 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Ella
Date: 2002-11-17 05:37
Is it rude to practice in a hotel room? I did it once with my friend the day before music camp check-in and auditions and no one complained, but it was a motel 6 so standards probably weren't very high in the first place. are there certain times where it's generally acceptable? it seems like if people are allowed to make *other noises* so loudly then practicing would be okay. what do you think?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-11-17 05:46
Excellent question. I personally, if I wanted to practice, would rather go practice during the day outside in a quiet spot. A park, the back of a parking lot, something like that. Maybe weather doesn't permit though . . .
Practice with the TV or radio really loud. That way it's drowned out and the most you'll get is a "TURN OFF YOUR TV!!!".
Alexi
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-11-17 05:50
Sorry. In almost all seriousness, ask the hotel manager. They may (depending on availability) be able ot put you farther away from other residents so you can practice in your room and not be heard. Or if all else fails, try the "I have to practice. I'm auditioning at Juliard soon . . . ." Then she'll be more receptive to practicing in her rooms . . .
Alexi
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-11-17 05:51
If you schedule your practice time when people are most likely to be "out and about"--late morning to late afternoon--there should be no complaints. At least, I have never had any. Just play as beautifully as possible and don't dwell on too many ultra-high altissimos. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kenabbott
Date: 2002-11-17 11:36
I travel extensively in my job and have frequently brought an instrument along. I have had no complaints when practicing in my room; most better hotel rooms are reasonably well soundproofed. In one case, I asked to be let into an unutilized room so I could practice. Management happlily complied.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tom piercy
Date: 2002-11-17 15:44
I travel frequently for concerts and if I am making the reservations I tell the management I am performing on tour and I and will need to practice.
I learned to make sure to infirm them that I am a classical clarinetist. I used to say "musician" and many would immediately think of rock and hesitate to book the room. If a hotel says there will be a problem with practicing, then I try to find a different hotel. Better to let them know in advance, then there should be no problems.
Tom Piercy
thomaspiercy.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: tom piercy
Date: 2002-11-17 16:03
RE: above
Indeed, sometimes an approaching clarinetist can "infirm" someone. Usually better to "inform."
Tom P.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-11-17 18:05
Just wait until your neighbors start making *other noises*.
Now, if you could manage to do both....
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anne Lamberti
Date: 2002-11-17 20:09
When my friend and I went to audition for college, my parents asked the manager if there was a place we could practice. They said we could use one the baquet rooms 24 hours a day as long as we go the front desk first.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-11-18 05:24
I worked summers in college as night manager (midnight to 8AM) of a 66 unit resort motel. We had manual PBX cordboard for the phone system. When a guest picked up the phone it lit a light under the room #. Occasionally, a cluster of lights would come on almost at the same time with the room in the center remaining dark. That always preceded my taking a walk upstairs to tell someone they needed to stop what they were doing. No, it never was playing clarinet, usually it was loud TV, barking dog (no pets permitted) or some form of personal interaction!
A little commonsense and consideration go a long way.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken
Date: 2002-11-19 00:30
Unless you're in the big time with your own coach, a full-size conversion van makes an outstanding portable/rolling practice room...although hardly practical for most of us. As mentioned, vacant conference/banquet rooms work nicely. Generally, I've found 11:00a to 5:00p is a safe window in most hotels. When booking, you can request a corner room against an outside wall or other dead end for added privacy and courtesy to guests. If you've got wheels (cab etc.) check the phone book and/or enquire at the front desk for local high schools/colleges. Call the music department and ask to borrow a spare practice module or band/choir room. If you're traveling with a large group shed on the bus during down hours or grab a room chair and use any extra space on the back of the equipment truck(s). Seasonally/weather permitting, there's public parks and/or forest preserves. Some have shelters w/picnic tables or benches in the shade.
I once even had to settle for a public ball field dugout to get my daily routine in...where there's insanity and healthy clarinet addiction there's always a way and place to blow. v/r KEN
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Pam
Date: 2002-11-19 03:28
If it's a vacation where you can choose the type of lodging - go for a cabin or cottage. Then you are generally a bit more secluded. Otherwise, all of the other tips given are reasonable.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
