Fiddle Contest Rules
Junior Junior Division (12 & under) contestants must play 2 tunes- A waltz & a tune of choice
Junior Division (13-17 years old) contestants must play 2 tunes- A waltz & a tune of choice
Open Division (18 & older) contestants must play 3 tunes- A waltz, tune of choice, & a reel or hoedown
A medley of tunes is not acceptable
No trick & fancy fiddling, double bowing, or cross tuning allowed
Contestants are allowed to enter only one division
Contestant may be accompanied by no more than 2 accompanists (Accompanist cannot start the tunes or play the melody at anytime)
In the event of a tie, the contestants involved will be asked to play a reel or hoedown
Contestants must be ready to perform when they are called
If a string breaks, the contestant will have the option to continue or stop at that point. If the tune is completed it will be judged as played. If the contestant stops play, they will be allowed to begin with that tune and complete their program.
Contestants will be judged in the following areas:
Tone & Clarity (25 points)-The judges will listen for notes to be played clearly, on pitch, and with good tone.
Rhythm & Timing (25 points)- The ability to set and maintain a steady, danceable tempo appropriate to the tune type and style, with no unevenness.
Expression (25 points)- The ability to move the listener by the tasteful use of phrasing and dynamics and by putting something of the fiddler's personality into the music.
Authenticity (25 points)- The ability to play danceable music in a manner appropriate to the style of the music and in good taste. The fiddler should have a basic respect for the structure of the tune, and the tradition and style of the tune’s source. Variation and ornamentation should emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not detract from or obscure it. While there may be no “correct” way to play any given tune, the fiddler’s version should be recognizable.
(The Judges decision is final)
Prizes:
Junior Junior Division-
1st place- Trophy
2nd place- Trophy
3rd place- Trophy
Junior Division-
1st Place- $100.00
2nd Place- $75.00
3rd Place- $50.00
Open Division-
1st Place- $200.00
2nd Place- $175.00
3rd Place- $150.00