Mobile users in sessions

Subject: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,MartinHughes
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:13 AM

During a recent Bedford Session at Sidmouth, a man was caught making/making a mobile call while a singer was on. The session supervisor decided that it was necessary to give the totally unrepentant phone user a public dressing down that he would never forget,and that would also send a clear warning to others. How has this been handled in other sessions/festivals and what guidelines can others offer to handle this type of problem.

Regards
Martin
(red accordian player)

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Joseph P
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:15 AM

When the said man plays / sings, all others make phone calls ...

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,MartinHughes
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:31 AM

Good idea, but it would not have worked in this case as the offender was only a member of the audience.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:44 AM

We have a sign in the folk club no mobiles allowed due to the noise.But we also know the peeps who need them on like GP'S etc,etc who come to the club.


Scooby

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 09:44 AM

Better to ask everyone to turn off their phones before the session begins and make it clear that calls need to be made outside.
You will still have some rude jerk who thinks he is too important to comply but you could also have a doctor on call - the exception to the rule.

Personally, I think the drssing down was overkill. A polite yet mildly sarcastic comment would have the same effect.
SINS

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:02 AM

Most phones these days can be put on to vibrate and that can allow the recipient to leave the room before answering. I'd take a guess that most of those who need to be in constant contact would know that and, out of simple courtesy, would do that.

It's very easy to forget to turn off the phone in these situations but most of those who do forget would, I am sure, turn it off or leave the room hastily if the phone erupted.

For the a*******s who won't - embarrass the hell out of them! More entertainment for everyone else. :0)

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Snuffy
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:08 AM

"Session" implies that it was taking part in a part of the pub open to the public. In such cases, unfortunately the punter has as much right to be there as the musicians, and as much right to use his mobile as they have to use their instruments. He is a customer of the pub, not "only a member of the audience". Nothing stronger is warranted than a polite request/reminder to refrain from using mobiles.

However, if the "session" is taking place in a room that has been specifically booked for music and singing, and the supervisor has previously requested mobiles to be switched off, then he is quite within his rights to escalate the admonition.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: pavane
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:12 AM

How about a short song to sing at the appropriate time?

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Barry Finn
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:14 AM

At sessions that I attend you couldn't hear a phone if it went off, of course that's not the issue. Put up a sign or announce that mobiles should be put on vibrate (they all have a vibrate mode these days) & answer it elsewhere, away from the music.
Agreed Jacqui

Barry

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: PoppaGator
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:45 AM

A couple of months ago, I forgot to put my phone into "silent mode" before playing my little once-a-month one-hour performance, and it rang while I was on stage (!!?!?).

Fortunately, I was between songs at that moment. I answered, said something along the lines of "I'm busy right now" ~ audibly, near the microphone ~ and tried to turn it into a little joke for the audience's benefit. I told them I was grateful that they had turned off their phones, and was sorry that I had forgotten to do the same.

Back to the incident reported int he opening post, having the phone ring at an inappropriate moment is a forgivable oversight, but answering at length and carrying on a loud conversation is quite another matter which deserves a good scolding (at least).

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 10:57 AM

On a lighter not, I just looked at the video linked from the "telephone piano" thread. I wonder if he knows any trad tunes?

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: DMcG
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 11:23 AM

A couple of months ago, I forgot to put my phone into "silent mode" before playing my little once-a-month one-hour performance, and it rang while I was on stage (!!?!?).

A year or two ago I was watching Fairport Convention on stage when one of their phones went off on stage ... It was Dave Swarbrick ringing! We all - Fairport, Dave and the audience - has an inpromptu chat.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 11:35 AM

We're working on a song where one of our cellphones ring and the subsequent conversation is part of the song, and when the chorus comes round everyone pulls out their cellphones.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 12:50 PM

Having just returned from a 2000 mile road trip during which I witnessed a lot of idiotic driving courtesy of mobile phone use, I can state without reservation that I'd rather have a hundred people talking on mobile phones in sessions than one person doing so in his car during rush hour traffic on Interstate 65 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Ernest
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 01:08 PM

If you ask people to turn off their phones you give out the chance to call the out-of-tune-or-rythm (insert unfavourite instrument)-player and tell him he is urgently needed somewhere else....

;0)
Ernest

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Alexis
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 01:11 PM

I agree with snuffy - a session, by implication is an informal gathering of musicians / singers (and assuming in a pub) without a monopoly on noise.
A folk club type environment - orchestrated is different.

Long live the session. (but please don't read anything derogatory into that statement)

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 01:14 PM

I except sometimes people need them.


Scooby

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Amos
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 01:29 PM

Turn off your cellphone,
While people are playing,
While singers are singing,
And tunes fill the hall.

Oh, turn off your cellphones,
Like civilized people,
No-one here gives a damn if
You might miss a call.

(Tune:"Suddenly Seymour", Little House of Horrors)

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Marje
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 01:57 PM

I think I witnessed the incident mentioned, from nearby - was it on Monday, early afternoon?

Just to put it in context for others: yes it was a session in a hotel lounge open to all, but it was an area that was earmarked for sesssions during the Folk Week. It was the sort of session with quite a bit of solo or group performing that others were there to listen to. The bar opens out on to a hallway where anyone not too involved with the music can stand and watch, and on the other side of the hall there's another bar area that was only occupied by about four people at the time (one of them me - there were three of us playing melodeons together, which is enough to deter any casual mobile users).

Forgetting to switch off your mobile is understandable enough, but in that context it would seem to me like very bad manners to answer a call in the music session and continue one's conversation there. Anyone with a scrap of consideration would have apologised and hurried out of the room to take the call in one of the adjoining areas. If the person was not prepared to do this, then I think others were entitled to tell him how rude they found his behaviour.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Jack Campin (cookieless)
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:02 PM

This is a nice response:

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

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Dave (Bridge)
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:03 PM

I usually inform people they have two choices if their phone goes of at the folk club. 1 it goes down the toilet or 2 they buy a round. Using vibrate does not always work because if it is on a table and goes off it makes more noise.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:22 PM

Shooting's too good for 'em -- throw the bums out.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,MartinHughes
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 03:35 PM

Marje was correct. It happened last Monday. I abridged the story for brevity. It appeared that the person was making a call (as no ring tone had been heard) but he could equally well have been answering it. He was first given the "look of shame" by the session members, then asked to turn off the phone and, if his call was important, to take it outside. He refused to comply, at which point the dressing down took place. Eventually he left having got no sympathy from anybody he appealed to for support.

Moral: If he had gone outside in the first place he could then have come back in again with little or no embarrassment.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM

As with everything else in the world, it all depends on circumstances. I can't think why it's up for discussion really. A handy hint is for you to put distance 'twixt your phone and any amp, since otherwise for sure you will hear the rhythm of the Willian Tell Overture loud and clear even if the darn thing's on silent.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 04:18 PM

Mmmm, absolutely disgraceful!

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,MartinHughes
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 04:21 PM

Well here's my take on this.
The only phone that should be aloud to ring in any establishment open to the public is the one behind the bar, or the reception desk.
Some establishments are now displaying "No Mobile" signs and fining people whose mobiles go off with an audible ring tone, with the proceeds going to charity.
I am totally against the idea that the antisocial practice of making/receiving calls inside pubs, restaurants, theatres and even shops can become acceptable over time on the basis that
"times change".
My mobile is always on silent and it does not contain a vibrator. I keep voicemail on so that callers can leave a message/number. Otherwise they can text me. If I want to make a call, I go outside and make my call at a discreet distance away from the building.
Job Done!

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Mr Red
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:28 PM

I wasn't at that session, but on Thursday I did get a call in the session. It is all about intrusion, I have the phone on vibrate and ignore the call, leaving at a suitable juncture to go outisde etc to return the call. This is to facilitate the best enjoyment of the festival for those I am with. As far as I can tell it has never intruded.

I am sure I am typical, but not everyone is.

The only time I let the ringtones loose is to demonstrate what Horses Brawle (in the key of GG) sounds like or La Morresque. Most musicians know the tune, but not always the name.

Phones (mobile/cell) have positive uses, sometimes.

The guy with the red bodhran (and phone)

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: goatfell
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:46 PM

I hate the bloody things and mobile phones as well, as for people that need them on because of their job, well they can either turn them off or put them on silent (vibrate) mode, or better still don't bloody come to the session/concert. But then you can't tell these dickheads what to do anyway, because they are dickheads.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 07:48 PM

The intolerance being demonstrated here is unbelievable. It may well be that in your setup the presence, sound or use of a mobile is unacceptable. Good for you. We play our pub gigs and sessions with a mobile or two to hand. Some of us have spouses or children at home in the wilds of rural Cornwall and we feel better when we can be in touch if necessary during a long pub evening when we're 20 or 30 miles from home. We are discreet and considerate about their use, which is very infrequent. We are all very happy with this. Some of you absolutists need to get off your high horses. You pontificate in generalities from the very narrow position of your own circumstances or prejudices. And deep down I hate the bloody things as well, but King Canute I ain't, unlike some of you. And I can spell William.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Dave MacKenzie
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 07:54 PM

As a former employee of BT I've never bought into the idea that Phones have to be answered just ecause they ring. I'm lucky in that when I'm singing, I can't here my own phone even if it's switched on, and anyone who tries to use one while I'm singing gets 10 out of 10 for masochism.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: mandotim
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:10 AM

When I was part of a duo, we had a simple way of dealing with it; we would ask, politely, before we started that phones should go on to silent, so as not to disturb people who wanted to sleep during our set. This usually got a laugh, but got the message across. If a phone went off, the first time we let the audience deal with it; lots of 'shhhh, there's people trying to sleep here' and so on. If it happened a second time, we would instantly switch from whatever we were playing to the 'Nokia tune', with the explanation that 'this one seems popular tonight'. Again, usually a laugh, message sent, and on with the show. Worked for us, without antagonising the audience. Shaky eggs were a different matter...
I think you have to accept that there will be people there who really do have to have a phone switched on, and work around it by asking them to use silent settings as suggested by Mr Red above.
Tim

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:11 AM

Martin.
Your phone doesn't have a vibrator?
A quick trip to Anne Summers should sort that out for you!
Regards Ralph

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:35 AM

At the first Ewan MacColl weekend in Salford, during the course of one of Sandra Kerr's songs, a man's phone rang three times.
We asked him to switch it off - he refused, saying he was a journalist and he couldn't help it if people insisted on calling him at all hours.
He eventually left in a hump - and another anti-MacColl story entered the repertoire.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Marje
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:01 AM

There seem to be various alternatives to letting a mobile ring out loud: you can have it on vibrate (are you really sure yours doesn't, Martin? Mine is an ancient Nokia and it has a vibrate setting)and keep it in a pocket; you can ask close contacts to text if there's a need; or you can switch off, ask them to leave a message and you'll check regularly and call them back. None of these need impinge on other people.

There are mobile users who will ignore the above suggestions because think it makes them look important or needed if they're constantly on the mobile - they need to understand that the message this gives to others is "Look, I happen to be with you guys but there are more important people than you in my life and they have precedence," which is simply rude, there's no other word for it.

I think there's a modern obsession with being in touch 24/7 which is not entirely healthy, almost like an addiction. Sometimes it's good just to let go of the ties and trust that other people will be able to get on without you (and you without them) for a while, instead of being in a state of constant readiness for an emergency, and needing continual reassurance that there isn't one.

But if you can't do that and regard your mobile as an extra limb, you still don't need to have the sodding gadget belting out your favourite tune at every opportunity. There's simply no need.

(Memo to self: make sure, when I'm at Dartmoor Festival this weekend, that my own mobile doesn't embarrass me with its tinny rendering of "Barwick Green" at the wrong moment)

Marje

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:05 AM

I think Mandotim has got it right.
Off to learn the Nokia tune on my concertina immediately!!

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Ernest
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:09 AM

Hey, lets be patient with the poor sods who have to answer to every Tom, Dick or Harry`s call - it is probably not even their own phone but one provided by some employer who isn`t able to do anything on his own...

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 08:40 AM

"the Nokia tune"

Ok - I missed that one....

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: goatfell
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 09:09 AM

I don't mind them in sessions, because you can't really hear them anyway, it these idiots that go to concerts/folk clubs/or theatres that really that annoys me or when you're on a bus or train and some bampot phone goes off and then they shout so loud that everyone else can hear them, I mean they are mobile that mean you move your legs and shift, however if you are on the bus please speak quietly so that only you can talk and no-one else can hear you, in other words have respect for everyone else please, the same goes for these bampots whose mobile phones play that awful head bursting noise all the time on bus/trains. I mean I could go on all day.

but such is life.

as my sister Joanne says don't let them ruin your day, because they can't help being idiots.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Mr Red in silent mode!
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 09:37 AM

When getting a "vibrate in the pocket" from a dear one it will get a laugh if you tell them it was on vibrate and "was it good for you".

Well it will get a laugh once.

I like the comment by Jan ver Haas, snooker referee. He said during a televised match "If that goes off again - tell them you are on your way home".

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: mandotim
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 10:24 AM

Nokia tune; it's the one that goes 'diddle-um-dum, diddle-um-dum, diddle-um-dum, dum'. Generally only heard on the phones of those who don't know how to change the ringtone.
Tim ;)

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 10:48 AM

" He refused to comply, at which point the dressing down took place. "

At that point I would have applauded the dressing down. That was just plain rude.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Johh from Kemsing
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 12:06 PM

There is a notice in one of our local pubs to the effect that, anyone whose mobile phone sounds, will be invited to contribute £0.50 to a local hospice. Should anyone deign to answer the call the invitation will be for £1.0 contribution. There are no interruptions and I have yet to see anyone make a call.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: strad
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 12:08 PM

Have an agreed room policy - if a phone rings, then everyone stops singing, playing etc., all turn and stare at the offender and give absolute silence to allow the culprit to use his phone. Good red face value and it works!

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 12:38 PM

Some idiot's phone rang at the Bridgewater hall during a classical concert a couple of years ago. The conductor stopped the band, turned to the audience and announced that they would start the piece again once the person with the 'phone had been ejected - good on him!
Ray

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,MartinHughes
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 12:50 PM

For Ralphie and Marje

Ralphie, thanks for the Ann Summers tip. Perhaps my daughter can help me here as wife left the scene some time ago.

No Marje, it really does NOT have a vibrate mode because it was the predecessor to the Philips Savvy but without the vibrator part.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Volgadons
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 01:04 PM

"I hate the bloody things and mobile phones as well, as for people that need them on because of their job, well they can either turn them off or put them on silent (vibrate) mode, or better still don't bloody come to the session/concert. But then you can't tell these dickheads what to do anyway, because they are dickheads."

There are people, policemen being an obvious example, who have to have their phones. Why should they have to miss a session just because of that? How about consideration from others, after all, a moment of irritation is just that, a small moment. There are more important things.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM

I always have my mobile switched on in case there is an emergency with the kids. I do however make absolutely certain that it is set to silent/vibrate. I tend to do that even if it is an open session or even if I am in a public place like a restaurant or whatever. I encourage texts rather than calls unless a real serious emergency.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:21 PM

"How about consideration from others, after all, a moment of irritation is just that, a small moment. There are more important things."

I agree with this all the way we have a very ill aged parent(90+)if something happens I need to Know

Gerry

and yes I'm still entitled to a social Life

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:25 PM

Volgadon, Banjo Flowewr etc. About a million people have pointed out in this thread that you can set your phone to vibrate. You don't have to behave anti-socially, unless you choose to.NObody has the slightest objection to your receivingg silent reminders at sessions. They object to dick heads receiving calls and talking noisily in the middle of somebody singing a song.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:28 PM

I wrote a mobile phone shanty once... it's been used to some effect during a session, but the phone owner still didn't take the hint.

Husbands are like that.

LTS

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 05:23 PM

"About a million people have pointed out in this thread that you can set your phone to vibrate."

I would if I knew how to but i'm of the age where technology does not come easily(note to myself I must find a 4 year old to teach me how to
set my phone to vibrate) Jane, perhaps the twins could run a Workshop at Whitby

Gerry

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 05:29 PM

Greg, I was replying to a specific post, that's all.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: PoppaGator
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 05:35 PM

I used to have a normal cell phone that would vibrate when set to "silent mode" ~ in fact, there was a third option to vibrate first and then ring. But when I had to replace it (and chose the least expensive available unit), I got a phone that gives NO signal, silent or otherwise, when the ringer is turned off. Worse yet, I was unaware of this shortcoming when I bought the thing and for MONTHS thereafter.

I hate it. I'll turn it to silent for whatever appropriate occasion, then forget to reset it, and subsequently miss calls for days.

As someone mentioned above, "vibrate" does not always equate to "silent." If the phone is set on a wooden table or other such "soundbox," rather than put in your pocket where it'll be muffled by cloth and flesh, the amplified buzz can be even louder than the normal ringtone.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:14 PM

We find that emasculation sends a clear and convincing message to the miscreants to insist on entertaining everyone around them with electronically transmitted drivel. Cell phones in any entertainment venue are about as welcome as farts in a diving bell.

Subject: RE: Mobile users in sessions
From: Snuffy
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 06:41 AM

In an "entertainment venue" I would totally agree, but the behaviour complained of was in a bar, open to the public for anyone to wander in.

Different ball game, different rules. There are pubs where the locals who drink there all year round do not appreciate a load of "dickheads" coming in once a year and taking the best seats and making a bloody racket with instruments and singing so loudly that you have to shout to be heard when using your mobile.

They have as much right as us to be there and to do what they normally do there. I find that goodwill and reasonableness is usually reciprocated - as is the opposite! Live and let live.