Dutchess County Fiddle Contest 2009

Rules and Regulations

1. The fiddle contest is open to all fiddlers (all bowed string instruments)

2. Entrants may register in one category and/or "Trick and Fancy"

               Categories:

               Open -  any fiddler may enter

               Senior -   62 years +

               Junior -  13 to  17 years

               Junior / Junior -   9 to 12 years

               Pee Wee -   8 and under

3. Contestants will play tunes in any traditional style - i.e. Canadian, Celtic

             Appalachian,  Bluegrass, Texas, Cape Breton, etc., that can be danced to

4. Tune/ time requirements: 

             Open, Senior and Junior - Two tunes,    3 minute time limit  

             Junior-Junior and Pee Wee - One tune,  2 minute time limit

5. Sheet music is not allowed on the stage.

6. Fiddlers may play alone or with up to two accompanists; however the fiddle  must lead at all  times  

           accompanying instruments must backup and not play melody.

7. No vocals or singing

8. In the event of a tie, finalists will be asked to play an additional tune

9. Trick and Fancy:  Fiddler(s) will have up to three minutes to play any tune.

             Anything goes, and the judging will include audience response.  Only Rule # 5 applies.

JUDGING: Fiddlers will be judged by three judges, using  the following criteria, based on 100 points total :

Rhythm and timing -  25 points:  The ability to set and maintain a steady, danceable tempo, with no                  unevenness, breaks in rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed if they are part of the tune as traditionally played.  Dotted notes or syncopation, when appropriate to the tune, are also allowed.  Excessive speed is not encouraged.,

Tone and Clarity - 25 points:  Notes should be played clearly, on pitch, with good tone.  Avoid running notes together in a fuzzy or indistinct manner. Good tone does not necessarily mean that of a classical violinist.

Creativity / Expression - 25 points:  The ability to take a traditional tune and personalize it in a pleasing way, yet maintaining its traditional feel. Over-embellishment and flashiness is to be discouraged if it detracts from the original melody.  Original tunes are encouraged as long as they fit into a traditional style of fiddling.

Style/ Authenticity 25 points:  The ability to play danceable music in a manner appropriate to the structure of the tune and its traditional source.