Comments on: Musical mutiny below decks – Top 10 wacky things I’ve seen in orchestra pit playing

By: Niels Huisman

Niels Huisman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:23:57 +0000

I remember a game of backgammon being played during a high school performance of Guys and Dolls. At least the sound of rolling dice fit in with some of the scenes!

By: David A.

David A. — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:07:36 +0000

While at school in the 80″s we always had food in the pit. Each night it would be a different persons “job” to bring in food for the bass section. Chili night was the best. This is on top of having a TV. I was at a big basketball school and March was a difficult time to balance my responsibilities.

By: David A.

David A. — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:07:04 +0000

By: Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:41:53 +0000

Hehehe.

I once played a show gig in which the orchestra was not visible at all to the audience! We were miked in a seperate room. Some highlights of the “pit” included-

-the clarinetist making balloon sculptures.
-me and the music directoracting out dialogue.
-the trumpet player writing sarcastic comments in the music.
-reading, of course.
-the occasional beer if I remember correctly.

Given the low pay and excessive length of the show, the silliness made it somehow more bearable.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:59:24 +0000

Great to hear that you notice it as well, Lauren. BTW, your blog rocks!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 05:31:19 +0000

Yup, I’ve seen all of this. And some of it still amazes me. I think you make excellent points, and I’m happy to see another freelancer writing about it.

By: Contrabass Conversations | CBC 55: Owen Lee interview and music

Contrabass Conversations | CBC 55: Owen Lee interview and music — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 02:14:19 +0000

[...] my list of top 10 wackiest pit encounters: http://doublebassblog.org/2007/12/musical-mutiny-below-decks-top-10-wacky-things-ive-seen-in-orchest... [...]