Fiddle Competition Registration Form

Fiddle Schedule
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Links
History of Scottish Fiddling
Potomac Valley Fiddle Club

Since its introduction to Scotland at the end of the seventeenth century, the violin – often under the name given to older bowed instruments, i.e. 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 composition of one ofScotland’s great 18^th and 19^th 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 theNew 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; just download the form and email it to the fiddle chair, Peter Walker (boghadubh@gmail.com), or 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, http://www.scottishfiddling.org, in the “Competition Info” section. 

Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club:

http://www.peatandbarley.com/pvsfc.html 

Made up of musicians at all levels, all walks of life, and many instruments (though mostly fiddle), the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club is a great place to learn about and share the traditional fiddle music ofScotland.  Just finishing its fifteenth year, the club meets once a month from October to May, enjoying a workshop taught by Music Director Elke Baker, followed by a potluck dinner and a jam session.  The club performs locally at several events each year, and the Virginia Scottish Games is pleased to be one of these.  The club also puts on Scottish Country Dances and dance demonstrations with theNorthern Virginia branch of the RSCDS. Many of the other musicians you will hear in the Fiddle Tent are members! 

Elke Baker, 2005U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion:

http://www.elkebaker.com/