Looking for a whistle teacher/mentor in/near NW Ct

NicksterNM · Post by **NicksterNM** » Tue Jul 31, 2001 2:33 pm

I am quite new to whistles, but was inspired by my "discovery" of the Fine band from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea. So I have been plodding along, doing the Clarke Tin Whistel Book lessons etc. I even took several lesson from a guy at a local music store, but have been less than satisfied. I just dont think the guy likes to play the instrument, and had not for years before the music store told him I was looking to take lessons. I noodle constantly and have learned to play a few tunes with tablituer.

So the question is Do you know of a place I could turn for help? Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks
Nick

Mark_J · Post by **Mark_J** » Tue Jul 31, 2001 4:27 pm

You may want to look up Mike McHale in the Catskills. That is not all that far of a trip. I'd travel for about an hour for a Mike McHale lession. Unfortunately, I'm about 5 hours from Mike so that is right out.

Cheers.

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Wed Aug 01, 2001 4:45 am

Mike McHale would defintely be a great person to get you going. I believe he does classes for beginners as well as advanced players. He shows up at a lot of the Albany Comhaltas sessions and is a terrific flute and whistle player.
BTW-- You are probably not too far from Andy's Front Hall, which is a good place to buy some types of whistle, and lots of tune books and recordings.
If anything ever brings you to the Troy NY area, I would be happy to help inasmuch as I am able.

NicksterNM · Post by **NicksterNM** » Wed Aug 01, 2001 6:47 am

A)What town in the Catskills is Mike from? B)Have you got more contact info for him?
C) Where is Andy's Front Hall, sound like a good day trip.
D) Thanks!
E) Nick

Mark_J · Post by **Mark_J** » Wed Aug 01, 2001 7:24 am

Quoting from the November 12, 2000 issue of Chiff & Fipple,

Mike McHale, 6 South Jefferson Avenue, Catskill, NY 12414.

Tyghress · Post by **Tyghress** » Wed Aug 01, 2001 11:24 am

Hi, Nickster! I'm in central CT and looking for the same. Locally there is a nice session in Hartford at City Steam on Wednesday nights, and people there are very supportive. Usually there are two to four people playing whistle/flute/uillean pipes. Fellow by the name of Will (who plays all the above) occasionally comes, and he may be taking on students soon.

jgrogers · Post by **jgrogers** » Wed Aug 01, 2001 8:08 pm

Mike's number is (518)943-5575. He's a great teacher.

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Thu Aug 02, 2001 6:12 am

Andys Front Hall is in Voorheesville NY, near Albany. Their website is:http://andysfronthall.com/
I have no commercial interest yadda, yadda.
Call them for hours and directions.
They may have a booth at the Scottish Games on Labor Day weekend, which would DEFINITELY be worth a trip ( Altamont NY, also near Albany). Men hurling heavy objects, good food and beer, major Highland Pipes competition, culminating with a massed pipes procession-- several hundred pipe and drummers, which is an awesome spectacle.

NicksterNM · Post by **NicksterNM** » Fri Aug 03, 2001 11:13 am

I checked w/mapquest. Catskill is a 3 hr drive, so that is out as an option for lessons. If any one can think of somebody closer I would like to hear from you!
Nick