Playing outdoors

Like most violinists, I have two violins: my "good" one and a "beater" that doesn't sound very good, but is tough and wouldn't be a heartbreaking loss should it be damaged.

If I can answer "yes" to ALL of the following, I'll play my good violin:

• Am I confident that no water will land on my violin? (Rain? Large hail? LAWN SPRINKLERS? Fountains? Beverages? Did I mention automatic lawn sprinklers?)
• Am I confident that there won't be any temperature extremes before, during, or after performance?
• Am I fairly confident that the venue will be free of arbitrary flying objects? (Birds? Firecrackers? Batons? Wasps?).
• Will I have ready access to shelter, in case of a sudden Colorado thunderstorm?
• Will I be able to keep my violin and my case out of sticky hands (of both the thieving and the wandering-toddler variety)?

Your experience may be different...My "good" violin is a decent factory model...it could be replaced, painful as that would be. If it was a unique handmade treasure, then I might be more careful.

I always use my good bow...it's a graphite Codabow, which isn't bothered by most outdoor hazards.

Sometimes I've strung my backup fiddle with loud steel strings, to get a little more volume in an outdoor setting. I use the backup at the last few rehearsals, so both I and the conductor know what to expect.

Whether using a good or a backup instrument, I carry a little playing-outdoors kit: a trash bag (for quick protection against water); lots of extra clothes pins, weights, etc for dealing with wind (enough for myself plus some to give away); gaffer tape (for controlling power or mic cords); a WeatherRadio for the latest forecast; and, if playing at night, a fully-charged ConcertLight stand light (as often as not, something will go wrong with the electricity outdoors).