Do you whistle in the car or around the house? Whistling is an art form that anyone can partake in but few can make it artistic. There is one woman who can her name is Carole Anne Kaufman aka The Whistling Diva. Carole is a two-time International Whistling Grande Champion. She is also a very busy woman. Whistling is hard work is you do it right and she is doing it right as she was named 2012/13 Women’s International Whistling Entertainer of the Year award winner by the International Whistlers Convention. That’s the big time in the whistling world.

I first heard of Carole when I saw an episode of “California’s Gold” in which she was featured. The always amazed Huell Hauser was flabbergasted by her musical ability; quite frankly I was too. I did a bit a snooping and found her website (www.whistlingdiva.com) and contacted her. At first she was a little surprised that a punk rock magazine would be interested in her as she doesn’t really perform punk rock songs but I explained the DYI aspect of punk rock and what is more DYI than whistling?

Many people don’t know about whistling and its place in the music world. As a whistler how do you explain the art of whistling?

Whistling is the world’s most popular melodic instrument. Almost everyone has tried to do and many have succeeded. It is also the most portable instrument in the world. I tried another portable instrument in high school, harmonica, but you need a different one for each key and I can whistle a whole song in the time it takes to take a harmonica out of its case. I played violin as a kid, and gave up because there was too much practice involved for this kid. The only reason I became proficient in whistling was because I was always practicing, but I thought I was just having fun and expressing myself.

The art of whistling, in essence, is the art of music. When executed on a world class level you get you see it at full potential. Just as there are many interpretations when you sing a song, so too for whistling. Not only is the musical expression as unique as the instrumentalist, there are a variety of ways to execute your music. I am a “pucker whistler”. What you see is what you get - “just put your lips together and blow”. A palatal whistler involves the roof of his mouth; a throat whistler does it the same way Mariah Carey’s gets her highest notes.

There are other world champions out there, Geert Chatrou, from the Netherlands, has gone pro since winning. He plays oboe, sax and more – you can really tell he knows his music. You cannot believe your ears with the excellence of some of the stuff these artists put out.

You should definitely check out Mitsuhiro Mori, the baddest hand whistler ever. I saw him perform when the International Whistlers Convention and Competition was in Japan. That was also the year I first won the title of International Whistling Grande Champion.

How did you become aware that you were a whistler?

I guess I first learned I was a whistler the same day I thought I could never be a champion. When I was ten, a champion whistler was featured on TV. I was so excited until I saw him perform a very unique style and I remember thinking I could never win if I didn’t whistle like he did. Luckily I was wrong.

The biggest indicator was when I went to my first International Whistlers Convention in North Carolina and came home with a trophy for first runner up. From there, of course, it was all about becoming champion. I had to win 2nd place three times and then third place, until I finally decided to prepare properly. Whistling has gone from something I do, to part of who I am and how I express myself as a passionate artist and person. After years of acting, improve and comedy performing, who would have thought the whistling would be the thing that appeals the most to my audiences.

How often do you compete in whistling competitions?

Every year there is one worldwide competition at the International Whistlers Convention. It was in Japan in 2008 and China in 2010. Its home base is in NC, where it usually is held. This April is the 40th annual convention.

Puckerama is a whistling performance event that has been around for years, and is currently in Japan.

What are the competitions like?

In the first round you perform a popular and a classical tune. If you make it to the final round you perform another pop and another classical. Most of us bring a “backtrack” to compliment the performance. It is a very friendly competition but here is definitely stress when getting dressed and listening to your music one last time. My heart always starts racing before I even get up on stage. Luckily I learned how to fake confidence many years ago. Keeping the audience comfortable is rule #1, never let ‘em see you sweat.

What is your favorite song to perform?

I love to perform standards, and old favorites. Haunting songs in minor keys are my favorite and lively songs with a lot of pep keep the audience engaged. I am constantly trying to modernize my act to appeal to a broader range of people and expose the art of whistling to as many as possible.

How much time in your day do you devote to whistling?

Whenever I drive I am practicing my music. I live in L.A. so we all know that is a fair amount of time. As I near competition time I try to take as many road trips as possible. Right now I am whistling constantly, to keep my lips and lungs limber.

What would be your dream whistling performance?

I guess the Hollywood Bowl would be a good start. Ultimately to be invited to perform with great musicians is the dream. I also love produce shows where I can whistle, sing, tell funny stories and promote other’s artistry.

My real dream is that people start to see whistling as a world class instrument. Back in the day, the Big Bands would feature whistlers, and recordings. It would be great to hear whistling in more than just commercials and a few pop songs.

I also want to get more women to whistle. Somewhere along the line women were taught to stop whistling. If you look around you will find there are less women whistlers, today I love the fact that we have a men’s division and a women’s division for the International Grande Championships. With an art form that is under-represented, the more qualified ambassadors there are the better.

I think a win for whistling is a win for any artist that brings something unique to the table. As we open ourselves to uniqe artistry, it makes room for more art.

Do you have any advice to someone who would like to be a whistler?

The more musical experience you can muster the better. Practice as much as possible in private, pick a favorite song and whistle it when you hear it instead of singing it. Record yourself and listen to it. Work with a musical mentor so you can find out if you are as in tune as you think. Breathe from your diaphragm if you want to really get those long notes. Tune and tone are key. Keep practicing. You will surprise yourself at the things your mouth can do! I have been amazed to see my technique change and become more controlled in the last decade.

Join Orawhistle on Yahoo Groups if you want to email whistlers around the world. We are a passionate group of music lovers.