HI,
I’m writing a paper on penny whistling, and I am interested in the influence of Irish folk music on the ornmanentation of songs. I’m interested in any answers that any of you could give to me to the following questions: What factors do you think affect the way you play songs on the penny whistle? How important is ornamentation (such as slides, rolls, etc) to you? Does the music you listen to you affect the way you play? I’d also be interested in any advice you have for first-time penny whistlers, or any unusual information about the whistle.
Thanks a lot, Tania
Hi, Tania.
If I may offer a suggestion, if you haven’t done so already, try the “search” link that’s in the upper right corner. I know there has been some discussion of where ornamentation in Irish music comes from recently, for example. You might find a lot of information by searching for some keywords relating to your topic.
Best wishes,
Jerry
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Tania, ornamentation is vital to Irish tinwhistle music. Without ornamentation, it’s just elevator music. As to the music I listen to affecting the way I play, it’s vital. You just can’t get the flavor of the tune from the printed page.
Not everybody agrees with this, though. A lot of how important ornamentation is depends on the individual player’s (and audiences’) style and preference. Basically, some people think it is essential, others think it is optional, and others still preach on the dangers of “overornamentation” or whatever. Basically, it all depends on who you ask. Personally, I can’t figure out how to do them and therefor have no personal opinion…
Sam, have you tried Brother Steve’s site? Or the Bill Ochs tutor? A clear explanation is a good start to figuring out ornamentation.
In answer to the original question, ornamentation isvital to Irish trad music. You’d be hard put to find a recording of an artist who didn’t use it. My advice for beginning whistlers is to listen to lots of music, preferably older recordings, which tended to focus more on rhythm and melody lines. The older recordings are also usually played at a somewhat slower speed, which makes them more accessible for the beginner.
Good luck!
I can’t play songs well enough without ornamentation to warrant bothering with them at this point. And after being stuck in a non-whistle friendly dorm for the past 7 months I’ve pretty much forgotten anything I learned last year, gonna have to start over this summer… 
I have considered getting Bill Och’s tutor though, I just haven’t any money at this point in time…
Check out Chris Laughlin’s long post here, Tania. It’s very informative regarding ornamentation, and in one of the posts further down the page he comments on learning by ear.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=7498&highlight=ornamentation