2014 Appalachian Heritage Festival Old-Time String Band Contest Contest Rules 1. Registration: A representative of each band must report to the registration table in the lobby of Reynolds Hall on King Street during the registration time (1:00 to 1:30 pm on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014). At this point, you will draw a number that will indicate your designated performance time. Contestants must be ready to perform when their number is called. If not present, the band will be disqualified. 2. Tunes: Contestants and bands need to be prepared to perform two tunes in the preliminaries and two additional pieces should they be selected as a finalist. NOTE: Medley-style selections will not be judged. In the interest of fairness, a time limit of 4.5 minutes per tune is allowed. 3. Instrumentation: To be judged, contestants in the band contests must consist of at least three but not more than seven members. Bands should use instruments normally found in old-time bands. No amplified instruments permitted. 4. Judging Criteria: Contestants will be judged on rhythm/timing, tonal qualities, expression/soul, difficulty, and old-time style (equal weighting), with highest scores going to traditional old-time tunes/songs played in a traditional old-time style. 5. Accidents: Accidents beyond the control of the contestant (e.g. broken strings) may result in a replay if the judges so merit. 6. Judges: The judges are master musicians chosen for their knowledge of traditional Appalachian string band music. Judges will not be allowed to advise contestants in the selection of music to be played. Judges may also not be permitted to enter or play in 7. Finality: Decisions by the judges are final. Score sheets will not be shared with contestants or made public. 8. Finals: Top two finalists will be asked to perform a 2 songs as part of the Saturday, Sept. 27 Festival showcase concert at the Frank Center Theater at 8:30 pm. This will be the final round. Finalists will be assigned a Sound Check time. Failure to check in for your assigned Sound Check will result in disqualification. Judges scores will be averaged along with the votes of the audience at intermission. The winners will be announced in the 2nd 9. Prizes: All contest Winners will be paid by WV State check in arrears. Award checks will be mailed to winners within 4 working weeks (a W9 with social security number to submit are required to claim prizes). First Prize: $1,000. Second Prize: $500 *
