It's the Pits!

The pit or front ensemble is a great musical asset to our group. There is some controversy as to whether or not to call them the pit or front ensemble. I have heard some percussionist scoff at the idea of them being called the pit. Where the term “pit” comes from is that of an orchestra pit that sits in front of the stage in Broadway type productions so I have no problem calling them the pit because they do indeed set up right in front of the band.

We have 6 members in our pit. It was pretty much a total reconstruction of this section as only 2 of them are returning members. I was quit surprised when I listened to a recording of our band last year as compared to this year that our pit is quite a bit better this year. Most of the members play multiple instruments and switch back and forth throughout the course of the show. We use 2 marimbas, a vibraphone, a xylophone, bells, chimes, bass drum, 4 timpani, and an assortment of color type instruments such as cymbals, sleigh bells, and wind chimes. Our pit truly adds that extra sparkle and color to the sound of the band. Their section leader is always working to make things better and is a very encouraging young lady.

On a sad note, we began the year with 7 in the pit but due to health reasons one of our members had to with draw from school. He is now on the waiting list for a heart transplant. Our thoughts are with him as we continue our season.

Today was our last full rehearsal before our first competition. We still have about 3 weeks until we are really clean. You never know what other band have but I feel good about what we have accomplished up to this point. It sure is alot better than we were at this point last year.

The difference between the IMPOSSIBLE and the POSSIBLE lies in the persons DETERMINATION........