| To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist> Subject: Re: Whistling Date sent: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 20:45:14 -0500 Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Hi, all --
I grew up whistling, too, but over the years I've come to realize that some harmful habits can be associated with whistling. I sometimes articulate with my throat; that is, I close my throat or make half-way glottal stops to separate the notes. I used to do this when I played flute, too, and I think it's detrimental to singing. It tenses and closes the throat, plus, closing only part-way forces air through tightened cords - almost like whispering. And I'm sure you've all heard that whispering is worse than talking when you're sick, so it can't be terribly good for you in general.
OK, now for whistling through the fingers:
I almost got into several auto accidents practicing this at 70 mph on the way home from a rehearsal in NYC once . . . Make a circle by joining the tips of your thumb and middle finger. Stick your tongue out and put the point at which the 2 fingertips meet about 1/2 inch past the tip of your tongue on the UNDERSIDE of your tongue. Bend the tip of the tongue back with your fingers so it folds over the top. Close your lips around maybe the first joint - or not quite so far down - of your fingers and blow. Eventually you'll find where the whistle happens.
Susan May Schneider smschneider-at-earthlink.net
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