Brass Care and Feeding 1. Always hold your instrument by its main body. 2. Always rinse your mouth out of food particles before you play. Never chew gum or eat while playing. 3. Always empty your water key after playing. 4. Never store your music in the case, unless the case has a special storage compartment for music. 5. Oil the valves or slide when needed. 6. Occasionally clean the mouthpiece with a bottle brush. 7. Never let anyone else hold or play your instrument. 8. Never set your instrument on a chair where it can easily be knocked off. Never stand an instrument upright on its bell. 9. Never hit the mouthpiece to make a popping sound. 10. Once a week gently wipe the outside of your instrument with a soft cloth. 11. If the mouthpiece becomes stuck in the instrument, do not attempt to pull it out. Mr. Ericson has a special tool to pull it out without damaging the instrument. 12. Never force tuning slides in or out. 13. If you think something is wrong with your instrument, show it to Mr. Ericson. He can probably fix it.