
My mute bag is a ratty old backpack, so I stuff all sorts of things in it:
- Sheet music
- Snack
- Water bottle for long rehearsals
- 4-mouthpiece holster with whatever I think I'll need that day. (Usually only two pieces in there unless I'm doubling)
- Jo-Ral copper bubble (harmon)
- Best Brass mini straight mute
- Denis Wick adjustable aluminum cup
- H&B bucket
- Rubber plunger
I find the music nearly never calls for anything else. Derby hat can be emulated by playing into the music stand, and no conductor has ever complained to the section over it.
I would like to replace the bucket with something else that's easier to put on quickly. But I'm not sure I can justify the expense, plus right now we have matching red&white buckets across the section.
The Bubble mute is really better in aluminum, I think. Copper is so heavy it falls out easily. I got it as a gift 18 years ago and somehow still didn't wear it out.
The mini straight is used as a straight, it sounds nearly identical to my larger DW straight. It sits further up the bell but seems to do the same thing. It's also small enough to use on plunger solos, for variety.