1clammer
As you may or may not know, the musicians that support (say) an operatic performance or a ballet most often dwell in "The Pit" ... that area just below stage center where the actors perform. And they can be a devilish bunch.
In my case, I was first "inducted" into The Pit as a Second Flute and warbled lovely harmonies during the heart-warming musical _South Pacific_; and at the first performance witnessed the Conductor (as he was with great pathos directing the beautiful "Bali Hai") turn the page of his score and encounter ....
THAT MONTH'S PLAYBOY CENTERFOLD placed there secretly by the First Trumpet just prior to tuning up. Man, you should have seen the look on that Conductor's face!! Part rage, mostly apoplexy, but ... the good-natured fellow did not skip a beat and we all had a good laugh afterward. Good times, good times. That was ... oh about fifty years ago.
Are the musicians of the current generation still inclined to sometimes have a bit of fun with Maestro? I would like to think so.
In my case, I was first "inducted" into The Pit as a Second Flute and warbled lovely harmonies during the heart-warming musical _South Pacific_; and at the first performance witnessed the Conductor (as he was with great pathos directing the beautiful "Bali Hai") turn the page of his score and encounter ....
THAT MONTH'S PLAYBOY CENTERFOLD placed there secretly by the First Trumpet just prior to tuning up. Man, you should have seen the look on that Conductor's face!! Part rage, mostly apoplexy, but ... the good-natured fellow did not skip a beat and we all had a good laugh afterward. Good times, good times. That was ... oh about fifty years ago.
Are the musicians of the current generation still inclined to sometimes have a bit of fun with Maestro? I would like to think so.
