9:00 - Fiddling Workshop
11:00 - Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club performance
12:00 - Tent closed for opening ceremonies
12:30 - Terpsichore
1:45 - Glencoe Lads
3:00 - The Devil's Tailors
4:15 - Elke Baker and Ken Kolodner
Sunday, September 5, 2021
9:00 - Fiddling Competition on-site registration
10:00 - Fiddling Competition and Awards Ceremony
1:30 - Elke Baker and Ken Kolodner
2:45 - Glencoe Lads 4:00 - Tweedsyde
Would you like to sponsor a flight of medals for Fiddling?
If you would like to mail a check, click HERE On line purchasing below
Medal Sponsorship $30 (Trophy chair will follow up by e-mail regarding choice of events)
- Includes Gold, Silver and Bronze for one event
History of Scottish Fiddling
Since its introduction to Scotland at the end of the
seventeenth century the violin – often under the name given to older bowed instruments,
namely "fiddle" – has been central to the music of Scotland, from the
Scandinavian-influenced Orkney and Shetland islands, through the wild dances
and mournful airs of the Gaelic Highlands, to the ballrooms and performance
halls of the cities, through the Scots lowlands and borders. The music composed
for fiddle ranges from the simple anonymous folk tune to the refined
compositions of one of Scotland ’s great 18th and 19th century composers,
through the modern syncopated influences of today’s musicians.
Scottish Fiddling is thus a living tradition, steeped in the
past, existing in the present, and anticipating the future. It draws influences
from, and influences in return, song the other great instrumental traditions of
Scotland, such as harp and bagpipe. Scottish fiddle music is also unique in the
Scottish arts in how it was influenced by Continental music traditions, and how
its sounds and rhythms have formed much of the foundation of the fiddle music
of the New World.
The Scottish Fiddling Tent represents all aspects of this
living tradition, from the judge’s instruction, where style points are
discussed, to the fiddle competition, where today’s fiddlers are encouraged to
achieve their highest potential, to the many concerts and performances showcasing
this area’s rich and deep pool of talent on the Scottish fiddle and the
instruments that accompany it.
SCOTTISH FIDDLE COMPETITION
Come hear the best young (and not so young) aspiring
fiddlers in a contest of skill and musicianship at the fiddle contest. Broken
into Junior Novice, Novice, Junior (under 17), and Open categories, the full
competition set includes a slow air, then a pause, followed by a medley made up
of a march, a Strathspey, and a reel. Contestants are judged on technique,
faithfulness to the Scottish idiom, and expression. After the competition,
stick around while the judge’s decision is considered and listen to an
impromptu jam session hosted by the competitors!
Registration can be through the VSG website; either fill in
the web form (signature will be required on the day of the contest), or download
and print the form in .pdf format and mail it to the address on the form.
Same-day registration is offered until the contest commences. Your paid ticket
to the games is your registration fee. More information about the requirements
of the contest, such as tunes and etiquette, can be found here, or at Scottish Fiddling
Revival’s (SFIRE) website in the “Competitions”
section.