| Re: Performing a West End Show at Sight
Noel-
What a great experience! I've been in music school for about 6 years now and one thing that has always frustrated me is the incredible amount of rehearsal that goes on. I did my undergrad at the New England Conservatory and we'd often have three weeks of rehearsals for an orchestra concert, or over a month for a band/wind ensemble concert. The idea of coming in cold and reading a show was completely outside the realm of possibility there (and at most music schools in the US).
I moved to Minneapolis last year and have been fortunate enough to do some freelancing (a little theatre, some big band and church stuff). I think what I enjoy most about it is the rush you described; only having a couple rehearsals, or sometimes none, before a performance. I've always been comfortable site reading, but in the past year or so I've gotten a better sense of the difference between what you talked about: reading and performing at sight. What a great way to earn a living...
-jimi
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