Music Man

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:53 am

I just got a pit job in Music Man. I am pretty excited about it since it's been a while since i've done any pit work. It's hard to get jobs as a stay at home mom with two toddlers. But it comes at a great time since I could really use the money. I have been watching the movie (Mathew Broderick and Christin Chenewith...sp?) and there are so many fun piccolo parts! Has anyone done this show before? I'm curious about how you liked it.

MeLizzard · Post by **MeLizzard** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 8:57 am

I did this show 7 or 8 years ago, but don't remember much about it. Have fun!

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:21 am

Oh i'm sure I'll have a lot of fun....it seems like a really fun show....and funny....we'll see!

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:45 am

The piccolo part is awesome. Especially in 76 Trombones! There is a part where there is no singing, just a bunch of dancing and the piccolo gets a fantastic solo! Have fun, it is a great score to play.

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:58 am

That's awesome! I can't wait to see the score. I know the part you are refering too...when the girls take over the dancing and the piccolo solo really is amazing! Thanks for the input.

TheScarecrow · Post by **TheScarecrow** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:54 pm

No problem. I generally stay away from playing in the pit because I am always on stage. There are about 3 theatre groups in my area not including my highschool and I am always either the lead or a lead in all the productions so there is very little time for pit work. The few times I have been in the pit I have always played the oboe (my main instrument). In The Music Man there were two casts, I was Harold Hill in one, and oboe/flute/pic/clarinet in the other. It is a very marchy brassy sort of score so I played all the upper woodwinds (we had to cut a little) but they have similar parts for most of it. Had I played just oboe, I wouldn't have played much, but the flute and pic have a very nice part so you don't have to worry!

Woodwind Guy · Post by **Woodwind Guy** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:02 pm

I remember that show! I actually did it at my school last year, and it was pretty good. Here's a list of the reed books:
Reed 1: Flute,piccolo
Reed 2: Bb clarinet, oboe, english horn
Reed 3: Bb clarinet, Eb clarinet, soprano sax
Reed 4: Piccolo, flute, Bb clarinet, bass clarinet
Reed 5: Bass sax, bari sax, bassoon, flute?, Bb clarinet

Some of the music I felt was very competitive, but then again we cut quite a bit out. I have a copy of the Reed 1 stuff laying around somewhere, but remember it somewhat. There is alot of picc. playing in the first act, as well as a bit of flute here and there. If I recall correctly, there was a bit more flute in the secod act. There are some keys involving quite a few sharps- like 4-5 at the most- which isn't too terribly bad. As far as switching between flute and picc. went, there was enough time plus more to be ready to play when needed. Good luck!

musical_Kat · Post by **musical_Kat** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:14 pm

TheScarecrow wrote:No problem. I generally stay away from playing in the pit because I am always on stage. There are about 3 theatre groups in my area not including my highschool and I am always either the lead or a lead in all the productions so there is very little time for pit work. The few times I have been in the pit I have always played the oboe (my main instrument). In The Music Man there were two casts, I was Harold Hill in one, and oboe/flute/pic/clarinet in the other. It is a very marchy brassy sort of score so I played all the upper woodwinds (we had to cut a little) but they have similar parts for most of it. Had I played just oboe, I wouldn't have played much, but the flute and pic have a very nice part so you don't have to worry!

Oh that's great....so you are an actor as well! My sister is an amazing actress/singer as well. She is just about to open at the Lake Worth Playhouse as Eileen in Wonderful Town (www.lakeworthplayhouse.org). I can't wait to see her opening night. She has done more than a dozen shows now. I have been with her on more than a few of them.....cheering from the pit. But we are actually opening different shows at the same time for the first time. It should be interesting!