Three Bearden high school students are performing in the pit orchestra for this year’s theatre department production of The Music Man.
Seniors Nicholas McIntyre and Aderynna Silavong and junior Kalen Wilson will all play at the shows Thursday and Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday afternoon at 2:30.
While the orchestra members differ in experience and instrument, they all share many of the same performance experiences. All members have been playing since 6th grade, and have been heavily involved in orchestra activities since then.
McIntyre has played the violin since 6th grade. He then joined the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra in 8th grade, a prestigious orchestra for youth that practices weekly and performs often.
The Bearden theatre department hopes that the students will add skill and youth to a mostly adult orchestra.
“The fact that the orchestra is made up of Bearden students will make it more personal to Bearden,” McIntyre said.
The orchestra has had dress rehearsals throughout the week, where they were able to cohesively put together the soundtrack to the show.
McIntyre hopes that overall the Bearden students will gain experience while also adding to the orchestra’s overall sound.
“The fact that we aren’t professional musicians will make it sound more realistic,” McIntyre said. “Also, the orchestra just adds to the amazing acting.”
Tickets are available for purchase at beardentheatre.com.