by Kristen Dodge
11/8/2010

On November 18-20 at 7:30 pm, Holliston High School’s Theater 370 will present its fall musical, The Sound of Music. More than seventy students are involved in this year’s production as members of the orchestra, technical crew and cast.

There are eleven Holliston High School students in the orchestra this year, all of whom are members of the high school band. I sat down with the group earlier this week to discuss the upcoming show. The environment was very relaxed and shared laughter and smiles came easily among these very talented and committed students.

“This is the best group ever!” said senior flutist Katie Emerson. The members of the pit have a variety of reasons for joining, but they are dedicated to the success of the group and of the show. Joe Jessup-McDermott, a senior clarinetist added, “I enjoy being a part of the show because it allows me to be part of the musical without being onstage.”
 
Given the demanding nature of being involved in such a large-scale production, the best of the best are chosen for the pit. Another senior clarinetist, Mike Sabounjian has wanted to play in the orchestra since he was a freshman and is fulfilling that goal with this show. 

Seniors Katie Emerson and Tim Murko

Pit rehearsals began many weeks prior to the show when musicians received the music to practice on an individual basis. The students are expected to master the music on their own, and are supplemented with more group rehearsals and practice with the cast as the show draws nearer.

Once performance week rolls around, they will be burning the midnight oil with the entire cast and crew in order to put the finishing touches on the production and ensure that they are ready for opening night.

Senior David Joslin and freshman Samantha Boulter

Other student members of the orchestra for The Sound of Music are freshman Samantha Bolter, sophomore Mackenzie Denker, junior Daniel Rong and seniors Elliot Goldman, Cameron Hewes, David Joslin, Tim Murko, and Chris Perkins.

The pit is complimented by six adult musicians from our community: Christine Dupuis, Donald Fried –Tanzer, Louise Grimes, Jerry Kazanjian, Joseph Lordan and Sarah Russo.  The orchestra is under the direction of Danielle Clougher, a Music Industry major at Northeastern University.

Please come and enjoy this wonderful show and as you do, let your eyes wander over to the orchestra. Spend some time watching these incredible musicians as they provide the music for one of our all time favorite musicals.

Performances will be held in the High School auditorium on Thursday 11/18/10, Friday 11/19/10 and Saturday 11/20/10. All shows start at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are available at Fiskes, Coffee Haven or at the door. To reserve tickets, please contact Brian Hickey at HickeyB@Holliston.k12.ma.us or by calling 508-429-0667 ext. 5107.