Mean things to do with a flute

I admit to doing many things, just for the fun. I’m looking for new ideas. I’ll share one of my favorites. During practice, I blow all kinds of wrong, sharp, shrill, and non-notes and then I pull it together afterwards. I do other things too but I’m going to want to hear your comments first.

Well. . .that was sort of the way I first got my flute to “Honk”. When I realized what I had done, then I systematically set about learning how to try to do it on command.


Bob

The meanest thing some people can do with a flute is … play it.

But that falls into the category: “Mean things to say about flute players”.

I have blown condensation in the face of someone who annoys me at a session, cover all holes, an almighty huff and enjoy :slight_smile: (of course you make sure it seems casual and not intended..)
I have also blown a peanut at our fiddle player once.

With the new Sam Murray headjoint for my antique (thread on it in a little while) I can get really loud when I decide to overblow it. It’s fun to play at my normal volume and then suddenly overblow into that harsh sound when people don’t really expect it. I cannot do it with any flute though, only with some specific embouchure cuts.

I like to play tunes in C and F.

Ah, and multiphonics. Great thing to annoy people.

Nice one Lorenzo, you got the new headjoint. Waiting to hear about it and some clips when your used to it.
Gabriel any advice on how to do multiphonics? Dont know anything about it but the low d on my Noy flute can sound like a few flutes playing? Pat

Your First Multiphonic

The 3 Types of Multiphonics

Yep, you can start with those videos and transplant the technique to our flute then. Not that it has any practical value…but it’s great for annoying people, as I said. :laughing:

an’ if anyone can annoy with flute technique he’s yer man!

Wonder what the multiphonic of a high g on my fife would be…

Play the same tune nonstop 100 times through within earshot of my wife. :devil:

Brothers in arms! Well, I didn’t fire it AT so much as just sailed it past the target, actually. It was a shot across the bow, you could say.

If you’re thirsty but skint, drip into your neighbor’s pint. It’s be all yours after that.

YOU PEOPLE are horrible. Forget that I asked. Why shoot peanuts when you can be shooting darts dipped in curare? Why play a whole tune 100 times, when you could play a phrase 100 times? I’m not sure I even want to click on the link to multi-phonics.

I suppose playing the violin part on the flute isn’t even in the playbook.

He’s got the annoying thing down pat
without any flute technique. Flute
technique only piles more on.

You must definitely shop at a way cooler Walgreens than I do.

I do. It’s called “practice”. And the neighbors can’t do a blessed thing about it so long as I’m done by 10pm. :smiling_imp:

You’re right. There IS no violin part. Oh, wait, that’s right: you don’t play ITM. Never mind.

Depending on who made your flute they can be rather brutal clubs. If they are pvc or Delrin blood and matted hair wash right off. Quite handy actually.

Non sentient bodhran players beware.

:smiling_imp: :party: :smiley:

Crowded sessions can offer a fabulous opportunity for flute meanness: just take a position behind the one you want to annoy and play as obnoxiously loud as you can, right behind their head. They should feel your breath. You do risk the retaliation of them doing a backward headbutt into your face, of course, so you pays yer money and you takes yer chances, but once you try it you’ll know it’s worth it. Drummers are fine, I guess, but…nah. For my money it’s more satisfying when messing with another melody player this way. Especially a good one.

You guys are a great souce of inspiration.

Is this why we always stand behind you? Well, not all of us, there are the folks to your sides in the peanut gallery.