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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/404623
lawnboss - Posted - 08/16/2025: 08:36:42
Hi All,
I have a goal of playing a tune on-stage in the "banjo competition" at a local fiddler's convention. To be clear, I am not trying to "win" (I am an advanced intermediate but nowhere near the weight class to even imagine I could place). But, I feel like this will be a valuable experience for me in my banjo journey. It's an open sign-up, and based on previous years I feel comfortable that I won't be entirely out of place.
So, my question is... what kinds of preparation, thinking, and/or practice have people found to be helpful in doing this (especially for the first time)?
Many thanks in advance,
lawnboss
Alvin Conder - Posted - 08/16/2025: 08:58:03
Pick your favorite tune, practice, practice and practice and just enjoy the experience. Met lot of great folks over the years at competitions. So just have fun.
You might want to record yourself a few times playing your tune. Then take a video to make sure your are not doing anything that may look off.
All in all, positive attitude and good luck!
Laurence Diehl - Posted - 08/16/2025: 09:40:31
I think Alvin has it right. And contests force you to focus down hard on a tune and try and get it right. This will pay off in your playing, big time. It takes a lot of guts to stand up there with your banjo and get judged for it. You've got the right attitude, just go for it!
lawnboss - Posted - 08/18/2025: 12:04:06
Thanks for these replies. I like the suggestion to make video recordings. I already notice that I have a tendency to tighten up a little bit when I record myself, so this seems like good practice on several fronts.
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