Old Fiddler's Convention

Old Fiddler's Convention - Galax, VA

Rules of Competition
*** NOTE: 2009 Convention info will be posted when it becomes available ***

All registrations must be postmarked by July 15, 2009.
(a) Send registration to: Old Fiddler's Convention, P.O. Box 655, Galax, VA 24333. If not registered in advance, YOU DO NOT PLAY IN COMPETITION.
(b) Bands must register under band name. Individual members may also enter one other contest - instrumental or folk song or dance, if they desire. A contestant may only enter one category whether they compete in a band or not. However, no individual shall enter more than one contest outside of band.
(c) Individual Contestant must play a verse and chorus of a recognizable song from the public domain before any refund, otherwise, contestant will be disqualified and will not be refunded. Judges' decisions are final.
(d) Each individual contestant may have one musical accompaniment including folk song. Backup instrument cannot be the same as contestant instrument.
(e) Playing time is limited to 2 minutes and 30 seconds for individuals and bands except for flatfoot dancers which are limited to 30 seconds of flatfoot dancing. If red light comes on, you can finish the verse and chorus you are presently playing, but you cannot start another verse, otherwise you will be disqualified.
(f) To qualify, a band must consist of at least a banjo, a fiddle, and a guitar.
(g) No band will be allowed to play on Saturday night if they did not play on Friday night.
(h) No Bluegrass Banjo style picking to be in Old Time Band.
(i) No bass fiddle can be entered in the Old Time or Bluegrass individual fiddle competition.
(j) If an individual plays in more than one band, the bands will be disqualified.
(k) If a contestant breaks a string while performing, he must stop immediately, he will be allowed to replace string, and can perform immediately after restringing.
(l) Absolutely no playing inside big tent or will be disqualified during competition. Exception, replacing a broken string, individual contestant may retune.
(m) Dulcimer competition is for lap dulcimer only.
Only authentic folk songs will be used in the folk song contest.
No electrical instruments will be allowed in competition.
Only string instruments will be allowed on stage, and no more than seven members allowed in band.
Individuals and folk song will perform one time; bands will perform twice; dancers and folk song will perform only Saturday afternoon.
Registered contestants must purchase contestant arm bands at gate, but will be reimbursed full ticket price immediately upon presenting their arm band after their performance (EXCEPT FOR DANCE AND FOLK SONG, WHICH WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED). Registered contestants will not be reimbursed for general admissions tickets. All bands must perform twice to be reimbursed.
Only performing contestants will be reimbursed. Only registered musicians will be allowed to camp in contestants' area, and must be registered on entry form.
Moose Lodge #733 has exclusive rights to reproduce any and all music played at the Conventions. In filing entry, all contestants agree that the sponsors may tape and record performances free of claim of contestants.
Camping for registered musicians only will be provided in park area. There will be a contestant camper fee of $70.00, of which only $20.00 will be refunded immediately after the contestant performs, and has not been disqualified. No walk in campers will be admitted until after 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 3rd.
A picture ID required for any refund. Only exception will be a contestant under age 16, and they must be accompanied by parent or guardian with picture ID. This also must be presented at check-in table.
No taps in dance.
Only authentic names will be registered.
All ticket sales final - no exchanges or refunds. Lost or damaged arm bands or mutilated tickets will not be replaced or reimbursed.
No boom boxes or loud amplified music to be played at any time during the convention. Anyone violating this rule will be subject to being removed from park, and charged with disturbing the peace.
Drug and Alcohol Laws will be enforced.
Absolutely no dogs, skate boards, rollerblades, bicycles, motorcycles, golf carts, or ATVs on grounds.
Winners are responsible for contacting Moose if not present at awards ceremony.
NO EXCEPTIONS TO ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES!
Moose reserve the right to make changes at anytime.