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"There are those who feel that comfort and luxury are chief requirements in life, when all you need to be happy is something to be enthusiastic about".
Charles Kingsley
A Quick Guide on Taking Care of your Instrument
- No gum or soft drinks before or while playing. Sugar mixed with saliva builds up on the keys/pads and causes them to stick, making it difficult to play the instrument.
- Pitch is affected by temperature. Be sure to warm up your instrument before playing by blowing air through it.
- Do not store the reed on the mouthpiece; store in a reed holder. Reeds can cement themselves to your mouthpiece and collect many germs. As soon as the reed cracks, chips, or softens, it is time to replace it.
- Do not leave instrument in a hot/cold car, or in your trunk. Extreme temperatures can damage your instrument.
- Do not set anything on top of your woodwind instrument, whether inside or outside of its case; this includes sheet music! Damage occurs easily when items are set on the instrument and the case is closed. The keys are often bent this way.
- Make sure the case is closed securely. Check all hinges, latches, and handles to ensure they are securely fastened.