Fiddling  

2017 Fiddle Tent Schedule and Performers

2016 Fiddling Competition Results:

Novice Jr.
1^st Place: Evelynn Foster
2^nd Place: Nova Seidenstein

Novice Sr.
1^st Place: Andrew Henderson
2^nd Place: Jerry Shumway

Junior
1^st Place: Colin McGlynn
2^nd Place: Emmet Furlong
3^rd Place: Clark Furlong

Open
1^st Place: Sean Heely
2^nd Place: Heather Butler
3^rd Place: Catherine McClain

Best Set: Colin McGlynn

Best Air: Sean Heely

Best March: Clark Furlong

Best Strathspey: Sean Heely

Best Reel: Sean Heely

Fiddler of the Day: Sean Heely

Most Promising Fiddler: Nova Seidenstein

Scholarship: Colin McGlynn

Our 2017 Fiddling Trophy Sponsors:

James Harrison Monroe Memorial Fiddling Scholarship - Sponsored by The Virginia Scottish Games

Adult Novice - 1st Place - The Charles E. Watts Memorial Award - Sponsored by Barbara Saliunas

Best Air - Francis &Anne Leslie Memorial Award - Sponsored by Suzanne McDougal

Best Reel - Greater DC Scottish Session Players Award - Sponsored by Peter W. Walker II

Best Set - The Leah Sparks Memorial Award - Sponsored by The Board of the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club

Best Strathspey - Michael Pavuk Memorial Award - Sponsored by Andrea Novak

Junior - 1st Place - J.A. & C.A. MacDougall Memorial Award - Sponsored by Daniel F. MacDougall

Junior - 2nd Place - Ian Smith-Christmas Memorial Award - Sponsored by Harris Andrews & Ann Gates

Junior Novice - 1st Place - The William Kemp Memorial Award - Sponsored by Harris Andrews and Ann Gates

Most Promising Fiddler - Dr. James MacPherson Jarrett Memorial Award - Sponsored by Bill Jarrett

Open - 1st Place - Paul Brockman Memorial Award - Sponsored by Nancy Brockman

Open - 2nd Place - Ronald Duncan Gonnella Award - Sponsored by James Fargo & Clan Donnachaidh Society

Open - 3rd Place - Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club Award - Sponsored by Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club

Medal Set - Fauquier Scottish Heritage Society Award - Sponsored by Fauquier Scottish Heritage Society

Check out the Entertainers that Played at the Fiddle Tent in 2016!

Devils Tailors playing at VSG (video)

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.

2013 Fiddling Photos