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?

I am so sorry but this is honestly the most I’ve laughed for a good year. I am just imagining it so cringe! I just can’t believe people do this haha just wtf!!!!

I am so sorry but I can’t stop laughing, I was laughing last night and I’ve woken up and gone back to this post and am still laughing, you know genuine belly laughter , I’ve not had that in years, this has really tickled me, the thought of them stood outside staring at you and playing their instruments, sorry I know it must be annoying as fuck but it really has given me a laugh, please keep us updated x

Oh op this is funny. I think the only thing that would work is a total shocking mental outburst like the pp neighbour did “shut the fuck up” then run off but appreciate not in the be kind spirit. Your dh could sad face and explain you were “under a lot of pressure”

Who the hell are these kids that go along with their loon parents anyway? Mine would fly to the moon before agreeing to this. Surely any normal self respecting tween or teen would 🙄 at their parent suggesting a family band and shut their bedroom door?

OP, she’s bound to be on mn.

Job done! She’ll have read this thread before her next scheduled appointment, and I’ll bet my life it will be cancelled, due to unforeseen circumstances.

And in public! We had a coordinated low key neighbour front garden chat yesterday (6 feet apart before I’m bashed) which was pointedly boycotted by every teen on the street 😁

I agree, stop engaging. Ignore WhatsApp messages, etc.

OP.. please please please take a video!

Send an invoice and then start being really rude helpful.

Oh OP, this sounds hideous in real life but has cheered up this internet stranger after an awful week.

There are some people here would would absoutely share your pain: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3636707-To-hate-it-when-people-sing?pg=1

Who the hell are these kids that go along with their loon parents anyway?

The ones that have endlessly been told by their parents that they are special and extremely clever and everyone wants to see or hear them.

The bloody parents wouldn't dream of saying to them "guess what, you're bloody average like the rest of us, get on with it".

Just mention that they don't seem to be improving very quickly, despite the extra practice.

That should do it.

Ahh... 😂😳

www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52142708

Bring on the rain - that’ll cure them.

Oh dear - I think I'd use the 'busmans holiday' type excuse if she asks your advice or for your attention. Something about you're sorry it might sound grumpy but the last thing you want to do when you are away from work is be involved in musical judgements or listening to the quality of children's music and you like to have a break from that in your personal life. It will sound grumpy but at least it's clear. I write, and several people over the years have offered up their novels or poetry for me to look at. It's never a good idea for that to happen as they want positive feedback and comment and more often than not it's bad - very bad. I know it's coming... when someone starts telling me they have been writing a piece of work and they are wondering about getting it published. And I've had that painful experience when a man I am about to have a relationship with asks if he can show me his poetry - it's never good and it is generally the end of the relationship at that point as I get the ick. I now say I have a policy of never looking at friends' work, as it's too personal and can be too tricky for our relationship. Perhaps that sounds mean but it's safer!

The poor kids in that "singing family" are going to get the piss taken out of them so badly when they get back to school.

Otherrooms

Oh, fuck . . . .

There's a bloke who keeps standing at the end of my street to "entertain" everyone by playing the bagpipes.
We've got one of them too, also not in Scotland. Am amazed no-one has told him where to stick his Dudelsack.
otherrooms I also thought this thread was going to be about them! I actually thought Fuck, what musical have they ruined now?

OP this is brilliant!!
Sorry you are suffering this but thanks for sharing it.

No advice but just stop engaging, hopefully she’ll get the message.

Gosh you have really made me laugh OP. your neighbours are inadvertently cheering us all up.
But poor you, I am intrigued to know the make up of the combo, what instruments are used?

Tell her you're moving to whichever board her kids don't do.

My DC was sent Somewhere Over the Rainbow to play.

Do you run a testing centre at your house?

What does she reckon you'll do- write in to someone and say give them all 130 and above FOR LIFE???

Are they applying for music scholarships?

Oh dear, how very awkward for you. I honestly have no idea how you can do this without being abrupt or causing offence. She sounds awful!

Some of the somewhere over the rainbow videos have been grim but of course the performers are presumably very proud of them and not self critical at all if they posted them for all to see...

Oh what a dreadful situation

I like the you have delighted us long enough now. And add you won’t comment as you know them in a personal rather than professional capacity and experience says it can be awkward when asked for comment or advice.

And good luck

Gone Chopin Bach soon I remember scrawling Chopin next to Liszt on my DBs piano music when I was about 9. I thought it was funny. I got into big trouble.

Maybe go out, grimace and randomly comment “Oof, Intonation, intonation, intonation”, then go back in again. Or “Interesting bowing you’ve got there”. That way hopefully Mrs. Von Trapp will develop performance anxiety on behalf of the kids and confine them to barracks to supervise intensive practice sessions. Or retaliation . Can you or could you see yourself playing one of those fridge sized accordions? If so, Now’s the time to get hold of one and drown the buggers out entirely,

No advice whatsoever OP other than screaming “just fuck off will you” but I’m howling laughing, SO cringeworthy!!!