Notice for all Band Students:

2021-2022 Personal Protective Equipment for Band students

Woodwinds:

  • You must have a minimum of 2 playable reeds with you everyday! (Except for flutes).
  • Always keep the cork(s) on the instrument lubricated with cork grease.
  • Always keep your instrument and case clean. Swab the inside of your instrument BEFORE you put it back in the case. Wipe the outside with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth before you put the instruments away. Make sure dust/lint does not collect in the case.

Brasswinds:

  • You must have an empty butter tub (or something similar) to use for a spit container. This is where you empty the spit from your instrument, NOT on the floor! This is for the safety of everyone.
  • DO NOT grab fragile tubes, slide, and valves. Avoid bumping the instrument into anything. Never hit or force (jam) your mouthpiece into the instrument. If your mouthpiece gets stuck due to your carelessness, you will be assessed for the repair of the instrument and also the cost for the removal of the mouthpiece.
  • If any slides or valves are frozen (stuck), DO NOT force it! Ask your teacher for help. This also
    applies to loose cork or anything that looks broken.
  • Always keep your slides greased and valves oiled with the proper lubricants. If you do not take care of the slides and valves, you will be held responsible for any damages.
  • Empty all “water” from the instrument. Check all slides! Never leave any spit in the instrument.

Percussion:

  • Special care must be given to your sticks and mallets. The condition of these directly affect the playing capacity of the percussion instruments. DO NOT beat your sticks on the ground, table, chairs, walls, etc. DO NOT fool around with any of the sticks (e.g. twirling sticks in the air, poking or hitting people, etc.)
  • Be sure that the drums are secure on the drum stand at all times. Never pass between the percussion instruments, and advise others to go around the percussion instruments. The drums are easy to knock down while passing between them. It is costly to repair percussion instruments.
  • Never lean on any of the percussion instruments. DO NOT put any music, folders, books, or other objects on the instruments.
  • DO NOT abuse the instruments. Although the sounds are produced on the instruments through striking or friction, abuse and overplaying (hitting too hard) may cause damage. DO NOT pound on the drum heads, run the mallets over the keys, or any such abusive actions.
  • DO NOT strike the bottom (snare) head of the snare drum.
  • Avoid bumping or dropping any of the instruments. The instruments are delicate and can be severely damaged without proper caution and care.
  • Keep all drum heads, keys (on the mallet instruments), cymbals, etc. clean at all times. These instrument should be wiped with a clean, lint-free cloth after use.
  • DO NOT leave any sticks, mallets, books, music, or any percussion instruments lying around. Always put everything back in its proper place after each use.
  • Never let anyone touch or play any of the percussion instruments or equipment.
  • All percussion players are responsible for all percussion equipment and areas. Any student abusing or losing any of the percussion equipment will be held responsible for its repair and/or replacement. Keep areas clean and orderly.
  • All percussion players will be held responsible to move, pack, and load all percussion equipment needed for every concert performance.
  • The percussion room is used to store percussion equipment and is not for personal uses. Only students who have permission may enter the percussion room.