What is it like to play ‘live’ for a circus theatrical like this?
Adam: It helps to have a background in improvisation. Circus acts are very precise art forms and the music needs to move with the act, especially the drums – it handles much of the subtle accenting that makes the movements come to life. It was a challenge to pull together a complex show with this mix of ‘live’ orchestra and multi-track sequence arrangements. We had to be creative with the multi-track sequence so that we keep the wonderful details and textures created by composer Jonathan Lim. Even today, we still find ways to make the music better. It is – and likely will always be – a work in progress.
How ‘common’ is this style of music playing?
Erik: It’s very common – just look at Broadway and Cirque du Soleil.
Peter: I’ve done this for 20 years now.
Norbert: I’ve played for theatrical shows for 10 years but only as a sub. So playing for the same show for 7 days a week, for nearly a year is quite a new experience for me.
Bill: I’ve been doing it since high school – 7 to 12 shows a week since college. It is fun, I get to travel and so here I am!
How has the journey of life changed you in the past one year?Adam: I’ve learnt a lot – though trial and error – about technique, software, music and management. Being a Musical Director for a show this complex is a first for me. We’re all very much like family – and like any families, some squabbles are bound to happen. I believe we are all very happy with where we are at now as a band and as ‘family’. Talking about families, the biggest change is parenthood! Both Peter and I had children one month apart – Peter’s second, my first. Norbert is expecting his first child in October.
Erik: I now know to trust only God and my heart.
Norbert: This country is very different from where I came from – that means a lot of changes.
Billy: I feel more like a citizen of the world. I’ve never lived outside USA previously so it’s very different for me. I’m more aware of the goings-on in SEA and see places I’ve only dreamed of visiting.
