Working In The Pit

What is it like for the musicians who work in the orchestra?

Do they get bored playing the same music eight times a week or what? Does the conductor vary from night to night and switch it up or do they play it exactly the same way every time? Is this their main job or do they work somewhere else during the day? What's it like being stuck in the ground with very little contact with or appreciation from the audience?

The main question I'm asking is this : is it a fun job or no?

Well, they NEED to play it the same way (most of the time, anyway) because of the actors. I'm sure some do get bored, but not unlike actors it's part of their job to make sure it doesn't come thru in their actual performance.

As to other jobs, many do - but often because of the time they have on their hands. They give lessons, play in studios. You never know how long a gig will last, so most take jobs along the way to be financially responsible.

You don't become a pit instrumentalist because you want the limelight. I'm sure they are perfectly fine getting the recognition they do.

I'm with you on the applause at the end, I also stay and watch credits at movies....but when they play after the curtain calls, it is usually referred to AS exit music, the very purpose is to accompany the audience out. There is always a part of the curtain calls for the orch, I'm not sure what else you think should happen. I have, however, noticed that people seem more in tune with the orchestra than they used to be.

dramamama611 said: "I'm with you on the applause at the end, I also stay and watch credits at movies....but when they play after the curtain calls, it is usually referred to AS exit music, the very purpose is to accompany the audience out. There is always a part of the curtain calls for the orch, I'm not sure what else you think should happen. I have, however, noticed that people seem more in tune with the orchestra than they used to be."

I totally agree that people seem to be more aware that there are HUMANS in the pit playing for them. This post took me back to LCT's "South Pacific" when that lush, glorious orchestra was revealed and got a big hand from the audience before even playing a note.

Broadway musicians are allowed to take a certain number of performances off for other gigs in order to avoid monotony. Doing so allows them to keep the steady Broadway paycheck while still fulfilling themselves artistically. If you're close with a contractor, you can leave one show and get placed on another new one so that you've still got a job on Broadway but you're playing new material. Many of them also do chamber and orchestra jobs during the day and then do their Broadway show at night. Usually, they have their own little community backstage, just like the actors do.

Here's a great NY Times article about being a Broadway pit substitute that is quite revealing about what life in the pit is like.

I really appreciate the contributions of the boys and girls in the band. Over 20 years ago, I saw the last Carol Channing revival of Dolly multiple times and one night I ended up in a box seat overlooking the orchestra. As they played the exit music, I stayed and I think I was the sole audience member remaining as they finished. I stood and applauded loudly. I think I shouted "Bravo, Bravo!" Some of them laughed but they all smiled and the conductor turned and gave me a smiling nod. They are essential members of the production and deserve to be acknowledged.

Broadway's Musical Chairs

Updated On: 6/18/18 at 11:27 PM