Life in the Pit

Jul 10 2007
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Ethan Silverman
Ethan Silverman

Ethan Silverman joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra in 1992 as associate principal bassoon, and has occupied the orchestra's principal chair since February, 2005. He also holds two positions in the orchestra to which he was elected by his colleagues: delegate to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), and member of the orchestra committee. Off-season he can usually be found in other subterranean orchestral situations in and around New York City, although on occasion he performs above-ground. He attributes his affinity for pit playing to having spent much of his youth practicing in the basement of his family's home in suburban Nanuet, NY.

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Today’s topic is safety issues. The overriding safety issue in an orchestra pit is dangerous sound levels. Anyone who regularly works in a ballet orchestra pit and doesn’t use some sort hearing protection is asking for trouble down the road. Ear plugs are best, but sound shields, if properly used, can also be effective. Ideally, both should be used.

In our pit, every player has a contractual right to use a sound shield, and use of ear plugs is widespread. All other safety issues pale in comparison, at least at the New York City Ballet. We rarely have any other environmental concerns, and our technical staff and stage/pit crew are outstanding and ready to attend to any safety or comfort concerns of the members of the orchestra.

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Ethan Silverman
Ethan Silverman

Ethan Silverman joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra in 1992 as associate principal bassoon, and has occupied the orchestra's principal chair since February, 2005. He also holds two positions in the orchestra to which he was elected by his colleagues: delegate to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), and member of the orchestra committee. Off-season he can usually be found in other subterranean orchestral situations in and around New York City, although on occasion he performs above-ground. He attributes his affinity for pit playing to having spent much of his youth practicing in the basement of his family's home in suburban Nanuet, NY.

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