Why not stop by A Snap, A Set and A Song and link up with your own Snap, Set and Song?
The Snap
If you have read my recent post, All You Have To Do Is Dream (and if you haven't, why not?), you would know that I have now spent a lot of time in show pits - first as a violist, and then musical director/conductor. Ever wonder what it looks like in the pit with the orchestra? While each venue is different, and some "pits" are actually just spaces near the stage, here is a look at one in which I have worked. The larger shot was taken while the stage and sets were still being built. You can see my script on my left and my score and notes in front of me. You may also notice the set of claves and the slide whistle on my stand. Yes, I even got to play a few instruments during this show. (Little Shop of Horrors)
In the insert, you see me (thanks to my son taking this picture) actually conducting during a performance. (This was an unusual set-up as most of the band was actually behind me here.) You can also see a bongo drum to my left which I played as well.
The Set
This set shows just some of the involvement of my family in music. I concentrated only on the musical theater aspect and not some of the other bands that we have played in - together and separately.
Going clockwise - me (and my viola) in a show pit ... my wife and I at the Tony Awards presentation at Radio City Music Hall in NYC ... my son and daughter at an early rehearsal of Guys and Dolls (my daughter was visiting and decided to sit in) ... my son coming from backstage after his final college performance in Chicago (The Musical, not the city ... note the soprano & tenor saxes, the clarinet and the stand to hold them all) ... me conducting one of my show bands.
The Song
This week, you will notice that all three parts of this post are "home-grown" so to speak. (No chance of us picking the same video this week Thea.) This is closing night of Fiddler on the Roof at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center here on Staten Island. That is my son on clarinet and my daughter on flute. This has special meaning for me as it was the final performance of the final show my daughter would play in a pit band for me, as shortly after this night she moved to Florida.
Wow! This is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI really picked the right theme for you this week. I love all of this.
As I said ... you had NO idea how right this was. I did my first show when I was about 6 years old, and first got involved with Community Theater more than 40 years - and at least 3 dozen shows - ago. As you can see, my kids have been on the journey with me as well. :-)
DeleteWow, this is so cool! As a teenager I was right into live theatre and was in a lot of plays and productions. And now my heart absolutely swells when I get to see live shows.
ReplyDeleteWhen the lights go down and the curtains go up, I get the shivers! Lucky you, to be living that life! :)
Well, part of this is I have been lucky to live all my life in the city that has Broadway in it, and was taken to shows early in my life. I did the same with my own kids and they too have an appreciation for musical theater. When my daughter comes to visit - she lives 1100 miles (1800 km) away these days - that is usually one thing we have to do.
Delete