There’s a very mumsnet conversation happening on my train…

[UpperLowerMiddleClass]

Two mums discussing their primary school aged children. Distinct frenemy vibes. Of course it goes without saying their initial conversation covered just how well their children are doing academically.

Discussion then moved on to extra curricular activities. Mum A proudly saying what grade piano her daughter is doing, how she’s playing violin in the school orchestra etc, when Mum B pulls out a trump card - her daughter is excelling at the harp! But it’s all such a bother, wouldn’t you know? The logistics of transporting the harp, the cost of replacement strings etc.

Mum A tries to rally with a swerve towards sports and there’s mention of her son making the school hockey team. But I can tell her heart’s not really in it. Deep down she knows she can’t compete with the travails of harp logistics. Mum B has won this round.

And before anyone asks why I’m being so nosy, or why I have nothing better to do: Their conversation is LOUD and PROJECTING. I can’t ignore them. I’d love to be immersed in my book but instead I’m now learning all about the intricacies of harp upkeep and maintenance.

Looks like a car aerial (if you can remember those). But it's voltage controlled and your hand movements control the pitch which now brings us back to the harp and it's diabolical hand/finger movements

A young Manx woman was the first person I ever heard play the harp.

Imagine transporting that from the Isle of Man

Piano forte?? Like on bridgerton??

It would be funny if the mums were on MN and read this post

Moving into the realms of gifted but odd. Bassoon looks glorious and somehow sexy. I think that's up there with the harp esp if the child could double on oboe.

I was on a train in a 4 seat trapped in a strangers mums trip to London. One mum raised out of nowhere that one of the others DDs had been mean to her dd. It was horrifying. I was half willing her to shut up for her own sake and half agog!

Was also in a restaurant where a very grand family had a huge stand up row. Brilliant. It was like watching a play.

@OneoftheWeddingPeople

Did you order popcorn or a round of drinks? Maybe ask for the dessert menu after the floor show has ended?

The carillon...

I was at my children’s tennis session (recommend: cheap, undercover and with WiFi) when I overheard a conversation between two couples. He was a therapist and her a teacher dontcha know. Except I already did as they’d said it loudly often enough. They were talking about their careers and charcuterie boards in a way that screamed “look at us, aren’t we doing well!”

I was tempted to point out the neurosurgeon in the corner quietly minding his business.

I think a child learning the harp is more likely to be middle class. Private schools are significantly more likely to have harps and offer harp tuition than state schools. Outstanding state schools are more likely to have a harp than ‘not so good’ state schools.

Pas de tout - this is what train journeys are for.

Coincidentally, there's the premiere of a new harp concerto on Radio 3 at the moment (might be over now, I'm 10 minutes behind), I'm rather enjoying it.

I’ve never known any school where I live to offer harp lessons only Harp larger in the local pubs.

Bassoon means your child was not good enough at a competitive instrument - but the director of music knows the school needs the extracurricular cash, and the orchestra needs a bassoon in every sixth piece and the parents are pushy/vain enough to fall for it ;-)

We used to live opposite a tiny double bass playing teen. She would drag it up the street several times a week. Her younger sister was obviously far more practical and opted for the piccolo.

My local school offers harp lessons. The teacher comes up from 2hrs away to teach it once per week. It's a private boarding school though where pupils also bring their horses and golf clubs with them 😂

What’s the point in your child playing the harp, if you don’t shout it loudly and proudly to the world!

One of DD's friends plays the harp. Her parents are insufferable.

I've never heard of a harp being in a school.

Yes but where do they ski?

For some on MN you have described the dream school. Is it reassuringly expensive? And is there accomodation for one's groom and caddy?

Many private Independent schools and selective grammar schools offer individual harp lessons.

This wins The Most MN Comment of the Thread Award
@VividDeer thank you for the perfect example of horses for courses

Well there are schools and there are schools. If you know you know.

Yep. Thats why I've never come across one
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