Please refer to this page for any questions you have regarding maintaining your instrument. When in doubt contact Mrs Crouse before you attempt anything on your own that you are unsure about!!!
These simple maintenance items will save you/your parents money in the long run and will keep you from getting frustrated with a fussy instrument! This is also prevent the buildup of MOLD and other yucky GERMS!
Woodwinds
Flute
Daily Cleaning
After every time you play your instrument it is important to swab out your instrument as instructed!!
You will also want to wipe the ends of your flute joints off to prevent dirt buildup
Clarinet/Saxophone/Oboe
Daily Cleaning
After every time you play your instrument it is important to swab out your instrument as instructed!!
Be sure to take your reed off and store properly
Clarinets & Saxophones
Periodically clean out your mouthpiece.
Use Dawn dish detergent, hot water (not boiling), and a Q-tip/brush to throughly clean your mouthpiece inside and out!
Use your cork grease sparingly on all of your cork joints.
Apply cork grease and then use your finger to rub it in
NOTE: There should be no clumping, if you have any chunks, you have too much on
Brass
Trumpet/Baritone/Tuba
Daily Cleaning
After every time you play, empty your spit valve!!
As needed Oil Your Valves!
Do one valve at a time
Unscrew valve cap and pull valve out until you see the holes
Dot on your valve oil sparingly
Wiggle/Spin your valve around to work the valve oil in
Rescrew the valve cap back in place
MAKE SURE TO LOCK/CLICK your valve back in place!!!!!
If you don't do this you will know right away because you won't be able to blow through your instrument!
Periodically clean your mouthpiece!
Use Dawn dish detergent, hot water (not boiling), and a Q-tip/brush to throughly clean your mouthpiece inside and out
French Horn
Daily Cleaning
After every time you play, empty your slides of spit!!
As needed, Oil Your Rotors!
Unscrew the rotor cap, and dot the oil onto the top.
Work the rotor key back and forth
Replace the cap
Trombone
Daily Cleaning
After every time you place, empty your spit valve!!
As needed, Oil Your Slide!
Pull your slide almost the whole way out
Drop your slide oil on about the bottom 4-5 inches
Work your slide in and out to get the oil work around
Periodically clean your mouthpiece!
Use Dawn dish detergent, hot water (not boiling), and a Q-tip/brush to throughly clean your mouthpiece inside and out
Percussion
You get lucky!!! You shouldn't have any spit with your instrument (or at least I hope not!!) :)
You do need to periodically make sure your sticks aren't broken and your bells/pads/drums are working properly!