When an audience watches a live musical, they see amazing, talented actors and actresses singing and dancing across the stage. Underneath it all, hidden from view, is the pit orchestra—a group of student and professional musicians that help bring the show to life. Before the first song starts, the conductor raises his baton, and suddenly the room is full of vibrant music.
The role of the pit orchestra is to support the actors and actresses with live music. “The music allows us to set the tone for whatever is happening on stage,” said conductor, Mr. Kramer ’07.
The pit orchestra is made up of both professional and student musicians. Over the years, the number of students has increased compared to past productions, now at 78%, which is the highest it has been.
A major challenge these musicians face is learning the entire score in only a few months. The music for In The Heights is especially demanding, with constant changes in key signature, time signature, and style of music. Staying consistent and dedicated to learning the score is essential for the orchestra to sound its best.
Faith Tarkang ‘26, a student trombonist who began playing in the pit in her junior year, shared how she prepares for the show: “I like to listen to the songs when I’m driving to come to school in the mornings,” she said. “I find that it really helps me to get the rhythm of the song and understand the flow of the show as a whole.”
Ellie Trevino ‘29, a student saxophonist performing in the pit for the first time this year, also has her own practice routine: “Every weekend, I try to put some part of my day when I’m not studying or doing other things to work on the show,” she explained.
Even with all the hard work that comes along with it, rehearsals are filled with fun moments. “My favorite moments in rehearsals are those downtimes between songs when people are just goofing around,” said Faith, smiling. Ellie agreed, saying, “My favorite moment in rehearsal is bonding with the other people that are in the show.”
So what ties it all together? In addition to teaching the musicians how to learn pit orchestra music, Mr. Kramer has the important job of making sure the orchestra stays perfectly in sync with the actors and actresses on stage above them. “It’s my job to cue the musicians off of what I see on stage,” he explained. In terms of set up, he is elevated enough for the people on stage to see him, and screens are set up underneath the stage for the musicians to watch Mr. Kramer’s conducting in live time.
Although the audience may never see them, the pit orchestra is a crucial part of the musical production. Their music drives the pacing, supports the actors and actresses, and sets the tone for each scene. Without the musicians beneath it all, the show simply would not sound the same.
Out of sight but impossible to ignore, a few members of the *In the Heights* pit orchestra shown here are part of a larger team bringing the show to life—layering rhythms, energy, and teamwork into every moment on stage.
