While the actors are having rehearsals to learn and perfect their vocal parts, another group is hard at work to perfect music for the show. They are the Pit Orchestra. This group of students and hired professionals typically met once a week, on Mondays, to learn and review the music that the singers will be performing. Now, with a week till opening night, they are meeting every evening to rehearse with the actors.

The key difference between the vocalists and instrumentalists music, is that unlike the vocalists, most members of the Pit are playing throughout the entire musical and can be heard on every song. Learning two and a half hours of music can be quite the difficult task.

“You have to practice a lot to get everything down, it’s a little overwhelming but worth it.” Sophomore Rafael Snell-Feikema stated.

Like the vocalists, the instrumentalists find that being in musical bears a heavy strain on their free time.

“It’s difficult.” senior Anna Boisen said. “Juggling between college applications, homework, spending time with friends, being at musical rehearsals, and practicing the music outside of school to have it ready, is quite a handful.”

To aid the students, additional musicians have been hired from outside HHS. These musicians fill in parts that the ensemble previously didn’t have for various reasons, and are being paid to be in the Pit Orchestra. One of these reasons is that some of the music is quite challenging.

“Overall it’s not that bad, but there’s just certain sections that make it very, very, difficult for a high school student to play,” said hired musician and student teacher Cory Schmitt.

Even through all of the practicing, and long hours, members of the Pit Orchestra remain optimistic.  “I am really excited to hear what the final product sounds like”, Junior Trevor Cockburn said. “It will be great to feel the rewards of all of our hard work.”

http://youtu.be/R6LXDiQlYAg