It is opening night for Pippin, and yet the Thespian Troupe actors and actresses are not the only ones taking the stage. On the left and right wings, a student orchestra is set up to provide live music to complement the songs set to be performed. 

This isn’t the first time a live orchestra has performed alongside a school musical; the collaboration dates back all the way to 2015. 

“We had one on deck for Chicago, but that was the one that got shut down when Covid started and so, this return of Pippin will technically be the seventh, even though the sixth never happened,” band director and conductor Zachary Borquez told the Talon. 

Despite seven years of having a live band for school musicals, this is the first time that the orchestra will be on stage as the musical takes place. 

“For previous shows … we hadn’t quite worked out a way to have it [the orchestra] be able to be in the house. The band was actually in the band room and we were piping the music back and forth.” Borquez said. 

Practices started in January and were typically twice a week after school, with a couple of Saturday rehearsals throughout. Two weeks before opening night, practices became daily and had longer hours. Despite those extra hours everyone in the orchestra put in to make the show possible, many felt that it paid off. 

“Being in Pippin has really helped me improve a lot of playing because when you are in rehearsals for so long, it really helps you improve. I’m really excited to see the show open tonight,” Senior and clarinetist Frances Jareb told the Talon.