With musical performances starting next week, everyone involved in the production has been working hard to ensure they are ready.

Pit orchestra is no exception. Led by Band Director Steve Johnson, the group consists of 11 musicians: Austin Connaher, Dominic D’Angelo, Cassi Garrison, Alexander Gonzalez Castro, Manami Hikita, Gabrielle Jackson, Delaney Manning, Joshua Metzentine, Alexander Rojas, Benjamin Smith and Jack Smith.

The group has been meeting after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays since November, but with the musical approaching, they have more frequent rehearsals coming up.

These band students, all of whom volunteered to be in the pit orchestra, first started learning the music independently, and then practices with the singers began in January. 

“I enjoy seeing the progress of the pit throughout the musical,” said Jackson.

Being in the pit orchestra allows students to improve their skills on their instrument or instruments, play a different kind of music than they might usually, and spend time with fellow musicians. 

They also contribute an important role to the musical and are essential to the show.

You can come hear the pit orchestra at the musical on 1/25 and 1/26 at 6:00 p.m., on 1/27 at 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., and 1/28 at 1:00 p.m.