The mosquito is just one irritation to the outdoor musician.
Playing music outdoors can be lots of fun and an exciting spectacle for the outdoor audience. Alternatively, it can be a total disaster involving instruments spoiled by rain, sheet music blown away by wind, musicians sunburned to a crisp and devoured by mosquitoes. Preparing a list of items to take with you on your outdoor gig can prevent some of the worst musical disasters.
Sunscreen
If you'll be playing outside in direct sun, sunscreen is a must even if the air temperature isn't particularly high. Marching bands, in particular, typically spend most of the day playing instruments outside during summer rehearsals --- high-SPF, sweat-proof sunscreen is a must. Players of woodwind and brass instruments should also take a sun-protective lip balm to protect their lips during the rehearsal and performance.
Sunglasses
As well as protecting your eyes from sun damage, sunglasses will allow you to see and read your sheet music even when the sun is glaring. If you play in a conducted ensemble, sunglasses will also help you see the conductor of your band when she is standing in sunlight.
Clothes Pegs
Clothes pegs are necessary for any outdoor gig where you use sheet music. Even if the weather isn't particularly windy, gusts of wind are likely to blow unsecured sheet music off your stand. Peg all four corners of your music to the stand and devise a strategy for turning pages and re-pegging them if necessary during the performance.
Water
Playing an instrument --- particularly one such as a trumpet, which is played with your mouth and lungs --- can be a dehydrating experience. Add the elements of high temperatures or strong sun and you're likely to quickly dehydrate during an outdoor gig. Have plenty of bottled water available during the rehearsal and performance.
Mosquito Repellent
As you play your instrument at an outdoor concert, your hands are occupied with instrument valves or drumsticks. Thus, you become a sitting target for mosquitoes. Take mosquito repellent to the gig with you. If you're playing during mosquito season, apply the repellent liberally to all exposed areas of skin before performing. There are few things more distracting during performance than having a cloud of local mosquitoes decide you represent an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Tags: sheet music, during performance, during rehearsal, during rehearsal performance, rehearsal performance, sunglasses will, sunscreen must