Warning to musicians |
Hi and welcome to The Pit.
"Guys & Dolls" was my introduction to this organization and I'm delighted (and a bit embarrassed) to have a voice. Below is a chronology of my impressions of the experience. Please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you'd like to see here. I'd like to keep a repository of misprints in the orchestrations so that every community theater organization needn't rediscover the mistakes on their own. I'll be looking for other ways to benefit the community. Aug. 27: A phone call. Am I interested in playing in the pit orchestra for the November production of "Guys & Dolls"? Excitement, elation, enthusiasm. I start humming the trumpet solo from "Havana" over the phone. This director must think I'm nuts. I have months to practice. Sept. 24: Receive the music. Even though I've played this show twice, I'm surprised at how much looks unfamiliar. Early October: I practice. I worry. I buy the CD. Oct. 18: First orchestra rehearsal. By about the 5th reprise of "I've Never Been In Love Before", the group is playing as a unit. Excellent. But these tempos are much faster than when I played this in high school. I now live "Guys & Dolls" music. The CD plays at home, the cassette in my car. My 6-year-old daughter memorizes the lyrics. Oct. 25: Second orchestra rehearsal. More right notes. Improved unity. I struggle with page turns and mute changes. Then I notice the reed players juggling multiple books and instruments. I pledge to do better. No rehearsal yet with cast members. I anticipate very late nights and lots of interruptions as we work out timing between the cast and the orchestra. Nov. 2: First rehearsal with the cast in the auditorium. Pit is shallow, narrow and very well-heated. Voices are excellent. We run straight through the first act. After a brief break, we get through most of the second act and the big dance numbers. Incredulity. Relief. Admiration. This is a very disciplined organization. Nov. 3: We run the entire show. Strong cast. Adelaide and Nicely-Nicely Johnson are particularly well-cast. My chops hurt. Nov. 4: Dress rehearsal. Hilarious scene where Sarah and Adelaide dream of life with a domesticated Sky and Nathan. Anticipation tinged with anxiety. Nov. 6: Opening night. Jitters. Relief. Nov. 7: More confidence. Wonderfully warm audience. Standing ovation. Nov. 8: Last show. Pride. Regret. Nov. 30: Withdrawal. When can we start rehearsing for the next show? |