Conch-shell blowing is a long tradition in the ‘Conch Republic’ of the Florida Keys. According to the winner of this year’s annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest in Key West, success involves more than just "the lips and cheek muscles, it comes from the heart and soul."
The Conch King, Lloyd Mager, holds a day job as a humble bicycle tour operator. Though he won in 2007 as well as this year, Mager better keep his day job: Conch music is downright awful. Choose the ‘Listen Now’ player link to hear the winneron NPR.
The competition ranged from the very young to the very old. Quality, novelty, duration and volume of their Conch-concerts were all taken into account during the contest. In the group category, an 18-piece "conchestra" blew their shells while dancing.
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Trend Themes
1. Conch-shell Blowing Competitions - Expanding conch-shell blowing competitions to different regions and countries can create opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism growth.
2. Conch Music Innovation - Exploring innovative ways to incorporate conch shell sounds into different music genres can lead to unique and experimental music experiences.
3. Conch Shell Instrument Design - Developing new and improved conch shell instruments with enhanced sound quality and versatility can drive innovation in the musical instrument industry.
Industry Implications
1. Music Festivals - Organizing music festivals centered around conch-shell blowing contests can attract a niche audience and promote cultural diversity.
2. Tourism - Promoting conch-shell blowing competitions as a tourist attraction can boost tourism in coastal regions known for their conch-related traditions.
3. Musical Instrument Manufacturing - Collaborating with conch shell musicians and innovators to create specialized conch shell instruments can open up a new segment in the musical instrument manufacturing industry.