Here are things that you should do after you play to keep your instrument in good condition:
- Flute - swab instrument out to remove moisture each time you play.
- A common problem for flutes is the joints not working easily. Just wipe off the joints with a moist rag/cloth. This will remove the build up that is causing the joints to not fit easily. Do NOT put vaseline, cork grease or any other product to make the parts work better. This is only a temporary fix and will eventually create worse build up that will be harder to remove.
- Clarinet and Oboe - swab instrument out to remove moisture each time you play. Keep cork joints greased - dry cork will eventually tear when you put the parts together or will cause the instrument parts to stick together.
- Saxophone - swab instrument out to remove moisture each time you play. Keep the neck cork greased - dry cork will eventually tear when you put the parts together. Keep your mouthpiece clean by washing it with a Q-tip or mouthpiece brush under a stream of water. You can use gentle dish detergent on the mouthpiece, too!
- Trumpet, Baritone, Tuba - Oil valves as needed. Do NOT oil valves too often - it attracts dust to the valves which will make the valves harder to move. Keep your mouthpiece clean by washing the narrow neck with a Q-tip or mouthpiece brush under a stream of water. You can use dish detergent on the mouthpiece, too!
- Trombone - Always keep a spray bottle with water to spray your slide. Keep your mouthpiece clean by washing the narrow neck with a Q-tip or mouthpiece brush under a stream of water. You can use dish detergent on the mouthpiece, too!
If there seems to be a problem with your instrument, bring it to school for your teacher to see. Do NOT try fixing it yourself with tools at home.
