The Whistle or Flageolet Register


         The Whistle or Flageolet Register is the highest register of the human female voice. When present, this register occurs above the Head Voice register.  This register gets its name from the timbre of the production of the notes in this range; they sound similar to a whistle, as opposed to the lighter Head Voice and the much warmer Modal or Chest Register.  Tones in the Whistle or Flageolet Register take on flute-like, bell-like, even crystalline qualities that can even border on being shrill until worked with or practiced regularly.  This register, like all of the registers, does not begin in a set place or on a specific note but that note is usually around “High C” of C6 at 1,046.5 Hz.  This area typically extends as much as an octave or to approximately two Ds above High C to D7 at 2349.3 Hz.  Of course, there are a few unusual cases that extend much higher or lower than these pitches.  It is also possible for some sopranos to sing above High C without engaging the Whistle Register; many sing as high as F6 or even B7 without switching into the Whistle Register.  Classical singer, Mado Robin holds the record for the highest recorded note ever sung.  You can hear her on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32hdZaQi4-I.  Check it out.
         There are many unanswered questions about the physiology of Whistle Register production as it is difficult to film the Vocal Folds.  Evidently the Epiglottis closes over the Larynx causing the resonating area to be the smallest of all the registers.  Only the very front or anterior portion of the Vocal Folds vibrates during the production of this register.  I realize this information is extremely technical but honestly, if you sincerely want to understand your voice and build its registration, it is very important to understand HOW to achieve these results. 
         The Crico-Arytenoid Muscle is responsible for the physiological production.  However, the entire muscle is not active.  When you are dealing with such incredibly fine motor activities, a VERY limited amount of space, and so much “responsibility” for other whole body work, the component parts are tiny but have unique and unequivocal assignments.  The Lateral Crico-Arytenoid Muscles (along the sides of the Larynx) are actively functioning.  The Transversus Crico-Arytenoids (the triangular portion of the Muscle running horizontally between the two Lateral Crico-Arytenoids) are completely inactive.   Amazingly, the limited vibratory space actually makes production of the high pitches easier. 
         You may think the Whistle Register is only for women but Countertenors and some Tenors can also develop this area with proper training.  Australian pop singer, Adam Lopez, is in the Guinness Book of World Records as having sung the highest recorded MALE vocal note of an Eb8.  This note is actually so high, it is three half-steps or semitones above the end of a full keyboard.  You can hear Mr. Lopez’s very impressive vocal range of approximately SIX octaves at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc3Xg2o26IE.   See what you think; it’s pretty incredible!
         How could you ever use a Whistle Register?  In Classical music, Coloratura Sopranos would only access this register and sometimes they simply use an extended Head Voice or Falsetto sound.  Usually the Whistle Register is utilized to sing staccato notes or passages in rapid succession such as the rapid passage of A7s in the Queen of the Night’s aria in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.”  These notes must be articulated accurately but delicately; this is not a passage requiring power but precision.  The Whistle Register production is perfect for ornamentation, trills, and those precise, staccato phrases.  In Western pop music, singers use the Whistle Register to “Wow” their audiences with higher pitches and other ornamental “riffs”.  The best-known practitioners of the Whistle Register in recent years have been Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams, and, of course, Mariah Carey.
         Thanks for reading this post!  I hope you are gaining more perspective and appreciation of your own vocal registers, and ideas for new goals you want to pursue with your voice teachers.  If you have any questions about my lessons and about me, check out my website at www.SingitForward.net.  As always, I love getting your questions, comments, and/or suggestions for future blog post topics.  No question is too dumb, ever!  Thanks again!  Sing it Forward!

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