This summer, my wind ensemble will be doing a performance tour in Europe, and my director has allowed me to play bassoon (I'll be the only one). What are just some things that I should remember when traveling with my instrument. Anything special that I need to bring?

Also, this tour will take about a month, and when I return, I don't have long to prepare for orchestra auditions (I've already been accepted into the orchestra, but ALL members need to re-audition for the fall season). I've only played the Hindemith Sonata and the Telemann Sonata so far. What are some other pieces that I could potentially use? I'm not going to worry about it TOO much though, since I've been accepted before, and it's really just a formality.

Thanks again, hasta luego amigos,
-David

Where abouts in Europe are you going?

First thing is that bassoons [unless a 'gent's model'] are not within the permitted size for hand baggage. From what I've heard some airlines will let them on, but many won't commit themselves before check-in. You'll need to sort this out with your tour organiser for clarification from the tour company or airline involved. I would imagine that a whole band wanting to take their horns on as hand baggage won't get a sympathetic reception!

The other thing is that if you have reed knives or other sharp items they must go in your checked-in baggage or they are likely to be confiscated.

Ian

I'll be going through France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland.

Yeah, I don't have to worry about all those reed tools etc. because I don't fix or adjust reeds. I have people to do that for me (hehehe). *Sigh* I guess this means I have to make sure that someone can ensure that all my reeds are going BEFORE I go, because while I'm there, I'll pretty much be on my own.

Your reeds can travel with you as hand baggage, no worries there. The problem is your instrument, which will probably have to be put in the hold unless you can get them to guarantee you can take it aboard. Best to check on that. If it has to go into the hold, it will have to face the airline "gorillas" who handle the baggage. This is the thing to worry about. Find a box which is a bit bigger than your case, pad it with bubble wrap, and fit your case into that. This way, the bassoon can survive the trip without getting banged up. If your bassoon fits tightly into its case, that's all you need to do, but if it is a bit loose here and there, you might wrap the separate pieces with bubble wrap, too.