Fiddling  

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Entertainment in the Fiddle Tent

2012 Fiddle Tent Schedule

Devils Tailors playing at VSG (video)

2011 Results

Junior Novice: 3rd Place - Irene Regalario, 2nd Place - Jamie Fico (The Ian Smith-Christmas Memorial Trophy ), 1st Place - Meghan Perdue

Novice: 3rd Place - Barbara Morrow, 2nd Place - Chris Kukay, 1st Place -  Caitlin Perdue (The Charles E. Watts Memorial Trophy )

Junior:  3rd Place - Catherine McClain, 2nd Place - Nicholas Black, 1st Place - Jennifer Imm

Open:  3rd Place - Drew Vervan, 2nd Place - Darrell Murray, 1st Place - Charles Murla

Best Air - Nicholas Black

Best March - Jennifer Imm

Best Strathspey - Jennifer Imm

Best Reel - Charles Murla

Most Promising Fiddler - Jacob Bennett

Fiddler of the Day - Jennifer Imm

Scholarship - Meghan Perdue

Brobst Maintenance Award - Rozie Randolph

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.

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