Download a PDF Copy of the 2010
The judging methodologies used by the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest have developed over the years and will continue to do so as new suggestions are received and considered. Beginning with an article on Banjo and Fiddle Judging by Allan Hjerpe, subsequent refinements have been contributed by Bill Jackson, JoEllen Lepidus, Howard Yearwood, Dorian Keyser and others.
Judging is based upon a 100 point scale using the guidelines listed below:
| 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 |
| 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 | Numbers 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 |
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 should complete within six (6)minutes.
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 |
| Performance: | Entertaining, connect with the audience, stay within time constraints, comfortable on stage |
| Timing: | Both numbers 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" |
A traditional song (pre 1940) of any style may be performed with or without accompaniment. Songs should be primarily in English so as to be understood by the judges and should be completed within three minutes.
|
SINGING NUMBER |
|
| Pitch | 15 |
| Enunciation / Sound Quality | 25 |
| Rhythm | 25 |
| Style / Material | 25 |
| Stage Presence | 10 |
| Timing | Numbers 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 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 |
The back-up instrument should provide a steady rhythm, pace and complementary runs. Attempts to 'dazzle' detract from the performance of the contestant.
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!