Emergency Instrument Drill: Wrap It & Go

Objective: Students will demonstrate the ability to disassemble their instrument and securely wrap it in 30 seconds or less. This skill is valuable for quick transitions while traveling and essential in emergency situations, such as a natural disaster approaching the band or orchestra room.

🎯 Assignment Steps:

1. Preparation:
   • Have students place their coat, sweater, or sweatshirt on the back of their chairs.
2. First Drill:
   • Blow a whistle to signal the start.
   • Students must quickly take apart their instrument, wrap it securely (ensuring no parts are exposed), hold it tightly in both arms, and stand when finished.
   • Observation tip: Clarinet players will likely take the longest to complete this task.
3. Second Drill:
   • Repeat the exercise.
   • This time, after wrapping their instrument, students must place it under their seat.
   • Once placed, they should double-check that no part of the instrument is exposed or has come unwrapped.

✅ Learning Focus: This drill reinforces speed, efficiency, and instrument safety in unexpected situations.

Help Your Young Musician Travel Like a Pro!

Dear Parents
Director’s Name     Your School's Band or Orchestra

Ah, audition season! That magical time of year when our young musicians put their hearts (and hours of practice) on the line for a shot at college acceptance letters, scholarships, or elite ensemble membership. It’s an exciting milestone, but let’s be honest—between the instrument, the attire, and the travel arrangements, it can feel a bit like orchestrating a three-ring circus.

While your child is busy perfecting their piece, you may find yourself asking, "Wait… how exactly are we supposed to get a tuba onto an airplane?" or "Will the airlines even let us bring a cello as a carry-on?" Fear not! The good folks over at Accoladi.com have put together an excellent guide on smooth and stress-free audition travel, and I highly encourage you to check it out.

A Few Quick Travel Tips for Music Parents

• 🔹 If it fits in the overhead bin, great! But don’t count on airline staff knowing (or caring) about your instrument’s delicate nature. The trick? Carry it confidently, avoid drawing attention at the gate, and secure a spot early by choosing priority boarding.
• 🔹 For large instruments, consider buying an extra seat. Yes, I know—paying for a tuba’s plane ticket sounds ridiculous, but trust me, it beats having it tossed around with the luggage. Just make sure you bring bungee cords to strap it in safely.
• 🔹 If you must check your instrument, be prepared! Remove all loose parts (reeds, valve oil, mouthpieces), cushion everything inside with soft materials, and pray the baggage handlers are having a good day.
• 🔹 Driving may be your best option. If you can swing it, driving eliminates airline headaches and gives your musician peace of mind—plus, it’s a great excuse for some quality family road trip time (and maybe a few off-key singalongs).
• 🔹 Oh, and pack a heavy coat. Even in summer. You’ll see why when you read the full article on Accoladi.com!

These are just a few key takeaways, but if you’re the parent of a traveling musician, you need to read the full article on Accoladi.com. It’s packed with helpful insights, from dealing with gate agents to ensuring instruments don’t get left in the freezing cargo hold.

Let’s make sure our students arrive safe, prepared, and stress-free so they can focus on what really matters—playing their best!

Wishing you safe travels and successful auditions,

__________________________________________
Director’s Name

Director, ________________________________________
Your School's Band or Orchestra