Fiddling  

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2018 Fiddling Schedule

2018 Entertainment in the Fiddle Tent

2017 Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddling Competition Results

Virginia Scottish Games, 3 September 2017

Elke Baker, Judge

Open:

1 Rosemary Hall — Paul Brockman Memorial Award

2 Catherine McClain — James Fargo and Clan Donnachaidh Society Award

3 Peter Walker — Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club Award

Junior:

1 Evelynn Foster — JA and CA MacDougall Memorial Award

2 Colin McGlynn — Ian Smith-Christmas Memorial Award

3 Kenny Foltz

Adult Novice:

1 Amy Fox — Charles E Watts Memorial Award

Junior Novice:

1 Nova Seidenstein — William Kemp Memorial Award

Other Awards:

Best Air — Evelynn Foster

Best March — Evelynn Foster

Best Strathspey — Colin McGlynn

Best Reel — Evelynn Foster

Best Set — Colin McGlynn

Most Promising Fiddler — Nova Seidenstein

Junior Fiddler of the Day — Colin McGlynn

Adult Fiddler of the Day — Catherine McClain

VSGA Scholarship — Evelynn Foster

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.

Further questions may be directed to the VSG's Fiddle Chair, Chandler Becker.