Playing a musical instrument in a campground - okay or not?

[RunsWithScissors]

One of the items on my retirement "to do" list is to take up playing the first woodwind I learned: the flute. I'm wondering how my playing might be received by fellow RVers. Anyone have any experiences they'd like to share?

(By the way, my question presumes that I would practice inside the trailer and only during hours when most people would be expected to be awake, something in the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. range.)

[GR 'Scott' Cundiff]

I remember sitting in a campground in Colorado listening to a lady sitting outside playing a flute.  Of course, she wasn't just learning - in fact she played quite well.  I think that had she continued playing for hours or simply played poorly that it would have gotten irritating, but her hour of music, along with the pretty location was actually quite nice.

Tell you what, it sure beat some of the loud radio playing we've put up with from fellow campers through the years.

I say: proceed, but cautiously.

[Wendy]

In a campground in Ohio, the guy in the campsite next to us was playing a guitar softly. It was quiet and relaxing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Much better than a boombox playing loud music.
 
 

[RunsWithScissors]

FYI, my alternate choices are the oboe & bagpipe (both of which are in the "sounds like a cat in heat" class of wind instruments). 

[mollibee]

Personally, I'm a fan of bagpipe.  But, in general, that might be a step too far.  Oboe is also wonderful.  Basically, as long as it's acoustic and not electrically amplified, most people will be fine with your music as long as you observe reasonable hours.  You might even attract some fellow musicians who'd like to jam!

[tvman44]

Unless you are very good at it and play something I like, no it is not  alright.

[gdoug]

A couple of times we have been to state parks and two or three people were a few sites down the way playing acoustic guitars and banjos, under the awning.  Bluegrass, country, classical.  Some even sang a tune or two.  Quite well thank goodness.   Among the the trees on a nice afternoon and/or evening it was nice.  They never played too long.  Really enjoyed it.  Give it a whirl. Keep to a reasonable hour, not too long a session and not loud. 

[fastrak100]

Suggestion 1. If people complain about your music, then put your generator on, which is acceptable and allowable on a campground and play using that to cover the sound!
Suggestion 2. Buy a banjo and place it on a stand next to you. Most people will be too busy waiting to complain when you play the banjo to worry about a flute.
Suggestion 3. Play naked - no one will notice the flute.

[Gary RV_Wizard]

...put your generator on, which is acceptable and allowable on a campground

Many campgrounds (typically those that have electric hook-ups) do not allow generators.

[fastrak100]

Well I guess that reduces your options then.

[Bob Buchanan]

In high school, college, and Navy Drum Bugle corps I played trumpet and a one valve bugle. A few years back I bought the same year and model horn off of eBay that my folks bought for me in high school (50's vintage) by the F.E. Olds brass co.  Though over a half century old, once I had it retored it plays better than one of the originals.
 
I began "come back" trumpet lessons but due to some health stuff had to delay that - but am now beginning again. Of course, as a full time RVer, neighbors for sure would not like the scale work one must do to build the lips and technique. So I purchased a muting system by Yamaha called SILENT BRASS.

The sound is completely silenced, but amplified through a headset -- or sent to a recorder or external speakers. The sound in my headset is as close to original trumpet sound as one could imagine. Looking at the link above you can see the variety of stuff one can do with this mute.

Unfortunately, I have not heard of such a muting system for woodwind instruments . . .

[Bob Maxwell]

Are you going to play at QZ?

[seilerbird]

One morning I got on the shuttle bus at Yosemite and the driver had his two kids pull out their musical instruments so they could practice ON THE BUS. The little girl played a synthesizer that was not too loud. The son played a trumpet that was way too loud. I got off at the next stop and called his supervisor. You have not lived until you have heard a beginning trumpet player on a bus.

[Luca1369]

Hillside Bluegrass RV Park in Cochran, Georgia (central Georgia just east of Macon) welcomes musicians.  There are weekly get togethers and the park even hosts bluegrass festivals in May and September.

Here's a link to the park:  http://www.hillsidebluegrassrvpark.com/Home

[Tom]

Hal Schell, a legendary CA Delta river rat who lived full time aboard his boat, played his bugle every morning. This went on for many years, but I'm not aware that anyone complained. It was considered part of the ambiance of the Delta. Regrettably, Hal passed away on June 9, 2006 and nobody has stepped forward to play the bugle.

[mollibee]

I know what fastrack100 means about a banjo -- my husband plays.  Unless it's a bluegrass festival, he needs to be very discrete to avoid being very irritating (he mostly is).  Sometimes, campgrounds will have a pavillion or other gathering place a bit away from the campers that may be an option.  But a flute tends to be pretty quiet if you practice inside.  If you're feeling shy, close all the windows and turn on the a.c. for the duration of your playing.

[Bob Buchanan]

Hal Schell, a legendary CA Delta river rat who lived full time aboard his boat, played his bugle every morning. This went on for many years, but I'm not aware that anyone complained. It was considered part of the ambiance of the Delta. Regrettably, Hal passed away on June 9, 2006 and nobody has stepped forward to play the bugle.

Have on a number of occasions done taps, Tom -- but doubt I would have the nerve to wake folk up with reveille.    For many years in my home town in KY a fellow trumpet player and I played taps at the town cemetery on Memorial day. One would play at the site and the other some distance away played the echo. Was asked once in an RV park a long time ago to play taps at the time the park designated as the beginning  overnight quite time. I refused as some folks do not want someone reminding them in any way what time it is and that it is time to shut down their gensets or turn off their stereo. OTOH, the 24 notes of taps is very meaningful and soothing to most folks.

[Wendy]

At the FMCA rally in Farmington NM, every night someone plays taps at 10 pm. I always turn off the TV when I hear it playing and listen. I love hearing it....wonder if it's a carryover from my Army days?
 
Wendy

[Bob Buchanan]

You have not lived until you have heard a beginning trumpet player on a bus.

Yikes, I can imagine, Tom. Small space with zero acoustics or talent. Actually, most instruments sound pretty bad until the player gains a degree of talent -- but on a bus even a talented player could mess up ones ear drums.

[JayT]

Taps..... soothing and restful.... A way to say good night or good by.

I thought maybe some of you would enjoy the following link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usk81XVsE9o&feature=related

Jay T

[Bob Buchanan]

Are you going to play at QZ?

Yes, most likely, Bob -- in my rig with my Silent Brass mute so no one will have to listen to the sounds other than myself. Not quite ready for prime time or QZ.    But thanks for asking . . .

[Pierat]

Good music is a gift. However, there is a time and place when it is appropriate and when it is not. I feel that nothing that I do should infringe on the peace and quiet, or space, of my neighbors. Including sounds, or letting a dog run loose, or generator noise and exhaust, etc. I would hope others would extend the same courtesy and respect to me and my family. In other words, I don't want to hear it, but good for you for wanting to do it and finding a place where you can.

[gwcowgill]

If you get a banjo and other Bluegrass instruments together I will be there listening.    We were in Stonewall Jackson resort campground and after attending a family reunion we came back to the RV wery tired. Next to our RV i noticed several tents and a whole slew of kids. The mother cme over and politely asked if the kids could play their music. My mind was thinking boom boom but I politely said they could play. Well we perked up and thoughly enjoyed a real Bluegrass Gospel event with campers coming from all over to enjoy the music. All the kids played instruments from the 6 yr old to the 21 yr old.

Good music is great!

[catblaster]

I've asked that taps be played at my death. This the only sure way to know I have gone, for there will be a tear in my eye if I have not.

[seilerbird]

All the kids played instruments from the 6 yr old to the 21 yr old.

And boy that really ticks me off. Every time I hear kids playing they can all play better than me.

[ArdraF]

The OP said he wanted to LEARN to play the flute.  If he already played it at a decent level of expertise, then it might be alright in his trailer at a low level.  BUT, having suffered as a kid listening to my next door neighbor practice the piano every morning for a half hour, I don't think your campground neighbors will appreciate it all that much until you reach a level of expertise that it might be less painful and more listenable.  My suggestion is that you find a place outside of a campground (for example, some sparsely populated BLM land) and camp there so you can practice to your heart's content.  You even could drive off somewhere in your car to a somewhat remote location and play your flute there.  All you'll be bothering there is the wild critters.  On second thought, you might want to keep the windows closed if you do that.  You don't want to chase them away!   We've enjoyed attending a Blue Grass event among the pine trees and it was delightful at night but these were people who already knew how to play.  I guess what I'm saying is there's a level of expertise where it might be okay and another level where it isn't okay.  Maybe you'll know the crossover point when you no longer cringe at your own mistakes. 

ArdraF

[Wendy]

Come to Quartzsite and practice while there are 50 generators running. You won't bother anyone.

[John From Detroit]

My daughter plays the flute.. and rather well I might add.

I would have no problem with a flutist in the campground.

Or a guitar

Bagpipes... Well as it happens I like a good bag piper.. But I suspect that would not go over well in most CG's.

A lot depends on the instrument, when and how well it's played.

Of course.. No matter what you do there will always be a SCROOGE about (Bah Humbug) who hates the fact that you can do somethign (play the instrument) he can't.   IN fact.. I happen to be a bit unhappy about that myself.. However I don't blame YOU for my failing to take up an instrument when I was younger.   But I do get even...... I SING!

[KarenS144]

If you're good and it's not rap... GO FOR IT!

We've enjoyed guitars on occasion and sorta of wished what we heard was a bit louder. 

love, Love, LOVE bagpipes!  But again, you'd have to be pretty good and wear a kilt.   

[Bob Buchanan]

I've asked that taps be played at my death. This the only sure way to know I have gone, for there will be a tear in my eye if I have not.

If you are a veteran, I understand that legislation was passed around 2000 that when a U.S. veteran dies, the government will supply a flag, a uniformed flag presenter, and bugler to play taps at the gravesite ceremony.

Unfortunately, there are more veterans passing (1/2 million per year over the next 7 years, I read) than there are qualified buglers in the military. So a fake digital bugle was designed that plays a tinny sounding taps as the fake bugler holds the horn to his lips.

To fill the need, Tom Day, organized BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA. Qualified bugler volunteers (able to play taps with "ease and style" on a no valve or 1,2,3 valve bugle, trumpet, coronet, or fluglehorn) from his organization are now sent in place of those holding a digital horn.

As soon as I feel that I meet the "ease and style" requirement again will probably volunteer.

[Ned]

love, Love, LOVE bagpipes!  But again, you'd have to be pretty good and wear a kilt.   

Here you go.

[Tom]

That well-known RVing bagpiper has been known to serenade campers in the desert.

[Ned]

That well-known RVing bagpiper has been known to serenade campers in the desert.

It's just not the same without the kilt.

[KarenS144]

We'll be camping @ Kendall in KY over Memorial Wknd.  Can you serenade us there... in the kilt? 

[Tom]

It's just not the same without the kilt.

Aye, but there was no availability of fabric in the desert; Chris had to wait until we got to Moab to make the kilt.

[jnlo2000]

This is something very near and dear to me...I play many instruments and am having trouble parting with them as we begin our journey.  I have a Yamaha full size piano, sousaphone, trombone, baritone, trumpet and cornet, Bb and Eb clarinets, flute and a snare. I feel like I have to choose between my favorite child

But I had the same question as to whether or not taking anything would be worth it for fear of possibly offending some, but I can't tell you how many times I wished I had "a horn" with me so that I could join in some quick jam session. 

My thought is that doing at the right time and keeping sessions short and obviously feeling out the neighbors a bit could mean that I can still enjoy playing a little something now and again. 

[ArdraF]

Jnlo2000,

Obviously you've been playing various instruments for a while.  I don't think you should leave all of them behind!  Choose a couple of the ones you like best because there are appropriate times and places to play them.  For example, if you join the Family Motor Coach Assn. they have the Frustrated Maestros who play at various rallies.  A number of people carry keyboards or horns so you won't be alone.  Also we've attended Blue Grass festivals where people jam after the daily activities have ended.  I'm sure there are other types of music festivals where you can find like minded people.

ArdraF

[seilerbird]

This is something very near and dear to me...I play many instruments and am having trouble parting with them as we begin our journey.  I have a Yamaha full size piano, sousaphone, trombone, baritone, trumpet and cornet, Bb and Eb clarinets, flute and a snare. I feel like I have to choose between my favorite child

I too play a lot of instruments and live in a motorhome full time. My solution is that I have a 76 key synthesizer with me. It can play just about anything. I also have two guitars and Sony Playstation with many Rock Band tunes.

[John From Detroit]

I can not speak for anyone else, but if you want to play a musical insturment near me my reaction will depend on many things.

1: Are you any good at it?

2: Drumbs, Bagpipes, Guitar, Acordian, Piano (elctronic of course) Violen, Flute, Whatever.

3: Style of music (Actually that's about 30 on a list of 3, meaning "so long as it's music it's good)

Now.. I might ask to sing along.

[Jeff]

The time of day also has a lot to do with acceptance.

[John From Detroit]

Good Point Jeff, 3pm GOOD, 3AM bad.

[1joester2]

At the FMCA rally in Farmington NM, every night someone plays taps at 10 pm. I always turn off the TV when I hear it playing and listen. I love hearing it....wonder if it's a carryover from my Army days?
 
Wendy

An AWESOME way to note the beginning of "quiet time". I wouldn't mind that a bit.

[imadtchmn]

Suggestion 3. Play naked - no one will notice the flute.

Unless you're at a naturalist campground. 

[Bob Buchanan]

I have a Yamaha full size piano, sousaphone, trombone, baritone, trumpet and cornet, Bb and Eb clarinets, flute and a snare.

My high school and college band directors played every instrument well to various degrees - but unfortunately for me, his skills on the trumpet/coronet were not to level a student needed to advance to higher levels other than to go off on their own as I did.

However, tho he could play brass as well as woodwinds, his favorite and the one he played best was the violin. So I would imagine most that play a wide variety have a favorite. If that is true you might want to begin by taking your favorites vs. all of them.

Also, as mentioned earlier in this thread I use a Yamaha Silent Brass mute system so can practice anywhere/anytime with my own ears the only ones to hear the sounds. You can even buy a huge one for a tuba!

But most of the time I find that a cup or straight mute is sufficient for most practice sessions inside my rig up until 10pm or so. Usually, up until that time there is enough peripheral sounds that a muted horn cannot be heard anyway.

[Tom]

An RV'ing couple in our ukulele group bring out the ukes around a campfire and start playing. They report that the usual reaction is that "kids come out of the woodwork". The kids come to listen or to play along. Some ask if they can bring other instruments &/or bring one of their parents who might play a different instrument.

Separately, this couple contact activities directors/rangers at campgrounds regarding organized events.

[jnlo2000]

Bob, I will definately look into the mute system.  I have standard mutes for the trumpet/cornets which are likely to come with me as well as at least one or two woodwinds.  The keyboard most definately will come as well.  I never learned strings although everyone on my Dad's side plays (violin/viola in particular) very well even semi-professional at some point in their lives.  My dad starting me on a xylaphone when I was 2-3 yrs old and it just went from there.  Most of my elementary years I played piano and cornet.  Switched to Baritone/Tuba in high school because of demand.  Although girls playing Tuba was not exactly popular at the time.  Learned the rest along the way, did the competition route in high school, considered drum corp and joined the Navy instead.  Our son likes to sing and on more than one occasion with his buddies sat around a campfire singing their hearts out.  Very heartwarming to see a bunch of 17 year old boys sitting around singing. 

I suspect that I will learn appropriate times/places to play and hope to hook up with others on the road as well.  Impromptu jam sessions are always fun!

[Len and Jo]

Doughton Park (mile marker 240) on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  June 4th & 5th 2008.  This group meets frequently over the summer as they can pull people together at this park.  Not any real set week ends.  We just were lucky enough to be there at the same time they were.  It really was great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avjEpebfYa4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDD1couN1vw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQE8GwlssGM

[Joezeppy]

A couple of times we have been to state parks and two or three people were a few sites down the way playing acoustic guitars and banjos, under the awning.  Bluegrass, country, classical.  Some even sang a tune or two.  Quite well thank goodness.   ...

A friend's dad is in a barbershop quartet. A few years back when we were all camping at Green Lakes State Park here in NY, his buddies stopped by and they decided to have a little practice. What started as a "little practice" gathered quite the crowd and turned into a full-blown concert - they even took requests!

[John From Detroit]

Speaking of Barbershop:  On You Tube search for "Acoustix stars and stripes"

It's worth it.

[carson]

Thank you, John.

[Jammer]

In general if we are overheard making music either a crowd begins to gather or we are encouraged to play at some more central location.

But then again we're experienced street performers and are regularly hired to do this sort of thing for community festivals, private parties, and the occasional bar gig.

[Bob Buchanan]

But then again we're experienced street performers and are regularly hired to do this sort of thing for community festivals, private parties, and the occasional bar gig.

My understanding of the issue is the concern for practicing vs. performing. Listening to someone playing scales and such, or working on a piece segment can be very distracting. Once in a park in Sacramento a very accomplished concert trombonist in the site next to mine from Canada practiced several hours a day - and if he had stayed one more day I probably would have knocked on his door.  The scales were bad enough, but the double and triple tonguing from a segment of The Carnival of Venice that he was having trouble with did me in . . . 

[music in the woods]

DW and I have camped over many years. I am a folk guitar player. We have gotten better over the years, doing mostly folk songs. Many evenings of playing, times of people coming to listen. Never any complaints. I heard a beginning flute player, playing at Villa Nueva NM State Park. The canyon echos were amazing. Until people start stopping by, or giving you positive comments, just play softly. Play for yourself. If you like it others will too.

[gwcowgill]

I believe that any one who plays to perform in a unobtrusive manner is welcome, I would hate to hear some one practicing scales and repetitive passages on any brass instrument or percussion instrument in a site near me. I love a good folk, country or bluegrass player playing non-amplified instruments and will gather with the crowd for the entertainment value.

Unobtrusive instruments make for an enjoyable evening around the campfire.

[Giles]

We were at Sun & Fun RV park in Sarasota, Fl for a couple of weeks in February. Our neighbor was from Pensylvania and he pulled out a nice Piano Accordion on a Sunday afternoon, and played nice soft music; he was soon joined by another player from Florida; they were very good; I went and sat with them and enjoyed every note they played ; they took a few requests. His wife did sing well too. Nobody around seemed offended.

[Icemaker]

If you are a veteran, I understand that legislation was passed around 2000 that when a U.S. veteran dies, the government will supply a flag, a uniformed flag presenter, and bugler to play taps at the gravesite ceremony.

Unfortunately, there are more veterans passing (1/2 million per year over the next 7 years, I read) than there are qualified buglers in the military. So a fake digital bugle was designed that plays a tinny sounding taps as the fake bugler holds the horn to his lips.

To fill the need, Tom Day, organized BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA. Qualified bugler volunteers (able to play taps with "ease and style" on a no valve or 1,2,3 valve bugle, trumpet, coronet, or fluglehorn) from his organization are now sent in place of those holding a digital horn.

As soon as I feel that I meet the "ease and style" requirement again will probably volunteer.

I hope to hear you play some day Bob.
During my time at Great Lakes Training Center my quad sang the Lord's Prayer each night at lights out..it was amazing how quiet the other quads got in preparation to that event. It still brings a lump in my throat to hear that song as does Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, usually followed by a tear or two.
Whither or not they're played at my burial...I hope they are playing in my mind as I pass on to see my maker..

[Bob Buchanan]

I hope to hear you play some day Bob.
During my time at Great Lakes Training Center my quad sang the Lord's Prayer each night at lights out..it was amazing how quiet the other quads got in preparation to that event. It still brings a lump in my throat to hear that song as does Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, usually followed by a tear or two.
Whither or not they're played at my burial...I hope they are playing in my mind as I pass on to see my maker..

Thank you for your comments - taps always gives me a lump in the throat as well. If I am playing it, I try to suppress that so as not to block the air passage needed. That's tough at times due to the occassion and otherwise total silence.

Another later written melody being used on such solomn occassions is Il Silenzio written by an Italian jazz trumpeter, Nini Rosso. He wrote it as an adaptation of taps. HERE is an amazing young lady, Melissa Venema, playing it at age 14. She is 16 or so now and plays concerts around the world.

And HERE it is as played by the author. I couldn't help but note that Melissa ends on a high C above the staff whereas Nini plays that last note an octave lower. Notice that she takes a deep breathe before hitting it.

Perhaps you will hear me one day, and I hope it not as an assignment with Bugles Across America. 

[Icemaker]

Bob, I also hope that day comes...when I get the pleasure to hear you play...thanks for the music tour..

[jje1960]

As long as they are good at it, I'd have no problem with the playing!

[Gottasmilealot]

I do the majority of my camping at festivals where one can play anytime.  In regular campgrounds, the playing usually has to stop at 10pm (although screaming kids can run around until 1am).

[John From Detroit]

As long as they are good at it, I'd have no problem with the playing!

I will second that to a point... If you age good, Then odds are it is a pleasure to listen and the complaints will be when you STOP playing.

However there are a few instruments where... Well, bagpipes for example.

Now as it happens.. With the exception of Amazing Grace (Which is lovely when well piped) I truly enjoy them when they are done well... (NO JOKES ABOUT HOW TO COOK THEM PLEASE)...

The reason I don't care to hear Amazing Grace played on pipes is .. Well,,, I'm a retired police dispatcher.. I've gone to a few too many events where it is traditional for Amazing grace to be piped.   I know that I have at least one more of those to attend, But I'm going to arrive late and I won't have to listen to it.

[RedDirtForDinner]

We've tent camped for years. My hubby's guitar is as important a part of the gear as the tent. Him playing and singing at the fire when the day is done is the absolutely best part of the trip. So if you're near us and hate it, go close your door and watch TV. This is life to me - a basic reason for going. If you like it, come join us. Musicians and singers welcome as I am neither. IF the sound of a guitar and children's laughter bothers you, tough. I don't want to meet you anyway.

[Gottasmilealot]

The ones that get me are the ones that will complain about music, then leave their generators run all night.