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So you decided to play a brass instrument...
Excellent! Now let's build up some lip muscles!!
How do I hold this thing? (scroll down)
First things first. Read the BRASS INSTRUMENT RULES below.
BBand FAQs | Lesson Schedules | Morning Rehearsals | SMARTMUSIC SETUP
So you decided to play a brass instrument...
Excellent! Now let's build up some lip muscles!!
How do I hold this thing? (scroll down)
First things first. Read the BRASS INSTRUMENT RULES below.
Rule #1-Attention all mechanically-minded adults-No matter how many tools you own and can actually use proficiently, DO NOT take any sort of plier, wrench, vise grip, hammer, clamp, clipper, file, hacksaw, drill or steamroller to your child's brass instrument! No matter how much something is stuck. The brass is soft. It will scratch, it will bend, it will break. Trust me. I've played trumpet a LONG time, have broken Rule #1, and paid for it many times over...
Rule #2-Attention all non-mechanically-minded adults-See Rule #1 and double it.
Rule #3-Do not completely disassemble the instrument. (kids and/or adults) No matter how much you like puzzles. The trumpet will easily come apart into 9 or 10 pieces. Almost 30, if you take the valves apart. It's not as easy to get back together. Trust me. Many years ago, my grandpa was not happy driving over to my house to put my trumpet back together. I will teach the students how to do basic maintenance throughout the year.
Rule #4-DO NOT use ANY type of cleaning product on the instruments. This includes: silver polish, Tarn-x, Brasso, Windex, Fantastik, Ajax, dish soap, and/or steel wool. A soft cloth or an old T-shirt will work fine. MAYBE a SMALL amount of water or your breath. Even though my trumpet looks like I've sanded it, none of the above has been used on it.
Other general guidelines:
-The horns are not axes. Don't swing them around.
-If you're oiling the valves, only do ONE AT A TIME. How-to video here.
-Hold the valve down when pulling out or putting in a slide.
-Trombones-make sure the slide is LOCKED when not playing.
-I have a mouthpiece puller for WHEN the mouthpiece is stuck. (See rules #1 or 2)
And remember, if you have ANY questions regarding the instruments, please email Mr. Ohlsen.
Rule #2-Attention all non-mechanically-minded adults-See Rule #1 and double it.
Rule #3-Do not completely disassemble the instrument. (kids and/or adults) No matter how much you like puzzles. The trumpet will easily come apart into 9 or 10 pieces. Almost 30, if you take the valves apart. It's not as easy to get back together. Trust me. Many years ago, my grandpa was not happy driving over to my house to put my trumpet back together. I will teach the students how to do basic maintenance throughout the year.
Rule #4-DO NOT use ANY type of cleaning product on the instruments. This includes: silver polish, Tarn-x, Brasso, Windex, Fantastik, Ajax, dish soap, and/or steel wool. A soft cloth or an old T-shirt will work fine. MAYBE a SMALL amount of water or your breath. Even though my trumpet looks like I've sanded it, none of the above has been used on it.
Other general guidelines:
-The horns are not axes. Don't swing them around.
-If you're oiling the valves, only do ONE AT A TIME. How-to video here.
-Hold the valve down when pulling out or putting in a slide.
-Trombones-make sure the slide is LOCKED when not playing.
-I have a mouthpiece puller for WHEN the mouthpiece is stuck. (See rules #1 or 2)
And remember, if you have ANY questions regarding the instruments, please email Mr. Ohlsen.
HOLDING YOUR BRASS INSTRUMENT
(More coming...)
(More coming...)
Trumpet-Valve side
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Trumpet-Bell Side
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