Notre Dame Academy’s pit orchestra is gearing up to accompany the school’s Wizard of Oz musical. 

The pit orchestra is the name of the instrumental ensemble that accompanies a live production in a theater, usually in a pit, but since NDA does not have that, they play on the floor in front of the stage. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity to work with very motivated and talented students in the pit orchestra,” said Steve Johnson.

Johnson is the band director at Notre Dame Academy, who is responsible for this production. It is his 9th year here at NDA.

As the band director at Notre Dame, he is the first choice to lead the pit orchestra, but at some other schools, it is run by someone outside of the school. 

“It’s fun to work with instrumentalists who are motivated to play difficult music,” said Johnson, “They’re used to playing.”

Students are selected each year based on the  show’s needs and what instruments are included in the musical arrangements.

Members of the orchestra are expected to practice on their own time to prepare for the shows.

“You get to collaborate with classmates and with professionals in the field,” said Austin Connaher, a member of the pit orchestra. “I really enjoy being able to communicate with actors through music.”   

The orchestra usually begins practice two weeks prior to the showtime.

At their practices, they gather for a “sitzprobe,” where they gather to focus on the music without choreography and staging. 

Once the orchestra is ready, they then start running the show with the entire cast and choreography. 

Although it varies depending on the year, this year they will have 8 rehearsals with the cast in the weeks leading up to the big performances.

“I enjoy getting to be a part of the pit because it allows me to play challenging music,” said Ben Foster, another member of the pit orchestra.