Although most people regard slide whistle as a sound effect, it is actually a musical instrument that can be a lot of fun to play. Known also as a Swanee whistle, piston flute or "bicycle pump,” it’s an oddball member of the woodwind family that works much like the trombone, a brass horn. Notes are sounded by blowing into the “fipple,” or mouthpiece, while sliding the “piston” or “plunger” at the other end of the whistle’s tubular body in and out. There are no keys to press, note markings to watch nor holes to cover. It’s played entirely by ear.
Produce a drop in pitch from high to low by starting with the plunger all the way in. Hold the whistle with one hand, and place your lips around the mouthpiece. Blow into the mouthpiece, while sliding the plunger out with your other hand.
Begin with the plunger all the way out to produce a rise in pitch from low to high. Do the same as in Step 1, but slide the plunger in as you blow into the whistle's mouthpiece.
Pull the plunger out about halfway and begin at this pitch to play melodies. Blow into the whistle, moving the plunger in for higher notes and out for lower ones. Adjust your starting point if you run out of notes while trying to play a particular song.
Warnings:
- Handle the plunger with care as you move it in and out, especially if you have a quality slide whistle. Pulling the plunger with force, or twisting it, can damage the instrument and make it unplayable.