Our big adventure overseas is upon us!  In researching our adventurous itinerary and best prices and most magical concert locations, Hugh and Curt have made some great discoveries.  For example, we're staying August 9 in Markree Castle, near Sligo, Ireland.  We've also been able to get us a night on the Isle of Skye.  And our first confirmed concert is at Bunratty Castle on Monday, August 13, 2007!  Still working on Stirling Castle, Cawdor Castle, the Glenfiddich Distillery, and the lovely thatched village of Adare, Ireland, and others. The hits just keep on coming!

1. REHEARSALS: We depart on Tuesday, July 31.  Prior to departure we have a summer session consisting of three Tuesdays: July 10, 17, and 24.  All tour participants are asked to attend, as well as any other DMM.  Then on Thursday July 26,  we will have a meeting at (location TBA) where we'll introduce all the "bandaids" and band members, have a short final rehearsal, spell out jobs and division of labour, and carefully pack up all the band equipment, percussion, and some of the larger personal instruments.  And celebrate our upcoming adventure!

2. PREPARATION:

a) Passport is required!  Be aware that passports will not be accepted if they expire within 6 months of arrival in the UK, for some reason.  So check the date and don't delay in renewing it if expiry date is before Feb 08.

b) Meds: Carry enough prescription meds, and ask your doctor for an extra prescription-slip to carry in your wallet, in case of luggage loss.  Carry all meds in their original containers so that customs officers know exactly what they are.  Also, your favourite brand of over-the-counter items may be hard to get so bring any that you need regularly, e.g. anti-histamines.

c) Money: Carry 2 credit cards, and check the expiry dates.  Hide one in your luggage or carry-on, and keep one in your wallet.  Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere except street vendors and ice cream stands.  Still, I recommend you start with some cash, such as 20-30 British pounds (for Scotland) and 25-50 Euros (Ireland) - phone your own bank and order it ahead.  Your debit card might work at ATM’s, but ask the bank to key in your credit cards too, so you have multiple cards that are ATM-ready.  Replenish your cash at ATM's along the tour using credit or debit card (our debit card will definitely not work in stores).  If you worry about your purse or wallet being lost or stolen, wear a waist-belt or hidden shoulder holster for your passport and large bills, then carry a smaller bills and a credit card in your wallet.  This kind of thing can be purchased at Gulliver's Travels and BCAA stores.

d) Photocopy: place your credit cards, debit card, and open passport on a photocopy machine and make 2 copies.  Leave one at home with a relative, hide one in your suitcase.  A lost passport or credit card is much easier to replace if you have the number.  Also, leave a copy of the hotel list and phone numbers with someone at home so they can contact you, if you wish.

3. BRING:

a) one large suitcase with several changes of clothing for all weather (could be very hot, or cold and rainy), logo'd shirts, extra shoes, night clothes, and personal toiletry items.  Also band uniform: dress shoes, black pants, 2-3 white shirts, band jacket and band vest.  The uniform can be carried in the logo'd garment bag, but for the flight, please fold this carefully into your large suitcase.

b) one carry-on bag containing medications, reading material, band jacket, small pillow, snacks, glasses, prescriptions, water.  NOTE: always carry snacks and water, since meals may occur at irregular intervals on our busiest days - buy snacks to refill your snack bag at every opportunity.

c) your instrument.  All players except flutes and clarinets will need to check-in their instrument as their second piece of luggage. Flute and clarinets are asked to put theirs in  luggage or carry-on.  All flute players, clarinet players and Band-aids will be assigned a drum or other band equipment at the airport, to check in as personal luggage- see below.

4. AIRPORT: Everyone is asked to arrive at the airport 3 hours before our evening flight time to give us lots of time to organize, tag, and check in the luggage, including instruments and band equipment, give last minute instructions, and get our whole group of 45 through the lineup and onto the plane.  Remember to bring your tickets, passports, wallet, one large suitcase (containing uniform), and small carry-on.  Since the airlines allow two large pieces of luggage, we will ask all Band-aids and flute and clarinet players to check-in one piece of band equipment in addition to their own suitcase.  This arrangement is necessary, since each of these pieces could cost us $400 to ship, if not checked in as personal luggage.

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