August 7-8, 2009
Contest Rules for Standard Fiddle Divisions
Contest Rules for Fiddle Divisions
Divisions: A fiddler must enter the division for which he or she qualifies.
Junior-Junior (age 12 and under)
Junior (age 13-18)
Senior (age 60 and over)
Open (no age limit!)
Championship (no restrictions – this is the division for advanced/expert fiddlers of any age)
Tunes:
Each fiddler will play a waltz, a tune of choice, a hoedown, and a show tune in that order. Tunes that do not meet the definitions below or tunes played in the wrong order will be disqualified and not scored. The Show Tune is optional in the Junior Division, but the scores are cumulative with or without the fourth tune.
Waltz: Any tune in 3/4 time.
Tune of Choice: The idea of this category is for the fiddlers to play a tune that is different from either waltzes or hoedowns.
A tune of choice can be a jig (6/8, 9/8, 12/8 time) or a tune in slow 2/4 or 4/4 time, such as a schottische, clog, strathspey, or syncopated hornpipe, or similar tune.
The following do not qualify as tunes of choice:
Fast tunes in 2/4 or 4/4 time such as polkas, two-steps, rags or fast marches. (These tunes may be played as hoedowns if appropriate.)
Hoedown: Any fast tune in 2/4 or 4/4 time commonly used for square or contra dancing, such as a reel, fast hornpipe, breakdown or similar tune.
Show Tune: Any one tune of fiddler’s choice (may be original). Show off your performing skills. Incorporate singing, dancing, a skit, or trick fiddling into your tune. Wear a costume* that reflects the era/ theme of your song. Have fun! See the Judging Categories for what the judges will be looking for in the Show Tune.
The tunes must be from a recognized tradition of dance fiddling such as New England, Down East (Canadian Maritimes), French-Canadian, Cape Breton, Southern US, British Isles, etc.
Additional Rules:
1. Fiddlers may play with up to two accompanists. An accompanist is provided by the festival to be available to back-up any fiddler upon request. No electric or amplified instruments, except for the stage piano, are allowed. The fiddler must lead at all times; accompanists may not play melody or close harmony. For the fourth Show Tune, there is no limit to accompanists. Other musicians share the melody and/or play close harmony, but the contestant must personally lead on the fiddle.
2. While there is no time limit this first year, the contestant may not leave the stage between tunes.
3. There will be one round of competition. Prizes will be presented following the competition.
4. In the event of a tie, there will be a one-tune playoff. (Tune is the fiddler’s choice.)
5. In the event of an accident (such as a broken string), the judges may allow the tune to be played over.
7. Scores from each judge are totaled and then averaged (with a special award for the best show tune).
Judging Categories:
Rhythm & Timing (25 points) The ability to set and maintain a steady, danceable temp appropriate to the tune type and style, with no unevenness, breaks in rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed in part of the tune if it is as the tune is traditionally played. Dotted notes or syncopation, when appropriate to the to the tune are also allowed. Excessive speed is not encouraged.
Tone & Clarity (25 points) Notes played clearly, on pitch with good tone (which doesn’t mean sounding like a concert violinist).
Expression (25 points) The ability to move the listener by the tasteful use of phrasing & dynamic, and by putting something of your own style or 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 origin. Variation and ornamentation should emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not detract from or obscure it. While there may be not “correct” way to play any given tune, the fiddler’s version should by recognizable and not “short cut” any important elements of the tune.
The Show Tune will by judged by
Rhythm & Timing (25 points) The ability to set and maintain a steady, danceable temp appropriate to the tune type and style, with no unevenness, breaks in rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed in part of the tune if it is as the tune is traditionally played. Dotted notes or syncopation, when appropriate to the to the tune are also allowed. Excessive speed is not encouraged.
Tone & Clarity (25 points) Notes played clearly, on pitch with good tone (which doesn’t mean sounding like a concert violinist).
Showmanship (25 points) This takes Expression (above) and adds to it skill of making an artistic performance distinctive, effective and appealing to an audience. The fiddler shouldn’t forget to smile!
Audience (25 points) How does the audience react to this show? The fiddler should aim to involve the audience by laughter, interest in the skit/lyrics/costumes/etc., impressive “trick fiddling”, etc.
*Keep in mind that this is a family festival. Inappropriate lyrics, language, behavior, or costumes are not allowed. For guideline, here are the requirements our advertised performers, vendors, and other personnel follow:
Gentlemen: Please no shorts or "tank-tops". Shirts should be buttoned, and pants should not be skin-tight.
Ladies: Please wear loose-fitting skirts/dresses that are well below the knee. Blouses/tops should be modest and loose-fitting (please no sheer, sleeveless, low-cut, or tight-fitting tops).
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©2008 Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival and Immaculate Heart of Mary School
