Anything Goes, this year’s musical, has a trick up its sleeves. For the first time in two years, the musical has a pit orchestra. A pit orchestra is a live band that plays the score.

Pit orchestra director Damon Dye says, “I think (live music is) more authentic. There is more of a dialogue between the conductor, the pit orchestra, and the kids on stage. I think it humanizes the performance.”

The pit orchestra is a big leap for the music program. It challenges the musicians by giving them more difficult music in key signatures they rarely play.

Sophomore clarinet player Grace Williams says, “It’s a bit stressful at times because I have a lot of songs to practice, but I’ve become a much better musician because of it, and it’s really fun.”

Pit Orchestra members are also excited to have a role in the musical. They get to speak a line in the middle.

“I’m pretty thrilled to get my one line,” Williams says.

Drama student Austin Dye, who plays Sailor #1 in the musical, says, “I think it really benefits the school. It also conveys emotion to the musical.”

The music has a jazz feel to it. This makes the music very challenging.  “Using a difficulty grading of 1-6, like the band does, I’d say it’s 5+ or even 6 in some places!” Mr. Dye said.

One of the most important pieces that the band has to play is the Overture. The Overture features a medley of almost all the songs in the musical. It is crucial for the orchestra to play this well because it sets the mood for the musical.

Until production weeks, the pit orchestra practices once a week.

The performances for the musical are:

Friday, April 17th – 7 pm

Saturday, April 18th – 7 pm

Sunday, April 19th – 2 pm

Saturday, April 25th – 7 pm

Sunday, April 26th – 2 pm

You can buy tickets here