 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2006-07-04 00:46
My kitty hates my clarinet. When I play she runs out of the room whining. how does your pets react to your clarinet?
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Author: Phaedra
Date: 2006-07-04 01:27
My cat hates it too. I try not to play in the same room as him (which can sometimes mean moving all my stuff from bedroom to loungeroom or vice versa), but one time my teacher came to me for a lesson, and he was sleeping soundly on the windowsill. After three minutes, he skulked from the room, giving me a filthy look through the doorway. He stays outside for my daily practise, no matter how cold it is, and waits for me to stop skwarking.
My boyfriend seems to feel much the same, but at least he uses the time to get some exercise - outside.
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Author: mnhnhyouh
Date: 2006-07-04 01:40
My Jack Russel does not like my clarinet either, or the electonic metronome I use. While she still hates the metronome, she is more tolerant of my clarinet.
I must be getting a little better
h
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-07-04 01:50
When I first started playing about two years ago I was practicing and I heard a few dogs in the neighborhood whining. I then started to close the windows! :-) I was also playing at my sisters and her German Shepard would cry a little, but didn't want to leave the room. She is a real people type dog. This year she doesn't whine as much and I don't hear the dogs next door much, so maybe I am getting better! Gawd I hope so!!
Jim
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Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2006-07-04 01:52
My cat now complains much less than the family cat did when I was in high school. I wish I could say that this is due to vast improvements in my playing, but the cat in HS was a full-voiced Siamese and our cat now is often on the run from the children whether I am playing music or not.
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Author: nielsen57
Date: 2006-07-04 02:04
Unlike previous cats I've owned, the two I have now, both Siamese, seem to handle my practicing just fine. In fact, when Benny (yes, named after THAT Benny) was just a kitten, he used to park himself right beneath my bell, shift his gaze from the clarinet to me, and give me a look that distinctly said, "what did that poor clarinet ever do to you?"
meg
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Author: DEC
Date: 2006-07-04 02:40
My Pug and my wife both leave the room when I start to play. Neither one likes the loud noise.
I had just started playing in Feb. of 2005. My Himilayan cat came in while I was practicing one night. I held the clarinet down and he "marked" it by rubbing his face on it. That is the first time he had shown any interest. Within 15 minutes he collapsed and that is when we first knew how sick he was. He died in June of that year. I like to think that he would like to sit in the room with me while I played.
Don
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-07-04 02:57
1 out of 3 cats in my house likes the clarinet, and she's the strange one. My wife hates it by my 9.5 month old daughter thinks its the funniest thing in the world to watch her dad play clarinet or recorder. Her favorite is the Brahms in Eb major....good taste already!
-Randy
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Author: diz
Date: 2006-07-04 04:26
Yeah, my Siamese at the time hated the clarinet, ignored the piano and always approached me when I played viola ... go figure.
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2006-07-04 05:50
I had just started playing in Feb. of 2005. My Himilayan cat came in while I was practicing one night. I held the clarinet down and he "marked" it by rubbing his face on it. That is the first time he had shown any interest. Within 15 minutes he collapsed and that is when we first knew how sick he was. He died in June of that year. I like to think that he would like to sit in the room with me while I played.
My kitty is a himilayan too. Sorry to hear your kitty died. I would be very upset if something happen to mine.
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Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2006-07-04 06:26
My dog (a mut) has been known to come in and try to play with me/my instructor while I/we am/are playing. This usually helps interupt lessons at the best times (IE: right before I get to something I should have practiced mroe).
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
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Author: ned
Date: 2006-07-04 06:32
My goldfish and two cats were non committal when I asked them. I presume that this means they either like clarinet music or, don't actually know what a clarinet is.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2006-07-04 08:27
Can't tell about the clarinet - but back then our old dog, when I played my bluesharp, would sit down and start howling as if moonstruck in rutting season. He couldn't care less about piano or guitar, but the bluesharp seemed to strike a nerve.
He's no more, so I can't check with the clarinet. :(
--
Ben
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Author: chedmanus
Date: 2006-07-04 10:48
I use my cat for help with mouthpiece selecting - dont worry folks, its quite humane! She doesnt like the clarinet but has gotten used to it over the years. My practice spot is right next to her sleeping spot. We have a routine - whenever I start playing she grouchily lumbers off her pillow and walks into the next room muttering little meows under her breath, and eventually settles herself on top of the piano.
It all happened quite by accident. One day the door to the next room was closed; I was too lazy to get up and let her out, and was amazed by her response to my playing. I noticed that certain brights and resonance irritated her more than others. By irritation I mean a slight meow or light scratch to the door. She is a very spoiled, fat, lazy cat and only gets upset if the neighbors dog is near.
Whenever I need a set of ears for mouthpiece testing and my wife isnt around (or not willing), I close the door to the next room and start playing. the cat will get off her pillow, walk to the door, and sit patiently waiting for the door to open. I go through my batch of mouthpieces (from a good distance of course), and use her response as my guide. Certain mouthpieces make her want to leave more than others, and usually the ones I prefer and think would work in a hall are the same that she dislikes the most, which tells me im onto something and I let her out - Im happy to have some insight and she is happy to be away from the noise and is rewarded with a kitty treat.
Ive learned to read the variation of her response and it is quite helpful. She seems to hear highs in the sound and differences that I cant really distinguish in my kitchen, this works best for mouthpieces for the orchestra hall. She of course is just a cat and cannot distinguish between sound quality, let alone the difference between the litter box and my rug, but I always consult the kitty when choosing something for projection.
She is a good kitty and I give her plenty of kitty treats and affection as reward - I never thought my cat would help with mouthpiece testing!
Post Edited (2006-07-04 11:00)
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-07-04 12:28
"Mr! Cat" seems to like clarinet playing, and will actually lay with his head in my lap while I'm playing, unless I go above altissimo G, in which case he leaves the room.
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2006-07-04 13:12
Since we have hamsters as pets, I was somewhat worried if my clarinet sound might affect them in any way. Nope, they don't seem to care.
One hamster recently gave birth to 5 little ones, and they all seem to be alive. Out of courtesy(!), I practiced in another room away from their cage.
Lucy Lee Jang
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-07-04 13:38
I used to get my parents Burmese cats to clear out of the house with any wind instrument, so that's not a bad thing.
My oboe teacher's current British Shorthair is fearless (as were her previous ones) - he doesn't bat an eyelid even if I honk a low Bb at him. He just looks back at me with his fat face as if to say 'D'you fink I'm bovverd?'
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: William
Date: 2006-07-04 15:21
Somewhat like the people I play jazz for, when I practice at home my dog Bailey (choc lab) usually just finds a comfortable place in a dark corner and falls into a deep sleep..............unless, however, I'm play'n on my efeer.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2006-07-04 16:15
My tropical fish ignore it.
The mini frogs in the fish tank ignore it
My dogs ignore the clarinet.
One dog (the corgi) attacks the vacuum cleaner....so I guess I play better than the Hoover upright.
All of the dogs rest contentedly under the piano when my wife plays Brahms waltzes.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-07-04 18:14
Sir Pouncelot moved in in February 2001. Two months later, I acquired a clarinet. He didn't mind the first week or so, chalumeau only, but could never abide the clarion and above. Though as time passed his reaction changed from running away to stalking off giving me filthy looks.
In April last year, I announced that I had acquired a WMD (weapon of moggy distress). This is a trombone, which seemed to bother him less than the clarinet. But within weeks he developed cancer and died. Poor baby was only five. Serve me right for making horrid jokes.
His successors are twin girls, who are pretty much oblivious to everything, though they are a bit wary of the sight of the trombone slide.
-----------
If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: susieray
Date: 2006-07-04 19:06
Nothing bothers the dog, except thunderstorms and fireworks. The cats really don't mind any kind of noises, musical or otherwise. Except for Lumpy, the 1/2 Siamese. He is dreadfully afraid of certain noises such as the vacuum cleaner and the garbage truck. If he hears either of those, he goes into a state of panic.
As for the clarinet, he doesn't seem to mind the lower register, but he goes to the door and wants to be let out immediately if I am playing altissimo.
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Author: ginny
Date: 2006-07-04 20:33
My dog, a mix of Corgi and Australian shepard likes to join my son and I when we play duets. We refer to it as a concerto for two clarinets and basset hound (although she's just a hound.) If we play a single note she will very slowly find the pitch.
When I was a kid learning classical guitar, I would practice late nights in a little utility room with my collie. He groaned when I made mistakes. He was some audience.
My late great tabby cat loved oriental music and would sit under the radio (on it's table) and purr loudly when I listened to a Chiense music show on my local public access radio station. She was not interested in any other style.
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Author: drroche
Date: 2006-07-04 20:54
My shih-tus don't mind my clarinet playing until I practice the lovely shreiky part in the beginning of The Rite Of Spring...or when I play my Eb, but that's a given.
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Author: D
Date: 2006-07-04 21:08
I am suprised to see that some people are owned by cats that actually tolerate their playing. I would have expected that any cat would hate anything that could produce more noise than them.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-07-04 21:33
One of my parents Burmese chewed up my original 5RV Lyre when I laid my clarinet on the dining table and was out of the room at the time (only for about 30 mins max.), so they do get up to no good when your back is turned, the little buggers. So that's what they thought of my clarinet - let's chew the thing up.
The reed was completely trashed, and the tip and side rails had tiny pin-like teeth marks in them. So this is another reason to put your mouthpiece cap on when not playing. I should have learnt from past experience as a former bassoon player - I had a load of bassoon reeds trashed a few years prior to that!
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: KristinVanHorn
Date: 2006-07-04 22:29
Wow! this subject is really popular. Thanks for all the replies. I have really enjoyed reading all of them.
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Author: diz
Date: 2006-07-04 22:39
Kristin ... yes, it's been a delightful thread, thanks for starting it.
No offence to people with a pathalogical fear of animals but I view people who "hate animals" with suspicion ... call me odd (gawd, am I gonna get flammed for this).
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-07-04 22:52
We're all animals, so people who hate animals are fundamentally flawed there.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2006-07-05 03:07
My 2 cats do not like the clarinet at all. They run from note one, whether it's chalumeau or altissimo, whether played by me or a student.
They are intrigued by the flute, and puzzled by the piano.
Katrina
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Author: diz
Date: 2006-07-05 03:46
Chris P said:
"We're all animals"
Do you bite??
Without music, the world would be grey, very grey.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2006-07-05 05:07
I can't really tell. I would think the high notes would not be pleasant to my cat, but sometimes he comes and lies at my feet while I'm playing, so I would have to say he either likes it or doesn't mind it.
Leonard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-07-05 11:49
"Do you bite??"
No, I can get the altissimo with a relaxed embouchure!
But I do snarl, growl and snap if wound up.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tim P
Date: 2006-07-05 16:38
Oddly enough, my dog only complains or cheers, depending on how you interpret the situation, when I am playing scales at a fast pace. Any other time she makes no comment. When I first started playing again about three years ago she did not like it but I guess she got used to it. Now it is only the scales that get a reaction.
Now, I suppose my teacher might surmise that I don't play the scales enough for the dog to get used to them. I like to think that the dog is cheering because they sound so beautiful, smooth, and in tune.
You decide…….
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Author: FredR
Date: 2006-07-05 23:47
My Shih-tzu sits at the top of basement steps, throws her head back and hows like a wolf, until I tell her to stop. which she will listen to unless Im playing aroun with the Mozart on the Bb
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Author: mtague
Date: 2006-07-06 00:06
My chinchillas seem to like music, even if it's bad. They just sit still and watch me play. Only one reacts. He tears apart this cardboard tube a lot more when I play. Not sure if it means he doesn't like the music.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2006-07-06 00:08
My dogs howl . . . but I don't think they have any right to complain. They can't even hold a pitch.
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Author: ned
Date: 2006-07-06 04:45
''He tears apart this cardboard tube a lot more when I play. Not sure if it means he doesn't like the music.''
I'd say he probably thinks, in some weird lower order manner of imagining, that the cardboard tube is a kind of ''dog'' clarinet and is trying to emulate you.
Unfortunately doggie digits definitely don't accomodate any kind of reed instrument, and doggie dentiton would only ruin the mouthpiece were he even able to pick up his ''instrument''. So, he will be bound in to a lifetime of frustration I suspect, he probably realises this already and hence the demonstration of poor pet behaviour, which you have clearly described, will continue whenever he hears you play.
I'd strongly suggest that you practice in a soundproof room, for your dog's sake.
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