Ben Shannon, a graphic journalist at CBC and a father living in Toronto, stumbled upon an international whistling contest while watching a quiz show. Intrigued, he and his daughter, Sumire, signed up for the Masters of Musical Whistling mailing list as a lighthearted activity. Initially, they saw it as a casual event to enjoy together in their living room during the pandemic.
Both Ben and Sumire had a knack for whistling, a skill passed down from Ben’s parents to him and then to his daughter. When the opportunity arose to audition for the Masters of Musical Whistling competition, they seized it, setting up a camera in their backyard for the audition tape.
To their surprise, they were selected to compete in Los Angeles, prompting a serious shift in their approach. Seeking guidance, they received coaching from Carole Anne Kaufman, known as the Whistling Diva, who highlighted the need for audience-focused whistling practice.
Determined to excel, Ben and Sumire embarked on a rigorous training routine, practicing daily for over a month. With travel points from the pandemic, they found themselves in Hollywood for the competition, surrounded by talented whistlers from around the globe.
The competition was a transformative experience for Ben, who shed his ’90s-era ironic armor, embracing genuine passion for the art of whistling. Alongside Sumire, who impressed with her rendition of a Japanese cartoon theme, Ben won gold in the adult category, marking a significant personal achievement.
The event taught Ben the value of embracing sincerity and shedding self-consciousness in pursuit of what truly matters. It was a reminder that sometimes, being a little silly is essential in discovering one’s genuine passions and aspirations.