Discussion Panel: Page 18

For the final day of this discussion, we’d like the panelists 1) to address whatever issues they think haven’t been addressed sufficiently in the first four days; and 2) to summarize any lessons learned. Ann and I would like to thank the panelists for their thoughtful contributions to this discussion.

Regarding the possibilities of replacing ballet pit orchestras with the VOM (“Virtual Orchestra Machine”) or other electronic devices: The New York City Ballet Orchestra has taken steps to keep the public aware that there are intelligent life forms in the pit by presenting pre-performance chamber music concerts at both our main theater at Lincoln Center […]

There is always the problem of pit orchestras being threatened with being replaced by canned music. I think that probably most ballet orchestras have been threatened with this at some point in their histories. Pittsburgh and Atlanta are perfect examples. I believe that one of the ways to avoid this scenario is educating management, the […]

Ann mentions a couple of things concerning pit covers, and that they had theirs removed midway through a Nutcracker run. I can understand her objections to the scrim: claustrophobia; erratic temperature; frustration about the snow machines. Pit covers should not interfere with proper ventilation, though that’s a difficult task in older theatres. And the snow […]

In response to Ethan and Greg Near’s discussion about earplugs on Day 2, the earplugs the SF opera bought for us are custom-fit to the individual’s ear. The people from H.E.A.R. made molds of the ear, and sent them to Westone for fabrication of the plugs. There are three filters available – 9db, 15 db, […]

In our orchestra, I think the number one issue for all of our musicians is the lack of guaranteed services. As I mentioned in my opening post, I have seen the number of services deteriorate over the years from 5 series plus a 3 week run of Nutcracker, to as few as 2 series and […]

Most people reading this are probably already at least somewhat familiar with the Atlanta Ballet’s situation. We have been replaced by recorded music for the entire 2006-07 season. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely we will return to the pit any time soon, and it has been an extremely demoralizing situation for the orchestra. We have tried […]

I believe the possibility of replacement by electronic means is the most serious threat we face as pit musicians. Opera seems to have the right idea about the importance of live musicians, but ballet and musical theater are on the cusp of replacing us altogether. Recordings, virtual orchestra machines, and simply reducing musicians are commonplace […]

With the unique working conditions in the orchestra pit, there are health issues that need to be considered. For 17 years my two orchestras lived in a pit that was halfway under the stage. The winds, percussion, and timpani were under a 7-foot ceiling, while the strings were on the hydraulic part in the open. […]

I agree with Ethan, that the number one health issue is hearing loss. You may have read about the measures taken by the Sydney Opera House concerning sound levels and other issues (look up the Sydney Morning Herald, Nov. 10, 2006) as a result of changes to the state H&S regulations. They are changing orchestra […]