Before my high school's opening night of a musical, a student crew member covered the lights above each music stand with blue cellophane. Presumably, this was intended to prevent attracting undue attention to the pit orchestra instead of the stage. Unfortunately, this made it difficult to see the music. The choir instructor, Ms. F., who played piano in the show, untaped the cellophane so we could see our music. When she left the room briefly, the crew member walked over and asked me what had happened. I told her that Ms. F. took the tape off so we could all see what we were playing. The student muttered, "Sure is wrong," and taped the cellophane covers over the stand lights again.
Ms. F. returned shortly after this and asked what had happened. When I told her that the student insisted on having every stand light covered, Ms. F. replied, "Bull," and removed the tape once again.
I sided--and would still side with--Ms. F on that. Being able to see the music one is playing trumps the need to shroud the pit orchestra in unnecessary darkness. As for that crew member, her reaction showed that you're never too young to be officious.
