Oscar Preparations Heat Up

They say that one shouldn’t begin a letter with an apology. Well, I think this one’s good enough to make an exception. The reason you haven’t seen much in your ‘in box’ from me of late has much to do with my being otherwise occupied. First with recording sessions for ‘Up’, Pixars next release, and second with the Academy Award show, which takes place this coming Sunday.

Yesterday the ‘band’ had a special treat when Hugh Jackman, this year’s host, and Anne Hathaway, best actress nominee for ‘Rachel Getting Married’, joined us to rehearse a medley of tunes they will do together.

I had no idea either of these gifted actors could sing, yet sing they do. And quite well.

Much of our work so far has been to ‘pre-record’ bits and pieces of music that will be used when the various stars walk to and from the stage. In fact for this Oscar night the orchestra will play ‘live’, and be onstage, for only two medleys. All of the remaining music you hear will have been previously recorded.

The musical side of this production, however, is quite extraordinary. It involves numerous arrangers, orchestrators and copyists; a ‘band’, chorus and recording staff; all of which are being coordinated and led by the music director/conductor – in this case the highly talented Michael Giacchino.

For the several days we’ve been ensconced at the historic Capital Records building in Hollywood, cases and equipment lie piled everywhere – the guitar player alone must have over a dozen instruments on hand. Walking through the hallways is done single file, and reminds me of trying to board a full airliner.

The amount and diversity of music that must be pulled together, and specially adapted for the occasion, is extensive. Timings are to the second, just as they would be for a film.

And though as concertmaster my part is small in the scheme of things, I have had a few nice solos to play, and a few very challenging ‘charts’ have been set before us.

So there you have it, a little glimpse at the ‘behind the scenes’ action taking place this week. Tonight we move to the Kodak Theater, a few blocks over, to do sound checks. In the coming days there will be additional recording and show run-throughs to keep us busy.

On Sunday, at 5 PM Pacific time, the show begins. I hope you’ll tune in and listen to how we sound.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. This morning I spent some time playing Paganini to stretch out my hand. A great workout indeed!