Classes are done for the summer, you’ve played your last concert until August, so now you have a little extra time to do some cleaning.  Here’s a quick list of things you should tend to over the summer months...

Is your instrument ready for the new school year?

Your instrument goes through a lot each week.  Assembly, playing, and the occasional minor mishap can take its toll.  Even though you may not be knowledgeable in woodwind repair, there are a few things you can do to help keep your instrument in good working order.

 see it every year - at some point in the marching season, a clarinetist comes to me saying their instrument isn't working.  A short investigation uncovers a crack in either the barrel or upper joint...

Watch the end of a band class in many schools and you'll see it - students in a hurry to get their instruments put away. Even when you’re short on time, pulling the swab through the instrument should be part of your pack-up routine...