Rules

Music Competition Rules 2010

  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. Individual contestants will play either one or two tunes during the day preliminaries (depending on number of entries). Bands and twin Fiddles will play two tunes. Competitors may re-tune between songs if two songs are requested. The preliminary competition on stage begins at 10:30 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. No medleys will be allowed.
  2. Open Category songs must reflect mountain heritage tunes and songs that are in the public domain. The festival management reserves the right to determine if the performance is in keeping with the festival mission and would be eligible for competition.
  3. During the finals, bands and Twin Fiddles will play two tunes and all individual contestants will play only one tune.
  4. Individuals can appear in only one band but can compete in different individual categories.
  5. 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.
  6. Bluegrass Bands must consist of three different instruments with no more than seven members.
  7. Bands can compete in only one division.
  8. Only acoustic instruments are allowed.
  9. Individual categories may have one accompanist of a different instrument. Accompanists may play with more than one individual contestant.
  10. The same band members who competed in the preliminaries must perform in the finals.
  11. In Old Time Fiddle competition, trick tunes such as Listen to the Mockingbird will not be permitted.
  12. 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)
  13. Pre-registered contestants must physically check in at the registration desk before scheduled competition.
  14. Finalists who cannot perform in the evening competition or who do not appear at the designated time will automatically receive third place.
  15. All performances will be randomly determined.
  16. Competitors who win a particular contest three years in a row will no longer be eligible to compete.

Flatfoot Dance Competition Rules

  1. Registrations must be completed 15 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 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. (see schedule)
  7. No taps.

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.

Deviations from the rules will result in disqualification.