Anyone Who Plays the Irish Whistle or Flute

Whistle
1

I am a student at the University of Utah, and I am writing an ethnography about the culture of people who play either of these instruments. Basically I’d like to know anything you’d like to tell that has to do with you and your instrument. I have a series of questions, the first four are things I really need to know about anyone who replies. The rest can be answered if you want or have time. Any other information you’d like to share along these guidelines would be extremely helpful. Also any stories about playing or learning to play you instrument would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much to everyone who replies.

*How and why did you start playing your instrument?

*Where are you from? Where do you live (approximately)? Is that rural or urban? Where are your ancestors from? How much do you know about your ancestry?

*Where do you buy your instruments?

*Where did you learn to play your instrument? Did you teach yourself, or did you have a formal instructor?

How long have you played?

Was there anyone else in your family that played this instrument?

Do you play any other instruments?

What music do you listen to? What artists or composers?

Do you perform? If so where?

What is your profession?


Again, thank you so much,
Robert

P.S. Please include your real name if you would like to be credited for the pieces I use. Otherwise I will credit it to your username.

2

Hello Robert -

It would be useful to us if you would provide your email address so we can send responses to you directly.

Thanks,
Beth

3

My email is junebuginthedry@hotmail.com
thanks.

4

I responded by Private Message.

5

Since you’re new you may not know about private messages, Robert - log into the message board using the Login link on the top right of each page. Once you are logged in, if you have new messages, up in that top right corner it will show a line of text telling you how many messages you have. If you don’t have any new messages, you can click on “Private Messages” to see your old messages or send one yourself.

6

Beth, ramble…

~Larry

7

*How and why did you start playing your instrument?

I had injured my foot doing Irish StepDance and I was going crazy w/out something ‘related’ to do. I’d heard this pretty “flute” and so I did some research. Found out it was an Irish Whistle, that it was cheap, and got one. It’s been downhill from there. :wink:

*Where are you from? Where do you live (approximately)? Is that rural or urban? Where are your ancestors from? How much do you know about your ancestry? I’m from the pacific NW, and I live in Idaho, in a very rural area. My Grandfather is full-blooded Irish and was raised in London during WWII. I have strong musical roots on both sides, and I know quite a bit about my family.

*Where do you buy your instruments?
Usually the internet, but I bought my first whistle at a local music store.

*Where did you learn to play your instrument? Did you teach yourself, or did you have a formal instructor?
I taught myself, but it wasn’t hard b/c I’ve played Alto Sax for about 6 years and the fingerings are practically identical. I just had to learn breath control, and then listening to true Irish music to get a feel for it.

How long have you played?
I started playing in October of 2000, so, as of now, I’ve been playing for about 2 years.

Was there anyone else in your family that played this instrument?
Not that I know of. Although, considering the major musical talent on both sides of the family, it’s possible there might have been an Irish Whistler or Irish Fluter or Irish Fiddler back there somewhere. :wink:

Do you play any other instruments?
Yes, many! Piano, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Barry Sax, Violin/Fiddle, Guitar, Fife, a little Bohem Flute, and a little Viola, as well as a tiny bit of bassoon. I’ve also been known to sing from time to time. :wink:

What music do you listen to? What artists or composers? I listen primarily to Irish Trad., but I also listen to Classical (usually Vivaldi, Beethoven, Bach, Tchaikovsky…), a little Pop music (I’m picky), 80’s Rock and roll… but usually it’s Irish Trad.

Do you perform? If so where?
Yes, I perform. It varies depending on the people I’m performing for, but usually it’s around the area where I live. My first whistle performance was March of 2001, and I’ve done several since. But, ever since I started Band 6 years ago, I’ve done performances of all kinds.

What is your profession?
I’m a full-time student, part-time grocery-bagger, and then, of course, I perform music whenever I get the chance.