Competition Rules
REGISTRATION: Registration is to be completed back stage the day of the convention. No pre-registration required. Competition slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Refunds will be given to musicians following the individual’s performance upon request.
Please review the Competition Rules, as the registration, scheduling, performance, scoring and refund policies should all reflect and support these rules:
1. Registration is completed backstage the day of the Convention. No pre-registration is required. Contestants must register before the posted cutoff time for each category.
2. An Old Time Band must include at least three string instruments: one fiddle and one old-time style banjo. No more than seven musicians may perform.
3. A Bluegrass Band must include at least three string instruments: one Bluegrass-style banjo and either a mandolin or fiddle. No more than seven musicians may perform.
4. Contestants may perform with one band only.
5. Contestants may also compete individually. Band and individual judging are separate. Individual performance is not judged while with a band.
6. Youth Individuals must be 16 or younger. They may compete in Adult categories, but Adults may not enter Youth categories.
7. Only authentic folk songs will be judged in the folk song competition. A singer may be accompanied by one stringed instrument or may accompany themselves. Performers must inform the emcee of their song title before stage introduction.
8. Only authentic Old Time and Bluegrass songs are permitted. Bands may perform up to two songs, including vocals. No copyrighted music. Song titles must be given to the emcee prior to introduction.
9. Youth and Adult Individual contestants may be accompanied by one rhythm instrument, played by either a Youth or Adult.
10. Youth Bands must have three or more members age 16 or under. One adult rhythm player is allowed.
11. Individual contestants may perform only once per event per category (e.g., once in Adult Guitar). Youth may compete in the same instrument category in both Youth and Adult divisions. Youth and Adult contestants may enter up to three individual events total, excluding Band and Dance.
12. Individual and band song performances are limited to five (5) minutes. (Bands may play 2 songs. Individuals may play one)
13. The Dance competition will be held before band competition on Saturday. Individual entries only; steel tap allowed. Judging criteria: a) Timing, b) Technique, c) Audience projection, d) Enjoyment.
14. Instrumental and Singing events will be judged on: a) Tuning, b) Timing, c) Teamwork, d) Balance.
15. No electric, electronic, wind, or percussion instruments allowed. Harmonica permitted only with advance judge approval.
16. Contestants must present their correct entry number when going on stage and provide song titles (see #7 and #8).
17. Entry into the Fiddlers Convention implies consent for performances to be recorded and used by the Ashe County Arts Council for promotional or fundraising purposes. No other recordings may be reproduced without express permission.
18. Judges will be selected by the Arts Council. Attempts to influence judges are not permitted. Appeals may only be made with approval from the Arts Council and judges.
19. If a stage malfunction or instrument failure occurs (e.g., broken string), the contestant may repeat the full performance without penalty.
20. Full sets of prizes will be awarded in all categories with sufficient entries. A band counts as one contestant.
21. All contestants must pay admission like all attendees and may be reimbursed after their performance. One refund per contestant. Accompanists are not reimbursed. Complimentary tickets and youth under 12 are not eligible for reimbursement.
22. The Ashe County Arts Council and its representatives are solely responsible for rule enforcement and interpretation. All rulings are final.