INSTRUMENT CARE, repairs, & returns
PROBLEM WITH YOUR INSTRUMENT OR EQUIPMENT?
Email Tim Buckingham. Make sure to provide a detailed description of the problem.
If directed, you may need to drop off your instrument at school OR I may be able to talk you through fixing it at home over a video chat.
I will order a repair or service after determining if it is needed. I will include you and your parents in that determination.
INSTRUMENT CARE
The proper care of an instrument ensures its long life, prevents interruptions to instruction and practice, and generally minimizes hassles. They are expensive and intricate. Here are the big ideas to remember:
Frequently lubricate brass valves & slides (they may need cleaning first with a lint-free cotton cloth)
Proper assembly of woodwinds is essential to keeping bridge keys from bending or breaking
Store your instrument properly. Keep in a case when not in use. Use a mouthpiece cover if taking a break.
Most accidents happen when instruments are dropped or bumped against blunt objects -- always be careful!
Take care of your reeds & mouthpieces -- store them properly, replace them if they are splintered or chipped, and keep them clean.
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES
Almost any supply can be ordered through our cooperating dealer, Ellis Music Company. Call to order the supply (802) 234-6400, or order online. The supplies can be delivered to your home or to school at scheduled deliveries. I can then get it to your child.
Listed below are the some of the basic supplies necessary for each maintaining each instrument. Most come with the rental package, however, some do not. Complete care kits are also sold for each instrument.
Flute: cleaning rod w/ cloth, silver polishing cloth*
Clarinet: swab, reeds ^, mouthpiece brush*
Saxophones: neck and body swabs*, mouthpiece brush*, lacquer polishing cloth*
Trumpet/French Horn/Tuba: valve or rotor oils, mouthpiece brush *, tuning slide grease, lacquer polishing cloth*
Trombone: slide oil or mix +, spray bottle of water +, tuning slide grease*, mouthpiece brush*, polishing cloth*
Drums and percussion: drum key, pad, sticks (Vic Firth SD1 General recommended) and mallets.
* = not included in rental and must be purchased additionally.
^ = one reed is included in the rental but additional reeds must be purchased. Strength: 2 ½ Rico brand reeds are recommended for beginners.
+ = slide cream comes with the rental, however the cream requires spritzes of water -- a small spray bottle ("Bone" Bottle) is required for purchase.
REPAIRS
Mr. Buckingham can do minor repairs and adjustments , however sometimes instruments will need repair by a technician. Please do not attempt to fix problems at home. Ellis Music provides excellent repair services.
Rental customers will have most services covered under your rental contract’s insurance plan (R&RP).
Non-rental customers: make sure to give me your preferred contact so that Ellis Music can notify you of the estimate and work proposed.
Ellis Music or SCS will provide a loaner instrument for the time period that the instrument is in the shop so that there is no interruption to instruction and practice.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS FOR REPAIRS
Students must arrange to DROP their instrument to the Band Office on or before a Monday morning. Students: take ALL supplies out of your case and place them in your assigned cubby in the storage room.
Students must PICK-UP their loaner instrument in the Band Office on Monday afternoon. Students: place your supplies from your assigned cubby to your loaner case.
Students must arrange to DROP the loaner instrument to the Band Office on or before a Monday morning. Students: take ALL supplies out of your loaner case and place them in your assigned cubby in the storage room.
Students must PICK-UP their repaired instrument in the Band Office on Monday afternoon. Students: place your supplies from your assigned cubby back in your own case.
Other repair services to consider:
Music & Arts (Burlington): 802-863-8652
RETURNS
If you wish to return your rental or school-owned instrument, please follow the following directions (note: rentals continue over the summer and school-owned instruments may be signed out for the summer).
1) Call Ellis Music at (800) 244-7664 if you are a rental customer.
2) Contact the band director at tbuckingham@cvsdvt.org or 802-578-7153.
3) Return the instrument to school office or the band office immediately.