USEFUL INFORMATION

Instrument use, care and maintenance:

Click on the instrument family relevant to your child's tuition for full details on how to take care of your child's musical instrument:

Musical instrument insurance:

British Reserve Insurance company offers specialist instrument insurance. For details of how to contact them click on the following link to their site:

http://www.britishreserve.co.uk

Pastoral care and child protection:

A copy of the Music Service policy on these issues can be downloaded from the main WELB website. Use the following link to be taken to the relevant page:

http://www.welbni.org/publications/details.asp?id=52

Practice diary:

Your child will be issued with a practice diary soon after commencing tuition on their instrument. This is a great way for you to contact their teacher and for their teacher to contact you. Your child will be required to fill in details of their weekly practice and you need to verify this by signing the diary each week. You can see what has been covered in the weekly lesson and what homework has been set for your child; it is a vital part of your child's tuition.

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STRINGS

General

• A string instrument is made from thin wood and joined only with special glue. It is affected by heat, so don't leave it in the sun or near a heater
• Keep your instrument in a safe place at home, where it won't be knocked
• Do not turn the pegs on your instrument
• Clean the instrument with a dry cloth (no polish to be used)
• Never touch the hairs of the bow
• Always slacken the hairs after use
• Do not tighten the bow too much: the teacher will show you how much to do it
• Instruments and bows should be returned to the case when not in use
• A pencil and rubber should be kept in the pocket of the case at all times

Violin/Viola

•  Always open the case on a flat surface and pick up the instrument by its neck
•  Never put your instrument down on its front; this may damage the bridge
•  If using a pad this should be removed before closing the case
•  Do not keep music in your case: use a folder or a carrying case
•  Make sure the case is shut properly before carrying it

Cello

•  Always lay your cello down on its side
•  If you are leaving the cello even for a few minutes, push in the endpin
•  Never try to stand the cello up leaning against anything
•  Be careful of the neck of the cello when carrying it: it can be easily broken off
•  Don't drag your cello along the ground when carrying it in its case

Double Bass

The same as for cello, but be particularly careful not to bang the top when carrying the instrument through doors

String Department
Upper Strings       
Violin, Viola (sizes from ¼ - D; ½ - C; ¾ -B & 4/4 – A)
Viola can also be instruments marked E

Lower Strings       
Cello, Double Bass (sizes from ¼ - D; ½ - C; ¾ -B & 4/4 – A)

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WOODWIND

General

• Woodwind instruments are very expensive. Always think carefully about how you handle and where you put them
• Get your instrument insured to avoid big bills for loss/damage
• Keep your instrument in a safe place at home and at school
• Tell your teacher if anything seems not to be working properly
• Dry it out properly every time: your teacher will show you how
• Don't apply excess pressure to the keys when handling
• Don't balance the instrument on its end or rest it on a music stand
• Don't leave it in the sun or near a heater
• Don't let friends play it: its unhygienic and may get broken
• Don't make any adjustments to the instrument
• Make sure you keep music in a folder or carrying case, don't keep it in your instrument case
• Don't leave you instrument in school overnight

Flute

•  Clean the joints with a cloth so they fit together well
•  Be very careful with the thin metal ends of the joints
•  Keep nothing in the case on top of the keywork

Oboe

•  Keep the joints greased regularly
•  Be careful of the link and any other easily damaged keys
•  Keep nothing in the case on top of the keywork

Clarinet

•  Don't forget to dry the mouthpiece every time
•  Keep the cork joints greased regularly
•  Be careful of the link and any other easily damaged keys
•  Keep nothing in the case on top of the keywork

Bassoon

•  Be careful with these easily damaged long keys
•  Keep the cork joints greased regularly
•  Keep nothing in the case on top of the keywork

Saxophone

•  Put the stopper in the end every time it's in the case
•  Clean the crook joint regularly with a cloth
•  Keep nothing in the case on top of the keywork
•  Be careful with these easily damaged long keys
•  Lay it down slowly so you don't damage the lacquer

Woodwind Department           
Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Alto, Tenor & Sop Saxophone, Bassoon & Piccolo

BRASS

•  Keep your instrument in its case when you are not playing it
•  Keep the case in a cool place
•  Report any faults to your teacher: do not try any home repairs
•  If you want to polish your instrument use a dry cloth only (no polish)
•  Let the water out of the water key when you are finished

Brass Department
Cornet, Eb Bass (Tuba), Euphonium, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tenor Horn, Flugel Horn & French Horn

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