Fiddle Contest - Cash Prizes!
Sunday, August 9th - 1pm
Fiddle Workshop
Free help with preparing your tunes and getting ready for a contest!
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The Mille Lacs County Fair 5th Annual Fiddle Contest - Sunday, August 9, 2009
1:00pm - Registration till 12:30
General Rules:
1. Registration at judges' table prior to contest.
2. Contestants will draw numbers for playing order prior to their division. Judges will be available to answer questions before the contest begins.
3. Fiddlers may play alone or with accompanists on non-bowed instruments. Accompanists cannot play the melody. Contact microphones, pickups or any amplified instrument are not allowed.
4. Fiddlers must play from memory. Accompanist may use music/chord charts etc.
5. Each contestant, with the exception of the junior-junior division, must be prepared to play two fiddle tunes: an upbeat tune and a waltz, in that order. Junior-Juniors will play only one tune, an upbeat tune. An upbeat tune can be a breakdown or an "other" tune in lieu of a breakdown (i.e., rag, polka, swing - but must be a fiddle tune.) Pizzacato and Hookum bowing ARE allowed, but PLEASE make this tasteful, not excessive.
6. The top 5 scoring contestants will automatically be entered into the Championship Division and must be prepared to play three tunes: breakdown, waltz, and tune of choice, which must be other than a breakdown or waltz, (i.e., rag, polka, swing) in that order. Tunes played in the first round CANNOT be repeated in the championship round.
7. Each contestant will have six minutes maximum to play the two tunes, championship division will have ten minutes.
8. In the event of a tie, the judges will call for a playoff. A tune played in any other round CANNOT be repeated in a playoff.
9. Trick and show fiddle tunes will not be accepted, (i.e., Orange Blossom Special, Black Mountain Rag, Listen to the Mockingbird, Lee Highway Blues or any tune considered trick and fancy.) If you are unsure if your tune is acceptable, please consult the judges prior to the contest. Cross tuning is not allowed for any tune. Incorrect choice of tune will result in 0 points.
10. Contestants will be allowed to restart a tune without being penalized if either the contestant or accompanist breaks a string or peg slippage occurs requiring the instrument to be retuned. (Instrument malfunction)
11. Medleys are NOT allowed. Tunes must be played "fiddle style". No Classical allowed.
12. Judging will be scored for rhythm/timing, tone/intonation, and overall impression. All decisions by judges will be final.
Questions? Contact Deb Bistodeau: (763) 568-5135
Email: fiddle_fever@hotmail.com