One of the special features of a Heathdale musical is a real live orchestra, performing in the pit below the stage. Many young audience members have enjoyed mum or dad picking them up during intermission to see into the orchestra pit for the first time. It’s always fun to see them recognise where the wonderful music is coming from!
To be selected for our musical orchestra, you must be a highly talented musician who is confident performing alongside the adult orchestra members. This year, we have five students who have been accepted to the orchestra based on their high ability and readiness for extension. Our orchestra for Shrek includes eleven professional musicians, five current students, two ex‑students and two staff members.
It is a very significant commitment, with several Saturday rehearsals, holiday rehearsals and a full week at the theatre. Orchestra players need to learn 53 pieces of music in this time, including complex scores that change time signature, key signature and tempo regularly. Hours of individual rehearsal at home are required on top of the formal rehearsal times.
I interviewed several of our student orchestra members to find out what it has been like to rehearse with the professional musicians and prepare for a marathon 2 hours and 40 minutes of playing for each stage performance.
Alexander – Year 7: I play the violin and have been playing for around 6 years. This is my first musical. My sister was part of the last musical, and she told me it was a lot of fun, so I decided to join. The musical orchestra is different to other ensembles at school as the music is a lot harder to play and there are more instruments involved inside of the musical. I’m looking forward to playing in the pit. I’ve learnt that the musical is something bigger than I first thought and when all if the people involved play, the music sounds really good!
Michelle – Year 8: I play the flute and I have been playing for almost 7 years. What motivated me to be a part of the orchestra for the musical was that it was a unique opportunity, and I would also be able to hear and play with professional musicians. It is different to other ensembles at school in that some people switch between multiple instruments which surprised me a lot in the beginning. The music sounds so vibrant when everyone plays together and I’m really enjoying the rehearsals. I’ve learnt new music terminology that I hadn’t hear before. It’s been a very unique and interesting experience and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Claire – Year 10: I play both the clarinet and violin. I’ve been playing clarinet for about 3 years and violin for 6 years. I have never played in a musical orchestra before. It has given me an opportunity to not only play more music, but also play at a higher skill level in hopes of learning more. I’m looking forward to hearing everything come together in the performances. The music is great, but I am sure the actors and singers on stage will truly bring it to life.