The Music Director (MD) of a theater show is at the center of the noise - lots of noise.All at the same time, a MD is:Watching the stage;Cue’ing singers to make their entrance;Cutting off choruses;Listening for balance;Cue’ing musicians to enter;Cutting musicians off;Maintaining balance across the orchestra/band;Playing their own part;Listening for cues to start the next song,Listening for cues to finish the vamp;Making notes for future shows;Wondering if the sub that’s playing the keyboard 2 book ever took a lesson;Thinking who will play the keyboard 2 book after they fire the sub; andNot saying a word.The MD stays at the center of it all.She never gets too far ahead.She stays present, calm, and still.Waiting for the next cue.

Last modified on 2022-03-10