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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