While the cast of Bye Bye Birdie prepares to take the stage on Sunday, another group is working hard behind the scenes to make the musical a success. Eight band members are taking three to four hours every night to learn and play songs during the show.

Sophomore bassoon player Sherry McLeod is anxious to play for next week’s performances.

“It’s a challenge, but I like challenges. I’m excited to see the show all the way through and also see how we sound…it’s going to be fun,” McLeod said.

The musical took nearly three months to prepare. Tenor sax player Shelby Badger described how hard playing the show music is.

“All the music is relatively different because of key changes. It’s not anything I am used to. Being in it takes a lot of time out of my life. There is a lot of time spent practicing. It’s going to be a pretty cool experience, though. I want to see the show all the way as well as the reactions of the audience,” Badger said.

McLeod agreed that practice was a lot of work but appriciates the help she recieved.

“It’s a lot harder than I expected it to be. It takes time,” McLeod said. “Steiner is the best conductor ever.”