We always think we're just barely ready until the first six weeks hits and turns our bands into Swiss cheese. Several years and it still knocks me out whenever those shocks happen.

How different are the clarinet and trumpet's parts? Is there one you can trust to come in for some after school lessons and teach them basic trumpet to take over for a while? Or, really, anyone in your band that you believe would be able to switch and learn quickly?

That's really the biggest issue I see. At least you have one in every other section. Especially with tuba!