West Side Story - first performance

[shadowriderhope]

Well, my contribution to it wasn't perfect, but the overall gestalt of it (imnsho) was pretty awesome. We have a great cast, wonderful dancers and vocalists, and some damn fine musicians. I went to the afterglow party at the /aut/ afterwards, and hung out with two of the brass. I'd kinda hoped there would be more mingling between cast & musicians, but ah well. It was neat talking with the other two pit folks - none of us have really had an opportunity to chat, since rehearsals are so busy. One of the first questions came up was 'are you a professional musician?' - and I just about fell over when I was asked. Er, no, I just play a lot for fun. Of the other two (both trumpeters), one was full-time pro (though, as he put it, 'starving and unemployed' most of the time), and the other worked at the University in the Career Planning center. Lots of good conversation - some nice affirmations from the pro guy (I'm blanking on both of their names, ack) about 'you don't have to go to music school/get a degree to be a musician,' and also on the usefulness of not quitting your day job. The pro guy said he regretted quitting his salaried, vacationed, benefit-ed position, though it seemed he was pretty happy with what he was doing. We talked about other productions and community theater groups, playing pit, and concert band.

All in all, a very nice night. It felt very good to be a part of all of it.

And now - sleep, so I can do it all over again tomorrow.