This personal account is penned by Ben Shannon, a graphic journalist at CBC and a proud father residing in Toronto. For more insights on personal stories, refer to the FAQ.
One day, as I watched the BBC quiz show Only Connect, a contestant casually mentioned participating in an international whistling competition.
Could there really be an international whistling contest?
After a swift online search, I found myself amused and promptly added my youngest daughter, Sumire, and myself to the Masters of Musical Whistling mailing list.
Approaching this opportunity lightheartedly, I have always had a penchant for irony in my worldview since my teenage years. I assumed this was a feel-good event where everyone walks away a winner.
However, it seemed like a perfect chance to bond with my daughter – a low-pressure activity we could enjoy together from home, especially during the early months of 2022.
Both Sumire and I have a knack for whistling, a skill passed down from my parents to me and then from me to her. Witnessing her talent blossom during the pandemic was a pleasant surprise. While I never considered my whistling abilities exceptional, seeing Sumire, a nine-year-old, excel in it was truly remarkable.
A year later, with lockdown measures easing, an email arrived announcing that the Masters of Musical Whistling were open to audition tapes. Eager for a fun activity, we recorded our audition on a Saturday afternoon in the backyard.
To my astonishment, we received confirmation that we had made the selection.
Enter the Training Phase
The email revealing the in-person nature of the competition in Los Angeles caught me off guard. What started as a light-hearted endeavor now seemed like a serious commitment. The Masters of Musical Whistling aimed to elevate whistling as a refined art form, with participants from diverse backgrounds vying for the coveted World Champion title. While confident in our abilities, the thought of flying overseas to compete was daunting.
Fortunately, a coaching session with Carole Anne Kaufman, also known as the Whistling Diva, provided valuable guidance.
During our Zoom meeting, Carole meticulously reviewed our audition tapes, highlighting areas for improvement. She emphasized the need to transition from whistling for personal enjoyment to performing for an audience.
