In the pit
Back in my heyday I was a practicing percussionist. What others might call a drummer with a better set of lyrics. My favourite venue was a large theatre. Built before the automobile and in use after the second fire from the time of the First World War. A wonderful Venue with seating for 700. A full stage and an orchestra pit. That was my corner of the realm from 68 to 72. The theatre dated back to be for amplified sound. If you did not play loudly you did not get heard. And as a drummer I had the tools to handle that task. Show after show over a period of years. I believe that I became better with time but there are no recordings to let others know that over a number of years I honed my craft and although there are no recordings to show my skill set, I think I held up my part of the task. What was wonderful for the rest of us in the band was behind the stage. In the rear of that oversized asbestos fire curtain. Elevators and stairwells and access to the inner workings of a theatre. I have not been back there in many decades but the hall is still in operation. What I can say, as a drummer, is that I had stick control. In fact I can only remember once when I broke a drumstick. Due to playing as loudly as I possibly could to fit in with the triumphant and of a performance. I wonder how many others of that band of minstrels are still out there remembering their moment in the limelight. I went on to do other things musically but those several years involved with musical theatre hold a special place. From where I sat on the throne we were really good. The singers and dancers perhaps not a show score With all your pencil markings and then return it to the firm in New York at the end of the run is something that few people ever get a chance to try. As for the drum set I figure it is still in place in the back corners of a high school. Too expensive to ever throw away. As for the performances I still remember most of the lyrics because when you sit through enough rehearsals you do learn the lyrics.
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