1995. Berkeley, CA
somehow i became aware of a whistling teacher that lived in oakland. he’s the one that whistled woodstock’s part on the peanut’s episode where peppermint patty performs at an ice skating competition. he was also on the tonight show.
taking a whistling lesson from a famous whistler seemed like a fun thing to try, so i called him.
he said: “when you arrive be prepared to be greeted with a hug”.
the lesson started with a demonstration. he described in detail the piece he would be whistling for me. i sat on the couch. he put a cassette tape in the stereo and left the room.
after a brief musical prelude he came bounding back in – literally flying through the air – and proceeded to give a full-blown operatic whistling performance; acting out the story, playing all the characters, dancing, gesturing, whistling like i’d never heard anyone whistle before.
when it was over i was stunned. i clapped – he seemed to expect it. it was strange being the only audience member.
he quickly commenced with the lesson, which felt like a big letdown after such a dramatic performance.
i didn’t have a whistling breakthrough. i didn’t take any more lessons. i sensed that he would have liked to have a student that took whistling as seriously as he did.
now when i whistle i feel self-conscious, thinking i should be better than i am since i’ve studied with the master.