Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition
Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition
In the Charles A. Brown Ice House on the Celtic Classic Grounds
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2008
WHAT IS THE CELTIC CLASSIC FIDDLE COMPETITION?
The Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition takes place in the historic Charles A. Brown Ice House, an indoor venue on the grounds of the Celtic Classic. This is a unique contest focused specifically on Celtic fiddling styles, including Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Shetland, Orkney and Galician. For participants and audience members alike, it is an educational and entertaining event. Fiddlers of all playing levels and from many different backgrounds will perform both traditional dance tunes and slow airs from the Celtic lands. The contest is segmented into three mini contests depending on playing experience, and three cash and trophy prizes are awarded for each.
Following the contest, fiddlers and other Celtic musicians are invited to join together in a traditional informal music “session” at the Ice House to share tunes and songs.
WHAT TUNES OR STYLES WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR COMPETITION?
Most fiddle competitions that take place in the U.S. focus more on traditional American styles such as Bluegrass, Texas Swing, Cajun, New England and Appalachian Old-Timey. While many of these playing styles evolved from the original Irish and Scottish, this contest celebrates the older tradition of fiddling developed originally by the Celtic peoples. Traditional dance tunes such as jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, slides, mazurkas, polkas, strathspeys and schottishes are all appropriate, as are listening tunes such as O’Carolan compositions and slow airs. Each contestant should choose three tunes of varying form and tempo to perform. The total playing time should not exceed 5 ½ minutes. Therefore, it is recommended that you perform the three tunes as a “set” to make the best use of the time allotted each contestant. If you exceed the playing time, the judges will stop judging and deduct points from your total score. A fiddler is encouraged to use an accompanist such as piano or guitar, but it is not required, and the accompanist must not double the melody line. (Keyboard is not provided).
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR IN A PERFORMANCE?
First, the judges will be looking for basic playing technique such as quality of tone, intonation, bowing, clarity of playing, rhythm and tempo. Secondly, they will be looking at the choice of tunes, the level of difficulty, and their cohesiveness as a set. Thirdly, the judges will be assessing the player’s interpretation of that fiddling style and the use of bowing and ornamentation to convey the mood of the tune. Fourthly, they will be considering the overall performance and stage presence of the player. The judges are professional fiddlers and recording artists.
HOW DO I ENTER?
Print out the competition RULES, the BACKGROUND sheet, and the REGISTRATION forms. Mail the completed background sheet, registration form, and a check for $12 made out to Celtic Cultural Alliance by Sept. 19th to the address on the registration form. Check this website for directions to the festival and plan to SIGN IN no later than one half-hour before the start of your competition.
Registering after Sept. 19th: Please e-mail to find out if there is still room in your division. E-mail: Tafga@rcn.com, and include your name and age. Thank you.
EXPLANATION OF DIVISIONS
The Novice Division is for a junior competitor age 12 or under, and/or with less than four years experience playing the instrument.
Starting time: 11:00 am
The Open Division is for competitors over the age of 12, and with at least four years experience on the instrument. Starting time: Approx. 1:30 pm
(NOTE: If unsure which division to enter, please consult the contest coordinator. Age is determined as of September 26, 2008)
The Adult Division is for any competitor who is 18 years of age or older.
Starting time: Approx. 3:30 pm
Three prizes awarded in each category: (Checks are mailed within one week of contest)
Novice:
| First Place: $100 check plus trophy | |
| Second Place: $50 check plus trophy | |
| Third Place: $25 check plus trophy |
Open:
| First: $250 check plus trophy Second: $100 check plus trophy Third: $50 check plus trophy |
Adult:
First: $500 check plus trophy |
NOTE: All participants receive a 2008 Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition T-shirt!
To enter, print out the registration form and age appropriate background form and mail, along with your check for $12 made out to the Celtic Cultural Alliance, to:
Alison Gillespie
Contest coordinator
457 Linden Street
Coopersburg, PA 18036
For questions about the contest, email Alison Gillespie at Tafga@rcn.com
GOOD LUCK!
2008 Fiddle Forms/Rules
Click here to obtain the rules and signup form. (PDF)
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed before, during and after Celtic Classic. Become a part of the action by signing up as a volunteer! Register now.
Become a Member of CCA!
Gain access to the many educational, cultural and social programs that Celtic Cultural Alliance sponsors by joining us as a member. All members receive a 10% discount on souvenirs during the Celtic Classic, so now is the time to join!