This may be more appropriate for another forum (Post-Structural?) Mods? I’m seeking popular opinion on something that’s been bothering me and may interest C&F’ers.
I’m considering starting up a new organization. NWA.
No, not the band or the weather service. National Whistle Association. Maybe WWA (World Whistle Association). I can’t decide. It could be an adjunct to C&F if there was enough interest. I’ve decided we need a political presence at the local, state and national (possibly worldwide) level to insure that whistle players are accorded the same rights and privileges as all other musicians. I also seek equal pay for equal work and the freedom to marry anyone or worship anyone or anything I choose. Yes, even a bodhran or rec&4$3r player!
I’m willing to pay the same taxes as everyone else and do not seek military exemption (as long as they put us in the marching band and we get to be in parades). I simply seek fairness.
Remember, we don’t have a Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing our right to keep and bear instruments of mirth and merriment. Maybe we need one! Some on C&F have described their favorite high octane whistles as “session assault weapons” but I don’t think our founding fathers considered whistles as firearms any more than they did an AK-47. So we’d have to go to the Supreme Court or the UN for support and I’m not ready for that…yet.
There’s an argument to be made that the US Declaration of Independence (hopefully the Brits - at least on C&F - have forgiven us by now ), shows us some love where it confirms our "unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Whistles make me happy, how about you?
Who wants to join me? Dues will be free until we have to hire a lobbyist. All members contributing more than $50 will receive a Freeman Bluebird. Membership is open to anyone and everyone that can play an immediately recognizable version of Róisín Dubh, Fermoy Lasses, Toss the Feathers or The Foggy Dew on a regulation, six holed high D whistle. We could allow whistles with thumb-holes, or D+ if member demand is strong but absolutely nothing with keys. Since I desire to embrace all cultures I suppose we could consider allowing substitute tunes like Burning of the Piper’s Hut or Niel Gow’s Lament for the Death of his Second Wife but definitely no Danny Boy or Comin’ Thru the Rye or Theme from Titanic or (HELL NO!) Braveheart. Suggestions?
Maybe I’m over-thinking this. I’m open to thoughtful or derisive discussion at your discretion.
You may want to talk to He Who Rules the Whistle World. He already started the NWA. Or am I imagining it? I think I have a Tee shirt somewhere - with something about “pry it out of my cold dead hands.”. So I guess I am already a member.
There will be a background check. You will be limited to whistle bags holding no more than 5 whistles. And those electronic whistle synth things will not be permitted. Maybe we should restrict the caliber of each whistle tube by key too - or maybe just the caliber of play.
Really, I wasn’t kidding. I’ve got the NWA and two other long sleeved C&F tee-shirts. They are my de facto first day at a summer whistle workshop garb. Helps to bring C&F-ers out of the woodwork.
I don’t usually wear T-shirts only as outer wear, its the belly thing where the T slides up and bare skin is exposed.
But, I would like one if they’re available.
Isn’t NWA a rap thing?
I’d be interested in ecohawk’s org… but, geez, could you expand the tune list “demonstrated play” requirement for membership? None of those tunes are in my repertoire. I may not have enough time left to learn any of them either… slow learner here, bones stiff, muscles ache, and ticker off key.
Shouldn’t be a problem. They are quality shirts and I find the sizing generous. But I am not a particularly big guy either. There are hats too!
I thought everyone had a few of these shirts. Didn’t you all get the welcome notice when you joined C&F with the order form for Joanie Madden and Mary Bergin CDs, the Micho Russel video and the C&F logo gear catalog?
I’m so so in trouble. Mea culpa. The dog ate my homework. It wasn’t me. The devil made me do it. I will fire my advance R&D guy immediately.
Is that sufficient contrition?
T-Shirt ordered. Thanks Feadoggie.
Dale, Oh Master of all whistledom please forgive my capricious nature. I’m old and sometimes I grow impatient.
I checked the link and was shocked at the conceptual similarities. I feel unclean and am thoroughly humbled. However , if you’d like to revisit or expand the concept I’m offering my full support to the project.
), shows us some love where it confirms our "unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Whistles make me happy, how about you?
Do I need a lawyer already? If I have offended or overstepped I pray for forgiveness.
, if you’d like to revisit or expand the concept I’m offering my full support to the project.