Was invited to play for ST Patrick’s Day in our local middle school - a science class whose teacher is very Irish, at least at heart, if not in truth.
Had a blast playing slow airs and inviting them to guess the “mood” of the piece (lament, love song and what not). Had even more fun later sitting outside on a bench waiting to pick up the kids - played for half an hour as folks ran for their buses. I was surrounded at one point. Others snuck behind me to listen. No one knew was I was playing, of course. piccolo was a popular guess
What a trip!
Great job, Pastorkeith. I’m a pastor of the Presbyterian variety. The other day my wife and six year old daughter were at the movies when they ran into my daughter’s kindergarten teacher. My wife suggested I bring my whistle in for a demonstration for the class which I’m going to do on Wednesday. What did you play for them? I’m not a very accomplished player, but thought I’d try Foggy Dew and Parting Glass, maybe Spancil Hill which is pretty short. Also Twinkle, Twinkle which my daughter can join me on. Any other suggestions that are at the slightly more than beginner’s level?
I have been playing for two years and hardly consider myself anything more than a beginner. I brought Walton’s 110 Slow Airs with me and had picked out a few to play that sounded good during practice. Stuff like Ned of the Hill , Sally Gardens and Eanach Dhuin. I will admit to have played Danny Boy, Greensleeves, and Scarborough Fair as well. Have you ever looked at the “Whistle and Squeak” site? It has an interesting mix from Mary Had a Little Lamb to Scarborough Fair, Greensleeves and so forth. www.geocities.com/whistleandsqueak/index.html
Have a blast - the kids were captivated by the sound - which took me by complete surprise.
Thanks. I hadn’t thought about Whistle and Squeak. That’s a good resource. Whenever I’ve played my whistle in church for the kids, they are sort of awed by the sound (a few adults, too!). I think it’ll be fun.
