JUDGING CRITERIA
There will be a total of 100 points awarded per tune per judge. These points are divided into 5 scoring categories. All scores will be added together to arrive at the contestant’s scores.
SCORING CATEGORIES – FIDDLE, OLD-TIME BANJO, GUITAR, MANDOLIN, BLUEGRASS BANJO, AND DULCIMER
1. Rhythm and Timing - 15 points - The judges will listen for even, consistent rhythm. Rushing, dragging, or unevenness in performance will result in lost points in this category.
2. Creativity - 15 points - The judges will listen for variations, improvisations and "good licks". Repetitious performance (i.e., using the same "licks" over and over in the same tune) will result in lost points.
3. Authenticity and Taste - 30 points - The judges will listen for selection of authentic performance styles in each category. Indiscriminate use of variations that make the base tune unclear (for example, in fiddle categories the use of "hokum" bowing or "double shuffle" where not a part of the traditional tune), and inappropriate modern licks will result in lost points. For fiddle categories, recognized fiddle styles should be adhered to and use of classical, jazz, or other non-traditional improvisation will result in lost points.
4. Expression - 20 points - The judges will listen for the feeling that the contestants put into their performance. Flat, mechanical, unfeeling performances will result in lost points, as will excessive "showmanship".
5. Execution - 20 points - The judges will listen for tone quality, clarity, and general command of the instrument(s). Bad tone and muffled notes will result in lost points.
SCORING CATEGORIES - DANCING
This is a no holds barred contest. A total score of 100 points will be awarded per judge for the entire performance.
SCORING CATEGORIES – OLD-TIME SINGING
1. Authenticity and Taste - 40 points - Songs should be Traditional and from the Public Domain, preferably Appalachian in nature. Modern, bluegrass, contemporary country and/or contemporary gospel songs, or other non-traditional styles are discouraged and will result in lost points.
2. Expression - 30 points - The judges will listen for the tonal quality and clarity of the performance together with the general command of the voice.
3. Execution - 30 points - The judges will listen for the "feeling" that the contestant puts into the performance. Flat, mechanical, and unfeeling performances will result in lost points as will excessive "showmanship"