Beauty, the Beast and the Band

Anyone who had a chance to watch 's production of “” experienced a very special event.  This writer’s task was to observe the high school orchestra at work, but it was hard to ignore the impressive set and performances as well.  The final performance was on Mother's Day, but it left a lasting impression. 

The talent, costumes, set design, vocals, lighting, direction, choreography and music were all top notch.  It left many people feeling like they had just witnessed a professional performance at the Orpheum Theatre. 

It’s amazing to think this caliber was reached by high school students who do this as an extra-curricular activity after going to school all day, and they were just as good as professional theatre organizations who have the benefit of full-time artists and craftspeople doing this for a living.    

The BHS Performing Arts department consistently provides quality and first-class events as demonstrated by all eight performances being well attended and two nights being sold-out.  Several members have also received “Arty” awards for the best of Solano County theatre. 

Guests may have been unaware that the orchestra was comprised of twenty-one members of the Panther band who were in an entirely different location.  They were in their band room in a different wing, providing the live music and sound effects.  They had absolutely no view of the show and did not have the benefit of a monitor. 

They were trained to take their cues from band director , who used the script and piped-in audio to conduct the orchestra.   Chris Piazza, the musical director and Brandi Guisto, the assistant  vocal director (and member of the cast), were the bridge between the orchestra and stage performers. “Brandi is my right hand person,” said  Piazza, whose talents have graced many past musicals.  

Although in a separate room, the band still felt connected to the fun and grandeur.  For each band day, a theme had been written out like a French menu, if you will.  Thus, at any given moment, you’d run into a musician who performed in pajamas, or entirely in the color orange, or even as a character from the show. 

They had official Disneyland name badges in honor of the play.  In addition, one band member worked as an Assistant Sound Operator and four members were part of the on-stage ensemble.  This further linked the band with the show.  

The music did not overshadow the singing but rather supported it.  At times, the audience was not aware of the music because it simply became one with the vocals--such a natural part of the musical number. This is truly the mark of a talented vocalist and orchestra being in perfect sync. 

The cast, crew and musicians maintained the same energy for each performance, despite an intense schedule.  Since the band was unable to see you and you were unable to see them, allow us to give you a peek into the happenings behind the scenes.