Daily Care
After every use, empty water key (spit valve) onto spit rag.
Set your spit rag under the water key.
Push down all three valves with right hand.
Reach around front of euphonium and push open the water key.
Put your lips around the mouthpiece.
Blow gently into the mouthpiece.
If there is still spit in the euphonium, push down 1st valve while you remove the 1st valve slide. Empty any collected spit. Push down 1st valve while you put slide back into the instrument. Repeat Step 6 for the 2nd and 3rd valve slides.
Remove mouthpiece by pulling and twisting the mouthpiece. Set it in the case. If the mouthpiece cannot be removed easily, bring euphonium to school and have one of the band teachers remove it for you.
Carefully place the euphonium back into the case.
Put your spit rag in the case. Close lid and latch 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 euphonium upright and close to your upper body (hug the instrument) to prevent bumps.
If you need to set it down, gently place it upside down on the floor – the action of setting it down should be SILENT!
Always put your euphonium completely away when you’re done playing, with all case latches closed.
Weekly Care
Oil valves (weekly or as needed)
Remove lid from valve oil and set valve oil on a flat surface within reach.
Euphonium should remain in the case during this process.
Spread spit rag out on floor next to the case.
Unscrew the 1st valve cap. Carefully remove the valve by pulling it straight out (ONLY REMOVE ONE VALVE AT A TIME).
Hold the valve horizontally above your spit rag.
Pick up the oil and turn it upside down, touching the tip of the bottle to the valve.
Squeeze gently to place one drop in 4 places along the valve to coat it.
Shake excess oil onto spit rag.
Insert the valve back into its casing.
Rotate the valve to the right until it clicks into place.
Tighten the valve casing cap.
Repeat to oil the remaining valves.
Place the cap on the oil and put away.
Scrub mouthpiece with warm water, soap, and mouthpiece brush. Rinse well and dry.
Polish euphonium with polishing cloth.
Monthly Care
Check all slides and apply slide grease if they don’t move easily.
Push down the corresponding valve before moving the slide (for example, push down the 1st valve when moving the 1st valve slide in and out).
Wipe the slide with a clean cloth.
Apply a small amount of tuning slide grease to slide.
Remember to push down the corresponding valve when pushing slide back in.
Wash spit rag and put back in euphonium case.