Rules

2009 Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention Rules

General Information for Performers

  • No announcements by contestants will be allowed on stage before or after their performance. Emcee will announce all pertinent information for each contestant.
  • Finalist will be announced and posted at the conclusion of each competition category.

Music Competition Rules

  1. PRELIMINARY COMPETITIONS will occur during the day with the top three individual finalists and top three band finalists playing in the evening for first, second and third place. One tune will be played during the day preliminaries for individual contestants and one or two tunes for bands (depending on time). Competitors may re-tune between songs if two songs are requested. The preliminary competition on stage begins at 10:00 and ends at 6:00 PM. The festival management reserves the right to make exceptions as numbers and extraordinary events dictate. Competition will be "batched" for individuals and bands. Dance competition will occur at approximately 5:30 pm.
  2. During the finals, bands will play two tunes and all individual contestants will play only one tune. No medleys will be allowed.
  3. Individuals can appear in only one band but can compete in different individual categories.
  4. Old-Time Bands must consist of at least a banjo, a fiddle and one rhythm instrument with no more than seven members. Bands must play heritage tunes characteristic of the old time tradition and style. Only one vocal number is permitted but is not required.
  5. Bluegrass Bands must consist of three different instruments with no more than seven members.
  6. Bands can compete in only one division.
  7. Only acoustic instruments are allowed.
  8. Individual categories may have one accompanist of a different instrument. Accompanists may play with more than one individual contestant.
  9. The same band members who competed in the preliminaries must perform in the finals.
  10. In Old Time Fiddle competition, trick tunes such as Listen to the Mockingbird will not be permitted.
  11. Mountain flatfoot dance competitions will be approximately 30-45 seconds with live band providing the music. Preliminary competition will determine the top seven dancers who will compete in the finals in the evening. No taps allowed. (See Dance Rules and Information)
  12. Pre-registered contestants must physically check in at the registration desk before scheduled competition.
  13. Finalists who cannot perform in the evening competition will automatically receive third place.
  14. All performances will be randomly determined.

Judging Issues

In order to encourage and perpetuate traditional music, judging will be based on 1) execution (timing, clarity, tuning, tone quality, smoothness of starting and stopping and level of ability) and 2) authenticity and presentation (style, balance, sense of melody, arrangement, and overall expression/soul).

  • Scoring will not be based on age, gender, race, appearance, place of residence, or any other non-musical factor.
  • All judging is final and cannot be contested. Judging sheets will not be available to contestants.
  • Accidents or disturbances beyond the control of the contestant (such as a broken string/noise) may result in a replay if the judges so merit.
  • Sound system adjustments will be made and remain at the same setting throughout each round of eliminations, with the exception of feedback adjustments by the official sound technician
  • Deviations from the rules will result in disqualification.

Dance Competition Rules

  1. Registrations must be completed fifteen minutes before the scheduled performance (see schedule). Pre-registered contestants must physically check in at the registration desk before scheduled competition.
  2. Contestants must be back stage at their designated time or forfeit their right to compete.
  3. No announcements by contestants will be allowed on stage before or after their performance. Emcee will announce all pertinent information for each contestant.
  4. Winners will be announced and posted at the conclusion of the event.
  5. Dance competitions will be approximately 30-45 seconds with a live band providing the pre-selected music to be used by all dancers.
  6. Seven top preliminary winners will dance off for first, second and third place in the evening.

Dance Judging Issues and Focus

  1. Judges favor traditional performance over technical performance. Mountain flatfoot dance will be judged on difficulty and variety of steps, natural and comfortable dance presentation, timing, and presentation of smooth old time style. Shoes must be worn. This event should consist of authentic old-time dancing in the "true flat-foot style." For example, arms should not be flounced but should be held loosely at the sides of the body. The feet should be kept parallel to the floor and as close to the floor as possible with minimum or no high step. No taps are allowed.
  2. Scoring will not be based on age, gender, race, appearance, place of residence, or any other non-musical/dance factor.
  3. All judging is final and cannot be contested.
  4. Accidents or disturbances beyond the control of the contestant may result in a replay if the judges so merit.
  5. Deviations from the rules will result in disqualification

Band/Competitor Information Sheet

  • Be familiar with the festival rules. Ensure that all band members are also familiar.
  • All pre-registrations must be returned by August 31st.
  • If pre-registered, competitors must physically check in at the registration desk.
  • If not pre-registered, competitors must come by the registration tent to register before going on stage.
  • Pick up rules, band information sheet and emcee card when checking in and/or registering. Emcee card must have name, where from and song(s) to be played.
  • Bands may be asked to play either one or two tunes based on the number of entries.
  • After completions of the each preliminary competition, check at the registration tent to see the finalist. (three for each category)
  • If a preliminary finalist cannot stay for the evening festival finals, inform staff at the registration desk.

Saturday Evening Finalist

  • The order of play for the evening finals will be randomly determined.
  • If you are a finalist, check at the registration tent for the time schedule and playing order.
  • Make sure finalist have their name card to give to the emcee i.e., card that states the competitor/band name and where from and song(s) to be played.
  • Winners' names will be announced and prizes will be awarded on stage. Have a representative available to receive the prize.
  • Depending on the time, the winning old time and bluegrass bands may be asked to play an encore song.