Pit Orchestra

One of our uniqueness at San Juan Hills is our pit orchestra. Our theater has an orchestra pit that sits on a hydraulic lift, and is one of the few legitimate pit areas in the county. We take advantage of that opportunity, and musicals have been a highlight activity at San Juan Hills. We put together 2 musicals per year, which is rare for high schools. The 1st semester musical is for the advanced musicians only. It is voluntary, and does not receive class credit. The 2nd semester musical receives class credit, and is open to all students.

Musical orchestrations are not edited for high schools. We are performing the same music the professionals play on Broadway. Because singers will use all keys, and nothing is ‘watered down,’ this is an excellent ensemble for professional preparation. As a result, the musical growth, especially sight-reading proficiency, sky-rockets for students doing the musical. Without question, not all students are at the ability level to play this music - especially early in their high school career, but everyone can come to rehearsals, learn from older students, and get the educational benefit. All students who can play the music by the time ‘tech week’ comes around will be invited to perform (those who are not invited to perform receive no grade penalty). We usually have 40-60 students perform in the musicals. Our pit is big, but it’s not that big. Over the 5 performances, students will rotate in and out so everyone gets some performances. It’s the most collaborative thing we do with the Theatre Arts and Choir programs, and it’s something all students should do AT LEAST once. Some of our musical:

Into the Woods

Les Misérables

Fiddler on the Roof

Oklahoma

Cinderella

Crazy for You

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Beauty and the Beast

Newsies

Little Women

Legally Blonde

The Drowsy Chaperone

Urinetown

Spelling Bee

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