Just thought I’d drop a short introductory note. I’ve played the whistle for a few weeks now (whee), and have much enjoyed this board and the Chiff & Fipple site.
Unfortunately, this week I managed to get an unpleasant case of inflamed tendons on my right hand (from typing too much too unergonomically), so at the moment I’m trying to be sensible and stay away from my whistles. I thought reading this board would be a good substitute activity, but nah.. just makes me want to go practice some more. I guess I’ll try chocolate and coffee next
Has anyone managed to find good substitutes for whistling?
I have had a fierce experience with keyboard related RSI. It somehow never really interfered with my musicmaking, the only thing I can say is; stay off the keyboard as that is the cause of it and it will never go away as long as you keep using your computer.
I recommend keeping the whistles well out of sight and mind until your hands feel better. I think most of us keep a spare whistle within arms length, so avoiding them is almost impossible.
The only thing that I can think of that would keep you from practice would be eating. As clever as I am, I don’t eat, drink and whistle at the same time. However, your waistline might suffer after a few weeks.
I would say the best thing to do is get a pencil and paper, put on your Cherish the Ladies CD’s, and sharpen your transcribing skills on Joanie’s (and Deirdre’s) whistle parts. (Hey, Joanie, please don’t tell Mary that I’m practicing the whistle more than the guitar now!) That way, when your hands heal up, you’ll have good whistle chops and be able to toot with the best of 'em!
Sometimes when I’m too busy to practise whistling, I do more listening to good players on CD just to get myself “indoctrinated” with the trad rhythm of reels jigs and such. I suppose it doesn’t help with your technique and all but its beneficial if you’re into the music.
Try whistling, as in with your lips, not a whistle. You can do this anywhere, even while driving, and is a great way to get new tunes into your head. When you return to full use of your hands, you will already know some new tunes.
My substitute is to run through the
streets screaming. Works well as long
I remember to put my clothes on
first. Otherwise I don’t get to
do it long enough.
