In addition to the comedy, puppetry, and guest stars, The Muppet Show was a showcase for a variety of musical styles, from classical piano music to psychedelic rock. Although musically inclined puppeteers such as Jim Henson and Steve Whitmire could effectively convey the impression of their character performing, the actual instruments were played, in pre-recorded tracks, by a steady ensemble of veteran musicians. Various members of the Jack Parnell in-house orchestra contributed to the soundtrack, blending with the Muppet performers' vocals and puppetry to create an effective illusion. In much the same way that the puppeteers were cast by role, individual artists "doubled" as the musical voices of the characters, in addition to performing as an ensemble for background score or other groups