Advice on attending NFA

[cflutist]

Per the TSA website I know that one can take a flute onboard an airplane. But what about a folding music stand? Is that allowed? We're trying to do this trip with just carry-on which is why I'm asking.

[Linda L]

We went carry on only to Charlotte last August. We didn't bring a music stand, but needed to buy one there and flew home with it, again carry on only, with no problems. My only concern on the trip was that we flew a smaller airplane home than we did going, and they made me gate check my Altieri bag with my Miyazawa C flute and Altus alto. I was scared to death, but they made it fine.

[cflutist]

Thanks Linda.

That's interesting as the Alto sized Altieri bag is only 22 inches. I was going to take that bag instead of my standard sized bag because my music stand would not fit in the later.

[fluteguy18]

I've carried a whole variety of things in my gig bag on planes and I've flown all over the country with it. I wouldn't worry about it, and if there are questions going through security, just show them what it is. It's not dangerous... unless you're playing Glass...

[cflutist]

FG18,

Thanks.
I know you have moved on to culinary arts, but if you should attend in Las Vegas, I would love to meet you.

[Linda L]

Yes, I think the gate attendants were worried about a full flight with minimal in cabin storage. Everyone tries to go carry on only these days, it seems. I could have stowed the Altieri case in the cabin fine, as it rode on the flight to Charlotte under the seat in front of me, and we did have priority boarding. This year, if we go, I will be bringing a small lock to put thru the zipper pulls to at least attempt to make access to the inside of the bag a bit more difficult, just in case.

[cflutist]

@Linda, that is a great idea.

[pied_piper]

Be aware that if you lock your checked bag(s), you must use a TSA approved lock. For those, the TSA has a master key to open them for inspection. If you use a non-approved lock, the TSA has the right to cut it off.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... locks.shtm

[fluteguy18]

FG18,

Thanks.
I know you have moved on to culinary arts

eh..ehehehe... Yeah... about that.... I quit that job. Abusive owners and I don't get along well. As much as I love to cook, I hated doing it as a job so I moved on. In retail at the moment and hopefully I won't be much longer... a music related job has opened up and there's a good chance that I'll get it. So basically... as hard as I try I can't stay away from music. I don't want to be a performer but I want to be in the business. If I get this job there's a very good chance that I'll be at NFA anyway. So hopefully I'll be seeing you there!

[JButky]

a music related job has opened up and there's a good chance that I'll get it.

Sounds exciting...Good luck...and if all goes well. We'll see you in Vegas!

[fluteguy18]

Thanks. I'm hoping/praying really hard about it. Still in the 'wait and see' period between phone calls right now. It would be so nice to have a flute related job. But if I don't get it now I was told how I would be guaranteed a job there later doing something else (just a year of school to secure it). So either way... I'll be in the flute business in the next two years provided nothing happens...

[cflutist]

So now that the NFA Convention is only 3 months away, anyone else going? I'm hoping to meet FG18 at the CN booth. I also plan to also bring an almost empty laptop bag (with just my netbook in it, just too difficult to send lengthy emails on my phone) so I can buy music !!! I Did see on the schedule that there is free Internet for us.

How about attire? What do the ladies wear? I know it is very hot in Las Vegas in August, but it is air conditioned at the hotel. Are pants/shorts and tops ok? Or do the ladies dress up more?

I have a backpack for my flute too as I don't want to advertise to everyone that I'm carrying a flute in an Altieri bag on the plane. Also thinking of using my Cavallero cover and leaving the Brannen one home since the former has more protection for the flute.

Am getting excited since this is my first Convention. Any other advice for a first-time attendee?

[pied_piper]

I went to the 2011 NFA Convention in Charlotte, but it was close enough that I drove and didn't have to contend with flight issues. This year I'll have to fly so I'll have the same carry-on concerns. I hope to go but it's not yet certain due to possible work conflicts.

My best advise is to study the schedule in advance and try to select and plan the events you wish to attend. Some presentations have more than one session, but most don't. As a result, you'll probably have some sessions that conflict and of course you can't attend them all. And you'll have to plan some time for the exhibit hall. There were a few free times for that, but that is also when the exhibits are the most crowded. Choices, choices!!!

Attire for the daytime sessions is very informal. Anything comfortable and reasonable is fine. Shorts and slacks were equally prevalent for both men and women. The evening concerts were informal too except for the performers.

Don't overpack and allow enough room in your luggage/carryons to accommodate your purchases. You'll probably buy more goodies than you think!

If you are so inclined, consider playing for one of the amateur master classes or perhaps in some of the ensemble reading sessions. Last year I played in the flute orchestra for the opening ceremonies. That was a blast playing in a group of more than 100 flutes from piccolo to subcontrabass. Another treat for that was getting to play with Jim Walker who soloed with the group and provided a couple of the arrangements that we performed. If you do that, you'll need to bring a music stand!

Oh yeah, be sure to bring your flute to the grand closing ceremony.

I hope that helps, but I'll be glad to answer any other questions that I can.

[cflutist]

PP, thanks for the advice.

I did signup for the opening flute orchestra.

I did look at the preliminary schedule, and you're right, there are too many things I want to see and/or hear, when does one eat lunch?

Is it ok to take a folding music stand on the plane? Or does TSA think it is a weapon, being aluminum and all. I bought a lightweight Ruka stand just for this trip. We're trying to do this trip with just carry-ons which is why I'm asking.

[fluteguy18]

Based on the years I have gone I wouldn't go completely casual, but it's not a dressy even either. Have one or two dressy things in case you need them, but for the most part as long as you avoid jeans you should be good. I completely agree with PP about pre-planning. Have comfy shoes and pack lightly. You'll bring things home. The vendors are always giving out freebies. Bring snacks because the food in the convention center is usually really expensive and most restaurants are a good walking distance away (but very doable). I also recommend a notebook and pencils. I also advise bringing tylenol/advil for your headaches. The showroom gets really noisy and because of competitions the hotel isn't always very quiet either. Bring a camera too because you never know who you'll meet and who you'll want to take a picture with. Also it's great to take pictures of the convention because the hotel is always gorgeous and the showroom is always amazing.

Also make sure to chunk out some time to see the city. After about 2 days you'll be sick of the convention and will be dying to get away from it. TOO-MUCH-FLUTE.

I'm fairly sure that I'll be there but I don't have official word yet on whether or not I will be going or if I will be staying behind.