Welcome to the Flute
The flute is the only woodwind you blow across, instead of through a mouthpiece. If you play flute for several years, you may get to play the piccolo, a smaller version of the flute whose name means “tiny.”
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:
* a cleaning rod
a cleaning cloth
your band textbook
a music stand
All of these items are available through Musical Innovations!
Some things to remember:
Please keep your flute in its case when not in use. Never leave it on a music stand or chair where it might roll off.
Please do not let anyone else play your flute.
After each time you play, clean the inside of your flute with your cleaning rod and cloth. Clean each piece separately, from the bottom up. Then, wipe the outside of the flute with a soft, dry cloth.
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.
To put your
flute together:
First, put the head joint on the long joint. Then, add the foot. Always hold the flute perpendicular to the floor and guide the joints together carefully. Use a slight twisting motion to assemble and take apart your flute.
Joints can be lubricated by rolling them in your palm. The natural oils of your skin will give them just enough lubrication, and no other grease or oil is needed - please don’t ever use cork grease or other similar lubricant on your flute.
If necessary, clean the tenons periodically with Pond’s (or other lanolin-based) cold cream - place a small amount on the inside and outside of each tenon, then wipe clean with a paper towel - please do not leave the cream on the flute.
Line up the flute so that the embouchure hole on the mouthpiece is in line with the keys, and the rod of the end joint is lined up with the center of the keys on the long joint.
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!
