Weiser Banjo Contest Rules

​Rules for Intermediate and Advanced Contests (Hooker Hall)
All styles of banjo playing are welcomed.


Awards
Intermediate Event
  • First place: Trophy, cash ($50), homemade pie
  • Second place: Trophy, cash ($25), homemade pie
  • Third place: Trophy, cash ($10), homemade pie

Advanced Event
  • First place: Trophy, cash ($75), homemade pie
  • Second place: Trophy, cash ($50), homemade pie
  • Third place: Trophy, cash ($25), homemade pie

​Rules 
Rules are adapted from the annual Vandalia Gathering contest in Charleston, W. Va., sponsored by the W. Va. Division of Culture and History.
  1. The order of competition in each category will be determined by random drawing.
  2. Each contestant must play two tunes of their choice.
  3. Each contestant may have a maximum of two (2) accompanists. 
  4. Contestants will have 5 minutes to complete their two selections (time counted for songs only, not between songs). Score will be reduced by 10 percent per 30 seconds overrun from the total score.
  5. Vocals not permitted.  
  6. Electric instruments are not allowed.
  7. A single condenser microphone will be provided for the contest.
  8. In case of a broken string or major tuning problem, the contestant may replay.
  9. In case of a tie or extremely close score, the judges may request a playoff.


Judges
Two to three experts selected by the contest organizers will judge. Decisions of the judges will be final. Final scores with notes will be given to contestants.

Scoring (equal weight)
  1. Intonation - Tuning and tonal qualities
  2. Timing - Accurate and consistent rhythm
  3. Difficulty - Complexity of selections
  4. Technique - Dexterity in performance
  5. Selection - Choice of tunes appropriate to category
Rules for Banjo-Fiddle Contest (outside stage)

Competition Categories
One banjo and one fiddle, play any style

Awards in each category
  • First place:  Cash ($100), trophy (two), and homemade pie
  • Second place:  Cash ($50), trophy (two), and homemade pie
  • Third place:  Cash ($20), trophy (two) and homemade pie

Rules 
Rules are adapted from the annual Vandalia Gathering contest in Charleston, W. Va., sponsored by the W. Va. Division of Culture and History.​
  1. The order of competition in each category will be determined by random drawing.
  2. Each contestant (comprised of one banjo and one fiddle) must play two tunes together of their choice.
  3. Contestants will have 5 minutes to complete their two selections (time counted for songs only, not between songs). Score will be reduced by 10 percent per 30 seconds overrun from the total score.
  4. Vocals not permitted.  
  5. Electric instruments are not allowed.
  6. A single condenser microphone will be provided for the contest.
  7. In case of a broken string or major tuning problem, the contestant may replay.
  8. In case of a tie or extremely close score, the judges may request a playoff.


Judges:
Two experts (one for banjo and one for fiddle) selected by the contest organizers will judge. Decisions of the judges will be final. Final scores with notes will be given to contestants.

Scoring (equal weight)
1. Intonation - Tuning and tonal qualities
2. Timing - Accurate and consistent rhythm
3. Difficulty - Complexity of selections
4. Technique - Dexterity in performance
5. Selection - Choice of tunes appropriate to category
6. Coordination – How well contestants worked as a team (banjo & Fiddle)
​

​Copyright
​2023