Added to the list of upcoming classes will be an introduction to the penny whistle. I can play some rudimentary pieces on the little six-hole hollow stick – I learned to play the modern concert flute some years back, so changing over to the penny whistle is rather natural I think. Anyway . . . I thought it appropriate to include some historical information on the penny whistle. Summarizing information from several websites, it appears that the penny whistle (which is also know as tin whistle, fipple flute, flageolet, and feadog stain, to name a few) came to us via China some 5,000 years ago. There is evidence that it was used by the Vikings around the 12th century and is among the artifacts found in archaeological digs around Dublin from that same era.
There are numerous websites and blogs which teach a little about playing the whistle. One that I found quite interesting is tinwhistlelessons.com . . . where not only can you hear songs being played, but you can record yourself playing those songs and then listen to the play back to guage your performance.
For those in the Albuquerque area (or if you’re going to be in town this summer), you might want to check out the Albuquerque Folk Festival, June 18 – 19, 2010. There are numerous musical activities going on, including free lessons and jam sessions, where you can get tips on playing the penny whistle and other folk instruments. It’s a fun event, even if you don’t play an instrument – I would encourage you to check it out!!! I hope to have a few classes taught by then so that our homeschoolers can go to the festival and join in the fun!!!
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