A pit orchestra is a type of orchestra that accompanies performers in musicals, operas, and other shows involving music. In performances of operas and ballets, the pit orchestra is typically similar in size to a symphony orchestra, though it may contain smaller string and brass sections, depending upon the piece. Such orchestras may vary in size from approximately 30 musicians (early Baroque and Classical Opera) to as many as 90-100 musicians (Wagnerian Opera). However, because of financial, space, and volume concerns, the musical theatre pit orchestra is considerably smaller (at most 20-30 musicians, including not more than ten string players). Typically, pit orchestras play in a lowered area in front of the stage called an orchestra pit. Inside the pit, the conductor stands towards the stage and with his or her back towards the audience to coordinate the music with the actions of the singers, dancers and actors, while the orchestra sits facing the conductor and audience. The conductor may also sit at a keyboard (or two) and conduct as well as play. This is often the case when a show only requires a small orchestra, or on national tours, where the instrumentation is often reduced from the original arrangement and one or two keyboard players substitute for several instruments.
Music parts for pit orchestra woodwind players in musical theatre are normally divided into "Reed Books". Orchestration varies with each show based on the type of music that will be performed, such as jazz, classical, or blues. For example, a Reed 1 Book may contain music for Piccolo, Flute, Eb Alto Saxophone, Bb Clarinet, and/or Oboe. A musician handed a Reed Book would be expected to play each part. Because the musician plays so many different instruments, he or she is referred to as a "doubler" (even though the Reed Books may have up to five instruments each).[1]
Pit orchestras can range from large orchestras to small rock combos. While a pit orchestra usually plays in the orchestra pit, there are times when they are on stage in the background (this is usually for rock musicals). Below are examples pit orchestra examples from five major theatrical license companies: Music Theatre International, Tams-Witmark, Samuel French, Inc., Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals, and Theatrical Rights Worldwide (excluding any conductor scores unless needed).
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