Some people have a fear of dogs, some people fear the IRS, others dread heights (I used to have a problem going to the upper deck at baseball games, but have mostly gotten over that now). Recently I have discovered a new fear, a fear that is so awesome in it’s power, but yet so subtle in it’s manifestation that I didn’t even know that I had this fear, but recently I’ve had an awakening.
I took my whistle out to a deserted parking garage (yes we have such things in Phoenix, at least on weekends), and I let go. I mean that the environment was such that I wasn’t self conscious about my playing, the accoustics were nice and suddenly I found that some places in tunes where traditionally I was likely to honk, I wasn’t honking! I really believe that always practicing in my apartment is the culprit, the factor that has led me to fear the high notes, because I have a tendency to try and hold back so as not to annoy my neighbors too much. So now whenever I get the chance I head out to the parking garage on weekends. My fear of high notes is gradually going away, I feel more confident, and may again begin dating soon! I owe it all to that wonderful hunk of concrete, my loving and understanding practice garage.
Your kind words have inflated my self esteem! I now have the ability to receive as welll as give compiments, therefore I will say to you, your avatar is quite a sight!! I must also confess that I am highly attracted to female cartoon characters that have the ability to sneer, snarl, wink, and wave a gun simultaneously. You, and the practice garage have increased my happiness!
chortle
I aim to please! Nice to meetcha, Monster. You’d best bring a hat though when you’re playing the parking garage… who knows? Passing motorists might just finance your next whistle acquisition! (I’ve already come to understand that one whistle is never enough - it just leads to the next whistle.)
I had the same “fear” when I used to practice with my Sausato at home. The upper A and B were so loud that I wasn’t playing them full out. I played once in an indoor pool room at a hotel and it was magical.
Where in Phoenix do you live? Do you attend sessions? The one I regularly attend is on Wednesday’s, at Murphys Irish Pub. It’s just north of the 202 on Scottsdale Road, left hand side of the street right next to La Fonda mexican restaraunt. 8pm - 11pm, and it’s a slow session. Paul Knight (ClareVoyants) leads it.
As you’ve discovered, the worst thing you can do on high notes on whistle is to pull back or flinch away from them. Hit 'em clean and solid and just trust that they’ll sound good and they usually do.
You, and the practice garage have increased my happiness!