Marching season is exciting. Friday night games, early morning competitions, long rehearsals on the field.

It’s also one of the hardest times of year for band instruments.

Unlike concert season, marching season means:

• Temperature swings

• Outdoor moisture

• Physical movement

• Increased handling

Addy, Chesbro's band and orchestra instrument specialist, sees a clear spike in repair needs every fall — many of which could have been prevented with a little preparation before the first performance.

Here’s Addy's advice on how to get your instrument ready so it survives the season in good shape.

Why Marching Is Hard on Instruments

Outdoor environments are unpredictable.

Hot afternoon rehearsals followed by cool evening performances cause metal to expand and contract. Woodwind pads absorb moisture more quickly outside. Brass instruments accumulate condensation faster.

Add in the physical movement of marching — turning, stopping, lifting horns — and there’s simply more strain on the instrument.

Preparing ahead of time reduces the chance of mid-season breakdowns.

Brass Players: Your Pre-Season Checklist

Brass instruments take a beating during marching season. Valves and slides need to move smoothly, even when temperatures shift.

1. Clean and Oil Valves Thoroughly

"If valves are already sluggish before the season begins, they won’t improve under outdoor conditions," Addy tells her customers looking for remedies for sticky valves.

Before the first game:

• Remove valves and wipe them clean.

• Clean the valve casings.

• Apply fresh valve oil.

During marching season, oiling should become a routine habit — often daily.

Cold evening air can thicken oil and slow response. Staying ahead of it prevents sticking mid-performance.

2. Lubricate Slides Properly

"Slides that move freely indoors can seize up outside if they haven’t been maintained," says Addy.

Apply fresh slide grease before the season starts. Check that all slides move smoothly without forcing them.

Never yank a stuck slide. If one feels tight, bring it in. Forcing it usually turns a simple fix into a dent repair.

Addy also recommends to stock up on lubricant to make sure you always have some on hand and to help others who may be needing some. You know, being nice and all.

3. Inspect for Small Dents

Minor dents may not seem urgent, but they can affect airflow — especially in tighter tubing areas.

If you notice resistance when playing, have the instrument checked before marching intensifies.

4. Check Lyre Holders and Accessories

Loose lyre screws or unstable music holders cause distractions on the field.

Make sure all attachments are secure and properly fitted.

Woodwind Players: Prevention Is Key

Addy says that woodwinds are especially vulnerable during marching season because pads and keys are sensitive to moisture and alignment. Here are Addy's maintenance suggestions.

1. Swab After Every Rehearsal

Outdoor playing often means increased condensation.

Swabbing thoroughly after each rehearsal prevents moisture from sitting in tone holes and pads.

Sticky pads are one of the most common mid-season issues we see.

2. Inspect Pads Before the Season Starts

If an instrument already has slightly leaking pads, marching season will make the problem worse.

Have pads inspected early so small leaks don’t turn into multiple failing keys during performance season.

3. Check Key Alignment

Marching introduces more physical movement than concert playing. Bumps and minor impacts can throw key alignment off.

If notes suddenly feel harder to produce or sound airy, bring the instrument in sooner rather than later.

4. Replace Worn Neck Straps and Corks

Saxophone and clarinet players should check:

• Neck straps for fraying

• Corks for cracking or compression

A broken neck strap on the field can result in serious instrument damage.

Don’t Leave Instruments in Hot or Cold Cars

"This one causes more damage than most people expect," says Addy. 

Leaving instruments in vehicles exposes them to extreme temperature changes, and that can cause major problems."

Heat can:

• Dry out pads

• Warp wood

• Loosen adhesives

Cold can:

• Affect tuning

• Cause metal contraction

• Increase brittleness

If possible, always bring instruments inside after games and rehearsals.

Humidity Awareness Still Matters

Even though marching happens outdoors, indoor storage conditions matter.

"Idaho’s fall air can become dry quickly. Wood instruments especially benefit from humidity control during storage," says Addy. "A simple case humidifier during dry months helps prevent cracking and pad shrinkage."

Mid-Season Checkups Prevent Bigger Problems

Marching season lasts weeks. Small issues early on can become bigger ones by October.

If you notice:

• Slower valve action

• Sticky keys

• Unusual resistance

• Air leaks

• Loose parts

Don’t wait for the end of the season.

Quick mid-season adjustments often take far less time and cost less than post-season overhauls.

After the Season Ends

Once marching wraps up, it’s a good time for:

• Deep cleaning

• Pad evaluation

• Valve inspection

• General service check

Transitioning into concert season with a properly serviced instrument makes a noticeable difference in tone and response.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Marching season doesn’t have to mean expensive repairs.

Most fall repair spikes happen because instruments were already slightly compromised before the season began.

If you’re unsure whether your instrument is ready for the field, stop by Chesbro Music Company to see Addy before the first performance. She'll take a look and let you know if anything needs attention.

A small adjustment in summer can prevent a much bigger problem in fall.

And when the instrument is functioning properly, students can focus on what matters — playing confidently under the lights.