Welcome to the Clarinet
The clarinet is the foundational woodwind instrument, and there’s no such thing as “too many” in a band. The clarinet is a single reed instrument; if you play clarinet, you can easily later pick up saxophone, oboe or bassoon!
Checklist of items needed:
Here is a checklist of typical items you will need to get ready to play! Each item indicated with an [*] is already included, at no charge, with your rental or purchase from Musical Innovations. You may also want to check with your music teacher for any additional items he or she suggests:
at least 5 reeds
a mouthpiece brush
a reed guard
your band textbook
* a cleaning swab
* cork grease
* a mouthpiece cap
a music stand
All of these items are available through Musical Innovations!
Some things to remember:
Please keep your clarinet in its case when not in use. Never leave it on a chair, where it might roll off; or standing on the floor, where it might get knocked over. A clarinet stand is an inexpensive and very useful item to have, so you can place your instrument on the floor safely.
Please do not let anyone else play your clarinet.
After each time you play, clean the inside of your clarinet with your cleaning swab. Swab each piece separately, from the bottom up. Then, wipe the outside of the instrument with a soft, dry cloth.
Take the reed off the mouthpiece. Clean the mouthpiece with your mouthpiece brush and wipe dry. The reed must be kept in a reed case — it must not be left on the mouthpiece when the clarinet is in its case.
Use cork grease as needed. Corks should be slippery so that your instrument doesn’t get damaged during assembly.
Your instrument will need to have regular maintenance checkups to ensure it remains in proper playing condition. This should be done at least every six months to keep your warranty in effect.
Remember, practice is an essential part of playing an instrument. Practicing is actually “band homework,” and should be given the same importance as homework in any other academic subject. Give it your best; you will be amazed how rapidly you progress!
Instruments belonging to Musical Innovations cannot be left overnight at school at any time.
To put your
clarinet together:
Always start from the bottom, and work up. Place the bell on the lower joint first, then add the upper joint, the barrel and the mouthpiece. Use a slight twisting motion to assemble or take apart your clarinet.
Be very careful when working with the bridge key, as your teacher will show you. The bridge key can be easily damaged!
Put the reed on last; just the very tip of the mouthpiece should show above the tip of the reed, and both the reed and the ligature screws should be centered. The top edge of the ligature should be 1/4” from the rim of the mouthpiece (many mouthpieces have a line to show you where the ligature should go).
You will need a new reed at least every two months, or when the reed is cracked or dirty. Keep 3-5 extras on hand at all times!
If this sounds confusing, just ask your teacher or someone at Musical Innovations to demonstrate. We are happy to help!
(864) 286-8742 or info@musicalinnovations.biz
If you have any questions or difficulties, please see your band director right away!
