CONNECTICUT AUDUBON FIDDLE CONTEST RULES

REGULAR DIVISIONS: A fiddler may enter the Open division or the division for which he or she qualifies, but not both.

Seniors (60 and over)
Older Juniors (12-18)
Younger Juniors (under 12)
Open (all others),

TUNES
Each fiddler will play three tunes:  a waltz, a tune of choice, and a hoedown in that order. Tunes which do not meet the definitions below or tunes played in the wrong order will be disqualified.

WALTZ - any tune in 3/4 time.
TUNE OF CHOICE - a tune in a rhythm different from either a waltz or hoedown.
A tune of choice may be a JIG (6/8, 9/8, 12/8 time) or a tune in SLOW, SYNCOPATED 2/4 or 4/4 time such as a schottische, clog, strathspey, slow hornpipe, or similar tune.
THE FOLLOWING DO NOT QUALIFY AS TUNES OF CHOICE:
Fast tunes in 2/4 or 4/4 time such as polkas, two-steps, rags or fast marches. (These tunes may be played as hoedowns, if appropriate.)
HOEDOWN - any fast tune in 2/4 or 4/4 time commonly used for square or contra dancing, such as a reel, fast hornpipe, breakdown or similar tune.

ADDITIONAL RULES:
1. The tune must be from a recognized tradition of dance fiddling such as New England, Down East (Canadian Maritimes), French Canadian, Cape Breton, Southern U. S., British Isles, etc.
2. "Trick and Fancy" fiddling, such as double shuffle (double bowing), string plucking, excessive improvisation, etc. will be penalized.
3. Fiddlers may play alone or with up to two accompanists. No electric or amplified instruments (except for the stage piano) are allowed. The fiddler must lead at all times; accompanists may not play melody or close harmony.

 4. In case of a tie there will be a one-tune playoff.
5. In case of accident beyond the control of the fiddler, in the discretion of the judges, the tune may be played over.
6. The judges' decision is final.

JUDGING CATEGORIES:
RHYTHM AND TIMING (25 points). The ability to set and maintain a steady danceable tempo appropriate to the tune type and style, with no unevenness, breaks in rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed if 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 played clearly, on pitch with good tone (which does not mean sounding like a concert violinist).
EXPRESSION (25 points). The ability to move the listener by the tasteful use of phrasing and dynamics and by putting something of your own personality into the music.
AUTHENTICITY (25 points). The ability to play danceable music in a manner appropriate to the style of the music and in good taste. The fiddler should have a basic respect for the structure of the tune and the tradition and style of the tune’s source. Variation and ornamentation should emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not detract from or obscure it. While there may be no “correct” way to play any given tune, the fiddler’s version should be recognizable and not “short cut” any important elements of the tune.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Trick & Fancy DIVISION
(Open to all fiddlers in addition to a regular division)
Each contestant will play a tune or medley of tunes (not to exceed four minutes). Anything goes.
JUDGING CATEGORIES: The Trick & Fancy division will be judged on Rhythm and Timing, Tone and Clarity, Showmanship and Audience Response (25 points each category).