Spring Break Update

Good Evening Band,

I have attached a screenshot below of the information delivered to staff today regarding Rockwall ISD and COVID-19.

At this time, plans are still in the works regarding UIL and how that is going to potentially look. We are continuing to monitor information as it is given to our Region Coordinators, Rockwall ISD, and to the band directors. As we learn important information, we will make sure the information goes out to all of you.

In the meantime, please make sure to practice your instrument! 2 weeks is a long time to let your muscles weaken.

Please see the end of this email or click the links above for tips on how to keep yourself healthy while also maintaining your practice time.

Here are some tips to make sure you are staying healthy and also able to practice:

• Do not let anyone (family members included!) touch your instrument, especially the mouthpiece.
• If you have a fever, do not play your instrument until you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
• If you learn that you have played your instrument while sick, throw out all open reeds immediately.
• Brass: You can gently scrub your mouthpiece with soap and warm water. Allow it to dry completely before returning it to your case.
• Woodwinds: Please do not wash your mouthpiece/headjoint in water. This will cause the cork to disintegrate.
• This link has several tips on how to keep your woodwind instruments clean and germ-free: https://www.unlv.edu/music/instrument-hygiene
• A direct link to purchase alcohol swabs or sterisol can be found at the top of this email.
• If you wish to risk it and make your own sterilizing mouthpiece spray: 1 part rubbing alcohol, 1 part original listerine mouthwash (the pale yellow stuff - not the minty green kind), and 1 part water. Combine in a spray bottle and mist the mouthpiece, carefully avoiding all corks. Allow it to air dry. Always test a small part before doing this - the chemicals could potential discolor the mouthpiece (just like with any cleaning agents)
• You can also soak a clarinet or saxophone mouthpiece in this solution, but make sure you only use enough to cover the tip of the mouthpiece. Test a small part of the mouthpiece first. The chemicals could potentially discolor the mouthpiece. Do not get the cork wet. Do not soak a flute headjoint ever. Do not try to soak reeds. Just get new reeds.
• Wash your hands before and after you play. Always swab woodwind instruments to remove moisture.
• Seriously, do not play if you are sick or feverish. I cannot stress this enough.