Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Asked to play for first Sondheim musical -- help!

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redhead
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Topic: Asked to play for first Sondheim musical -- help!
Posted: 6/11/12 at 12:31pm

I'm not an MD, but I've played piano for a few shows (RENT, Godspell, Hairspray) and really enjoyed it.

The MD I've worked with before just called me and said they were doing Sweeney Todd in about 6-7 weeks, and could I play?

I took a peek at the score and listened to some songs on YouTube. Holy mackerel!!! It's a lot different from those other shows. It looks HARD. It looks crazy!

I'm not even sure I will even be able to play it.
Am I over-reacting, or is it as bad as it appears? For those of you who have done ST (or other Sondheim shows) before, did you use live music, and how did it go?

Any advice for how I should tackle this -- or if I should even try?

Thanks!
Redhead

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pdavis69
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Posted: 6/12/12 at 8:15am

In my opinion, Sondheim music is often much more complicated than your traditional musicals. You are the best judge of your own ability. If you feel the music is beyond your ability, let the MD know now. It is better they have the time to find an pianist for the show.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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edh915
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Posted: 6/12/12 at 9:51am

I'll always remember the time I took a copy of the score for "The Fantasticks" to a potential pianist to see if she would agree to do the show for me. She sat down and (sight reading) played the Overture almost perfectly, all the while saying, "No. No, I can't do this. This is much too hard." - Needless to say, she was wonderful. It was the first show she ever played for, and she (and her family) became involved in theatre for the next forty years.

pdavis69 is right to a certain extent. You are the only one who can judge your comfort level - which is a bit different from your "ability".

My guess is that the "Sweeney Todd" MD heard you playing for at least one of three shows you've already done and thinks you're capable. Have a "heart to heart" with the MD, express your doubts, then listen to your heart.

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vickifrank
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Posted: 6/20/12 at 3:34pm

Talk to the MD, express your concerns. If you still don't feel confident, pick one song practice it a bit and then ask the MD to 'audition' with it. Remember this could be an opportunity for you to grow with this music.

_____________

http://www.studio-productions-inc.com
1-800-359-2964

The theater scrim people

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redhead
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Posted: 8/13/12 at 4:57pm

Thanks everybody. Edh, what you said really helped. I spoke to the MD and then went ahead and did -- we just opened this past weekend! Had a harp, trumpet, trombone, flute, and clarinet.

It's been stressful, but good. At least now I know I can do Sondheim.

On a side note, I've been surprised to see that, in this and other shows I've played, almost everybody else in the pit/band is a teenager. For example, the violinist played her first show when she was twelve, and the harpist is only sixteen and has already done Sweeney Todd three times. Is that typical, that theatre musicians are usually kids? I guess I'm surprised (and slightly embarrassed, although I know it's silly) about this, because I am, uh, NOT a teenager, and I actually thought I was doing something pretty tough and challenging, and not a job that usually filled by a high schooler (or younger!)

Just curious if that's typically ... who your musicians usually are and what age/level/experience.

Anyway, thanks for the responses!

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pdavis69
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Posted: 8/14/12 at 8:27am

The majority of our musicians are teenagers. The biggest reason behind this for us is the pay scale. As a community theatre, we cannot afford the big ticket adult musicians. This does not mean we get second rate artists in our orchestras, we just get the very talented young people who don't know they can make more somewhere else yet.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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edh915
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Posted: 8/14/12 at 9:22pm

I'm so glad you were able to do it and have a good time in the bargain.

Yes, musicians come in all shapes, sizes and ages.
Primary requisite: a desire to play and enough talent to not look (or sound) foolish.

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TonyDi
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Posted: 8/15/12 at 6:56am

There simply are so many talented YOUNG people out there that play in these musical orchestras that I've seen. And it always amazes and impresses me. I've had this conversation before with my violin teacher and the thing he pointed out to me was that in HIS experience younger people have a little bit easier time because (and if) nobody tells them that it's really hard to learn to play an instrument and they're NOT intimidated like we older folks tend to be. I mean I didn't start violin lessons until a few years ago and I'm in my 60's. I was so distraught that I had to give up playing guitar - and I had three good ones - but developed osteo-arthritis in my left hand - specifically my left thumb - so that killed my guitar playing for life. I got annoyed so I figured the next best thing that I could do - since it wasn't RELIANT on the full use of my thumb as it is for guitar playing - was to take up the violin - something I always wanted to do. So I did. And I've enjoyed playing for the last couple of years and learning. BUT KIDS or young people in general, if you can get them started early enough and interested enough, AND if nobody tells them it really is NOT easy to learn to play an instrument - often do incredibly well with it and can have a lifetime of enjoyment from it.

We've been lucky enough that our city has a philharmonic orchestra made up of loads of professional orchestra musicians who don't get to work enough so they sneak around their union rules and play for some of the shows when they can, for scale. But that doesn't always occur. AND not all the groups can afford larger orchestras. Right now the opera company I work with is about to open a world premiere of an opera written by Ernst Bacon - called A Tree On The Plains - which was the forerunner and basis for OKLAHOMA by R&H. Bacon was a Pulitzer Prize winning composer of American music and though now deceased, his wife still is alive and will be in attendence. I couldn't be involved this time but the music/artistic director has gathered a significant orchestra of about 30 some odd people from the university, from his local contacts, from philharmonic players, to students, to local professional musicians to play for this. So we DO get to enjoy orchestras of caliber once in a while. BUT young people in many of the local high schools - which do a GREAT DEAL to teach MUSIC to younger people in this state in general - produce some really good musicians and orchestras even on the high school level here. So it can happen.

By the way, SONDHEIM for ANY musician is NOT a walk-in-the-park so to speak. He writes some complex stuff so that you were able to play it and do well with it as you did, and as Ed says - to HAVE FUN - well icing on the cake and a star in YOUR crown!! KUDOS for a great job...I'm sure.

TonyDi

Edited by TonyDi - 8/15/12 at 6:59am

"Almost famous"

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Rorgg
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Posted: 8/15/12 at 6:13pm

Amen to that. I recently played Turpin in Sweeney Todd and had the Judge's solo Johanna cut, largely because I was late getting it into performance-ready state. Now, part of that was missing a week of rehearsal early, but another part was me dithering at really working it on my own -- it's such a freaky, hard piece that I wanted to get a recording from one of our two rehearsal pianists, but every time I recorded there were multiple, significant errors, so I'd just say "well, next reharsal, I'll get a good one..." only to have the same thing happen, 4 or 5 times, until I finally knuckled down and said "gotta do it NOW and just work the hell our of the thing even with the bad recording," but by that time it was too late.

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vickifrank
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Posted: 8/15/12 at 9:33pm

On the age range: Don't be embarrassed! Embrace one of the most beautiful things about community theatre (aside from actors): People don't see your age, just your talent. In what other artistic or non-artistic endeavor is that true? In almost all parts of life we segregate the young from the rest, but in community theatre people 'play' together. How wonderful!--for you and for them!--to play talented younger musician right beside a talented adult. You are showing them that age is irrelevant. And you are sharing a love of music.

And then enjoy the amazing progress amoung the young when the arts are loved and supported. Some of the talents are truly AMAZING.

Edited by vickifrank - 8/15/12 at 9:35pm

_____________

http://www.studio-productions-inc.com
1-800-359-2964

The theater scrim people

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Topic: Asked to play for first Sondheim musical -- help!
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Author	Message
redhead Walk-On Joined: 4/18/10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Asked to play for first Sondheim musical -- help! Posted: 6/11/12 at 12:31pm
	I'm not an MD, but I've played piano for a few shows (RENT, Godspell, Hairspray) and really enjoyed it. The MD I've worked with before just called me and said they were doing Sweeney Todd in about 6-7 weeks, and could I play? I took a peek at the score and listened to some songs on YouTube. Holy mackerel!!! It's a lot different from those other shows. It looks HARD. It looks crazy! I'm not even sure I will even be able to play it. Am I over-reacting, or is it as bad as it appears? For those of you who have done ST (or other Sondheim shows) before, did you use live music, and how did it go? Any advice for how I should tackle this -- or if I should even try? Thanks! Redhead

	IP Logged

pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 6/12/12 at 8:15am
	In my opinion, Sondheim music is often much more complicated than your traditional musicals. You are the best judge of your own ability. If you feel the music is beyond your ability, let the MD know now. It is better they have the time to find an pianist for the show.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
	IP Logged

edh915 Celebrity Joined: 11/19/09 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 325	Posted: 6/12/12 at 9:51am
	I'll always remember the time I took a copy of the score for "The Fantasticks" to a potential pianist to see if she would agree to do the show for me. She sat down and (sight reading) played the Overture almost perfectly, all the while saying, "No. No, I can't do this. This is much too hard." - Needless to say, she was wonderful. It was the first show she ever played for, and she (and her family) became involved in theatre for the next forty years. pdavis69 is right to a certain extent. You are the only one who can judge your comfort level - which is a bit different from your "ability". My guess is that the "Sweeney Todd" MD heard you playing for at least one of three shows you've already done and thinks you're capable. Have a "heart to heart" with the MD, express your doubts, then listen to your heart.
	IP Logged

vickifrank Celebrity Joined: 9/21/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 332	Posted: 6/20/12 at 3:34pm
	Talk to the MD, express your concerns. If you still don't feel confident, pick one song practice it a bit and then ask the MD to 'audition' with it. Remember this could be an opportunity for you to grow with this music.
	_____________ http://www.studio-productions-inc.com 1-800-359-2964 The theater scrim people
	IP Logged

redhead Walk-On Joined: 4/18/10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 8/13/12 at 4:57pm
	Thanks everybody. Edh, what you said really helped. I spoke to the MD and then went ahead and did -- we just opened this past weekend! Had a harp, trumpet, trombone, flute, and clarinet. It's been stressful, but good. At least now I know I can do Sondheim. On a side note, I've been surprised to see that, in this and other shows I've played, almost everybody else in the pit/band is a teenager. For example, the violinist played her first show when she was twelve, and the harpist is only sixteen and has already done Sweeney Todd three times. Is that typical, that theatre musicians are usually kids? I guess I'm surprised (and slightly embarrassed, although I know it's silly) about this, because I am, uh, NOT a teenager, and I actually thought I was doing something pretty tough and challenging, and not a job that usually filled by a high schooler (or younger!) Just curious if that's typically ... who your musicians usually are and what age/level/experience. Anyway, thanks for the responses!
	IP Logged

pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 8/14/12 at 8:27am
	The majority of our musicians are teenagers. The biggest reason behind this for us is the pay scale. As a community theatre, we cannot afford the big ticket adult musicians. This does not mean we get second rate artists in our orchestras, we just get the very talented young people who don't know they can make more somewhere else yet.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
	IP Logged

edh915 Celebrity Joined: 11/19/09 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 325	Posted: 8/14/12 at 9:22pm
	I'm so glad you were able to do it and have a good time in the bargain. Yes, musicians come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Primary requisite: a desire to play and enough talent to not look (or sound) foolish.
	IP Logged

TonyDi Celebrity Joined: 9/13/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 325	Posted: 8/15/12 at 6:56am
	There simply are so many talented YOUNG people out there that play in these musical orchestras that I've seen. And it always amazes and impresses me. I've had this conversation before with my violin teacher and the thing he pointed out to me was that in HIS experience younger people have a little bit easier time because (and if) nobody tells them that it's really hard to learn to play an instrument and they're NOT intimidated like we older folks tend to be. I mean I didn't start violin lessons until a few years ago and I'm in my 60's. I was so distraught that I had to give up playing guitar - and I had three good ones - but developed osteo-arthritis in my left hand - specifically my left thumb - so that killed my guitar playing for life. I got annoyed so I figured the next best thing that I could do - since it wasn't RELIANT on the full use of my thumb as it is for guitar playing - was to take up the violin - something I always wanted to do. So I did. And I've enjoyed playing for the last couple of years and learning. BUT KIDS or young people in general, if you can get them started early enough and interested enough, AND if nobody tells them it really is NOT easy to learn to play an instrument - often do incredibly well with it and can have a lifetime of enjoyment from it. We've been lucky enough that our city has a philharmonic orchestra made up of loads of professional orchestra musicians who don't get to work enough so they sneak around their union rules and play for some of the shows when they can, for scale. But that doesn't always occur. AND not all the groups can afford larger orchestras. Right now the opera company I work with is about to open a world premiere of an opera written by Ernst Bacon - called A Tree On The Plains - which was the forerunner and basis for OKLAHOMA by R&H. Bacon was a Pulitzer Prize winning composer of American music and though now deceased, his wife still is alive and will be in attendence. I couldn't be involved this time but the music/artistic director has gathered a significant orchestra of about 30 some odd people from the university, from his local contacts, from philharmonic players, to students, to local professional musicians to play for this. So we DO get to enjoy orchestras of caliber once in a while. BUT young people in many of the local high schools - which do a GREAT DEAL to teach MUSIC to younger people in this state in general - produce some really good musicians and orchestras even on the high school level here. So it can happen. By the way, SONDHEIM for ANY musician is NOT a walk-in-the-park so to speak. He writes some complex stuff so that you were able to play it and do well with it as you did, and as Ed says - to HAVE FUN - well icing on the cake and a star in YOUR crown!! KUDOS for a great job...I'm sure. TonyDi Edited by TonyDi - 8/15/12 at 6:59am
	"Almost famous"
	IP Logged

Rorgg Celebrity Joined: 2/10/09 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 151	Posted: 8/15/12 at 6:13pm
	Amen to that. I recently played Turpin in Sweeney Todd and had the Judge's solo Johanna cut, largely because I was late getting it into performance-ready state. Now, part of that was missing a week of rehearsal early, but another part was me dithering at really working it on my own -- it's such a freaky, hard piece that I wanted to get a recording from one of our two rehearsal pianists, but every time I recorded there were multiple, significant errors, so I'd just say "well, next reharsal, I'll get a good one..." only to have the same thing happen, 4 or 5 times, until I finally knuckled down and said "gotta do it NOW and just work the hell our of the thing even with the bad recording," but by that time it was too late.
	IP Logged

vickifrank Celebrity Joined: 9/21/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 332	Posted: 8/15/12 at 9:33pm
	On the age range: Don't be embarrassed! Embrace one of the most beautiful things about community theatre (aside from actors): People don't see your age, just your talent. In what other artistic or non-artistic endeavor is that true? In almost all parts of life we segregate the young from the rest, but in community theatre people 'play' together. How wonderful!--for you and for them!--to play talented younger musician right beside a talented adult. You are showing them that age is irrelevant. And you are sharing a love of music. And then enjoy the amazing progress amoung the young when the arts are loved and supported. Some of the talents are truly AMAZING. Edited by vickifrank - 8/15/12 at 9:35pm
	_____________ http://www.studio-productions-inc.com 1-800-359-2964 The theater scrim people
	IP Logged