Underground ringmasters: the pit orchestra

Typically, people associate a musical with singers and actors. However, they forget one of the key factors that makes the musical succeed: the pit orchestra. Samo’s 2018 spring musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, has amazing musicians that have shared their love for being a part of the musical through the pit.  Terry Sakow, the pits conductor, has his students practice for long hours in order to prepare for the big show. Students typically practice from 4:00 to 9:30 after school two weeks before opening night.  Although some students may prefer being on stage, musicians in the pit have expressed the benefits of their job. “The benefit of being in the pit is that you are really the heartbeat of the whole play. What you do makes everything tick and you get to work with your friends. It’s really just so much fun to play all the music,” Alan Schlessinger (’19) said. “I don’t get stage fright from being in the pit, but I definitely would on stage. Also I’m surrounded by a lot of my closest friends in the pit, which is great,” Jackson Weill (’19) said.  The group contains around 55 members, with only 30-35 playing in each performance due to to capacity. However, each student gets to experience the glamour and passion of being a part of the musical.  “My favorite song is “Yo Ho Ho” because it’s just a classical 50s jazz tune,” Schlessinger said. After their experience this year in the pit, students definitely recommend being joining for next year’s musical.  “I fully recommend being in the pit. Know your part and make sure you are committed,” Natalie Dimundo (’19) said. “Bring your homework to the pit. Learn your part and get ready to be with the same people for hours on end,” Isabella Chuecos (’19) said.