This First Person column is written by Ben Shannon, a graphic journalist at CBC and a proud dad who now lives in Toronto. For more information about First Person stories, see the FAQ.
One day, as I watched the BBC quiz show Only Connect, a contestant casually mentioned participating in an international whistling competition.
Curious, I decided to look it up. To my surprise, there was indeed such a thing. Without much thought, I registered my youngest daughter, Sumire, and myself for updates from the Masters of Musical Whistling.
Initially, I approached it with a light-hearted attitude, not taking it seriously. My teenage perspective of irony led me to believe it was a casual, feel-good event for everyone.
However, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for some quality time with Sumire, a low-pressure activity we could enjoy at home during the pandemic.
Both Sumire and I had a knack for whistling, a skill passed down from my parents to me and then to her. Witnessing her talent bloom during the lockdown was truly heartwarming.
Months later, with restrictions easing, we were notified about audition submissions for the contest. Setting up our camera in the backyard, we recorded our audition tape on a Saturday afternoon.
Upon learning that the competition took place in Los Angeles, my initial amusement turned to disbelief. The Masters of Musical Whistling was a serious platform where whistlers vied for the title of World Champion.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, we sought guidance from Carole Anne Kaufman, known as the Whistling Diva, through a coaching session.
Her critique of our audition tapes was eye-opening. She emphasized the need for us to transition from casual whistling to performance-oriented whistling for an audience.
Determined to rise to the challenge, we embarked on a rigorous training regimen to hone our skills for the competition.
After daily practice sessions for over a month, we found ourselves in Hollywood, ready to showcase our talents.
The grandeur of the event was undeniable, with a lavish theatre setting the stage for the 2023 Master of Musical Whistling competition.
- <a class="cardWrapper-u5T0r cardWrapper-_487P noPaddingCardWrapper" data-feature-instance="similar-link" data-feature-name="link" data-contentid="1.6859683" aria-hidden="false" data-cy="type-link" href="https://www.cbc.ca