Judging Criteria

Judging is based upon a 100 point scale using the guidelines listed below:

Scoring

INSTRUMENTS	Banjo	Fiddle	Guitar	Mandolin	Other Instruments
Pitch	10	25	10	10	15
Rhythm	25	25	25	25	25
Musicianship	25	10	25	25	25
Technique	30	30	30	30	25
Stage Presence	10	10	10	10	10
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100

Considerations

Pitch	Instrument tuning and proper bridge placement
Rhythm	Measure-to-measure as well as the entire number (speed-up / slow-down). It can be very difficult for a judge to determine if tempo changes are intentional
Musicianship	Based upon the overall performance. Was it tasteful and dynamic? Was it entertaining?
Technique	Technical competence including fingering, bowing, picking, etc.
Stage Presence	An average score of five is enhanced or diminished depending upon presentation
Other Considerations:
Timing	All numbers (incl. intros) MUST complete within three(3) minutes or judges will deduct ten (10) points and sound will be cut.
Back-up	While no extra credit is given for the presence of a superior back-up, points may be deducted for a poor performance
Original Material	Since the judges may have no way of knowing the origin of music or style, only performance may be considered
Difficulty	Judges will consider the difficulty of the piece as performed when deducting for mistakes
* Fiddle Category	When a fiddle is being judged in any category, there must be no other fiddles being played on the stage.

Band Judging

A band consists of at least three members including at least one banjo or fiddle. Each band shall play two numbers: one instrumental and one vocal. Vocal numbers shall have two or more members singing in harmony with instrumental backup, and may include breaks and runs. Entries deviating from this requirement shall have no score awarded. Both numbers (incl. intros) should complete within six (6)minutes.

Band Scoring

INSTRUMENTAL NUMBER		SINGING NUMBER
Pitch/Rhythm	20	Vocal Pitch/Rhythm	20
Technical Ability	30	Instrumental Support	20
Musicianship	30	Harmony Blend	40
Performance	20	Performance	20

Considerations

Performance:	Entertaining, connect with the audience, stay within time constraints, comfortable on stage
Timing:	Both numbers (incl. intros) MUST complete within six (6) minutes or judges will deduct ten (10) points and sound will be cut.
INSTRUMENTAL:
Pitch/Rhythm:	Instruments in tune with clear tonal qualities. Maintain a good steady tempo that others are able to follow
Technical Ability:	Technique, degree of instrument proficiency of each of the band members, difficulty of piece
Musicianship:	Group instrumental blend, back each other up well, play well together to create a "band sound," use of microphones, song selection
VOCAL:
Pitch/Rhythm:	Everyone sings in tune, voice quality, good steady tempo
Instrumental Support:	Proficient backup, tasteful, create a good blend, good solos/breaks, timing, nice fills and runs
Harmony Blend:	Blend is what makes a great vocal band - complexity, smoothness, tasteful, original "band sound"

Singing

Any song may be performed but in general, songs should be chosen that will allow the judges to rate your performance and the quality of your singing.

Contestants are judged on Pitch, Enunciation, Sound Quality, Rhythm, Style, Material and Stage Presence.

Songs should not be profane, rushed or excessively loud.

Lyrics should be clear and understandable.

Objectionable material or interpretation will result in performance termination and\ disqualification.

NOTE: If you desire to be judged in Singing while competing in an instrument category, then you must compete in the morning elimination contest to qualify to be judged in Singing on the Main Stage. If you score at least as well as the lowest-scoring finalist that has entered in Singing only and advanced to the Main Stage, then you may be judged in Singing on the Main Stage while competing in an instrument category.

Singing Scoring

SINGING NUMBER
Pitch	15
Enunciation / Sound Quality	25
Rhythm	25
Style / Material	25
Stage Presence	10

Singing Considerations

Timing	All numbers (incl. intros) MUST complete within three(3) minutes or judges will deduct ten (10) points and sound will be cut.
Enunciation	Can the words be understood?
Pitch	In tune with instruments? Absolute pitch if unaccompanied. Instruments in tune?
Rhythm/Pace	In time with back-up? Pace suitable for chosen song?
Style/Material	Is the style consistent with the song and its traditions?

Backup Instruments Scoring

BACKUP GUITAR
Pace/Rhythm	25
Chords/Chord Changes	25
Fits into the group	25
Runs	15
Pitch	10
TOTAL	100

OTHER BACKUP INSTRUMENTS
Pitch	15
Rhythm	25
Musicianship	25
Technique/ Fits into group	25
Stage Presence	10
TOTAL	100

Backup Instrument Considerations

The back-up instrument should provide a steady rhythm, pace and complementary runs. Attempts to 'dazzle' detract from the performance of the contestant.

When a fiddle is being judged in any category, there must be no other fiddles being played on the stage.

Suggestions for all categories:

Pick material that is within your capabilities. Even though difficulty is considered, the point system penalizes mistakes and unevenness far more than it rewards dazzling technique.

Keep an even tempo. Start on the slow side and try not to speed up. Rehearse with your back-up if applicable, before coming to the stage.

Observe how others utilize the microphones. Crowding them causes distortion, but you must be heard to be judged.

If you wish to improve your performance for following years, please send a request to the Registrar to have your scores sent to you after the contest. It is valuable to know in which areas you were strong or need improvement, and to see how you fared compared to the winners in your category. Requests may be called in to the Hotline at 818-382-4819 or requested via e-mail to the Registrar. Good luck!