I am quite new to whistles, but was inspired by my “discovery” of the Fine band from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea. So I have been plodding along, doing the Clarke Tin Whistel Book lessons etc. I even took several lesson from a guy at a local music store, but have been less than satisfied. I just dont think the guy likes to play the instrument, and had not for years before the music store told him I was looking to take lessons. I noodle constantly and have learned to play a few tunes with tablituer.
So the question is Do you know of a place I could turn for help? Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks
Nick
You may want to look up Mike McHale in the Catskills. That is not all that far of a trip. I’d travel for about an hour for a Mike McHale lession. Unfortunately, I’m about 5 hours from Mike so that is right out.
Mike McHale would defintely be a great person to get you going. I believe he does classes for beginners as well as advanced players. He shows up at a lot of the Albany Comhaltas sessions and is a terrific flute and whistle player.
BTW-- You are probably not too far from Andy’s Front Hall, which is a good place to buy some types of whistle, and lots of tune books and recordings.
If anything ever brings you to the Troy NY area, I would be happy to help inasmuch as I am able.
A)What town in the Catskills is Mike from? B)Have you got more contact info for him?
C) Where is Andy’s Front Hall, sound like a good day trip.
D) Thanks!
E) Nick
Hi, Nickster! I’m in central CT and looking for the same. Locally there is a nice session in Hartford at City Steam on Wednesday nights, and people there are very supportive. Usually there are two to four people playing whistle/flute/uillean pipes. Fellow by the name of Will (who plays all the above) occasionally comes, and he may be taking on students soon.
Andys Front Hall is in Voorheesville NY, near Albany. Their website is:http://andysfronthall.com/
I have no commercial interest yadda, yadda.
Call them for hours and directions.
They may have a booth at the Scottish Games on Labor Day weekend, which would DEFINITELY be worth a trip ( Altamont NY, also near Albany). Men hurling heavy objects, good food and beer, major Highland Pipes competition, culminating with a massed pipes procession-- several hundred pipe and drummers, which is an awesome spectacle.
I checked w/mapquest. Catskill is a 3 hr drive, so that is out as an option for lessons. If any one can think of somebody closer I would like to hear from you!
Nick