To enhance Ballyhoo’s cultural exchange, we are adding an early Americana flare to the festival. Anyone is free to enter!
2024 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!
$3,000 IN CASH PRIZES
RULES FOR BALLYHOO FIDDLE/BANJO COMPETITION
Fiddlers under 12:
Fast song and a waltz. The waltz needs to be something with ¾ timing. The fast song should be a breakdown, rag or polka.
Tunes not allowed are show tunes such as Orange Blossom Special, Listen to the Mockingbird, or Black Mt. Rag. No electric instruments are allowed.
Fiddlers over 12:
Three songs: a waltz, a breakdown, and tune of choice, which is a rag, polka, or another breakdown.
Banjo over 12:
Three tunes of their choice.
Contestants in categories will be judged on:
Rhythm and timing – 20 points
Authenticity – 20 points
Creativity – 20 points
Tone – 20 points
Overall execution – 20 points
Total points per tune per contestant is 100. So, a perfect score for 18 and under would be 200 points and the perfect score for a contestant over 18 would be 300 points. Contestants in fiddle who play something other than a waltz will not be scored on that song. The decision of the judges is final.
Prizes:
Small Fry (under 8)
1st place $50
2nd place $25
3rd place $15
Junior Division (9-13)
1st place $100
2nd place $75
3rd place $30
Young Adult (14-21)
1st place $200
2nd place $150
3rd place $90
Adult (Over 21)
1st place $355
2nd place $255
3rd place $155