The piccolo, a miniature version of the flute, is a musical instrument coming from the woodwind family. It follows the same fingerings as the standard flute but plays an octave higher than what is originally written in music. The piccolo is more often used in orchestras and marching bands. There are basically two types of this instrument. One is called the metal-cylindrical bore, which is ideal for beginners; and the other, the wood conical-bore, more frequently used by advanced musicians. As in any other musical instrument, the proper care and maintenance of the piccolo will ensure that it continues to produce the best quality of sound and will last a long, long time. The following tips will teach you the best way to take care of your instrument:
- Select the piccolo for you. If you are a beginner, as mentioned above, the metal- cylindrical bore instrument is more suitable. This is because it reacts quickly when used, although the sound it produces may not be as refined as the wood conical-bore. Because the wood conical-bore cracks quite easily, this is recommended for more advanced players. They produce a sweeter, more refined sound too. This particular instrument must not be used outside because it can be easily damaged.
- Study how to assemble your piccolo. The mating surfaces must not have any trace of grit or dirt particles. Make sure that the joints are arranged in a straight line. Push them together gently in a winding motion without any force. Should there be any difficulty in alignments, remove the end which is causing trouble and remove dirt from the joint. It is not advisable to use Vaseline or lip gloss to place the joints together with ease, as more dirt will adhere to it eventually.
- Always make sure that joints are attached snugly together especially when using your piccolo when marching. This will prevent them from detaching and flying off. It is recommended that you always have a spare instrument on hand in case accidents like this should happen during the course of your performance. The embouchure hole must be lined up in a way that it is at the center of the keys’ top rows. The rod can be aligned with the top keys’ edge by turning the foot joint. The key beneath the right hand’s pinky is pressed frequently for notes. It must be correctly aligned as well. An electric tuner is recommended for tuning the instrument, although skilled players can normally tell if it is tuned or not simply by listening to it.
- Warm up the piccolo before tuning by simply blowing air into it or playing it. You must disassemble your instrument into its three parts after using it.
- Insert a soft piece of cloth into the slot at the bottom of the tuning rod, flipping the cloth and wrapping it around the rod until it is no longer visible. Slide the rod gently through each part in one direction without twisting it. This will remove any moisture on the instrument sections. A chamois cloth can be used afterwards for polishing the flute, removing any fingerprint traces or dirt. The keys must be gently wiped as well. You must hold the flute by its barrel during the cleaning process to avoid bending the rods or the keys. Wipe the mouthpiece gently to clean of spit or dirt.
- Always store your piccolo stored in its case if not in use so it is safe from elements or accidents that can damage it.
It is not enough that you can play your piccolo perfectly. Equally important is that you know how to take good care of it so it will always serve you well and perform its best for you.
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