Clearly kkrell does not understand who is in charge here. First, there is the Undisputed King - Dale, then there are the mods. The rest of us are here at their pleasure.
You are on a need to know basis. Just answer the questions sir.
What goals did you establish for the current fiscal year?
(A) To become proficient at low whistles whilst expanding my repertoire by (B) creating playlists of tunes which sound their best in a particular key or with a particular whistle.
Which goals have you achieved?
About 90% on item A and about 50% on item B.
What steps have you taken to achieve goals not yet met?
Spend less time watching football (American) and more time playing whistle.
Please list your outreach and dissemination activities.
Made a new whistle playing friend in San Francisco, have held on practice session with him. Made and distributed two dozen d whistles using GG’s plans and gave them to local middle school music program at the request of their music program instructor. Have observed them practicing on the school steps while walking to my commuter train.
Were any grants requested and/or obtained? From whom?
My wife requested that I build a practice room in the backyard. I happily agreed and requested a grant to procure materials and labor to do so since I work waaayyy too much to have time for construction. Awaiting grant approval, expect it will come in the form of a birthday present.
What is your current inventory? Will you be procuring additonal capital assets?
Starting to become embarrassed. Let’s just say that I now have four Burke roll cases and two Goldie cases full and leave it at that. Of course I will procure additional assets but I am becoming far more selective in trading away instruments that do not get playing time.
Which activity received the best/worst accolades?
The best was easily creating playlists of favorites in particular keys, neighbors provided very positive feedback. The worst was becoming proficient at low whistle as neighbors provided far different feedback at first.
Was anyone, person or animal, hurt, maimed, or off-ed by your whistle playing? Was this self-induced?
The good/bad news is that my old (15 years) dog, who used to be off-put by my playing, has now gone deaf so she can happily remain asleep by my feet when I practice where she used to stay far away. My wife blames me for her hearing loss but the vet supports my playing. He’s Dublin born though so my wife has requested a second opinion. I pointed out that I too have congenital hearing loss and have worn hearing aids for the past few years but it has not yet mollified her. The cat seems to love my playing and sits on the arm of my chair while I practice. My wife is a wonderful person and actually loves my playing but she is in a PHD program and needs quiet time to study. I am of course supportive, plus the grant supported back yard man-cave appears to be a bonus.
Report Faithfully submitted, Douglas C, Neidermeyer, Sergeant at arms. (ecohawk)
If by that you mean as a ready cash cow or for perks better kept behind closed doors, then as a mod I must answer with regret and a heavy sigh, “Not so much.”
My year begins and ends with the KVMR celtic music festival in late September so I just started my second year of whistldom. In my first year I found a teacher and a slow session with terrific support and leadership. My goals for the second year are to work on those traits I enjoy in the playing of others. Namely playing at a steady tempo and in tune (either to concert pitch or the other whistles or box player). I would also like to commit a dozen sets to memory. I am also working on relaxing to reduce the stress in my hands so I can play longer and I need to work on endurance by practicing sets not just one tune at a time. The result will be a doubling of revenue with no increase in payroll.
I’ve mostly given up on whistle and flute. I’ve taken up piano. Despite many years on the wind instruments, I am what might be politely termed a hack. That said, I have had some magic moments during public performances and still can play a few tunes when so inclined. The bigger drop off is on flute, but both suffer.
To practice more. To practice more. To practice more.
I practiced more. I practiced more. I practiced more.
I don’t attend family or friends events anymore in order to practice more often… and save money on gifts so I can procure more whistles for myself. Selfish, yes I have become that!
I have purchased several beginner type whistles and given them away to the local children. I have purchased several whistle CDs and donated them to the local public library. Additionally, I have used the C&F Whistle Forum for woody whistles discussions. I like wood whistles.
I was granted whistle permission to play wildly anything I wanted at home. My 29 yr old bluefront Amazon permits my playing and frequently screeches in while step dancing on the perch. I mean anything.
I’m neither embarrassed nor ashamed of whistle inventory. Perhaps, a current updated list of whistlemakers would increase asset acquisition. Yes, procurement is my specialty, especially since eliminating family and friends events (see #3). Sterling has taken on a whole new shine here.
Best = I attend all local ITM events within reasonable/safe drive distance. Worst = didn’t attend any events in Ireland for the hard core, pure drop traditional music that I pursue. Instead, I used the money saved for further procurement purposes (see #6)
Yes, family and friends have been quite issed-off from my lack of presence at events, loss of their gifts, and my preferences for whistle practice and procurement instead of attending social bonding events. Yes, some of the neighbors dogs and cats have had to put up with my parrot’s screeching while I practice (see #5). I can’t hear the neighbor’s complaints if they are complaining. I don’t care. Yes, that is selfish.
Still kinda newbie-ish and I’m working on my first handful of tunes… one hand full.
Submitted reluctantly and issed-off, look over to your left that’s me… peeon, penurious, tone-deaf, wannabee whistler.
ytliek
To put music back into my life. Learn to play an instrument that I’ve always enjoyed the sound of, and to play music that I’ve always appreciated.
I can play 2 ITM songs after much practice, and I rarely screw them up unless I go too fast. I’ve made a song of my own creation, and learned a couple from video games I like to play.
Practice more. What else?
Playing around others and making whistles. Educating people that they are whistles and not recorders.
Oh yea sure. I’ll request a grant. Let me know if you’re interested. Always willing to take your whistles and/or money.
Kerry Optima Low D, Susato Low G, Generation High D. I’ve made a functional Low C and Eb from gg’s PVC guide, and will be working on an F soon.
I’ve only played at home, but my partner enjoys the Picard song, and the Morrowind theme.
