Welcome to the Trumpet
The trumpet is the highest voice in the brass family. Most beginners start with a lacquer (brass) trumpet, but by 8th or 9th grade, it’s time for a silver-plated one!
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:
* valve oil
tuning slide grease
a mouthpiece brush
a valve casing brush
a cleaning cloth
your band textbook
a flexible cleaning brush (“snake”)
a music stand
All of these items are available through Musical Innovations!
Some things to remember:
Please keep your trumpet in its case when not in use. Don’t leave it “standing up” on the bell, as it might fall.
Please do not let anyone else play your trumpet.
Before you play, place two drops of valve oil on each valve. Valves must be replaced in the correct casing, and be sure the valve number faces the same direction it was in before you removed it.
After each time you play, remove any moisture from inside the instrument. Clean the bore with your flexible cleaning brush (“snake”).
Clean the valves and the valve casings using your cleaning cloth and cleaning rod. Oil the valves again before replacing. Use your mouthpiece brush to clean your mouthpiece, then rinse it with warm water.
As necessary, oil the tuning slides and mouthpiece receiver with slide grease.
Your trumpet will need a bath every six months. Take the valves out, take the rest apart and put all the pieces (except the valves) in warm soapy water. After about 10 minutes, clean each piece with your snake. Let it dry, lubricate and reassemble.
Never “pop” your mouthpiece with your hand. If it gets stuck, you will have to bring your instrument to the repair shop to have the mouthpiece removed.
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. If you have our MRC, these checkups are free of charge.
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, and you will be amazed how rapidly you progress!
Instruments belonging to Musical Innovations cannot be left overnight at school at any time.
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!
