Renting or borrowing an upright bass at Disney World

[DizzyV6P]

Yes, you read that title right. I know I'm going out on a limb here, but I figured if anyone knew if this was possible, it would be Disboards.

My 7th grade daughter is in a community orchestra and also her schools orchestra. She plays a 1/2 size upright bass. Due to upcoming All-State solo competitions and 2 orchestra performances, she actually wants to practice her music during our upcoming spring break trip to Disney World.
She recently got superior ratings on her solo ensemble and has played in county honors 6th grade and junior honors orchestras as well as the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra (PVYO) for the past 2 years.

I'm trying to find out if Disney has any rental instrument programs or a studio that would let her practice her bass. We're flying, so there's no way to bring her bass with her to Disney, so borrowing one is her only option.

Thanks for any help or suggestions. We'll be staying at Saratoga Springs Resort for a week.

Thank!

Dizzy

 

[Lynne M]

I have to congratulate you on posting one of the more interesting and unusual questions we've gotten on the Resorts board.

I've never heard of Disney renting musical instruments to guests.

I'm hoping someone will have a better answer for you than this, but I looked on Google a bit and found quite a few places that rent musical instruments in the Orlando area. I know nothing about any of these businesses, but here's one that will rent you an upright bass for a few days and deliver and pick up at your hotel:

Band Room

There are no dedicated music practice rooms on property that I know of, but I'd ask guest services at your resort for help with that. I'd have to think there'd be some unused area at SSR that they'd let your daughter use.

 

[HopperFan]

And I read bass as a fish and was quite perplexed at upright so thought maybe it was the name of some kind of camper .... I took the bait but of no help.


PS Kudos to your DD and I wish her luck!

 

[WEDWDW]

And just when you were sure you had seen every IMAGINABLE question on The DIS!!!!lol

 

[Nancyg56]

I can't help but wanted to say your did is really dedicated! Awesome for her!

 

[Willow1213]

I would ask her orchestra director or private lessons instructor for tips on how to practice without an instrument. I know there are techniques that can be used to practice fingerings and sheet music study without having an instrument available. I have practiced piccolo on a thick children's pencil before

 

[piccolopat]

I would ask her orchestra director or private lessons instructor for tips on how to practice without an instrument. I know there are techniques that can be used to practice fingerings and sheet music study without having an instrument available. I have practiced piccolo on a thick children's pencil before

One of the best reasons to play flute and piccolo is how easy it is to travel with them! I'm learning the Midsummer Night's Dream scherzo but have no time to practice due to work and other obligations. My solution? I have an hour and forty minute commute each way, most of which I am sitting on a train. I work on the fingerings using nothing but my fingers. I was surprised how effective this was the first time I picked up my flute after using this method for a week. I agree that this child's teacher may be able to show her a practice technique that can be done without an instrument. So much of what we do musically is in our heads and in our hands.

 

[nkereina]

Might be a long shot, but perhaps pose this question on the Weddings forum. My thought is that maybe a bride has hired a string ensemble in the past for her Disney ceremony, or even knows of groups that work with Disney. The group may be able to facilitate something like that or offer a recommendation. Good luck!

 

[J'aime Paris]

The Hard Rock hotel loans out guitars to their guests during their stay; maybe they have bass guitars as well...

 

[zoo2tycoon]

Hope things work out- she has great dedication. My concern would be where would she practice? If in room you need to remember other guests might not like to hear?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, you read that title right. I know I'm going out on a limb here, but I figured if anyone knew if this was possible, it would be Disboards.

My 7th grade daughter is in a community orchestra and also her schools orchestra. She plays a 1/2 size upright bass. Due to upcoming All-State solo competitions and 2 orchestra performances, she actually wants to practice her music during our upcoming spring break trip to Disney World.
She recently got superior ratings on her solo ensemble and has played in county honors 6th grade and junior honors orchestras as well as the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra (PVYO) for the past 2 years.

I'm trying to find out if Disney has any rental instrument programs or a studio that would let her practice her bass. We're flying, so there's no way to bring her bass with her to Disney, so borrowing one is her only option.

Thanks for any help or suggestions. We'll be staying at Saratoga Springs Resort for a week.

Thank!

Dizzy

Although I can't answer your question about renting an instrument, are you sure she can't take the bass from home? DS is a professional musician and some airlines let you bring your instrument on board. On a recent Southwest flight, a young man had an extra seat for his bass, and I think he told me that Southwest hadn't made him pay. A few times, airlines have "required" DS to check his instrument, but when he tells him the importance, they let him keep it with him. So you might call the airline and plead. And I certainly understand your daughter's desire to practice while at WDW. As Dizzy Gillespie (I think that's who) used to say-" if you miss practice one day, you notice-two days, your band notices, three days and your audience notices." Good luck to her! I can still remember DS on the balcony at BWV with his trumpet.

 

[AngiTN]

I was going to suggest contacting the nearest High School to see if they have any options. Or a church? Some of the big ones around here have orchestras (small mind you) that may have some options for her. Both for an instrument and a location to practice

 

[Uncranky Donald]

Music & Arts is in Orlando. They have music lessons, program, rentals, worth a google Good luck, rock that bass!!

 

[DizzyV6P]

I have to congratulate you on posting one of the more interesting and unusual questions we've gotten on the Resorts board.

I've never heard of Disney renting musical instruments to guests.

I'm hoping someone will have a better answer for you than this, but I looked on Google a bit and found quite a few places that rent musical instruments in the Orlando area. I know nothing about any of these businesses, but here's one that will rent you an upright bass for a few days and deliver and pick up at your hotel:

Band Room

There are no dedicated music practice rooms on property that I know of, but I'd ask guest services at your resort for help with that. I'd have to think there'd be some unused area at SSR that they'd let your daughter use.

Thank you so much! I'll email these folks and see the options!
I'll try the wedding forum as well.

Thanks!

Dizzy

 

[DizzyV6P]

Although I can't answer your question about renting an instrument, are you sure she can't take the bass from home? DS is a professional musician and some airlines let you bring your instrument on board. On a recent Southwest flight, a young man had an extra seat for his bass, and I think he told me that Southwest hadn't made him pay. A few times, airlines have "required" DS to check his instrument, but when he tells him the importance, they let him keep it with him. So you might call the airline and plead. And I certainly understand your daughter's desire to practice while at WDW. As Dizzy Gillespie (I think that's who) used to say-" if you miss practice one day, you notice-two days, your band notices, three days and your audience notices." Good luck to her! I can still remember DS on the balcony at BWV with his trumpet.

Almost all major airlines no longer transport upright basses in their cargo holds due to insurance issues. They almost always get damaged, even in hard cases and many airlines got tired of paying for $5000+ instruments. We'd have to buy an extra seat on the plane according to our airline, plus its fully booked already, so that's not an option.

Thanks!