Let's talk about instrument care...it is only natural that, with the increased awareness of and sensitivity for our state of health, our intentions are good and sincere when it comes to performing on instruments which will do us no harm.  There isn't enough time in class to have lessons on just how to clean each and every kind of instrument properly.  Therefore, I've provided this page as a helpful resource.

 

     First and foremost:  there are some BAD videos out there on instrument care and cleaning.  People grabbing the sax neck with a fist, rather than fingers pointed down, soaking the clarinet mouthpiece ALL THE WAY above the cork, grabbing the entire joint of the oboe, rather than by the body, only, et cetera.  I wish that there were enough time to scour the internet and find the best video for each instrument.  Perhaps someday I will be able to do so...

 

     That having been said, there is no need to fear that you will contract Covid-19, or any virus, from your instrument unless you have allowed someone to play it who is a carrier!  One of the instructions about your instruments included the rule that NOBODY is to handle your instrument.  (Remember? "If it's not yours, don't touch it!)  Now, it IS very logical that we should clean our instruments periodically.  If you have not cleaned your mouthpiece for over a month, that should be a priority!

 

     It is also logical that, if we are concerned about the current health crisis, we want to reduce the likelihood that we contract COVID-19, or other illnesses.  With that in mind, please be aware that the Corona virus is a protein.  It cannot survive without host cells.  It will "die" (there is an interesting question...is it really alive?) when exposed to ultra-violet light, or left upon the following surfaces:

 

Brass – Up to 5 Days

Wood – Up to 4 Days

Plastic – Up to 3 Days

Strings – Up to 3 Days

Cork – Up to 2 Days

Cardboard – Approximately 24 hours

Copper – As little as 4 hours

 

     If you are concerned about a need to "sanitize" an instrument, please know that, even IF that were a practical possibility, as soon as the case is opened, the instrument is no longer "sanitary."  Instruments may, however, be "disinfected."  This is not a problem for brass instruments (see video, below).  For woodwinds, however, they CANNOT be immersed in any liquid without first removing ALL pads and corks, which can get very expensive very quickly.  (I recently saw a price for an oboe re-pad of over $400.)

 

     After following the cleaning instructions below, the best way to allow any loitering virus is to give it several days of alone time, perhaps throw in a little sunshine, as well.  It's easy, effective, and far less expensive!

 

     The following information (link below) is from the National Association of Music Merchants, the Music Educators' National Conference, and National Federation of State High School Associations.  I have seen similar determinations and policies from the University of Nevada and Las Vegas and the University of Alabama - Birmingham.  During the COVID quarantine, there was a small group of band directors who had the foresight to plan ahead for our eventual return to the classroom and requisite policies for student and staff safety.  One of them was at Ball State University at the same time as I was, and is now the Director of Bands at Clemson University.  I have the UPMOST respect for him and what their team published.  I encourage you to follow the guidelines included in this link when cleaning your instrument.

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COVID-19 and Instrument Cleaning