Just eleven days ago, I posted my first message on this board, stating my interest and intention to embark on the whistling adventure. I mentioned, because of the “feast or famine” nature of my business, I wouldn’t be able to buy myself a whistle until my business sold something, which could be any day.
Since then, two of the people who post here regularly have been extremely kind in sending me an assortment of whistles, including both hand-me-downs and a brand new SweeTone.
I’m over the moon. I was right on target in thinking that the whistle would be the perfect instrument for me. It’s soooo easy to understand and play, and it makes such wonderful sounds.
The resources for learning are just amazing. Dale, you’ve done a terrific job in setting everything up to make it easy and fun, including both your site and links to so many other great sites.
So this is just a note to express my gratitude to a group of people I’ve never seen or spoken to for your great kindness and generousity.
Hi Jerry,
Wow! I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt moved by your comments. Here’s my impression: this is more than a forum. It’s almost a family It’s a place for learning, sharing and improving. It’s also a place for ripping the arse off any whistlesmith who makes a shoddy product. Whether that’s a good thing or not is another issue.
Tom.
I didn’t identify you and my other benefactor in my thank you post because both of you contacted me off the board, and I didn’t know if you would prefer to remain anonymous.
Now that you’ve commented, I’ll thank you again for the gift of the SweeTone, and add that I’ve learned a tremendous amount from your posts.
I’m still new here, but I can already tell the there is a wonderful group here. The atmosphere is so relaxing. Welcome to whistling Jerry… I’m new too!
Since coming to this board, I too have received whistles from people who before were strangers but now have become what I consider to be very good friends. My most favorite whistles were gifts from people on this board.
That said, I have also given whistles away and encouraged others to play them Unfortunately, one’s spouse didn’t like the whistle and convinced them to play the recorder. Ahhhh, the inhumanity!
I would like to second this emotion. After posting a small thread asking people for their opinions on the Susato 3 whistle set, I received many offers from people asking if I would like to buy a used Susato (or 2 or 3) from them.
I was all set to get someone’s “previously enjoyed” whistle and then life reared up and bit me. Having no free money anymore, I had to turn down the generous offers.
Then, out of the blue, someone offered to GIVE me the exact 3 whistle set I was coveting so much! I greedily said “YES!!”.
They arrived today (I didn’t even have to pay postage!) and all I can say is “Thank you!”. They are fantastic, especially the Bb which sounds wonderful for slow airs.
Thank you all for your kindness. Great thanks go out to the kind person that sent me the Susatos. This kind act will come back to you three fold.
At the risk of flogging the obvious I have to say that this forum, and others like it, illustrate one of the major benefits of computers and electronic communications - disseminating information and bringing people closer together. Even those who live in isolated villages can participate although the closest fellow board members are hundreds of miles away. Far out, man. Or, as some used to say in the 60s after getting into a certain state of mind, farm house, man.
Mike
I also have been subject to the kindness of this board as I have also received a whistle from a generous being who wishes to remain unnamed. I hope as I acquire whistles that I can someday pass on this wonderful tradition and help someone out too…
I too have been touched by the kindness of some big whistle makers who have put themselves out to help me find whistles I can play. There’s Tony Dixon who made me many whistles and made a special holed clip so I if I dropped the whistle it would fall only as far as the leather thong let it. Sandy Jasper who made me 3 D bodies with holes set in different patterns, Mack Hoover who gave me a C. Any others who have helped with questions and other stuff. How can you repay people like this. Perhaps by returning the kindness in another way. I’m disabled so the help and different types of whistles have been invaluable. The wieght and shape helps me avoid pain to some extent. My way of repaying the help given to me is to have become involved in the Boys Brigade where disability doesn’t matter. The Band comes first. I was taught the basics of the 6 keyed flute, and now help teach lads from 6 years up. It’s very hard as they don’t concentrate for long but they love to play even when they run riot for a while. I get something from doing this and so do they. We all hope to travel to Troon near Glasgow in April and play Highland Cathedral and Winster Galop infront of several hundred other players. I’m sure we will.
....... I shall whistle from the Underworld .......
[ This Message was edited by: selkie on 2003-01-16 21:54 ]
I, too, have not been the recipient of generous gifts, but as a new whistler (since January 5-my new birthday) I have benefited from everyone’s gifts of advice, encouragement, interest in others, and genuine enthusiasm for whistles and whistling. Your enthusiasm has been contagious as I have not been able to stop whistling: At the house, in the car (even while driving–I know, I know…), and at my school (I’m a middle school principal; Imagine the comments!). Thanks to all of you! Now, if any of you could part with a whistle or two, it would offset the fact that my wife now barely tolerates my presence in the house and the fact that the dog now hates me!
Nope, no recorders. That’s elementary school. Middle school band plays the traditional instruments…however, I have now been invited to play with the band with my whistle!
I had to travel to Perth, Australia to get my first whistle (Waltons LB). I happened to chance by it.
I’m really greatful for this board, 'cos without u guys, I would not have met my fellow Singaporeans with whm I share a common interest and I would most probably be bored till my wits and and leave my LB in the dust…
