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Registration for competitors will take place at Homestead National Historical Park's Education Center from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm the day of the competition.
Competitors may enter multiple divisions if eligible.
There are four main divisions of competition
Junior–For contestants performing on the violin who have played fewer than five years.
1st Place–$350
2nd Place–$250
3rd Place–$200
Senior–For contestants performing on the violin who have played five years or more.
1st Place–$400
2nd Place–$300
3rd Place–$250
Picking–For contestants performing on a stringed instrument other than the violin. At least part of each performance must be played by picking or plucking the strings rather than using a bow.
Examples may include guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, bass, or similiar instruments.
1st Place–$300
2nd Place–$200
3rd Place–$150
Acoustic Band–For acoustic bands with a minimum of three members that feature stringed instruments.
1st Place–$400
2nd Place–$300
3rd Place–$250
Performance Requirements
Junior and Senior Divisons.
Each contestant will perform three tunes:
Hoedown
An upbeat, danceable tune in two or four time.
Waltz
A danceable tune in three time.
Tune of Choice
A tune other than a hoedown or waltz, such as a jig, polka, rag, blues, or similiar style.
Total Performance time may not exceed four minutes.
Picking Division
Each contestant will perform two tunes:
One Hoedown
One Tune of Choice
Total Performance time may not exceed four minutes.
Acoustic Band Division
Each band will perform two tunes:
One tune of the Band's Choice One tune written in a Traditional Fiddle Style
Traditional accoustic styles may include bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, western, newgrass, swing, gospel, or other acoustic forms.
Total Performance time may not exceed four minutes.
Additional Information
Individual contestants may perform with one or two backup acoustic musicians. Backup musicians may not play the melody.
A backup guitarist will be available for fiddlers who need one.
Contestant will be judged on pitch, tone, rhythm, and presentation, including showmanship, interpretation, flair, creativity, charisma, and adherence to the rules.
Scores from each judge will be totaled by a neutral third party. The six highest scoring contestants in each division will then be reviewed and discussed by the judges prior to final placement decisions.
Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Junior, Senior, Picking, and Acoustic Band divisions.
Rules That Apply to All Divisions
Contestants are encouraged to announce each tune and to give a one sentence explanation of its origin.
Performance time limits will be strictly enforced. Failure to follow time requirements may result in point deductions.
