All band students have been taught how to clean their instruments after each time that they play them. They have also been reminded to have clean hands and clean faces when they play their instruments. We have discussed the “No Sharing” policy during lessons, and the students have been reminded that sharing instruments means sharing germs.
Flutes: Flutists need to use their cleaning rod and a cleaning cloth to swab out the head joint, foot joint, and body of the instrument at the end of their practice sessions.
Clarinets: Clarinetists will use their cleaning swab to clean out all of the parts of the instrument (including the mouthpiece) starting at the bell end of the instrument. Run the swab through the instrument 3 times in a row. The damp swab should be placed loosely in the case to dry. Broken or moldy reeds should be thrown away. Cork grease should be applied once a week.
Alto Saxophone: Saxophonists will use their cleaning swab to clean out the body of the instrument starting at the bell end of the instrument. Run the swab through the instrument 3 times in a row. The damp swab should be placed loosely in the case to dry. Broken or moldy reeds should be thrown away. Cork grease should be applied once a week.
Trumpets: Trumpeters have learned how to oil their valves!! Yay, no more sticky valves!! Brass players can use a soft cloth (clean cotton sock) to polish the outside of their instrument.
Trombones: Trombonists have learned how to oil their slides!! Yay, no more sticky slides!! Brass players can use a soft cloth (clean cotton sock) to polish the outside of their instrument.
Percussion: Percussionists have been reminded that their snare drums are not tables. They should not stack laundry, book bags, or other items on top of their snare drums. Drum sticks can be wiped down with antibacterial wipes following an illness.