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Post by Ptarmigan on May 16, 2008 11:58:29 GMT
 Tin Whistle Course with Dick GlasgowThis course is almost over. However, it has been so successful that the organisers are very keen to run another one in the Autumn. So if you are interested, you should contact the Bushmills Ulster Scots Heritage groupCheers Ptarmigan |
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emdee
Sparrowhawk
Posts: 46
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Post by emdee on Jun 3, 2008 22:25:56 GMT
Pity I can't get involved in this. I have been trying to learn this intriguing instrument for something like 10 years on and off, and although a piping background is an asset as far as the agility and coordination of the fingers is concerned, it just about ends there, as the compass and effects possible are so different. In my ignorance, I used to think that the whistle was a sort of curio and second rate instrument until I began to study it, and realised that it is a serious instrument with its own standing, probably more so in Ireland than Scotland, and because it is cheap to buy, it is not a reflection on the musical value it has.
I now use it when I am doing a session for the tourists along with an accordionist, and play a couple of tunes just to vary the programme a bit.
The whistle that I am playing at the moment is a Clarke's with a plastic mouthpiece. I think it has the best tone and volume out of all the whistles I have tried. I also have a Clarke's with a wooden plug mouthpiece, which has a good tone, but does not project very well.
Having said that I have been trying to learn the whistle for ten years reminds me that I have a cello which I got for my birthday three years ago, and am also supposed to be trying to learn that.
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Post by Ptarmigan on Jun 3, 2008 22:54:37 GMT
Yes, I know the feeling. I think we're all like that really. I myself have a Mountain Dulcimer & a Hurdy Gurdy which really should be receiving far more attention, than the shameful once in a blue moon treatment they have been getting, up to now. So many wonderful instruments ............. so little time!  As for the Tin Whistle, it's a wonderful wee beastie for getting youngsters up & running on a musical instrument. It's also a very useful crossover tool, when working in both Catholic & Protestant schools, over here.  It's also a fabulous instrument in the hands of a master, which is sadly something I am not.  Cheers Ptarmigan |
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Bushmills Ulster Scots Heritage ~ Events
