Growing Pains?

Whistle
1

If I may, let me start with a story.

I made a list a few years ago about things I wished to persue before I died. Everyone makes a list like this, I believe, though most write the list and work on them when they are old or dying, or both.

Well, I’m 27, and decided that if I wanted to have years left to talk about things I’ve done, I needed to start the list sooner rather than later. With that in mind, I looked at the top three things on the list:

  • Learn a foreign language.
    Play a musical instrument.
    Become a master marksman.

Number 1 - Done (Latin)
Number 3- Mostly done (2" spread at 20 yards with a .40 Desert Eagle, 1" spread at 200 yards with a 300 Weathersby w/ scope))

And I’ve been working on Number 2.

I decided on the tin whistle after listening to Flogging Molly (heh). I first purchased a Feadog High D, and worked on the book it came with, pretty simple stuff. I struggled initially with it due to the exceedingly large, meaty hands I have. I needed something bigger, but I wasn’t sure what. I liked the Low D, and have since decided on either an Overton of Chieftain.

To see if it would help, I made a PVC pipe whistle with a wooden fipple (ok, I made about a dozen before I got one with decent sound – Above average craftsman is number 5 on my list) and low and behold it worked, I could play better.

Now, I struggled with the sound and the ascetic aspects of the whistle, so I decided to buy a nice metal one.

Instead I found a Asarkar whistle made in India for $50 on e-bay, sold!

Here’s the problems:

(1) While the sound was initially good, it seems like the sound is degenerating. It could be me, or it could be the whistle. Somehow I’ve put a slight ding in the top of the cap, and I notice that as I play it more, the finger holes are losing their nickel plating and the brass is showing.

(2) I cannot, repeat cannot, hit a high D. Not the low d, or middle d (as I call it), but the High D. The High C# is a bit of a struggle, but I can do it, no High D. Again, this could be me. As my avatar shows, I am a smoker, though this hasen’t hampered me yet. The music instructor where I work says I have one of the largest lung capacities he’s seen.

(3) I’m tired of the whistle. I find it embarassing to show people, and I find myself looking longingly at the Overton low D.

(4) While the whistle does have a nice sound, I find I wish it was slightly more rich and less breathy.

Anyway, advice or suggestions? Being currently unemployed (no school in session in the summer), spending $250 on a Overton D would take some planning, but if y’all think it’ll make a big difference, I’ll eat Ramon and hot dogs till school starts again to budget it in.


Also, I find myself in need of advice on music.  I seem to have hit a wall.  I know that a large part of my struggle is not being able to read sheet music, but I hear that comes with time.  I struggle with finding music that is at my level.

I don't mind attempting harder things, but there is a time when one wants to play things without struggling...  I'll list the things I know (it's a short list, don't worry) and maybe y'all can toss out suggestions?

I purchased a book called, "Mel Bay's Deluxe Tinwhistle Songbook:  Irish Music and Ballads" by Patrick Conway, ISBN: 978-087166670-3.  It's a GREAT book, I find myself liking it, though there are some noticable errors in song titles, and some songs I feel are required that are lacking (Danny Boy and Fibber Magee).

Anyway, here is the list:

Amazing Grace
Danny Boy
Whiskey in a Jar
Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone)
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Christmas Songs (Good Lord, I think I could put on a Christmas concert)

Any suggestions of easy ones I could learn?  Popular songs, like Danny Boy and Amazing Grace seem easy, because I know their tempo.

Whiskey in a Jar and Cockles and Mussels are also easy, as their tempo's are pretty regular and easy to pick up...

I need something that has a pretty regular rhythm, if possible.

Thanks guys, sorry for the novel.

-Biggie
2

Biggie,

A couple of months ago, I felt the same way about music of a low enough difficulty for my level of playing. There are some older threads on beginner’s tunes.

After trying a few of the airs, I landed on The Leitrim Fancy. I cannot remember why, but it is supposed to be one of the easier to play jigs. Anyway, it does seem to fall under the fingers better for me at my current level of playing, although I have a hard time deciding where to breath.

I did start it slowly. Even after a couple of months, I still play it a little on the slow side. My aim was to be able to play it at a tempo at which I do not make mistakes or fluff fingering. Anyway, this approach worked for me, and now that I am beginning to play it at closer to a jig tempo, I can really hear the bounce in the piece and feel enjoyment at what my fingers are actually able to achieve.

My second piece is The Boys From Ballisodare, which I got as the first full tune in Grey Larsen’s Tinwhistle Toolbox. It seemed strange at first, but a quick listen to the accompanying CD put me on the right course for the lilt. I find it easier to incorporate breathing into this piece than the Leitrim Fancy.

Other, more experienced players will likely offer better advice.

How good is your Latin? I rarely have to write Latin descriptions for new species and the like and find it really, really difficult. So I admire your ability.

Charlie

3

My Latin was very good in college, but as the years pass I don’t use it, it seems to be slipping away…

However, my spanglish has improved with learning Latin! :slight_smile:

Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll look up the two songs and the posts.


-Biggie