Pit Orchestra

MBCI’s Production of

April 22-25, 2015 Jubilee Place

Audition Information for the Pit Orchestra

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast , a beloved 1994 musical based on the 1991 animated film of the same name, which was in turn adapted from the 1746 French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, tells the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel and selfish ways, and an adventurous young woman named Belle whom he imprisons in his castle. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle's love before it's too late. Beauty and the Beast has been called the most beautiful love story ever told. The themes of selfishness and vanity contrasted with sacrifice and humility give the story of Beauty a Biblical resonance (Philippians 2:1-4) - truly a “tale as old as time”.

The music for the film was written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman with seven new songs added for the stage musical by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The musical ran on Broadway in New York for 5,461 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming Broadway's eighth longest-running production in history. It has grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide and played in thirteen countries and 115 cities. MBCI is proud to mount Beauty and the Beast as our biennial school musical production this year!

Putting together a musical production requires a tremendous commitment of time from many students and teachers. However, the results are well worth it - this will likely be one of your most memorable and significant achievements of your time at MBCI. Playing in the Pit Orchestra will be a lot of fun, but will also require a firm commitment to learn the music and attend every rehearsal and performance. Check the schedule below. Pit Orchestra members will need to make these times a priority. Some rehearsals may become sectionals, some may not require every player, and some may end up not needing the Pit Orchestra. It is important, though, that these times are reserved and that every Pit Orchestra member is available. Once Pit Orchestra membership is determined and parts distributed, you will need to work hard on your music individually to prepare for these rehearsals. Talk to me, Mr. Klassen, if you have questions.

As of Monday, September 29, the Chorus of the Cast will have been auditioned and selected, with lead roles to be determined in the next two weeks. Many students and teachers will be involved in set construction, painting, props, costumes, makeup, sound, lights, publicity, ushering, and ticket sales. Some teachers already involved include Mr. Koslowsky - director, Mr. Taves - producer and vocal coach, Mr. Geddert - set design and construction, and many others. I will be preparing the Pit Orchestra and conducting the show.

Beauty and the Beast Pit Orchestra Membership Process

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Pit Orchestra, study the audition information included in this package, completely fill in the requested information on the attached Commitment Contract and return to my band room IN box by Monday, October 20, 2014. After this date, we will review the Commitment Contracts that have been returned and make some decisions. Some students may be asked to prepare a short audition. These will occur between November 17-21, 2014, and will be based on excerpts from the music itself. Pit Orchestra Membership will be finalized by November 24, 2014, with the first rehearsal Monday, December 1, 2014, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Instruments Needed For Beauty and the Beast Pit Orchestra

Woodwinds: 2 flutes (one doubling piccolo), 1 oboe (doubling English horn), 1 clarinet (doubling bass clarinet)

Brass: 2 trumpets, 3 horns, 1 trombone, 1 tuba

Strings: 3-4 violins, 1-2 cellos, 1 string bass, 1 harp (could be keyboard harp)

Percussion: 2 players (drum set, bells, bell tree, castanets, chimes, crash cymbals, crotales, gong, marimba, pop gun, ratchet, sleigh bells, suspended cymbal, tambourine, temple blocks, timpani, triangle, vibraphone, wind chimes, wood block, xylophone)

Keyboards: 3 players

If you would like to look over the music for your instrument(s), the rental Part Books will be arriving shortly and will be in my office. I also have an original cast recording from the 1994 Broadway production, which will be very useful to listen to. Talk to me if you have questions (667-8210 ext. 5002, [email protected] ).

Mr. Klassen

Beauty and the Beast Pit Orchestra Rehearsal Schedule

Monday December 1 3:30 to 7:30 pm Full Orchestra rehearsal (with supper break) (Band Room)

Wednesday January 21 3:30 to 7:30 pm Full Orchestra rehearsal (with supper break) (Band Room)

Thursday February 26 3:30 to 7:30 pm Full Orchestra rehearsal (with supper break) (Band Room) Saturday February 28 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Full Orchestra rehearsal (Band Room)

Thursday March 5 3:30 to 7:30 pm Full Orchestra rehearsal (with supper break) (Band Room) Saturday March 7 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Full Orchestra rehearsal (Band Room)

Monday March 9 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra ‘concert’ rehearsal (Band Room) Tuesday March 10 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra ‘concert’ rehearsal (Band Room) Wednesday March 11 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra ‘concert’ rehearsal (Band Room)

Monday March 23 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Tuesday March 24 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Wednesday March 25 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP)

Tuesday April 7 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Wednesday April 8 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Thursday April 9 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Saturday April 11 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra technical rehearsal (JP) (with lunch break)

Monday April 13 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Tuesday April 14 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP) Thursday April 16 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra stage rehearsal (JP)

Saturday April 18 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm Full Cast and Orchestra technical dress rehearsal (JP) (with lunch break)

Monday April 20 3:45 pm to 9:00 pm Dress Rehearsal Tuesday April 21 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Dress Rehearsal - Calls TBA

Wednesday April 22 Pit Orch reh. 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm start Performance #1 (JP) Thursday April 23 Pit Orch reh. 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm start Performance #2 (JP) Friday April 24 Pit Orch reh. 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm start Performance #3 (JP) Saturday April 25 Pit Orch reh. 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm start Performance #4 (JP) (to be followed by a Production Party)

Beauty and the Beast Pit Orchestra Commitment Contract

After this date, we will review the Commitment Contracts that have been returned and make some decisions. Some students may be asked to prepare a short audition. These will occur between November 17-21, 2014, and will be based on excerpts from the music itself. Pit Orchestra Membership will be finalized by November 24, 2014, with the first rehearsal Monday, December 1, 2014, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

‘‘I, (print name) ______have studied the Beauty and the Beast Pit Orchestra Commitment Contract, discussed it with my parent/guardians, and wish to become a member of the Pit Orchestra. If accepted, I would like to play ______.

I have copied the following rehearsal and performance dates into my School Agenda, and have cleared each date for conflicts: