Wednesday, April 18, 2007

International Whistling Convention

Today saw the opening of the 34th annual International Whistling Convention (IWC) in the North Carolina town of Louisburg, the world's whistling capital.

The Convention, Music Festival, International School for Whistlers, and International Whistlers Museum are all sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Council, an honored member of the State of North Carolina Arts Council System, and officially supported by the County of Franklin, the town of Louisburg, and Louisburg College (founded in 1779).

Governor Mike Easley has declared a "Happy Whistlers Week" for citizens and visitors to honor the art of whistling by participating in the scheduled events.

Thursday there will be an International School for Whistlers, providing an opportunity for students of all ages to receive training in the art of whistling. It has a professional and distinguished director/ teacher, and, depending on number of applications, has other teachers. Some of the subjects covered are: techniques and performance; history and appreciation of melodic whistling.

On Friday morning The Whistling Contest begins and is open to all applicants. If the applicant has not previously been a contestant at the International Whistlers Convention, a cassette tape recording of two or more songs in each contest category is required. Contestants may choose from one or more of the categories . But for the serious whistlers whose goal is to become an international grand champion, they must enter both the classical and popular categories and be prepared to have different songs if in the finals. Competition is a solo performance.

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