Conch Shell Blowing
gregg
Music-ed Major Wins Conch Shell Contest
KEY WEST - A music-education major tooting his rendition of the classical
composition "Sabre Dance" on Saturday walked away with top honors at the
37th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
John Lebitsch, 23, of Clifton, N.J., first learned of the musical
competition on the Internet, then made up his mind to enter while he was on
vacation in the Keys.
"I found out that I would be in Key West that day, and figured I should buy
a conch shell and enter," he said.
-end-
The contest is held each March on the waterfront of Key West harbor. Conch
(pronounced "konk") shells with the ends sawn-off have been used as
signaling devices for centuries. Even today, sailors cruising the Florida
Keys will blast a note on this ancient instrument as they enter and depart
the harbors. I encourage every corps bugler to enter the contest in 2000.
If you think plaing a bugle is tough, try a sawed-off conch shell someday!
I was the crowned 1991 World Conch Shell Blowing Champion in Key West. I
learned my technique from my drum corps experience.
Gregg Wynn
Drum Major
'76ers Junior Drum & Bugle Corps, Syracuse, NY
1977-1978
RDoran8728
Is it in Bb? Can it be played on the field?
Hmmmm, just points to ponder. lololol
Tommy Timp
>Is it in Bb? Can it be played on the field?
I know Florida Wave played one in at least one season, in 84 during their drum
solo, "Mallet Man."
Peace, Tom Shea
Scott Gordon
: Music-ed Major Wins Conch Shell Contest
I'm curious what it might sound like if a corps had a conch-shell section?
Would it be legal? What would it sound like? I could hear people from
the stands yelling "conchas!" instead of "contras!".
I've heard some of Steve Turre's recordings using conch shells, and it
sounds very nice. Perhaps Mandarins could make them fit.
Scott
gregg
blowing his conch shell: