Musical Direction:
Inspiration and Hard Work

What, exactly, does a music director for a local musical theater production do? She auditions prospective cast members, assists the director in casting the show based on her assessment of a performer’s voice and musicianship. She teaches the leads and ensemble the music, coaches the singers on vocal technique, expression and characterizations, cuts the show (if necessary), makes a tape of the dance music for the choreographer, figures out the orchestration for the show, hires and rehearses the orchestra and often plays and/or conducts the show.

Whew! That’s a lot of stuff! On Broadway, there may be four different people doing one or more of those jobs, but on the local level there may be only one. So, a complete set of choral and instrumental skills is necessary.

Monica's background and experience in string ensembles and orchestras, as well as having been the choir director at the United Church of Christ-Hayward for 8 years, has enabled her to quickly become one of the Bay Area’s most capable, "little theater" musical directors.

Accomplishments as a conductor

As a musical director and conductor, Monica's productions have included “The Most Happy Fella” and "Man of La Mancha" for Marin County's Novato Community Players, “The Pajama Game” and “Guys and Dolls” at Alameda High School and “Guys and Dolls” at Contra Costa Civic Theatre. She also has served as assistant music director for “Carousel” at the Altarena Playhouse in Alameda and assistant music director and vocal coach for Alameda Civic Light Opera’s productions of “Oklahoma” and “West Side Story,” all of which got wonderful reviews.

If your theater is looking for a top-notch musical director/choral director or bandleader, Monica Norcia is available to discuss any projects that you may be contemplating.

You may also want to read Monica's resumé.