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Dana Pace » Instrument Care

Instrument Care

Some general tips for all instruments:

  • Always put your instrument back in its case when you are done playing  it.
  • Store your case in a safe place (not too hot, not too cold).
  • Never pick your instrument up by its keys.
  • This information is also in your Essential Elements 2000 lesson book on page 2 or 3.

If you have any questions about how to take care of your instrument, ask Mrs. Pace.

 



Flute:

Before putting your instrument back into its case after playing, do the following:

  • Carefully remove the head joint and shake any water out.
  • Put a clean soft cloth on the end of your cleaning rod and swab out the head joint.
  • Twist the middle and foot joints apart and draw the cleaning rod through each joint.
  • Carefully wipe the outside of each section to keep the finish clean. 
  • Your case is designed to hold only specific objects.  If you try to force anything else into the case, it may damage your instrument.
 
Clarinet:

Before putting your instrument back in its case after playing, do the following: 

  • Remove the reed, wipe of excess moisture and return it to the reed case.
  • Remove the mouthpiece and wipe the inside with a clean cloth.  Once a week, wash the  mouthpiece with warm tap water.  Dry thoroughly.
  • Drop a weighted chamois or cotton swab (cleaning cloth) into the bell and pull it thorough the barrel.
  • Carefully twist off the barrel and dry off any additional moisture.  Place it in the case.
  • Gently twist the upper and lower sections apart, with the bell still attached.  Place the upper section in the case.
  • Remove the bell and place the bell and lower section back into the case.
  • As you put each piece back in the case, check to be sure they are dry.
  • Your case is designed to hold only specific objects.  If you try to force anything else into the case, it may damage your instrument.
 
Alto Saxophone:

Before putting your instrument back in its case after playing, do the following:

  • Remove the reed, wipe of excess moisture and return it to the reed case.
  • Remove the mouthpiece and wipe the inside with a clean cloth.  Once a week, wash the  mouthpiece with warm tap water.  Dry thoroughly.
  • Remove the neck and bell, and shake out excess moisture.  Return them to the case.
  • Loosen the neck screw and remove the neck.  Shake out excess moisture and dry the neck with a neck cleaner.
  • Drop a weighted chamois or cotton swab (cleaning cloth) into the bell.  Pull the swab through the body several times.  Return the instrument to its case.
  • Your case is designed to hold only specific objects.  If you try to force anything else into the case, it may damage your instrument.
 

Trumpet:

Before putting your instrument back in its case after playing, do the following:

  • Use the water key to empty water from the instrument.  Blow air through it.
  • Remove the mouthpiece.  Once a week, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water.  Dry thoroughly.
  • Wipe of the instrument with a clean soft cloth.  Return the instrument to its case.
  • Your case is designed to hold only specific objects.  If you try to force anything else into the case, it may damage your instrument.


Trumpet valves occasionally need oiling.  To oil your trumpet valves:

  • Unscrew the valve at the top of the casing.
  • Lift the valve half-way out of the casing.
  • Apply a few drops of special brass valve oil to the exposed valve.
  • Carefully return the valve to its casing.  When properly inserted, the top of the valve should easily screw back into place.
  • If you need help with this, just ask Mrs. Pace!
  • Here is a video that can help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkTxCl2TGvY
***Sometimes, your trumpet mouthpiece may get stuck in your instrument and you can't get it out!  If this happens, don't panic!  And don't ask a family member to use household tools to get it out!  (These could permanently damage your instrument.)  There is a special mouthpiece puller designed just for this, and Mrs. Pace has one!  Just bring your instrument to school with the mouthpiece still stuck, and Mrs. Pace will have it out in a jiffy!***

 

Trombone:

Before putting your instrument back in its case after playing, do the following:

  • Use the water key to empty water from the instrument.  Blow air through it.
  • Remove the mouthpiece and slide assembly.   Do not take the outer slide off the inner slide piece.  Return the instrument to its case.
  • Once a week, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water.  Dry thoroughly.
  • Your case is designed to hold only specific objects.  If you try to force anything else into the case, it may damage your instrument.

Trombone slides occasionally need oiling.  To oil your slide, simply:

  • Rest the tip of the slide on the floor and unlock the slide.
  • Exposing the inner slide, put a few drops of oil on the inner slide.
  • Rapidly move the slide back and forth.  The oil will then lubricate the slide.
***Sometimes, your trombone mouthpiece may get stuck in your instrument and you can't get it out!  If this happens, don't panic!  And don't ask a family member to use household tools to get it out!  (These could permanently damage your instrument.)  There is a special mouthpiece puller designed just for this, and Mrs. Pace has one!  Just bring your instrument to school with the mouthpiece still stuck, and Mrs. Pace will have it out in a jiffy!***



Percussion: 

  • Cover all percussion instruments when they are not being used.
  • Your drumsticks are the only things which should be placed on your instrument.  NEVER put or allow others to put objects on any percussion instrument.