Clarinetists’ New Year Refresh

New Year, new you! (at least that’s what every post this time of year seems to say!)

I love a good refresh, and New Year’s Day is always a great time to revisit your goals and start exploring new ideas.

Replace your swab. When was the last time you washed or replaced your swab? Chances are, probably too long ago to remember! Start the new year off with a fresh new swab (preferably one without any exposed metal weight, which can scratch the interior bore of the clarinet).
Replace your mouthpiece patch. If you use a mp patch, it’s probably time to replace this too.
Replenish any accessories you need. If you’re running low on reeds, humidity packs, cork grease, swabs, mouthpiece patches, pad paper, or any other accessories you use, now’s a great time to stock up. It’s always better to have extra than to run out!
Go through your reed case. If some reeds are past their prime, it’s time to remove them from your rotation.
Clear out your music stand/folder. Time to replace your Christmas gig music with music for upcoming concerts and performances.
Organize your case and practice space. Take a moment to go through every item in your clarinet case and remove anything that you no longer need. A cluttered case (or practice space) leads to a cluttered mind, making it more difficult to maximize your practice sessions.