Parents

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• Knowing and Working with the Band or Orchestra Director
• Giving Your Child the Best Chance for Success
• But I don't know a thing about music!
• We know the excuses...
• Glossary of Terms in Instrumental Music
• Do's and Don'ts of Instrument Care
• Choosing a Music Store
• Consider Private Lessons
• What Else Can I Do?
• Educational and Motivational Articles on Music Education
• For Your Instrumental Music Teacher
• About Conn-Selmer, Inc.

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Do’s and don’ts of instrument care

While each instrument has its own specific care requirements, there are do’s and don’ts that apply to all instruments. Help your child develop good habits right from the start by reviewing these together:

• Always keep the instrument in its case when not in use. If you must lay it down momentarily, put the case on a flat surface, and lay the instrument in the case. Never lay the instrument down, even for a minute, on a chair, bed, table, floor or music stand.
• Don’t eat or chew gum while playing or just before playing. (You can get sugar, grease or food particles on or in the instrument.)
• Keep the instrument clean inside and out, and wipe the keys regularly.
• Don’t cram anything into the instrument case that doesn’t belong there.
• Always carry the case by its handle, and check regularly to make sure the handle isn’t loose or cracked.
• Don’t leave the instrument in the car when it’s very hot or very cold outside.
• Don’t swing the case around, and be careful not to leave it where it can get kicked, knocked around, run over or otherwise abused.

1. Knowing and working with the band or orchestra director
2. Buying or renting an instrument
3. Helping your child learn
4. Some common misconceptions
5. Glossary of Terms in Instrumental Music
6. Do's and Don'ts of Instrument Care
7. Choosing a Music Store
8. Consider Private Lessons
9. What Else Can I Do?

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