Monday the 13th October 2003 saw the launch of the Betteshanger Learner Band

Over the coming months these pages will grow with reports tracking the progress of our young hopefuls. We also hope to build a useful resource for all new Brass players. Our first article has been submitted by Alan Finemore and is all about care and maintenance of your instrument.

1 - Instrument / Tubing

Your instrument cannot function at its best if it is not kept clean and in good condition. I recommend that your instrument is cleaned once a week. The easiest way to do this to to run warm (but not hot) water through the instrument, starting at the bell. This done regularly will help prevent the building up of oil and dirt which will otherwise accumulate inside your instrument and its tubing.

Occasionally you will need to wash the instrument thoroughly with soapy water. To do this you will need to take your instrument apart, wash each part separately, then rinse carefully with clear cool water and then dry with a lint free towel or cloth.

The mouthpipe (the part of your instrument that the mouthpiece fits into ) must be free of dirt , oil particles of food that build up on the inside surface. Kits that have specially designed brushes and flexible cable can be purchased in order to keep your instrument in tip-top condition.

Look after your instrument - it will look after you!

2 - Valves

If the valves stick or feel sluggish it is because they are dirty and need cleaning.

The valves may be removed so that they can be thoroughly cleaned. Wash then (using great care) in warm soapy water one at at time using a soft cloth. Wipe the surfaces of the valve including the small holes. When you have done this, wash the inside of the valve casings (the tube the valve fits into) in the same way. When the valves are clean, rinse with clean water and dry.

Then carefully oil the valves (t to 3 drops of good quality oil) and put them back into the casings in the correct order, so that the air will pass freely through the instrument. To do this return the 3rd valve first turn the casing until air blows freely through it, do the same with the 2nd and 1st valves in that order. Valve oil is used to reduce friction making the valves work quickly and efficiently. It also protects from the damage of acid in the saliva.

Before returning the instrument to its case, loosen the valve tops and bottoms by half a turn, this will aid evaporation of any moisture in the instrument and prevent tops and bottoms from sticking.

Look after the valves and they will serve you well for years.

3 - Slides

All slides should be cleaned thoroughly. Before being returned to the instrument they must be dried and greased, you can use a petroleum jelly (like Vaseline ) to do this. Never return a dry slide to your instrument it will stick and become corroded.

When slides are greased and pushed all the way in, use a cloth to remove excess grease that remains.

Remember slides that are working freely are indispensable as they help correct faulty tuning.

4 - The mouthpiece

Your instrument begins at the mouthpiece, keep it thoroughly clean, after every playing rinse out with warm soapy water and dry, and replace correctly in your instrument case.

The shank (the part that fits into the mouthpipe) must be clean inside - follow the instructions above and your mouthpiece will remain as good as new.

Remember when placing your mouthpiece into the mouth pipe turn slightly to create a tight seal. Never force the mouthpiece in with the palm of the hand.

Finally please remember that brass instruments are made of a very soft metal, and that they are easily dented and damaged.

Do not carry hard objects loose in your instrument case, they will bounce around and dent your instrument. Also, be careful not to place any books or thick objects into the case, you may still close the case - but but by forcing down the lid in this way you will damage your instrument, either bending or denting the metal.

Remember prevention is better than cure. The repair of brass instruments is a costly business, far cheaper then to spend the time caring for your instrument, take a pride in it. An instrument looked after will serve you well and give of its best.

A dirty instrument with a poor valve action , slides that refuse to move, lips buzzint into a mouthpiece with a dirty shank - all unnecessary and detrimental to your playing and its enjoyment.

SO DON'T BE MEAN - KEEP IT CLEAN!

Alan Finemore - Betteshanger Band 2004