Flute

1. Don't use polish to clean the outside of the flute! You may use a soft dry cloth.
2. Swab the inside of the flute after each use with your cleaning rod and a small piece of cotton cloth.
3. Don't adjust any screws or springs yourself. Not all screws are meant to be tightened all the way.
4. If you have any problem, show your flute to your teacher to see if it needs to be repaired by a professional.

Clarinets/ Saxophones

1. Make sure that you have 3 good reeds in your case at all times.  They should be 2 1/2 or 3. 
2. Use cork grease on all corks as soon as they get stiff or make a "squeaky" sound when you assemble your instrument.
3. Store reeds in a reed case or holder.  Do not leave them on the mouthpiece.
4. Wash your mouthpiece once per week with warm (not hot) water and a mild soap, like Dawn or Joy.
5. Clarinet players should swab the inside of their instrument from the top to the bottom every time they play.  If the swab should happen to get stuck, stop pulling immediately and take the instrument to your teacher for help.
6. Saxophones do not need to be swabbed, they are made of different materials than a clarinet, so only the mouthpiece needs to be washed.
7. Watch for springs or screws that may be coming loose, but do not do any repairs yourself. Show your band teacher or take your instrument to the music store.

Brass Instruments

1. Oil valves at least twice per week or whenever they are sticky.  Trombone players should oil their slide twice per week.
2. Only remove one valve at a time, so they don't get mixed up. Valve #1 is the one that is closest to the mouthpiece.  If your instrument doesn't make a sound after you oil your valves, check to make sure that your valves are in properly.
3. Wash your mouthpiece once per week with soap and warm water.  You can use a Q-Tip to clean the shank.
4. If your mouthpiece gets stuck, do not try to remove it yourself! Take your instrument to your band teacher or to a music store.  A special tool called a mouthpiece puller is required to remove a stuck mouthpiece. Pliers can ruin the mouthpiece and cause serious damage to the instrument. You can play with your mouthpiece stuck in the instrument. It will not harm the instrument or make it more stuck.