Reed prep
When first using a new reed, soak it in a cup of water while putting the instrument together
Press water out on a flat hard surface before playing
Place in reed guard to dry
Do this for the first 4 days of a new reed
Rotate through the four reeds, using a different one each day you practice
Daily Care
After every use, completely swab out your clarinet.
Remove reed and place in reed guard.
Remove mouthpiece and ligature. Wipe the mouthpiece out with swab.
Place ligature and mouthpiece cover onto mouthpiece and place carefully into case.
Turn instrument upside down.
Put weight of swab into instrument first. Let weight fall through instrument.
Pull swab through the instrument 3 times.
Disassemble instrument (push the D key when taking apart the two middle joints) and carefully put in case.
Put your swab in the case. Close the lid and latch/zip the case.
Place pencil and highlighter in pencil pouch.
Keep your binder, lesson book, and instrument in one place so you don’t lose anything!
Carry your clarinet upright and close to your upper body to prevent bumps. ALWAYS USE MOUTHPIECE COVER!
If you need to set it down, put mouthpiece cover on and lay across open case – the action of setting it down should be SILENT!
Never set the clarinet on a music stand or on its bell!
Never roll your clarinet in your lap, as this can bend keys.
Always store your reeds in a reed guard. When a reed becomes cracked, discolored, or otherwise past its usefulness, replace it.
Always put your clarinet completely away when you’re done playing, with all case latches or zippers closed.
Weekly Care
Apply cork grease to the corks where the instrument pieces connect
Scrub mouthpiece with warm water, soap, and mouthpiece brush. Rinse well and dry.
Polish clarinet with polishing cloth.
Monthly Care
Hand wash and air dry your cleaning swab. Remove any knots.