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Welcome To The Clarinet!
Here is a checklist of typical items you will need to get ready to play! Each item checked is already included -at no charge - with your rental or purchase from Pecknel Music. You may also want to check with your music teacher for any additional items he or she suggests: 
- at least 5 reeds
- a cleaning swab
- a mouthpiece brush
- cork grease
- a reed guard
- a mouthpiece cap
- your band method book
- a music stand
(All of these things are available here at Pecknel Music)
Some things to remember:
- Please keep your clarinet in its case when not in use.
- Please do not let anyone else play your clarinet.
- After each time you play, clean the inside of your clarinet with your cleaning swab. Clean each piece separately, from the bottom up. Then, wipe the outside of the instrument with a soft, dry cloth.
- Take the reed off the mouthpiece. Clean the mouthpiece with your mouthpiece brush and wipe dry. The reed must be kept in a reed case - it must not be left on the mouthpiece.
- Use cork grease as needed. Corks should be smooth, but not too slippery.
- Remember, practice is an essential part of playing an instrument. Give it your best, and you will be amazed how rapidly you progress!
To put your clarinet together:
- Always start from the bottom, and work up. Place the bell on the lower joint first, then add the upper joint, the barrel and the mouthpiece.
- Be very careful when working with the bridge key, as your teacher showed you.
- Use a slight twisting motion to assemble or take apart your clarinet.
- Put the reed on last; just the very tip of the mouthpiece should show above the tip of the reed, and both the reed and the ligature screws should be centered. The top edge of the ligature should be 1/4" from the rim of the mouthpiece (many mouthpieces have a line to show you where the ligature should go).
- You will need a new reed at least every two months, or when the reed is cracked or dirty.
- Please use a mouthpiece cap at all times except while playing.
If you have any questions or difficulties, please see your band director or private instructor right away!
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