To: "Vocalist" <vocalist>
Subject: Whistling
Date sent: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 10:28:26 -0500
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

First, my favorite whistling quote from the father of my sweet-whistling
Alabama honey of a college voice teacher:

"A whistlin' woman is like a crowin' hen: No good will come from either one"

My father is a world-class (IMHO) whistler, two notes at a time, sweet pure
tone, whistling in harmony with an open mouthed hum. My family, particularly
the girls, grew up whistling for pleasure. As far as benefits to a singer, I
can whistle anywhere (almost) without comment (except for the occasional
"What a lovely whistler you are!"). Because the focus is right behind the
lips in a sweet spot, I don't feel any extra tension. I can practice legato,
phrasing and interpretation of melody line while I'm in the grocery store.
My whistle range is almost identical to my vocal range and I'm sure a
physicist would have something to say about where whistle pitches resonate
in different parts of the whistle range (to me, all head unless I'm humming
at the same time) as opposed to vocal registers. I can't think of anything
about a well-produced whistle that is anything but positive for a singer. It
doesn't even dry me out because it's so far in front and I can whistle a
song even when I'm too swollen from post-nasal drip to want to sing it.

Now, slightly off topic: I was looking for a site which described how the
whistle works and is produced and I found this gem! I've always wanted to
know how to do the "fingers in the mouth" or "wolf" whistle, but never
found someone who could teach me. This site with instructions is so well
done, cabs were stopping at my door within 30 seconds of reading through it.
It's worth reading just as an example of clear and concrete teaching!

http://www.learn2.com/08/0876/08761.php3

Best wishes, now I have to go send all those cabs away!

Laura