The lights dim. There’s a complete silence, except for occasional squeaks from the seats.

The baton goes up— a story is told.

31 student musicians along with four professionals provide music for the theater productions. This ensemble is called the pit.

The pit orchestra consists of winds, brass, percussion and piano. Students play music from professional Broadway books.

“As difficult as it is, it’s very rewarding to play music at such a high level,” junior saxophonist Anna Davies said.

Players enjoy the incredible time commitment of over 25 hours, because it’s a rewarding challenge that pushes personal talent to a new level.

“I love pit, because I love playing my instrument,” senior trumpet player Stephen DeLadurantaye said, “Pit provides me with an opportunity to learn different styles of music with my friends.”

This year’s school musical, Bye-Bye Birdie, is set in the 1950s. Pit’s hard work is rewarded every time the cast can time travel to their scene.

“It feels great to hear singing while I play, instead of just instruments” junior French horn Savannah Merkle said.