Clear Out the Case: Summer Prep for Student Musicians

The school year is wrapping up, and while your student might be dreaming of beach days and late sleep-ins, their instrument case has a very different summer in store… unless you intervene.

Let’s face it—instrument cases take a beating during the school year. Crushed reeds, crumpled sheet music, that mystery snack from March… if your student plays a wind instrument, you might even discover a rogue mouthpiece cap living its best life under the fluff of an old polishing cloth.

But fear not! Now is the perfect time to give that instrument case some TLC—and future-you will be so glad you did.

Why Clean Out Now?

Avoid the August Panic.
Nothing says “back to school” like a last-minute run for reeds, valve oil, or a shoulder rest. Taking care of it now means one less errand when life speeds up again.

Reed Check = Sanity Saver.
Reeds don’t age like fine wine. If they’ve been languishing in the depths of your student’s case all year, it’s time to toss and replace. Buy fresh now, and save your ears from the sound of a worn-out reed squeaking on the first day back.

Protect Your Investment.
A clean, well-stocked case helps extend the life of the instrument—and prevents “funky instrument smell” from becoming permanent.

Find Out What’s Missing.
Remember that cleaning swab you bought last September? It had a good run. Now’s the time to refill cleaning supplies and find out if that ligature or tuner went on a walk during concert season.

Stock Up While It’s Chill

Beat the August rush and grab your must-haves now. At Heid Music, we carry everything your student needs to cruise into next year prepared:

Clarinet and sax reeds from Rico, Vandoren & more

Valve oil, slide grease, and cleaning brushes

Polishing cloths, rosin, and shoulder rests

Replacement mouthpieces, straps, cleaning swabs, and tuners

Let Us Help You Get Set for Summer (and Beyond)

Our team of instrument experts is here to help you find exactly what you need—whether your student is prepping for summer music camp or simply wants to be ready for the fall. Stop by your nearest Heid Music store or shop online 24/7 at HeidMusic.com!

Let’s make next school year a little smoother—starting with a clean case and a fresh set of supplies. Your future self (and your student’s band director) will thank you.