Instrument Care

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.
• 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.
• If you purposefully or carelessly damage your own instrument it will be confiscated and your parents/guardians will have to pick it up from school.

Proper Care of Woodwind Instruments:

• Never bend your keys or tighten screws.
• 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 play an instrument that uses double reeds: Always keep an empty film canister in your case.
• 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. Strawley 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.
• Glean 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:

• Tighten the bow by turning the end screw to the right before use and LOOSEN BOW AFTER! (Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey)
• Rosin the bow as needed. If the bow hair slips on strings and does not grip and make sound- it needs rosin. Be careful not to over rosin (especially if you play string bass).
• Wipe the rosin off of the strings and body of the instrument.
• Violin/Viola: After you play take your shoulder rest or sponge off before you put your instrument in it's case.