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The Huron Township Applefest presents the 22nd Annual Michigan State Championship Old-Time Fiddlers Contest

Old-Time Fiddlers Contest

Rules For Old Time Fiddlers Contests

1. Contestants’ entry formmust be completed and turned in with the non-refundable $10.00 entry fee prior to the draw for order.

2. Contestants will draw for order of appearance prior to the contest. Contestants must be present and ready to play when their number is called or they will be disqualified.

3. No electrical or amplified instrumentsare allowed.

4. Each contestant will play a waltz, a schottische, a jig and a reel inthatorder.

5. Tunes that do not meet the definitions below or tunes played out of order will be penalized.

6. Trick fiddling, cross-tuning, show tunes and novelty tunes such as “Listen to the Mockingbird”, Orange Blossom Special” and “Black Mountain Rag” are not allowed. Styles of playing other than Michigan old-time fiddling are not acceptable, although the judgesmaytake into account variations in Michigan old-time fiddling.

7. Each contestant may use one accompanist playing in chord-style rhythm. Contestants may play without accompaniment if they choose. Scores will not be based on the presence or absence of an accompanist.

8. Contestants and accompanists must play from memory. Sheet music is not allowed on stage.

9. There will be a six-minute time limit. No scoring will take place after the six-minutemark. Contestants may use less playing time if they desire.

10. In the event of an accident beyond the player’s control (such as a broken string), at the judges’ discretion, a replaymay be allowed from the point of the incident.

11. In the event of a tie, a one-tune playoff will decide the winner. Any tune a contestant has played in a qualifying round or playoff may not be repeated in any subsequent rounds or playoffs.

12. Any person placing first a total of three times will no longer be eligible to compete.

13. Contestants will only be identified bynumber. Contestants are not allowed to speak on stage.

14. All decisions of the judgesare final.

Tune Definitions
Waltz – a tune in 3/4 time appropriate for waltzing.
Schottische – a tune in 2/4, 4/4 or 2/2 time appropriate for dancing a schottische.
Jig – a tune in 6/8 time appropriate for square or contra dancing.
Reel – a tune in 2/4, 4/4 or 2/2 time appropriate for square or contra dancing.

Judging Categories
Rhythm, Tempo & Timing (25 points) – A steady, danceable tempo with no unevenness, pauses or dropped beats.
A pleasant “lift” that makes dancers want to move. Excessive speed is discouraged. This shows the contestant’s
ability to move dancersaround the floor, rather than display “hot licks”.
Clarity & Intonation (25 points) – Notes played clearly with good tone. This shows the contestant’s ability to make
pleasant sounds and to play the right note at the right time.
Expression (25 points) – Use of phrasing, dynamics, ornaments and variation. This shows the contestant’sability
to make the tune their own by putting some of their own style and personality into the tune, however,
elementsthatobscurethedancer’smusicalcuesarediscouraged.
Repertoire (25 points) – Tunesthat areappropriate to Michigan old-time fiddling. This shows the contestant’s
knowledge of the tunes played by Michigan’s old-time fiddlers, helps to preserve the old tunes and promotes
the unique musical heritage of the State of Michigan.
Scoring Guide
5 points – Needs work
10 points – Fair
15 points – Average
20 points – Good
25 points – Excellent