83% of teachers and 73% of parents believe that cuts to music programs are detrimental to student success.
-Striking A Chord
6 Ways to Prolong the Life of your Reed
Tips to protect and preserve the life of your reeds
Reeds are important for creating the sound on your woodwind instruments. They will need to be replaced regularly, but there are ways to protect and help keep them lasting longer.
1. Always Use a Mouthpiece Cap When You’re Not Playing
When taking a break from playing, it’s important to put the cap on the mouthpiece to protect it from possible chipping. Using the cap also keeps the reed moist and ready to play.
2. When Finished Playing, Remove the Reed from the Mouthpiece and Store in a Reed Guard
After playing, always remove your reed from the mouthpiece and store in a reed guard. This protects the reed from damage and the guard keeps the reed flat, preventing it from warping as it dries.
3. Don’t Handle the Reed By The Tip
The tip, vamp, and rail of a reed are extremely thin and fragile. Always handle the reed by the bottom, or the stock, to prevent chipping or cracking.
4. No Chapstick or Lip gloss
Chapstick, lip gloss, and lip stick will leave a residue on your reed that will lessen its life.
5. Rinse Your Reed With Water, Dry Before Storing
After you’re done playing your instrument, remove the reed and rinse it in clean water. Then, dry it by passing it through a cloth or paper towel. Be sure to pass it through towards the tip, not the stock.
6. Use A Reed Vitalizer Case for Storage
A Reed Vitalizer case helps prevent cracking and warping by regulating the humidity level inside the case.
Meet Ashley!
Meet Ashley! Ashley began playing the clarinet in 5th grade, and it's taken her on many adventures. Playing on through into high school at Warren Mott, Ashley is in the wind ensemble, marching band, and even plays the alto sax in jazz band. Music has given her amazing experiences. She and her band traveled to Europe and played in Germany, Poland, and Belgium! Ashley has been studying at A&G with Alayne Rever for three years. Hearing about the many opportunities playing music has given her is our favorite.
Tuesday's Music Truth!
"Music enhances fine motor skills, or the ability to use small, acute muscle movements to write, use a computer, and perform other physical tasks."
Special Edition iplayhere!
Meet Kyle, one of our newest A&G team members! Kyle started playing trumpet in 5th grade, and continued playing trumpet until high school at Fitzgerald, where he switched to alto saxophone. He took part in marching band, and also was in advanced theater where he sang lead in musicals. Kyle is excited to be in a place full of instruments and to be involved with all of the future musicians. We're happy to have him on board!