Stringed instruments and bows are fragile and need to be handled with care. They also require some routine maintenance to stay in tip top shape. Please follow these guidelines:
Instrument
Only the student (and the parents) should touch the instrument. More than half of the incidents Ms. Ristow sees each year occur when a family member or friend “just wants to try it.”
Keep the instrument away from pets, especially dogs who love to chew bow hair.
Keep instrument and bow in case when not in use. Cello and bass players may keep their instrument outside of the case only if they agree upon a safe place with their family. There are also some convenient instrument stands you can buy that keep the instrument safe.
Store the instrument in a location away from direct heat, light, or cold. Avoid extremely humid or dry conditions.
Wash hands before playing the instrument.
Never lift an instrument by the strings. The bridge (the wooden thing holding the strings up) isn’t glued on and will move or fall down if bumped. Ms. Ristow teaches the students how to take the instrument out of the case. If they follow those guidelines, they’ll be fine.
Wipe rosin dust off the instrument with a clean, soft cloth after playing. Rosin dust can wear down the finish of the instrument. Never clean the instrument with anything other than the dry cloth. Moisture + wood = bad.
Violin and viola players should take off their sponge or shoulder rest before closing their case. Your case should close easily, never force it closed. Remember--the bridge isn’t glued on.
Cello and bass players should put their endpins in when they’re done playing. They can be sharp on the ends and a potential tripping hazard.
Bow
Never touch the bow hair. The oils from your skin damage the hair
Remember to tighten your bow before you start playing and loosen it when you’re done.
Bows aren’t swords, walking sticks, or noise makers. Hitting a bow against anything is always a bad idea.
You don’t need to clean bow hair--the rosin is supposed to stay on it.
Losing a hair or two off of the bow is normal. Just cut it off (aim carefully) with scissors. If you lose a bunch of hair, ask Ms. Ristow to take a look at it.