Columbia Gorge Fiddle Contest

HOW DOES A GOOD JUDGE JUDGE?

Each fiddle contestant will play a hoedown, a waltz and a tune of choice that is not a hoedown or a waltz. The total time of playing all three songs is 4 minutes. Players are not interrupted between songs with clapping or announcements.

Judges score each player based on old time fiddling ability, clarity of tone, intonation, and rhythm. Under the control of the Master of Ceremonies, only the fiddle music of the contestant is piped into a remote room where the judges make their decisions. Judges are not allowed to watch contestants perform or know their identity. All contestants are given a number and judges refer to the contestant number in scoring. Judges do not discuss how a contestant played.

Monitors are volunteers who time each tune with a stopwatch. Any contestant playing over the four-minute time limit has a penalty. Tabulators then transfer the judge’s scores with the time played to individual players names. Typically the top five in each round is posted within an hour of the contestants playing in each division.

COLUMBIA GORGE FIDDLE CONTEST JUDGES

Qualified, experienced judges add a depth of experience to a contest. We believe you will agree we have some great judges for this years contest!

(click on names to view bios)

Dan Emert Pendelton, OR
Cristen Newhall Eugene, OR
John Francis Salt Lake City, UT

Acoustic Instrument Judges

(click on names to view bios)

Paul Lestock
Chris Connolly
Isaac Callender

These judges all play a stringed instrument. These judges will select the champion in the Acoustic Division.

Mayors of the Gorge

Saturday night is the time for the Mayors of the Gorge to unite to judge the Entertainment Division of the contest. The Entertainment Division is a chance for a group of musicians or individuals to perform. Judging criteria is based on Stage Presence, Costumes, Entertainment, Musicianship and Overall Presentation. Look for the Mayors of the Gorge in their special crowns sitting at the front of the auditorium. They need audience participation to help them judge so give a yell, clap and stomp your feet. It’s time to have some fun!