School Instrument Use
Only a very limited number of instruments such as french horns, tubas, oboes, bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone saxophones and baritones / euphoniums are available through the school; our number one priority is to supply people who cannot afford the Instrument Rental / Purchase. The cost is $10.00 / month (paid by cash or cheque) and a contract must be completed by the teacher and the parent. These instruments remain the property of the school. Parents who are interested in a School Instrument and / or who require financial assistance should contact the Band teacher as soon as possible.
Returning Instruments
Before returning instruments: cases should be vacuumed out, the case cleaned on the outside and hand wash and dry maintenance supplies. As well as:
Brass
- Clean the instrument using lukewarm water and a little liquid dish soap.
- Make sure you remove all slides and valves and use a 'snake' to clean the lead pipe and other tubing.
- Clean the mouthpiece with mouthpiece brush and very warm water.
- After drying thoroughly oil valves well, use slide grease on all slides.
- Polish the instrument and remove finger marks with a slightly damp soft cloth.
Reed
- Clean the mouthpiece using liquid soap and lukewarm water, wash and dry reed holder and cloths.
- Throw out used reeds!
- Use a soft brush or soft pipe cleaner to remove dust, lint, etc. under the keys (Be careful!).
- Check for sticky keys and fix with cigarette/powder paper (look at your care guide for instructions).
- Use Q-tips to clean the finger holes.
- Polish the instrument and remove finger marks with a slightly damp soft cloth.
Flute/Piccolo
- Sterilize headjoint only by washing in warm water with liquid soap.
- Use a soft brush to remove dust, lint, etc. under the keys (Be careful!).
- Check for sticky keys and fix with cigarette/powder paper (look at your care guide for instructions).
- Polish the instrument and remove finger marks with a slightly damp soft cloth.
*You will be charged for missing supplies and/or cleaning that has not been completed. If there are any new dents or repairs, you will also be billed. Please make sure you return all supplies (cork grease, cleaning cloths, reed guards, 'snake', etc.) that came with your instrument.
