The end of one school year is a good time to evaluate the condition of your instruments for the next. Proper instrument care and maintenance can save your program hundreds of dollars each year as well as unnecessary down time at the repair shop.

For brass instruments, examine:

• Dents - If the inside diameter is obstructed by more than 25%, have the dents removed.
• Slides - Should move freely. Clean and grease where you can; have the rest professionally repaired.
• Rotary Valves - Use a heavy oil for summer storage to prevent corrosion.
• Braces - Fix any loose or broken braces to stop unwanted vibrations and to protect the instrument from further damage.

For woodwind instruments, examine:

• Regulation - Check all of your woodwind instruments. If the key heights seem to be excessively open, closed or are varied, the instrument will need regulation. If you're unable to do this yourself, take it to a local repairman.
• Screws and Rods - Woodwind keys should have minimal movement between posts, and keys should move smoothly and freely. To keep them from freezing from non-use, apply a light application of key oil.
• Dents - Saxophone and flute dents have the same adverse effects as brass instruments.
• Joints - Make sure all tenon joints are snug fitting and seal air.

A representative at a Reston, VA-area music store says that summer is a busy yet manageable time for instrument repair. There are usually a lot of repairs for schools, but not on a strict time crunch. So, if you've examined your instruments and repairs are needed, get them to the shop now.

When your instruments are checked and properly stored for the summer, the beginning of the next school year should be problem free.

--Becky Spray, June 5, 2008. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)