Making a trombone whistle

I just uploaded a new video on my YouTube site on how I make a trombone whistle. I've been teaching the kids in woodshop class how to make a regular whistle for many years and when we've been on those three or four hundred mile canoe trips it's been the slip bark whistle. Either way a whistle is one of the most popular projects that kids want to learn how to make so I decided to take the whistle to the next level.

One day I finally found the time to explore my idea for a trombone like whistle where I could slide a rod, like those on a real trombone horn, thus being able to control the tones in the sound. I couldn't find any information on how to do it in books or on the internet so I was solely on my own. It took a bit of trial and error but I finally came up with something that works quite well.

This is a neat little woodshop project that only requires a drill press and a few simple hand tools and can be assembled in one afternoon but your wood limbs will need to be well seasoned and bone dry before assembling. I always have a good stash of seasoned red maple limbs and twigs on hand that I gather then bundle up with wire and hang them from the ceiling of my shop for several months until dry. I suppose that other types of wood will work but so far I've only used red maple.

Have some fun with it and as always, never ever compromise safety rules when using your power tools or carving knives!