Ben Shannon, a graphic journalist at CBC and a proud dad living in Toronto, shared his experience participating in an unexpected journey to the Masters of Musical Whistling competition in Los Angeles with his daughter Sumire. The journey began casually when, after hearing about an international whistling contest on a BBC quiz show, Ben signed up for the Masters of Musical Whistling mailing list as a lighthearted activity to enjoy with his daughter during the pandemic.
Both Ben and Sumire, who had an inherited talent for whistling, received a surprising opportunity to audition for the competition. To their amazement, they were selected to compete in person at the prestigious event in Los Angeles. Realizing the seriousness of the competition, they sought coaching from Carole Anne Kaufman, known as the Whistling Diva, who emphasized the need for them to practice and perform for an audience.
Despite initial doubts and challenges, Ben and Sumire dedicated themselves to rigorous training, practicing whistling daily for over a month. With determination and support, they made their way to Los Angeles for the competition. Surrounded by talented contestants from around the world, Ben and Sumire marveled at the artistry displayed by fellow whistlers.
Setting aside his past tendencies towards irony, Ben embraced the opportunity to showcase his and Sumire’s talents on stage. Sumire won a silver award in the kids’ category, while Ben clinched the gold in the level one adults category, marking a significant achievement for them both. This experience taught Ben the value of genuinely caring about something and the importance of embracing moments of vulnerability and sincerity.
The journey to the Masters of Musical Whistling competition proved to be a transformative experience for Ben and Sumire, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that come from pursuing passions wholeheartedly.