The Pennridge Performing Arts program brought the magic of Disney to life in a whole new way this musical season with the addition of our school’s very first pit orchestra. The recent production of The Beauty and the Beast was enhanced by live, student-produced music, which was a prominent idea for quite some time. This was made possible with some fresh minds on the theatre team, and orchestra director Marissa Guarriello was at the head of the 11 passionate players from both the orchestra and the band. The experience of tying together the show and the sound for performance week was tough, but nothing short of memorable. 

The pit began its rehearsals back in late November, and it was an adjustment for the selected musicians at first. They were all new to the pit orchestra setting, and the music was nothing like they’d seen before. Guarriello explained that it wasn’t like a traditional rehearsal, where she would give her students simple sheet music to learn; in this instance, she was handing them a book full of precise, moving material. In practice, the musicians had to not only learn the music, but they had to learn to align it. Just as the actors have to perform for the length of the show, the pit orchestra is responsible for all of its musical accompaniment throughout. 

After the players got the gist of the music in their own rehearsals, towards the end of March was when the actors were introduced. It was a big transition from before, as the combined rehearsals shifted the times from 6:30 to 9:00 PM on Tuesdays, to 3:30 to 7:00 PM every day after school. Michael Frentzen, the pit’s pianist, said that the combined rehearsals were tiring, but “it’s cool, because, as each rehearsal goes on, everything starts to assemble.” It was a challenge for those involved, but each musician was dedicated to the event. Frentzen, as well as Conner Geisler, one of the cellists, both expressed that it was interesting seeing where their parts fit into the music and the show itself; fitting everything together could become tedious at times, especially with repeatedly covering certain scenes, but it was worthwhile for the final product.

This year, the Performing Arts department offered four in-person viewings, as well as a stream of the event, featuring a pre-recorded and edited rendition of the show. It all amounted to being a special and unique experience for the actors and the musicians alike– Guarriello described that the “texture [of the sound] changes from a MIDI track” when live music is added, and it enriches the performance as a whole. The actors were also given the opportunity to adjust the speed of their musical cues with a conductor at the head of the sound, whereas, in the past, there weren’t any changes they could make to a prerecorded track. Come showtime, the anticipation was nerve wracking for the pit players. But, once the performance was in full swing, it became an enjoyable experience for all. Guarriello stated that “There’s something really magical about a full orchestra providing music,” and she could tell that the players were able to feed off of the energy that the live audiences brought to the stand. 

The pit orchestra was a new and exciting addition to the Pennridge theatre this year. Guarriello greatly enjoyed conducting and working with the pit group, saying “it was an incredibly delightful process.” She honestly expressed that the players this year were great– they were professional and prepared, and they always gave their all. As for the productions coming, Guarriello sees this returning for the coming year. Frentzen and Geisler both recommend trying out for the pit to their fellow players in the future, both stating that it’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun.