Instrument Sanitation in a COVID World

Rachel Maxwell, Traughber JHS, Oswego, IL

Iowa Bandmasters Association Virtual Conference

Friday, May 15, 2020, 7:00 pm

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National Federation of State High School Associations

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NAMM Foundation

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NAFME

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A Word of Caution

Please observe diligence in your information gathering as new research is released.

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The situation is dynamic and guidelines may change.

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Sterilization vs Disinfection

Sterilization

Very limited

Ends with exposure to air

Ends when handled

Disinfection

Instrument is safe to handle

Longer lasting

Fairly simple process

Basics

CDC Provided Information on COVID- 19 Lifespan

Brass – Up to 5 Days

Wood – Up to 4 Days

Plastic – Up to 3 Days

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Strings – Up to 3 Days

Cork – Up to 2 Days

As a precaution, when collecting school instruments

store them for the times frames shared by the CDC prior to handling.

Wear gloves and mask when collecting and cleaning cases and instruments.

Remove Instrument. Interior and exterior of all cases sprayed with an aerosol disinfectant.

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Leave case open and allow to dry overnight.

Basic soap and water can be highly effective in reducing the number of harmful bacteria and viruses by carrying away the dirt and oil that they stick to.

Instrument Body

Previously Shared Instruments

Before distributing an instrument that has been

shared, use of alcohol wipes, swabs,

or disinfectant solution wipes to thoroughly

clean the body of the instrument and keys is recommended.

Previously Shared Instruments

Use of alcohol wipes, swabs, or

disinfectant solution

to thoroughly clean both the outside

and the inside of the mouthpiece is recommended.

Previously Shared Instruments

Maintain overall cleanliness via the use

of cleaning rods, swabs, mouthpiece

brushes, etc., as this is necessary to

prevent buildup of residue within the instrument.

Mouthpieces

Cleaning the Flute Head Joint

1. Using a cotton swab saturated with denatured, isopropyl alcohol, carefully clean around the embouchure hole.
2. Alcohol wipes can be used on the flute's lip plate to kill germs if the flute shared by several players.
3. Using a soft, lint-free silk cloth inserted into the cleaning rod, clean the inside of the headjoint.

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Cleaning Bocals

• Bocals should be cleaned every month with a bocal brush, mild soap solution, and running water.
• English Horn bocals can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner, mild soap solution, and running water. Be careful not to scratch the inside of the bocal with the exposed wire ends of the pipe cleaner.

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Cleaning Hard Rubber and Ebony Mouthpieces

• Mouthpieces should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly.
• Select a small container that will accommodate the mouthpiece vertically and place the mouthpiece, tip down, into the container.
• Fill the container just past the window of the mouthpiece with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Protect clarinet mouthpiece corked tenons from moisture.
• After the mouthpiece has soaked for fifteen minutes, use an appropriately sized mouthpiece brush to remove any calcium deposits or other residue from inside and outside surfaces. This step may need to be repeated if the mouthpiece is excessively dirty.
• Rinse the mouthpiece thoroughly and then saturate with disinfectant solution. Place on paper towel and wait one minute.

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Cleaning Saxophone Necks

• Swabs are available to clean the inside of the saxophone neck. However, many saxophonists use a flexible bottlebrush and toothbrush to accomplish the same results.
• The saxophone neck should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly.
• Use the bottlebrush with mild, soapy water to clean the inside of the neck.
• Rinse under running water.
• Disinfectant solution may be used on the inside of the neck if desired. Place on paper towel for one minute.
• Rinse again under running water, dry, and place in the case.

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Cleaning Brass Instrument Mouthpieces

• Mouthpieces should be cleaned monthly.
• Use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to clean the outside of the mouthpiece.
• Use a mouthpiece brush with warm, soapy water to clean the inside.
• Rinse the mouthpiece and dry thoroughly.
• Disinfectant solution may be used on the mouthpiece at this time. Place on paper towel for one minute.
• Wipe dry with paper towel.

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Choosing a Disinfectant for Musical Instruments

1. Sterisol Germicide Solution can be safely used on plastics, hard rubbers, and metals.
2. Mi-T-Mist Mouthpiece Cleanser can be used on most materials. It is NOT recommended for use on hard rubber mouthpieces.
3. Isopropyl alcohol wipes are safe for most materials. They are NOT recommended for use on hard rubber mouthpieces.
4. A solution made with 50% water and 50% white vinegar or 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide can be safely used on plastics, hard rubbers, and metals.

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Instrument Sharing

Strongly recommend this practice be discontinued for wind instruments.

Beginner Instrument Testing

NEW Plan for April 1, 2020 until Vaccine is Developed

The complete suspension of in-person Beginner Instrument Testing.

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Use of a remote format utilizing surveys, videos, assessments and online meetings.

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Once a vaccine is developed we will resume Beginner Instrument Testing (if allowed) using the steps outlined in the “Old” Plan.

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Instrument Testing Kit from Jupiter

https://academicalliance.com/band-try-out-kit/?mc_cid=cbe0351728&mc_eid=a53fd1bef2

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OLD Plan March 1-March 10, 2020

There will a team that works exclusively with each appointment. A tester (adult music teacher) and a cleaning crew (1 or 2 older students).

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Each child trying instruments will have one set to use until their appointment is complete. This set should not be shared with other students until it is cleaned and ready for a new appointment.

Flute

Clarinet

Alto Sax

Trombone

Baritone

Percussion Sticks/Mallets

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Each child will have a new clarinet and saxophone reed.

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Prior to each student’s appointment, the team will put on new plastic or latex gloves.

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OLD Plan March 1-March 10, 2020

Prior to the appointment the student trying instruments will wash their hands with soap and water, rinse their mouth out with mouthwash and water and put on a set of plastic gloves.

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Prior to each appointment:

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Brass mouthpieces will be washed with soap, hot water and mouthpiece brush. Brass mouthpieces will then be set in a Listerine solution until time of use.

Brass Instrument leadpipes will be cleaned with a cleaning snake.

Brass Instrument and keys will be wiped with Clorox bleach wipes and allowed to air dry.

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Woodwind mouthpieces will be washed with soap, hot water and a mouthpiece brush. Woodwind mouthpieces will then be sprayed with a Listerine solution.

Woodwind instruments will be swabbed and keys will be wiped with Clorox bleach wipes and allowed to air dry.

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Drum sticks and mallets will be wiped with Clorox bleach wipes and allowed to air dry.

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OLD Plan March 1-March 10, 2020

Following each appointment:

The entire set of instruments will be cleaned according to guidelines above

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Team members and appointment students will dispose of gloves and wash hands with soap and water.

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Cleaned set of instruments will be put into place for the next appointment. The set will be lightly sprayed with Lysol and allowed to air dry.

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We usually have 5 to 6 stations set up and have 4 appointments every 15 min. With this new protocol, we will set up additional stations to prevent back up. We will have 6 or 7 adult testers and up to 20 student cleaners.

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