How do I register my student?

To register your student for our camps, simply visit our camp page, choose the camp you're interested in, and add it to your cart. Complete the registration process, ensuring to provide your student's full name when prompted.

Who teaches your camps?

All of our teachers are local and highly involved in music education in the Castle Rock and Colorado Springs areas. We are thrilled to be partnering with each of them! You can find specific details about each teacher in the “Meet our Teachers” section.

When/Where are your camps held?

Our camps run from June to July, Monday to Friday, for either 2 or 3 hours per day depending on age and the camp offered. They will be hosted at 65 Topeka Way, Suite 300, in Castle Rock, CO – the future retail storefront!

What ages do your camps span?

The age ranges are from 6-14. Each camp has grade and experience tips to help parents know what class to sign up for. If you aren’t sure what level or type your student would enjoy, give us a call! We can help you make the right choice.

How much do your camps cost? Are there hidden fees?

2-hour camps cost $199 and 3-hour camps cost $299. There are no hidden fees! You can sign up easily through our website. The only additional cost would be if you decide to rent an instrument through our Rent+ Program!

How many students will be in each camp?

We have purposefully kept camps to an 8-12 student maximum. We believe these smaller, concierge camps help students get private tutoring while also benefiting from peer collaboration. Each student gets one-on-one time with the teacher.

Will you be providing the instrument? What is provided?

All supplies will be provided except for the practice instrument. It is helpful to have an instrument to practice on at home and students should bring their instrument with them to camp! Students taking piano camp do not need to bring their keyboard to camp. If you don’t have an instrument, our Rent+ Program offers low-cost, month-to-month rentals without long-term commitments!

Are there refunds for camp fees?

Music Camp registration is nonrefundable, but we are willing to switch your camp dates, times, or transfer your registration to another student. Call 303-663-4084 to make changes!

Why should my student participate?

Summer is a great time for a student to try something new or reinforce what they have been learning! When students keep playing during the summer break they grow their music skills, make new friends, reinforce concepts they might struggle with and don’t get rusty. They can make more progress, without the pressure of other responsibilities and homework, while truly enjoying their music. Summer camps relieve summer boredom!

What if my student is a beginner?

This is the perfect opportunity for them to try something new! Our piano camps, rhythm cup camps, and some of our band camps can be taken by total beginners.

Are Music Makers camps fun?

Yes! Music SHOULD be fun!! Each camp is formulated to be an enjoyable mixture of fun and learning. Our camps are not boring classrooms!

Routine Maintenance for Brass Instruments

Category: Instrument Repair, School Band Instruments

Brass instruments are known for their rich, vibrant sound, but to keep them performing at their best, routine maintenance is essential. Proper care ensures not only longevity but also the consistency of tone and playability. Whether you play the trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, baritone, tuba, cornet, or flugelhorn, following these basic maintenance tips will help keep your instrument in top condition.

Table of Contents

General Maintenance Tips for All Brass Instruments

Daily Cleaning

Mouthpiece: After each practice session or performance, clean your mouthpiece with warm water and a mild soap to remove any buildup of saliva or grime. Use a mouthpiece brush to ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned.
Empty Water Key: Always empty the water key after playing. Moisture buildup inside the instrument can lead to corrosion and affect the sound quality.

Weekly Maintenance

Valve and Slide Lubrication: Regularly lubricate valves and slides with appropriate oil or grease to keep them moving smoothly. This prevents sticking and ensures a responsive instrument.
Inspect for Damage: Check for any dents, loose parts, or damage. Even small dents can impact the instrument’s sound and should be addressed promptly.

Monthly Maintenance

Deep Cleaning: At least once a month, give your instrument a more thorough cleaning. Disassemble it carefully and clean each part using a snake brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before reassembling. We recommend against snaking through piston/rotor ports or the casing to avoid expensive damage.
Check Corks and Felts: Inspect corks and felts for wear. These small components can affect the instrument’s seal and playability, so replace them as needed.

Annual Maintenance

Professional Service: Take your instrument to Music Makers for an annual check-up. We’ll perform a deep clean, remove any dents, and check for potential issues that you might have missed. As always, when you bring it in, we’ll walk you through a free estimate and you can decide which repairs you want to do. You can even schedule an appointment to make it convenient for your schedule!

Specific Maintenance Tips for Different Brass Instruments

Trumpet and Cornet

Valve Oil: Trumpet and cornet players should apply valve oil before each playing session. Unscrew each valve, apply a few drops of oil, and then reinsert the valve, making sure it aligns correctly.
Valve Alignment: Ensure that the valves are aligned correctly after oiling. Misalignment can affect the airflow and sound quality.

Trombone

Slide Maintenance: The slide is the most critical part of the trombone. Apply slide cream or oil regularly and use a water spray bottle to keep it lubricated while playing. If the slide becomes sticky, it can affect your performance.
Cleaning the Slide: At least once a week, clean the slide with a soft cloth to remove dirt and buildup. Be careful not to bend or damage the slide while cleaning.

French Horn

Rotary Valves: French horns use rotary valves that require special care. Apply a few drops of rotor oil to the back of each valve every few weeks. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dirt.
Valve String Maintenance: Check the string that operates the valves regularly. If it frays or breaks, it should be replaced immediately to avoid performance issues.

Euphonium, Baritone, and Tuba

Valve and Slide Care: Like the trumpet, these larger instruments require regular valve oiling and slide lubrication. Due to their size, they may require more frequent lubrication.
Handling: Be mindful when handling these instruments, as their larger size makes them more prone to dents. Always use the case when not in use and avoid placing the instrument in positions where it could fall.

Flugelhorn

Valve and Tubing Care: Similar to the trumpet, keep the valves oiled and clean the tubing regularly. The flugelhorn’s conical bore means it’s slightly more susceptible to moisture buildup, so be diligent about emptying water keys.
Mouthpiece Fit: Ensure the mouthpiece is inserted and removed with care. Over time, forcing the mouthpiece can cause the receiver to warp.

Routine Maintenance Keeps Your Brass Instrument Shining

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your brass instrument in peak condition. By following these basic tips and paying attention to the specific needs of your instrument, you’ll ensure that it continues to deliver a beautiful sound for years to come. We offer a full range of repair services and can help you with any specific needs your instrument might have. Bring it to our store or call 303-663-4084 for a free estimate. Taking good care of your brass instrument will allow you to focus on what you do best: making music.

Keep Your Brass in Top Shape: Routine Maintenance for Brass Instruments