Life has made me cancel my musical commitments over November: jazz gigs and preparation and performance of a few classical outings. So when I got the opportunity to fill in over 9 days of HMS Pinafore I was thrilled and jumped at it. The timing was perfect and I love pit work even if I have no time otherwise to partake. It's four sessions to relieve bassist Mel Fung under MD Matt Greenwood for Gilbert & Sullivan's well known operetta presented by the Queanbeyan Players at TheQ. Too late for rehearsals so it's a sight reading job with a instructions and changes over the phone and before the first performance. The last 20 minutes before the first performance were busy moments! But it's not too hard and the music is often recognisable. My main preparation was just to listen to the music while following the score. So far, it's 2 down and 2 to go and getting to be more relaxed. Perhaps the strangest thing is interval: characters in gaudy costume and wireless mics eating sweet treats and the musicians in black. It's a world of its own and a blast. Great fun and thanks to Helen for the contact and Matt for the opportunity.
Queanbeyan Players presented HMS Pinafore at TheQ. Eric Pozza (bass) covered for four performances under Matt Greenwood (musical director).
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