Ben Shannon, a graphic journalist at CBC and a proud father residing in Toronto, shared his experience participating in an unexpected adventure with his daughter Sumire. It all started when Shannon stumbled upon the idea of an international whistling contest while watching a quiz show. Intrigued, he signed himself and Sumire up for the Masters of Musical Whistling mailing list without much thought.
Initially, Shannon viewed the contest as a lighthearted activity to enjoy with his daughter, given their shared talent for whistling. However, things took a serious turn when they made it through the audition process and learned that the competition would be held in person in Los Angeles. Feeling unprepared, Shannon sought guidance from Carole Anne Kaufman, also known as the Whistling Diva, who highlighted the need for focused practice and performance skills.
Determined to rise to the occasion, Shannon and Sumire dedicated themselves to daily whistling practice, leading up to the competition. Despite initial doubts, they found themselves on stage in Hollywood, surrounded by exceptionally skilled whistlers from around the globe. Witnessing the passion and talent of fellow contestants, Shannon felt his protective layer of irony fading away.
In a heartfelt performance, Sumire impressed with a rendition of the “Doraemon” theme, earning a silver medal in the kid’s category. Shannon, on the other hand, clinched the gold in the level one adults category with his rendition of “It’s Not a Moon.” Reflecting on the experience, Shannon realized the significance of wholeheartedly embracing a passion and shedding the fear of vulnerability.
The competition not only brought Shannon and Sumire success but also a valuable lesson in authenticity and genuine care for one’s pursuits. It taught Shannon that sometimes, embracing sincerity and passion, even in seemingly trivial endeavors, can lead to unexpected rewards and personal growth.
