"Every show is a little bit different," observes Mark. "Accompanying a performance with live animals really keeps you on your toes."

HIGH NOTES
A two and a half hour performance also tests each of the musician's stamina and playing ability. The Ringling Bros. band plays over 100 pieces of music in every show, in styles ranging from classical to jazz, from hip-hop to rap and rock and roll. "Our sheet music fills a folder two inches thick," says Mark. That's a lot of notes. Playing our show is a real workout!"

They're not easy notes, either. "As a high school trumpet player, the highest note I ever played was high C," Mark remembers. "Here, we play pieces with notes nearly a full octave above high C. I tell musicians, "Take big breaths!"

BIG SOUND
For a small group, the band delivers a big sound. One reason is the electronic muscle it packs. With two keyboard synthesizers, two electronic drum kits and a synthesized guitar, the band can create dozens of musical sounds, including violins, choirs and 25 piece orchestra ensembles.

The keyboardist and drummer can also record any unusual sounds the show needs and play them at the right moment by pressing a key or tapping a drum pad. "We have strange sound effects you won't even hear on a Saturday morning cartoon show!" boasts Mark.

"Learn to read music and play in as many types of musical groups as possible," suggests Mark. "Remember, you're trying to make music, not just play an instrument. Choose music that interests you."