IF YOU THINK YOUR INSTRUMENT IS BROKEN, DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR IT YOURSELF! Bring it into Ms. Bryant at school and she will fix it or refer you to a qualified repairperson.

All students and all instruments:

• Do not share instruments. Only you should be able to touch/play your instrument.
• Only you should take your instrument to and from class/school. Be responsible for your property.
• Do not leave your instrument at school, in the car, or at after school care! It must come to school on your lesson day and return home with you that same day.
• If you purposefully or carelessly damage a school instrument or school equipment, you will be responsible for the repairs and you will lose the privilege of using that equipment.

Proper Care of Woodwind Instruments:

• Never bend your keys or tighten screws.
• Never get your instrument wet or try to wash it! It will ruin all of the pads and you will have to pay for an expensive repair.
• Never use key oil or bore oil because they can seriously damage your instrument.
• Always swab your instrument after playing.
• If you play flute: Never unscrew the cap on your head joint.
• If you play an instrument requiring reeds: Always remove the reed from the mouthpiece when not playing. Do not leave the reed on and put the instrument away Always put the reed back in their holders so they are not damaged.
• If you instrument requires a neck strap you must use one. If you forget to bring it to class your grade will be lowered.

Proper Care of Brass Instruments:

• Do not remove your valves until Ms. Bryant shows you the correct way to do it.
• You must have valve/rotor/slide oil with your instrument at all times. Never use anything labeled, "key oil".
• Do not use valve oil on your tuning slides.
• Clean your mouthpiece regularly with a mouthpiece brush.
• Empty your water keys on a regular basis.
• Trombone players must keep their slides well lubricated with slide cream or slide oil. If you use slide cream you need to have a small spray bottle of water with your instrument at all times.

Proper Care for Percussion Instruments:

• Always know which mallets to use on what instrument. If you are not sure-Ask!
• Percussion instruments are not toys and will be treated with respect.

Proper Care for String Instruments:

• Loosen your bow when you are done playing.
• Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the rosin from the top of your instrument and your strings.
• Store away from heat, cold, or moisture sources.