Behind the Scenes: Playing in a Pit Orchestra for The Wizard of Oz in Greenwood
Playing in a pit orchestra is a thrilling yet demanding experience—especially when balancing rehearsals, private practice, and real life. This past June, I had the joy of playing clarinet for Greenwood Little Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz, and it was one of my most rewarding musical experiences yet!
From First Rehearsal to Final Bow
Our journey began in February, when Paul Brown (our music director) held an introductory rehearsal to assess the ensemble. As a Greenwood musician with years of performance experience, I was excited—but also a little nervous. The orchestra music was challenging, and I knew I’d need to put in extra work.
Weekly rehearsals (Sunday afternoons, just the instrumentalists)
Daily practice (30-60 minutes, squeezed between parenting and my role as production manager)
Three dress rehearsals + four performances (by showtime, the music felt like second nature)
The Magic of Making Music Together
One of the best parts of pit orchestra playing is the camaraderie. This production reunited me with two fantastic musicians:
Judith Brown (flute) – We’ve played together in the Greenwood Community Concert Band and Matinee Musicale.
Josh Beattie (drums) – We first collaborated in The Buddy Holly Story, where I played Vi Petty and even learned a few piano songs for the role.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Neiamiah Payton (saxophone), the band director at Amanda Elzy High School. It’s always inspiring to play alongside new talents!
Why I Love Pit Orchestra Work
The Music – The Wizard of Oz score is iconic, and playing it live was pure joy.
The Challenge – Juggling practice with family and backstage duties pushed me to grow as a musician.
The Community – Greenwood’s theatre and music scene is small but mighty. Every show strengthens those connections.
Want to Join a Pit Orchestra?
If you’re a Greenwood-area musician (or just love live theatre), I highly recommend trying a pit orchestra! Whether you play clarinet, flute, drums, or another instrument, local arts groups like Greenwood Little Theatre always need skilled players.
Have questions about playing in an ensemble or private lessons? Send me a message!