String Instrument Care
• Handling
• Always unpack violins and violas on the FLOOR.
• Hold basses and cellos carefully by neck and shoulders when unpacking.
• Take bows out of cases very carefully.
• Let only teachers or qualified repair shops deal with loose bridges, pegs, or
chinrests.
• Please store all instruments on their sides. Please avoid "propping" anything
up in a corner.
• Cellos and basses remember to put endpins inside ANYTIME the instrument
is not being played.
• Keep instruments away from small children who may unknowingly damage
them.
• Care of Wood
• Polish the red or brown wood with a special violin polish only. The instrument
probably only needs this every month and a half. "Cleaner" is rarely
necessary.
• Point out changes or cracks to teachers as soon as possible.
• Shoulder pads for violins and violas should be stored away from the wood of
the inistrument to avoid scrapes.
• Rosin
• Buy quality rosin if possible or use the rosin provided.
• Wipe powder off of wood and strings after each playing session. (It must
remain on the bow hair.)
• Loosen bow after each playing session to prevent warping.
• Avoid touching the bow hair.
• Temperature/Humidity
• Keep at safe range 55-75° F.
• Avoid leaving instruments in an unattended car especially during hot months.
• Store away from heating vents and gas heaters.
• Keep a small cloth over the f holes for violins and violas.
In general, remember that many of these instruments are owned by either a music
store or the Hill Country Youth Orchestras. In both cases the organizations will
benefit from these instruments being around for 300 years or more (this is no joke).
These instruments insure the future of the program and possibly of the future of
orchestras in the area. We simply must treat these items with respect and extreme
care. Avoid cracks, scrapes, and other "dings" if possible. Moms and dads: please
keep youngsters of all ages from swinging bows and instruments around when
they are in use.
Bringing the joy of the orchestra experience to the youth of the Hill Country! ——— •HCYO Home •Orchestra Facts •Orchestra Assignments Policy •Summer String Day Camp •Personnel •Links ——— UPCOMING EVENTS •HCYO 2007-2008 Events •Concert Going Opportunities ——— PHOTO GALLERY 2007-08 Season Previous Seasons •Fall 2003 HCYO Fiddle Clinic and Contest •December 2003 Concert •February 2004 Mimi Zweig Masterclass •2004 Spring Recital •2004 String Olympics •First Rehearsals of the 2005-06 Season •First Rehearsals of the 2006-07 Season ——— HCYO FAMILY HANDBOOK •Welcome to HCYO •Ways to Support Your Young Musician •String Instrument Care •Notes on Practicing •Rehearsal Responsibilities and Professionalism •HCYO Facts ——— Email: info@hillcountry youthorchestras.com
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