Beginning Band: How to Care for the Tuba
Age Range: Late Elementary, Middle School
Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate proper care and technique when assembling their instrument and putting it away.
Total Video Time: 5:47
INTRODUCTION
Tuba player Jacob Grewe will walk you through the basics of putting together your tuba and taking care of it.
STEP-BY-STEP instructions
Take your instrument from its case, grab your mouthpiece, and insert it into the lead pipe.
Give the mouthpiece a quarter turn to secure it.
Make sure your slides and valves are moving smoothly. Grease or oil as needed.
To grease a slide, remove it, wipe it clean, and apply a small amount of slide grease to the ends of each side. Reinsert it and slide it back and forth.
To oil a rotary valve, apply a small drop of valve oil to each moving part of the valve. As needed, remove the back bearing plate of the valve and apply oil as well.
After practicing, empty water through the spit valves and slides as needed.
Remove the mouthpiece and wipe as needed. Secure the instrument back in its case, or wherever it is being stored.
Print this and keep it in your case or band folder!
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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
