At the beginning of the year you receive a fresh instrument that has just been cleaned and serviced. Let's keep it that way!
Remember it is your responsibility to keep your instrument clean - this will keep both you and your instrument healthy and in good working order!
Holidays is a good time to give your instrument a good clean inside and out!
Also remember to wash your cleaning cloth/s so they are fresh and ready for the term ahead!!
Here is an interesting video, recommended by Rosalie, for flautists on how to care for their flute.
The Conservatorium's School's Resources page also has loads of videos on putting your flute together, making a sound, care and how to play each of the first 3 notes - perfect for beginners!
Also check out:
Jennifer's articles for beginner flautists
Jennifer's flute care tips
Here are some really good tips from Yamaha on how to care for your Clarinet. Check out the video - in particular:
0:50-3:20 - shows step by step instructions on how to assemble your clarinet
3:56-4:40 - shows you how to use your pull through cleaning cloth to 'swab out' your clarinet.
The Conservatorium's School's Resources page also has loads of videos on putting your clarinet together, making a sound, care and how to play notes - perfect for students!
Here are some really good tips from Yamaha on how to care for your Saxophone. Check out the video - in particular:
1:05-1:36 - tips on how to take your saxophone out of the case!
1:37-1:56 - shows step by step how to assemble your saxophone.
1:57-3:04 - shows you how to use your pull through cleaning cloth to clean the neck and body of your saxophone.
The Conservatorium's School's Resources page also has loads of videos on putting your saxophone together, making a sound, care and how to play notes - perfect for students!
The Conservatorium's School's Resources page also has loads of videos on putting your trumpet together, making a sound, care and how to play notes - perfect for students!
Cleaning cloths and pull throughs can be purchased from local music stores or online but if you are handy with sewing you can easily make your own. Here are a few instructional videos to help you:
DIY Microfiber Clarinet Swab [Cally's Clarinet Channel]
The Clarinet Swab: Everything You Needed To Know And More [Clean My Instrument]
Instruments need an annual service to ensure they are in top condition and sounding great! From time to time they get damaged (especially in the hands of little ones) and bent/broken.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL INSTRUMENTS HIRED THROUGH THE CONSERVATORIUM NEED TO BE RETURNED TO THE CONSERVATORIUM FOR SERVICING AND REPAIRS. Please ask your Tutor or Band Conductor if in doubt :)
For St Patrick's instruments, or if you own your own instrument, we recommend the following repairers on the Central Coast:
CENTRAL COAST WOODWIND AND BRASS SERVICES:
David Brooks
228 Henry Parry Dr, NORTH GOSFORD NSW 2250
M: 0408 375 184
REPAIRS ON THE HILL:
Victoria
41 Central Coast Highway KARIONG 2250
M: 0410 441 899
GOSFORD MUSIC CENTRE:
4 / 39 Central Coast Hwy WEST GOSFORD NSW 2250
T: 02 4325 4900