6 Comments

Percussionist would be my suggestion. The circus band percussionist has a unique role compared to other percussionists. Their story may be very interesting to Bean's readers if the drummer multi tasks with one eye on the action and one eye on the conductor.

Expand full comment

Excellent, we'll let you know how it goes! She's very excited!

Expand full comment

A good circus musician plays the show (action) usually both the director and percussionist are watching the action and the other musicians watch the director. Drummer is catching tricks with a rimshot or drumroll to add to the completion or tension in preparation for a difficult trick. That would be the primay difference between a circus band and a stage or concert band.

Expand full comment

Interesting! Say, if Little Bean only get to speak to one band member, who would you suggest? Director (if there is one) or percussionist?

Expand full comment

If interviewing a band member, especially the director or percussionist, ask if the music is original, written to fit the act or is it music chosen to complement the action. Also, does the musician or director watch the action or the music when playing the show.

Expand full comment

Excellent questions thank you! I have a memory of reading a while ago about Cirque where it was mentioned that the live musicians have to be pretty quick on their feet and base their playing on the action happening in stage!

Expand full comment