Gathering In The Gap, Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Competitions!

Gathering in the Gap

Musical Competition Rules and Criteria

Note: Main stage performers are not eligible to compete on the Competition Stage.

1. Each contestant must fill out a registration form for each competition they intend to enter and have paid for entrance into the festival. No additional cost for competitions. (Age 12 and under are admitted free.)

2. Once a category starts, there will be no further registration in that category.

3. Each contestant will play two tunes, one fast and one slow. This may be adjusted according to the number of entries.

4. Medleys are acceptable as long as they do not last for more than 5 minutes.

5. Contestants must announce the name of the tune prior to playing.

6. No tuning or jamming in the area of the stage. No warming- up once upon the stage.

7. If a contestant breaks a string or has other difficulty with his/her instrument, he/she will have the opportunity to correct the problem, and then return to the stage. However, if the problem cannot be quickly corrected, the contestant must allow the next player in line to play, and then he/she will be allowed to compete.

8. Singing is not allowed in the individual instrument categories. One back-up instrument will be allowed.

9. Band competition entries must consist of three (3) or more members. Cash awards and trophy will be presented to 1st place winners.

10. Sportsmanship is a must. Any contestant may be disqualified without a refund for unsportsmanlike conduct.

11. In the event of a tie, contestants will be challenged to an elimination round.

12. Cash prizes and trophies will be presented for each individual category 1^st and 2^nd place winners.

13. The following Criteria for Judges will be used in scoring the contestants:

Arrangement

Rhythm/Timing

Musicianship (based upon overall performance being tasteful, dynamic, entertaining)

Technique (technical competence including fingering, bowing, picking, etc.)

Stage Presence

Note: Main stage performers will not be allowed to compete in any competition.

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Click here for our Registration Form.

2010 Competition Schedule

For Songwriting Competition Click Here

CATEGORY: (Both Age Groups)	REGISTRATION ENDS:	COMPETITION START TIME:
Old Time Competitions:
Lap Dulcimer	9:00 AM	9:15 AM
Old-Time Banjo	10:00 AM	10:15 AM
Old-Time Fiddle	10:45 AM	11:00 AM

Band Comptetitions:
* Old Time Band	11:15 AM	11:30 AM
* Bluegrass Band	12:00 Noon	12:15 PM
* The Old Time Band winner and Bluegrass winner will perform 20 minutes each on the Gathering in the Gap's Main Stage starting at 4:00 PM.
Bluegrass Competitions:
Bluegrass Guitar	12:45 PM	1:00 PM
Bluegrass Mandolin	1:30 PM	1:45 PM
Bluegrass Banjo	2:15 PM	2:30 PM
Bluegrass Fiddle	3:00 PM	3:15 PM


For Songwriting Competition Click Here