This month, we had a few things that we wanted to talk about, so instead of picking just one topic, we are doing…(drumroll please)….MASHUP MAY! And the intro to this mashup? Why, music of course!
This past month, I had the great privilege of playing in the orchestra for a high school production of Beauty and the Beast. After countless hours of rehearsals, the show ran last week – 8 performances in 5 days, a few lost voices on the actors’ parts, and some serious calluses on my fingers – it’s all over, but the memories will live on.
When orchestra rehearsals began back in April, I was excited, albeit nervous to be playing my bass again. As the hours went on and the music wormed itself permanently into my consciousness, I was reminded once again of the joy of playing a musical instrument. If you’re lucky, that instrument starts to feel more like an extension of your body than something separate from it; the music not notes on a page, but a beat pulsing through your veins.
Once the orchestra and the cast started working together, though, that is where the real magic began. Many people enjoy a night out at the theatre, but few get the privilege of being in the theatre, bringing the performance to life. I was in awe at the talent of these young people – their singing, dancing, and comedic timing was far beyond their years, and they worked so hard to make this show the success that it was.
As any performer knows, rehearsals can be long and gruelling, but the sheer joy of sharing that hard work with an audience is unparalleled – and a standing ovation? Well, there’s simply nothing like it.
The Joyful Gingers 