We all know about school plays. They are announced over the intercom, posters are put up, and they travel by word of mouth. The Beauty and the Beast musical was no different. The smell of popcorn filled the air as you waited in line for your ticket. People walked up and down the rows of seats looking for one with the best view. As you find the perfect seat and settle in, watching eagerly as the stage lights dim. The first notes of the orchestra ring out, fully immersing you. It is a magical experience for everyone involved, but just how much work goes into putting these performances on?

Beginning the Tuesday of fall break, the Science Hill Choir department started having after-school practices. From October 10th to November 2nd, performers put in hours of hard work in order to prepare to receive their audience. Before the paint on props could dry, the Science Hill Chamber Orchestra also began their practices. During class, the chamber would receive their music, practicing 2 hours’ worth of songs. The chamber and choir students joined together for after-school practices about a week before the show was to be held. From approximately 3-6, any person wandering the empty cafeteria of Science Hill could have heard whispers of the orchestra as the performers ran through the musical. 

Finally, the day before the first performance arrived. Players and performers bustled with nerves as they entered the auditorium for their last practice. “We’ve spent many hours working on this music. I’m so excited for the public to see Beauty and the Beast.” Said sophomore Grace Jenkins, a chamber player, as her fellow players nervously practiced tough spots in their songs. “The singers are amazing. We are still working on some quirks, but overall I think it’s going to be a great performance.” 

As involved students walked into school on November 2nd, they reported to the auditorium first thing in the morning for warm-ups. Their first audience would arrive at 9 o’clock sharp, with another show at 12 after a short lunch break. Elementary students and their families could see one of the 2 performances, witnessing the fruit of our fellow students’ labor. 

As the evening hours rolled around, performers were called once more to the stage. From 7 to 9 pm, audience members watched mesmerized at the show that unfolded before them. People laughed together, cheered together, and enjoyed the company of their fellow community members. As the final song began to play, the crowd erupted into applause as players and singers alike bowed. 

“The chamber orchestra being added into these plays is a great touch to the feeling of the performance!” Exclaimed junior Mars Laughren, who watched the musical alongside me. 

And then it all happened again. Saturday and Sunday yielded the same results. The crowd was bustling, and everyone who attended was incredibly pleased with the outcome. Every show ended with a standing ovation from enthusiastic crowdgoers. 

Throughout these days of long work, chamber and choir alike made many memories with their peers and audience. Many said that was the reason why they enjoyed the musical as much as they did.

“I look forward to any opportunity to be on stage, but I enjoyed this one most of all. I can’t wait to do another musical. Being in theater is a very special opportunity, many don’t get to grow up seeing plays and musicals.” Replied freshman chorus member Anna Gerpen when asked about the play. Performers laughed as they walked off the stage, hugging each other and cheering. Audience members were equally moved, with several people moving to congratulate their favorite cast members or orchestra players.

“We always look forward to opportunities to collaborate with one another and bring more experiences to our community.” Announced Mrs. Lambert, the main conductor of the Science Hill Orchestra, with a smile, “Future audiences, watch out for fresh releases… They are all very high caliber and excellent experiences for the community.”