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Backpack, Backpack

Writer's picture: Ryan ReedRyan Reed

If you are like me, you definitely plan to bring a backpack with you to shows. I don't always carry mine, but I always have it at a show site. Sometimes I leave it in the truck. Usually I throw it in the synth cart so I have quick access to it in warm-up, because let's be real...if anything is going to go wrong it will be in warm-up.


The contents of my backpack has evolved over the years, especially as the needs of my ensembles have evolved. Here is list of things I carry with me in my show day backpack right now.


Music Scores - Not that I use these at shows, but my show bag is normally my rehearsal bag too so these never leave.


A Lighter - This is for restringing keyboards. I definitely got caught early on without this and it was a VERY stressful situation.


1-2 XLR Cables - Just in case. Better for multi-day events (Regionals, Worlds), in case a cables get caught while moving.


1-2 USB/MIDI Cables - For just incase the computer isn't connecting. I use UBS cables, but listed MIDI since some groups use those. Definitely needed these more than the XLR cables. USB cables are also more universal (printer cables) so they are easier to find at WalMart, Target, etc (plus easier to tell a parent you need a printer cable you can get at any of those stores than a 5 prong MIDI cable you can only get a certain shops).


Black and White Electrical Tape - A student will inevitably forgot to tape their sticks, or you will want to cover up a quick scratch on something. Or a student will want to tape up their sleeves, etc. There are a million uses for this stuff.


Extra Sticks/Mallets - Just in case something breaks


Drum Key - Gotta make the drums sound good.


A Metronome - I have started to move away from this since my phone has a metronome app on it, but I still keep one nearby. I like to have this out on the floor so I can turn it on before the show and get the students thinking about the tempo.


Zip-Ties - Just in case you need to re-cable a keyboard, could be used to attach vinyl to a prop, a quick fix, etc. I carry 11" zip-ties since they are the right size for cabling keyboard frames.


A Multi-Tool - This one is optional, and I don't alway have it in my bag, but this is important if you need to cut zip-ties or something.


Allen Wrenches - If you equipment needs allen wrenches to tighten/loosen pieces and parts, have these with you. I carry both metric and standard just in case.


A Notepad (and something to write with) - This if for me to keep notes about tapes for critique. I am kinda old, school and still write stuff down because it helps me remember, but you can take notes on your phone.


Phone Charger - Show days are long and you need to keep your phone alive for communication, listening to tapes, as a metronome, to take notes, etc.


iPad/Tablet - If you have a digital mixer, you need to have the ability to mix live. Since you can't be on the floor, have this so you can mix in the stands. I recommend setting your base levels in rehearsals (obviously), but no 2 venues are the same. I know I have done show weekends where day 1 the bass is just WAY too much because of the acoustics of the venue, but day 2 is totally fine (or a completely different problem).


Gum/Cough Drops/Candy - This one is a weird one, but this is a personal one too. I know at shows I get nervous for my students. Nerves show up different for different people. For me, it shows up in a choking/coughing feeling. That is where having gum, cough drops, or hard candy comes in helpful for me. It helps get rid of that choking/coughing feeling. I have no idea why this happens to me, but it happens at almost every show. So, I have these handy to help with that.



Things like extra heads and string (paracord) don't go in the backpack. Those things are too large to fit in the bag. However, I do pack a "head bag," which is normally a cymbal bag, with extra heads, string (paracord), more extra sticks/mallets. I usually leave the head bag on the truck as well.


This is what I carry with me to shows. What's in your bag? Do you carry anything that isn't on my list?

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