Simplify Your Rehearsal Bag
Sometimes, it feels like you have half of your life in your rehearsal bag. From scores and binders to pencils to journals and everything in between, it can be overwhelming to think about adding anything else. Here are a few ways to simplify your rehearsal bag and take some literal weight off of your shoulders.
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1. Music
Only pack the music you need for the day. Be realistic when packing your bag before you leave. Do you really have time to practice that new Mozart aria today in between your rehearsal and coaching? Limit yourself to your score and a half-inch binder or tablet if you need to have your personal repertoire on you. Not only will you take some major weight out of your bag, you'll be able to find everything you need even faster!
2. Pens and Pencils
While it might be your practice to color code everything you do, it's not always logical to have fifty writing utensils in your bag. Leave the heavy-duty materials as home and limit yourself to three pens - one black and two other colors - and two pencils. If you're working on new music, a highlighter in your favorite color is also a good addition. Keep all of these writing utensils together and organized in a pencil case for easy finding.
3. Sticky Notes
From taking quick notes on staging to jotting down a reminder to look at something important, sticky notes definitely qualify as an essential to keep on you. Try keeping one small pad on you for regular days and add to your stash if you know it's going to be a staging-heavy day!
4. Hydration
Obviously, you always want to have a water bottle on you, but sometimes just water isn't enough to cope with intense staging rehearsals or workouts. Up your hydration game without adding too much extra weight with Pedialyte packets! Simply pour one into your water bottle, add water, and shake!
5. Personal Care
Whether it's your favorite lip balm or that hand lotion you can't live without, personal items tend to add a lot of weight and bulk to your bag. When you're adding something new into your rehearsal bag, ask yourself if you really need it every day or if you can take it out after today.
6. Technology
Long rehearsal days can sometimes mean having more downtime than anticipated. It's always a good idea to have a phone charger - whether your an apple or android user - and a spare battery so you don't have to worry about finding an outlet. It is also super useful if you're using a tablet for your music and start running out of juice mid-rehearsal!
