Irritating musical family

[CurtainWitcher]

Namechanged, as this is outing.

We moved into this house in Jan. A neighbour introduced herself and we clicked well as we have DC of a similar age.

I'm a Music examiner and teach at a local school (which her DC don't attend). She was very keen to let me know how musical her family are, even inviting me over to hear her children play their instruments.

The problem is that it's ramped up a notch during lockdown. Her DC have been entertaining the close (four houses) by playing their instruments in the street. She even joined them today (her DH is the only one who isn't involved, but she asks him to film it on his phone).

The thing is that this all seems to be very much aimed at me, and seeking my approval, which is uncomfortable and intrusive. DH is convinced that she encourages them to go out and play as soon as anyone steps out of our house. She's also sent me lots of videos of them, on Whatsapp. I always praise them, but it's getting ridiculous. Their playing is fine, but certainly not extraordinary.

WIBU to politely discourage their persistent performances?

This is quite funny. I think I would try not responding to messages and being unavailable for the street concerts.

Only one option that I can see.
move
You can’t have fully unpacked yet so it shouldn’t take you too long to pack up again

I nearly wet myself at the "Gone Chopin Bach soon"

A couple of days ago, she Whatsapped me "Gone Chopin, Bach soon" with some quaver emojis. Groan.

I'm sorry OP, I just don't believe you. Nobody is that weird are they?

It sounds like a good time to use the line from Pride and Prejudice:

You have delighted us long enough.

Ask them if they can perform one of these each night til the end of lockdown

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_silent_musical_compositions

😂😂😂Thanks OP, sorry I have no advice, I can’t stop laughing.

Irish-ish! Accent and lots of eye contact😂 Oh God. Xxx

I think you should conversationally drop in your admiration and appreciation of Marilyn Manson tribute acts, and how you are really missing seeing any during lockdown.

Can you send your husband out to perform a slow, sensual striptease to the music? Ideally for this purpose, he will both look and dance exactly like Bill Nighy. Obviously, he can't take too much off if there are children present, so he'll need to start with the full duffel coat, scarf and sombrero combo. Even better: do you happen to own a ginormous bowler hat that comes down to your knees, so he can do the hat-dance in time to their melodious strains?

Otherwise, can you open your windows and play some Janis Joplin or Margarita Pracatan at top volume on a boombox? Make rapturous appreciative sounds and scream loudly at regular intervals: "Now THIS is what all true music should sound like!!!"

Your only other available option (short of projectile rotten fruit) is to keep your pans and wooden spoons by the door. When you see them dragging their kit out ready to start, get everybody in your family to give it their finest and shout "Come on, everybody - here's to the NHS! We need them every day, 24/7 - not just on Thursday evenings, so give it all you've got for our heroes!!"

This is awesome

My suggestion would be to get your own kids playing loudly, windows open, and just generally being much better/more advanced

Extra points if you screech at them (with prior agreement) for minor errors which don't even need to exist and scare the fuck out of the neighbours

Do they do it every minuet of the day ?

Now Bill Nighy in a sombrero is my favourite approach

Is this actually the sequel to the Burbs? 🤣

This has actually made me laugh out loud !

But seriously - poor you ! I think just being blasé might help and discourage them.

Good luck !!

I cant stop laughing sorry op-but how are they making eye contact do you stand and watch just say sorry really busy got to tget to supermarket or my phones ringing dont enggage

Play heavy metal one afternoon... 🤣

This is the best advice by far! 😂

Oh please get your dh to go out in Sombero and all and do a striptease.

This is a marvellous thread mn at its best

You need to break them of the habit.

Tell them that you’ve had a death in the family. Be vague about the details, but that you’re grieving. If they keep going when you’ve told them that, use your ‘grief’ as an excuse to be openly grumpy with them. Tell them you need SILENCE.

Or tell them that you’re composing music (in your head) and could they please minimise the distractions when they see you. Probably fits well with the weird impression they have of you.

Total disinterest - or rush out the minute they start playing and do some inappropriate and weird dance while grinning madly and giving that eye contact ^right back at them*.

Oh..,this is funny but I really feel for you!! Obviously you can’t say anything negative as that might crush them - they (or the mum) is probably quite insecure and looking for reassurance and approval. I’d say just keep smiling and being encouraging. OR get your own kids out there and have a sing off!!

Wear black and cover your face with a hanky, slowly shake your head and shut the door.

Buy a new house.

Maybe you should take up the bagpipes? It'd drown them out, at least.

Sorry, they sound quite sweet, really, OP. Sort of musical stalkers.

Omg - my ds (who is actually talented) would completely refuse to publicly perform! That’s so funny though - it’s like they pounce on you with “guerilla” performances!