CageyK - Posted - 07/10/2008:  20:25:18

Howdy,

Are there widely accepted rules or guidelines for OT banjo contests?

I know for fiddle, most of the time 2 tunes are required, 1 waltz and 1 up-temp.

Are modal tunes usually avoided, or doesn't it matter?

I may be attending a gathering or two this summer where there will be a bnnjo contest, and I want to be prepared.

Thanks in advance.

CageyK

Edited by - gottasmilealot on 08/06/2008 14:37:03

JimA2985 - Posted - 07/11/2008:  09:58:24

The ones I've been to (which is a pretty limited sampling, I'll admit), it's been 2 songs, different tempos, banjo has to be the lead instrument.

Play whatever you want.

---
Jim
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http://jimsbanjo.blogspot.com/
soundclick.com/jimnjblues

RedZinger - Posted - 07/11/2008:  11:20:00

It's been a while, but as I recall they vary a lot. Some require two tunes in different tunings. Bigger contests require one tune for prelims and another for finals -- for those that make it that far. All that I've been to have a limit of three times through the tune. Never heard rules about tempo. I'm sure others around here know more about it than I do and they'll give you more info.

Best,
Rob

trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/11/2008:  13:22:32

Best to check the rules for any competition...and abide by them! I've seen time and time again where competitors choose to 'do their own thing' and be eliminated due to something simple like playing a hot Jazzgrass tune in a traditional OT competition. Make sure you understand what is appropriate and what is not. There are "too common" tunes in every contest as well, so "Bile 'em Cabbage" may not be the best choice if you don't want to bore the judges to death.

Here's a good example of a well defined system: http://www.uncledavemacondays.com/m...idelines.htm There's also links to .pdf files which get even deeper and if you go up a level, there are links to judging criteria, etc.

I have not seen many contests (OT banjo) where the tune choice was defined beyond "OT". I imagine some contests want to be more "traditional" than others and that "new" OT tunes could hurt your chances in that case.

Some contests (such as Uncle Dave Macon Days above) have a set of "finals" in some categories. You play one tune initally and if you make the cut, you play two tunes in the final (all three tunes must be different...just how different is up to you). Other ones, such as the Athens Fiddler's convention, have only a 'final'; one tune and you're done. http://www.athens.edu/fiddlers/RULES_new.html

===Marc

"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have made them that way."

chip arnold - Posted - 07/11/2008:  13:36:10

Contest rules vary a little from one festival to another. Learn the rules for the festival you plan to compete at (they'll be available at the festival and probably on the internet beforehand) and don't try to stretch the rules. The number of tunes required will often vary depending on the number of entries. Slow tunes and waltzes don't seem to go over all that well but tunes from the region around the festival often work well. Say a WV tune in a WV contest. Play tunes you can play in your sleep. Really. Don't go for a lot of showy licks and flashy stuff. Pure old straight ahead OT playing with good tone, touch, timing and rhythm will get it done. Most judging cards have marks for tune selection & presentation so play a good tune with confidence. Don't stretch yourself overly much or it'll show up in your picking.

**********************
Take what is given
Give what is taken

Chip Arnold

Tessellater - Posted - 07/12/2008:  04:39:48

Are finger picks totally out? I've been playing tunes arranged for two fingers or frailing with three fingers and my picks on. Would they frown on that? Not that I'm going anytime soon or anything.

chip arnold - Posted - 07/12/2008:  07:25:56

It's not so much the picks but the style. There are Old Time 3-finger styles which most judges will recognize. If you're in that niche you'll be okay at most competitions. If it sounds like an Old Time tune played in a bluegrass style, it won't fly. I think there are still some festivals that aren't so open to finger styles and picks but most do.

**********************
Take what is given
Give what is taken

Chip Arnold