The "black stick of death" is a common nickname that band directors have for the clarinet. It's one of the hardest instruments to take control of...and they're notorious for ruining a concert by squeaking. So yes, we clarinetists can bring death to a band concert!
Hope this clears stuff up about my signature!
EDIT: Gasp...wrong use of pronouns...a object pronoun instead of a subject pronoun...tsk tsk!!