5 Things You Need In Your Instrument Case At All Times
Updated: Jul 25, 2019
July is always a busy month:
From assisting the summer-intensive Arts In Action Camp at the Hochstein School of Music & Dance, to performing with the incredible team over at Blackfriars Theatre for their production of A Chorus Line, this summer is sure to be a hit. Although I have played this show before, it wasn't until my last run a couple months back for Avenue Q that allowed me to take a step back and figure out what it is that I could do to better prepare for a show!
As a freelance musician, you just never know when and where the opportunity to play will arise! So naturally, you always have to keep your eyes peeled for opportunities and always be prepared for those last-minute gigs that put your sight-reading skills to the ultimate test.
So today, I have curated a list of my top essentials to carry along for any and all performances (particularly for pit orchestras).
1. PENCIL
In fact, pack two: if the first one breaks or the lead decides not to come out when you click the cap, you've got a spare.
Bonus: Pack a spare eraser or add on an eraser to the top of your pencil for all the post-show erasing you're going to have to tackle.
2. CIGARETTE PAPER
These thin strips of paper were my saving grace for Avenue Q, and they are bound to work wonders again for A Chorus Line. The G-sharp key on my alto saxophone snagged so much moisture and would stick terribly if - heaven forbid - I didn't play it for some time. It certainly doesn't help that I haven't taken it in since the time I purchased it (my own fault, I know) but little tricks of the trade like this saved me, a freelancer getting by month-to-month, to get through the weeks worth of working all day, followed by evening shows where I'm even more pressed for time.