Fiddling  

Interested in competing in 2013?  Please fill out this form Fill out my form!

Entertainment in the Fiddle Tent

Fiddle Tent Schedule

Devils Tailors playing at VSG (video)

2012 Results

Novice: 3rd Place - Timothy Joachim, 2nd Place - Barbara Morrow, 1st Place -  Chris Perdue

Junior:  3rd Place - Rose Randolph, 2nd Place - Catherine MacLean, 1st Place - Meghan Perdue

Open:  2nd Place - Peter Walker, 1st Place - Caitlin Perdue

Best Air - Caitlin Perdue (open), Catherine MacLean (junior)

Best March - Peter Walker

Best Strathspey - Meghan Perdue

Best Reel - Peter Walker

Most Promising Fiddler - Rose Randolph

Fiddler of the Day - Peter Walker

Scholarship - Meghan Perdue

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 at Scottish Fiddling Revival’s (SFIRE) website in the “Competitions” section.

Our Fiddling Trophy Sponsors:

Nancy Brockman, sponsor of the Paul Brockman Memorial Trophy for 1st Place Open
James Fargo, sponsor of the Ronald D. Gonnella Memorial Trophy for 2nd Place Open
The Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club, sponsor of 3rd Place Open
Daniel MacDougall, sponsor of the J.A. & C.A. MacDougall Memorial Trophy for 1st Place Junior
Harris Andrews and Ann Gates, sponsors of the Ian Smith-Christmas Memorial Trophy for 2nd Place Junior
Barbara Saliunas, sponsor of the Charles Watts Memorial Trophy for 1st Place Adult Novice
Harris Andrews and Ann Gates, sponsors of the William Kemp Memorial Trophy for 1st Place Junior Novice
The Board of the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club, sponsor of the Leah Sparks Memorial Award for Best Set
Francis Leslie, sponsor of the Anne Leslie Memorial Award for Best Air
Sarah Brenzo, sponsor of the Celtic Society of Southern Maryland Award for Best March
Paul McLean, sponsor of the Diane Clinton McLean Award for Best Strathspey
Peter Walker, sponsor of the Greater DC Scottish Session Players Award for Best Reel
James Nimmo, sponsor of the Fauquier County Scottish Heritage Society Award for Fiddler of the Day
William Jarrett, sponsor of the James MacPherson Jarrett Memorial Award for Most Promising Fiddler
The Virginia Scottish Games, sponsor of the James Harrison Monroe Memorial Fiddling Scholarship

Further questions may be directed to the VSG's Fiddle Chair, Peter Walker.