Keep practicing!

The CD that came with your Standard Of Excellence, Book I, only covers one half of your book. The other CD is available from Music and Arts. They will deliver it right to your school and give it to your teacher. There are also CDs for Books II and III. Have your parents call 1-800-655-MUSIC.

Reed players.... you can NOT keep your reed on your mouthpiece as it WILL warp. If your reed looks all wavy and crooked on the end, it cannot possibly work properly. It MUST come off of your instrument every time you put your instrument away. Music stores sell reed holders to carry your reeds in. These are good because they hold the reed flat and prevent it from warping. These are MUCH better than the plastic case your reed came in. They should only cost a couple of dollars. There is an ultra cool one from VanDoren that is about $15.00 or so. Again, you can have your parents call Music and Arts, and it will be delivered right to your school. 800-655-MUSIC.
Reed players again... you should rotate through several reeds. Don't use the same one every day. Try having four reeds and using a different one each day. This is good because it allows the wood to dry thoroughly between uses, and keeps the reed in much better condition. You will play MUCH better when you are older if you get in this habit now. Also, if you only use one, it is probably going to break right before your big solo!

Trumpets and Baritones... you should have valve oil AND tuning slide grease. The tuning slide grease didn't come with your instrument from Music and Arts. Both of these items are available from your band director. See them about it!!!

Trombones... slide oil is icky. It just is. You should get Superslick cream from your teacher and ask them to show you how to use it. If you want to be REALLY fancy, order some Slide-O-Mix. That is the BEST stuff for keeping your slide in good shape, but it is a bit expensive.