Is running with a musical instrument safe?

"Don't run with scissors!" Was definitely something you learned as a young child. (I hope, for your sake.)

But how about running with other objects... like tubas, flutes or drums? Those could be dangerous as well - even though it's far more entertaining for onlookers, so there's got to be an embarrassment factor in there too!

The Vancouver Santa Clause Parade went off on Sunday in sunny skies and all! We live next to the start of the parade route. No, we didn't go out to see it, but we lived it for a few hours. Starting at about noon, we were woken up (hey, it's Sunday, we sleep in) by a set of drummers - about 10 of them - warming up in our back alley. They found an acoustically great place to make lots of noise in the loading bay / garbage area of the restaurant building next to us. So we were drummed out of bed.

And then the other bands in the parade started warming up - apparently we are living in the band practice area. In the alley, on the streets, everywhere you can stuff a marching band to warm up, there were marching bands. Do you know how many marching bands are in your average parade? LOTS.

The funny part was when one of the bands was a bit late getting into line to join the parade! Runners holding - and trying not to hit themselves with - wind instruments, followed by these poor guys carrying the tubas and drums. It was like a wrestling match! I bet on the instruments! Too bad it wasn't the bagpipers, now those instruments would have an unfair advantage!