As the audience watched the theater department’s spring musical, Grease, it was clear that the music was a vital part of the show. The sound was full and strong and supported all the talented singers in the show. An important part of the theater production, the pit orchestra provides music for all the spring musicals. The pit orchestra features students from the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) music department, both band and orchestra, who come together and provide the music for each show.
Each year, students rehearse separately before the cast and orchestra can join together. Before adding the cast, the pit orchestra practices and rehearses each number on their own. Closer to the show, the cast is added. They then work on the numbers together and get ready to perform. Ashton Mattison, a freshman who was a member of the pit orchestra in Grease, says that one of his favorite parts of being in the pit was the rehearsals because “they were really fun and it was fun to see all the actors practicing.” While the overall method is similar between each show, it can be a very different experience depending on the show.
Grease is filled with upbeat, fun, and iconic numbers. Because of this, playing in the pit was a very fun experience. Ashton says that he enjoyed Rizzo’s song because “it was always fun to hear her sing and play along.” However, when theater puts on more dramatic shows, like Les Miserables, the music is very different. Leo Marcus, a junior who was in the pit orchestra for Les Miserables and Mamma Mia, says that “In Les Miserables, the music was much more complex. However, both were super enjoyable and a great experience.”
The nature of the spring musical blends very well with the energy of the pit orchestra. Both are full of passionate students who love the arts, and it shows in the music and performances. The live music adds so much to the experience and gives students great opportunities to show their talents. To see more amazing performances, check out the website at https://avpa.org/.
