Music In The Circus

Chaplin was once asked how important the music was in his films, and he replied it was "about half" of the experience.

With that in mind, imagine a trapeze act flying high in the air, the artists executing impossibly difficult tricks, your mouth open in amazement as they seemingly defy death, all for your amusement.

Now imagine them doing this in silence.

I think Chaplin's theory applies directly to the circus - music helps establish the mood, pace, emotion, anticipation, and excitement for every moment.

In a circus, this irreplaceable element is overseen by a Musical Director.  In the case of The Big Apple Circus, that position is held by Rob Slowik, who will be celebrating his 15th year in the 2015-16 season.

Musical Director Rob Slowik

I've had the great pleasure of getting to know Rob over the last few months.  We've been meeting to talk music for the show in both broad and specific terms.  Rob is exactly what I would want from a Musical Director: enthusiastic, hugely talented, and equipped with an encyclopedic knowledge of music from the past century.

Rob immediately embraced the direction we're pursuing, imagining arrangements and instrumentation, as well as composers who would be ideal for the job.

Rob has also been a great guide into how music functions in a circus.  Because the tent is such a specific environment, he had me sit in on one of this year's performances, from the bandstand.  He wanted me to hear the difference in sound from the bandstand to the seats, as well as to see how he directs the band in the moment - in particular how he adjusts to the circus artists as they perform each trick, with timing that can change from show to show.

A view before the show from the Big Apple Circus bandstand

This was fascinating, as Rob led the band seamlessly from vamps to accents to climactic moments in the music, accompanying the artists perfectly.  He knew exactly when to shift gears, feeling the artists and the audience in the moment, almost subliminally cueing applause and cheering for each act.  It was masterful.

A circus audience may not take great notice of the band.  They may even forget that there are live musicians until the Ringmaster introduces them asks for some well-deserved applause.

But the circus couldn't happen without them.