Get Packing
How to Prepare for Music Camp
Congratulations,
you booked yourself into a summer music camp! The combination of
quality time spent with your favorite hobby, plus a beautiful and
peaceful location may make this the best vacation you’ve ever had.
Don’t forget to prepare properly and draft a packing list that takes into account the special nature of this trip. You probably will pack plenty of enthusiasm, but there are other items that might not be available at camp.
Instruments
Check if instruments will be available for loan or hire at your camp.
If you plan to fly with your instrument, be aware that new airline
restrictions mean that flying with instruments is tricky these days,
even for professional musicians. Before your flight check your
airline’s policy about carrying on musical instruments violin-size or
larger. If your airline demands that large instruments be placed in the
hold, you should purchase a sturdy travel case. A gig bag or flimsy
case may mean a damaged instrument at the end of the flight. However,
you might also want a lightweight gig bag for use at the camp. (For a
guide to airline policies visit www.makingmusicmag.com/forte/airline.html)
Sheet Music & Tabs
Most likely there will be plenty of sheet music, tabs, and fake books
to choose from at camp (as well as plenty of learning by ear), but you
may want to bring music that you specifically want to learn, perfect,
or perform with others, especially if you know you will have access to
accompanists.
Accessories
Murphy’s Law practically guarantees that during your first tune, a
string or reed or stick will break. Don’t forget to pack those little
extras you might need. Your packing list should include (depending on
your instrument): replacement strings, rosin, reeds, valve oil, an
electronic tuner and/or metronome, a string winder, plenty of picks,
extra drumsticks, a drum key, etc.
Music Stand
Your camp may ask you to bring your own music stand. Inexpensive wire
stands fold up and are easy to pack. However, these stands aren’t very
sturdy, so you may want to consider a travel version of an orchestra
stand, which can be taken apart and put in a small travel bag.
Attitude
Remember that you are not at music camp to compete with others; you are
there to relax, have fun, and polish your skills. Having said that, the
ego can be bruised by your mistakes or the perceived excellence of
other musicians. An open and honest attitude with yourself and with
others is best. If you are having trouble learning a new technique or
reading the music, say so—chances are, someone will want to help you.
Fitness
One reason to go to a music camp is to spend more time making music
than you can at home. While you may be making much more music than you
ever dreamed of, you may also be putting more stress on your body than
it’s used to. In order to go from three 20-minute practice sessions a
week to three two-hour sessions a day, you should increase stretching
and fitness routines in the weeks before camp, and be sure to warm up
and cool down before and after camp sessions.
Medications
Of course, your packing list will include any medications you regularly
take. But you should also bring medications for muscle soreness in case
you need them after extended practice. Over-the-counter analgesics help
to reduce swelling if you’re feeling pain, but don’t forget to ice
those sore muscles and joints as well.
Clothing
As with the previous two items, take clothes which will be comfortable
to play in for a long time. Loose-fitting and relaxed should be the
order of the day. Depending on your camp, there may be time to hike,
canoe, fish, or swim, so don’t forget to pack shoes and outerwear for
extracurricular activities. Also, inquire whether formal wear will be
needed for a recital or other camp activities.
Your Partner
Okay, we know you won’t forget your other half at the airport if he or
she is coming along. The reminder is, if your partner is nonmusical,
make sure that there’s enough of an itinerary to keep him or her
occupied and enjoying the vacation as much as you are. Also, make sure
there’s enough free time in each day to get together and enjoy your
vacation as a couple. The last thing you want is for your hard-earned
musical vacation to be spoiled by a spat!