Just Ask...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything new that I should be aware of for the 2010 convention?
YES - There are some major changes:
~The purse is increasing by $500 - we will be giving a total of $3000 in prizes this year!
~We have changed the categories a bit to make it more equitable for everyone. There will no longer be a single "Young Talent" category. We will be giving a complete set of individual prizes in TWO DIVISIONS. All of the individual instrumental categories (as well as the individual vocal category) are now split
into a JUNIOR DIVISION (15 years old and younger) and a SENIOR DIVISION (16 years old and older).
~The doors will open at 3 PM, Registration runs from 4 PM until 6 PM, and Competition will start no later than 6:30 PM.
~Order of performance will be now be determined by drawing numbers. A representative from each band (or performer) must report to the registration
area at 6:00 PM to draw a number. Failure to do so will result in disqualification and forfeiture of refund! Please register EARLY (and start practicing) in anticipation of drawing a low number - BE READY! (We've made this change because
of some major problems with the scheduling last year. We don't want to inconvenience the musicians - but many in the audience made valid complaints about huge gaps in the competition, lasting from 45 minutes to an hour. It is our intention to avoid any gaps in the competition from now on!)
Please read the FAQ's below for additional info - and feel free to contact us!
How much does it cost to get in?
Admission is $10.00 per adult. Children 10 and under are admitted free.
What will we do if it is raining?
Since it is held indoors at the Yadkinville Elementary School, this will not be a problem - the event goes on "rain or shine."
Do musicians have to pay for their admission? If so, will they be given a refund?
YES, musicians do have to pay to enter the event, however performers who are properly registered and who report to the stage as scheduled will be given a refund immediately following their performance.
Is there a registration fee required of musicians wishing to enter the competition?
No, there is no registration fee. However, before receiving a refund, contestants will be required to present proof (stamped hand) that they paid their admission.
Can I register to play with more than one band?
NO. Registering to play with more than one band will result in the disqualification of both bands as well as you as an individual. Please read the rules carefully.(You may back up an individual performer without any penalties.)
Can I register to play with a band and then again as an individual?
NO. Registering to play more than once will result in the disqualification of both the individual and the band. Although this may seem unfair, when contestants are allowed to enter on more than one instrument they actually gain an unfair advantage with more chances to win a prize. It is acceptable to register as a Solo Vocalist in addition to your entry as an instrumentalist. Please read the rules carefully.
Can I play with a band as an "un-registered" member and then register as an individual?
NO. We had to draw the line somewhere. If you play in a band you are considered as a part of the band whether your name appears on the registratioin or not - if the band wins a prize then you would likely be entitled to a portion of the winnings. Thus, if you were allowed to also enter as an indiviual without the band, you would end up getting two chances.
What time does registration open?
Registration for bands and individual performers will open at approximately 4:00 PMnd will close at 6:00 PM. Those in line at time of closing will be allowed to register, however no one will be allowed to get in line after the 6:00 PM close.
What if we can't get there before the 6:00 PM closing time for registration?
If your band cannot be on hand to register in person between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM you may register in advance by mail using the registration form from the web site. (If you register by mail, however, you will still be required to have a representative present for the 6:00 PM drawing to determine the order of performance - BUT keep in mind the risks involved in drawing a low number and being unable to report as scheduled!) You may also register via email or fax. (For more information call Robert at (336) 463-5624 or (336) 409-4775 or send an E-mail.
What time does the competition start?
Competition will start no later than 6:30 PM. The first performers will need enough time to appear for the 6:00 PM drawing to determine the order of performance and then make it to the stage! We will provide non-competing entertainment prior to the start of competition.
What is the age requirements for the JUNIOR & SENIOR Divisions?
Contestants registering in the Junior Division must be 15 years old or younger.
Contestants registering in the Senior Division must be 16 years old or older.
The divisions apply only to individual categories. Band and Vocal Groups will all be judged together regardless of the ages of the individual members.
How many tunes will musicians be allowed to perform?
Each band will be allowed two tunes and individual performers will be allowed one tune. (In the event of a smaller than expected number of entries bands may be asked to play an additional number - but it will not be judged.)
Why are individual performers only allowed one tune?
When there is only one instrument to judge there is sufficient time for the judges to rate it during the one number. Also, there is the possibility that more individuals will register than bands, and there is just simply not enough time to allow every individual two tunes.
Can individual performers (not registered with a band) be backed up by a band during their performance?
NO. Musicians who are registered as an individual and are not part of a band will be allowed only one instrument as a back-up. (Some conventions allow full band back-up, but we've found that often every member of the band will play "breaks" even though only one instrument is being judged.)
Does it matter whether bands perform two vocal numbers or two instrumentals? Are bands required to do one of each?
It does not matter. The judges will judge what they hear. Obviously, if a band does not perform a vocal number they will not be considered for an award in the vocal category. Likewise, if an instrument (with the exception of the bass and rhythm guitar) does not take a "break" it will not be considered for a prize.
Do bands have to play in the order in which they register?
NO. However, you (or a single representative) will be required to report back at 6:00 PM to draw a number to determine your reporting time. Failure to report for the drawing will result in disqulification and forfeiture of refund. Failure to report to the stage at your appointed time will result in being sent to the end of the line, a three point penalty from final score, and the forfeiture of refunds. Register early and be prepared for whatever time you draw!
Is "Jamming" or "Parking Lot Picking" allowed?
Sure. Bring an instrument and have fun! We only ask that jamming be restricted to areas well away from the stage/audience and well clear of practicing bands. (Be sure to get permission before joining in so you won't be interfering with a band practicing its performance.)
Will there be food available?
Yes. The Yadkinville Rotary Club will be providing hot dogs, pop corn, drinks, and other items. Money raised from food sales go to charity - so plan on eating supper with us!
What kinds of songs should our band play for the best chance of winning?
That's a tough one! But here's the simple answer: The judges we have used in the past tend to like the traditional style of bluegrass. We suggest that bands stick with the traditional (or Public Domain) material and choose songs that are not protected by ASCAP or BMI. It's probably best to stay away from the more "progressive" stuff. Original material is OK provided it's done in a "traditional" style. Some judges prefer to judge vocal material with instrumental back-up, so a capella songs may not be the best choice of material. Other than that the best advice we can give is to keep it "clean and straight" and give us your best performance possible! Good Luck!
What's the deal with electric basses? And what about those "acoustic/electric" basses some bands are using?
We consider electric basses to be quite different from the traditional "doghouse" basses most bands use and attempting to judge an acoustic against an electric doesn't quite seem fair. If your band uses an electric or an acoustic/electric bass it will not lessen your band's chances of winning a prize provided everything else is in order. The electric bass just will not be judged against the acoustic basses.
Is the venue handicapped accessible?
Yes. Since it is a public school the facilities meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Auditorium is on the same level as the main entrance - there are no stairs or ramps to climb. The restrooms are also handicapped accessible.
Is this the same convention that used to be called "The Yadkinville Bluegrass Contest & Fiddlers' Convention?"
Yes! The name was changed in 2009 when it was moved back to the Yadkinville Elementary School. We wanted the "official" name to reflect the fact that it reaches a bit further than the town limits - and even beyond the county line. Although the name is different it's still the same great event. (Just keep on calling it the "Yadkinville Fiddlers' Convention" if you like!)
If your question is not answered here, just drop us an E-mail and we'll be glad to answer it!