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PIT ORCHESTRAS

Pit orchestras are not full-sized orchestras. Instead, they are like mini-orchestras that only include the vital instruments needed to perform a musical score. For example, there may be two violinists, two flutists, a pianist, a guitarist, a drummer, and a saxophonist. Some pit orchestra musicians play multiple instruments, which helps to further reduce the number of people

in the pit. Pit orchestras are expected to synchronize their performances with the performance happening on stage at the same time.

Operas Operas and operettas are popular classical forms of entertainment that combine light acting with ornate

orchestrated music. Operettas can be described as light operas, which may be shorter and less serious, whereas operas tend to be more dramatic and longer. In both cases, trained singers are required to perform. Operas are staged dramas that are set to music. The music usually consists of vocal pieces that have instrumental accompaniment, though there are often interludes and overtures where no singing takes place. Opera music can be continuous throughout each act, or broken into pieces (numbers) that are separated with dialogue . Operas of the past used orchestras consisting of at least one instrument per required part. The orchestra was seated in the pit, which is a space that is typically left open under the stage for musicians.

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Chapter 1: The Roots of Music for Stage and Screen