Today was a gorgeous day, so I brought a whistle to campus and played outside between classes. I’ve played with a Dixon outdoors and the notes I blow most gently for cut out in the wind. So today I tried my tweaked Shaw… reasoning that since I blow harder into it it would stand up to the wind better. I think it worked a little better, but D and sometimes E still died when the wind kicked up. Is there a way around this? Any whistle that works best outdoors?
Also, somebody saw me playing, surprised me by complimenting me in having a nice tin whistle (he knew what it was!), and further surprised me by suggesting I come play for his radio station sometime!
I’m envious that it’s warm enough to play outdoors there!
Keep spreading the good music! Smart thinking to bring an instrument that needs more oomph for a breezy day. If the breeze is steady enough, find a spot on the leeward side of a hedge or building. Or the leeward side of your fan club, if there’s anyone big enough to block the wind for you!
Ah, that sentence was pure poetry for me! Thanks!!!
Possibly, because here in the UK the weather is bitterly cold and biting. Personally, if you have people coming up to you and complimenting you on your instrument - then perhaps you’re using the perfect instrument! Methinks!
Finding a spot sheltered from the wind is best. If none is available, facing directly into the wind also works. This make take some experimenting and does not work if the wind is swirling. Of the whistles I own, the Cheiftain does the best in wind. It is also the loudest, which is good outdoors.
