[Harp-L] SPAH Competitions

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

Thew original post kicked off from an AP story about a whistling contest and 
since that made the national wires (story originated a long way from Detroit) 
I figured that a contest might stir up some interest in SPAH across the 
country.

Newspapers are losing circulation and advertising and cutting down on the 
space for stories. But there is always room for a good human insterest story.

I also vaguely remember the year that Hohner held its international 
competition in conjection with the SPAH convention.

Jeeze what a dumb idea. People came from all over for the competition. A few 
must have tripped over SPAH.


And what's that idiot TV show, American Idol, that nobody watches. Nothing 
but a competition. 

If anybody thinks competitons are stupid, don't compete. Just watch. And get 
out of the way of those who want to compete.

I know I wouldn't compete because I never have time to practice; I spend too 
much time hacking out the stories in American Harmonica Newsmagazine. Funny 
how a day job clutters up my life, too. 

But a little competition might encourage some of the SPAH regulars to get 
better just because they might win a prize. (There was no cash involved in the 
whistling contest that I could determine, even from the Web site.) I'll bet 
there is somebody who is really good who has never received proper recognition -- 
at SPAH or any other place who night come out of the woodwork or woodshed.
Phil Lloyd/AHN





In a message dated 5/4/2005 6:18:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
icemanle@xxxxxxx writes:
From: jazmaan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <dmf273@xxxxxxxxx
<<The issue before us is whether SPAH should host a competition.......... 
On the other side of the argument are those who think a competition might 
attract new blood and
publicity to the annual convention.>>
This is an interesting discussion, but no one from SPAH has instigated it nor 
participated in it, so it may be a nice exercise in expressing opinions, but 
will probably have little influence on how the New Philosophy will run the 
convention.
What interests me, however, is where this feeling that SPAH needs to attract 
new blood and publicity to the conventions comes from. Is there an 
undercurrent that something needs to be done to inject excitement or interest to the 
convention? Have those that attended the convention perceived something in the air 
that, up till now and beyond the usual glowing reports of how wonderful the 
convention is - always the best one yet - leads to this type of discussion?
Phil Lloyd's comments seemed to have started this thread. Perhaps someone 
will shed a little light on why this aspect is being discussed.
Curious minds wish to know..
The Iceman