Fiddle Competition
The festival features three fiddle competitions in three categories in which people may take part.
Listed below are the rules for competing along with the registration forms and requirements. This is an amateur competition. Everyone competing should be considered of “amateur” status and may not make their primary living as a fiddle player and/or teacher.
1. Two Tunes recommended, each one is 50% of your score. By only playing one tune, you will only receive 50% of highest possible total. Classical violin pieces may be played but will not count in the overall score.
2. Six-minute time limit - Any fiddle style is permitted.
3. Playing “Orange Blossom Special” is NOT allowed.
4. Three age groups: Group 1- up to 12 years; Group 2 - 13 to 17 years; and Group 3 - 18 years and up.
5. If desired, a single accompanist may be provided, if available, or you can bring your own. No more than one accompanist, none on the fiddle, and only the fiddle contestant may play the melody. The accompanist may only play basic backup with no lead or solo playing.
6. No sheet music or electronic instruments allowed during the contest.
7. Contestant MAY NOT announce the name of the tune before playing. The Emcees will announce the tune.
8. Contestants are NOT allowed to say their name, any previous awards in any fiddle contest, or from whom they have taken lessons. They will be given a number for the judges to use in the contest.
Names WILL NOT be announced on the stage at any time during the competition.
9. The contest will start at approximately 1:15pm with Group 1. Each group will be followed by approximately a 30-minute break. Cash awards can be mailed, other awards will not be mailed and must be picked up day of festival or by special arrangement with festival officials.
10. We do “blind” judging. Our three judges are not facing the stage.
11. A third Tune should be planned in case of a “Fiddle-Off.”
If a clear winner cannot be decided and if the total score of the two highest fiddle contestants in their representative age groups are closer than 2% of the combined scores of the three judges, then the two contestants will perform a fiddle-off under the following guide-lines.
1. A tune used in the competition may not be used in the Fiddle-Off.
2. Both contestants will be on stage at the same time, one sitting to the side while the other is performing their tune. This is not to allow the other player unfair time to prepare.
3. First contestant will be decided by a coin toss.
4. Contestants will be judged under the normal criteria of the contest.
Awards are bestowed at 5:00 pm after all of the competitions.
The Grand Champion Award is provided by Meadowood Music ($200.00); All other cash awards are from the Fiddle Fest. Award plates are hand-made in Berks County by Lucky Leaf Pottery