Yadkin Valley Bluegrass Convention

In order to present a fair contest and make judging as simple as possible, the following rules and suggestions are provided and apply to each band and individual:

• No electric instruments will be allowed in competition.  Although bands
  will not be disqualified for using an electric bass, only acoustic basses will be judged for an individual prize.

• A band is constituted as having at least three (3) members consisting of a guitar, a banjo, and either a fiddle or a mandolin.  Any band consisting of eight (8) or more members will be disqualified.  Bands are automatically entered and judged in the Vocal Group category.

• Each band is allowed two (2) tunes.  Individual performers (not with a band) will be allowed only one (1) tune.  It is suggested that bands perform in the traditional style of bluegrass music.

• Individual band members will be judged during the band's performance.  Instru­mentalists, with the exception of Bass and Rhythm Guitar, must take at least one break to be judged.  Individual performers (not with a band) may be accompanied by one other instrument.  Back-up performers should refrain from leading – providing rhythm only.  You may register only once as an instrumentalist. (Exceptions: You are allowed to register once as a Solo Vocalist in addition to your registration as an instrumentalist. Lead Guitarists will also be allowed to register in the Rhythm Guitarist category.)

• Solo Vocalists and Vocal Groups will be judged during the band's performance.  Solo Vocalists may enter as individual performers and will be allowed one instrument as an accompaniment.  Individual soloists (not with a band) will be allowed one song.

• Young Talent entries must be 15 years old or younger.  These contestants may also enter in their instrumental and/or vocal categories without penalty. 
  (This applies to performing with a band as well.)

• Any individual registering and/or performing twice or more (even on different instruments) will be disqualified and will result in the disqualification of any band (or bands) involved.  Performing with multiple bands is not allowed even if the performer is registered only once.  (An exception is allowed for accompanying an individual contestant who is not registered with or performing with a band.)

• Band members will be refunded their admission immediately following their performance.  It is the performers' responsibility to obtain the refund.  Individual performers (not with a band) are not eligible for refunds.  Convention management will not be responsible for  performers failing to report to the refund table. Failure to report to the stage as scheduled will result in forfeiture of the refund.

• The Yadkin Arts Council reserves the right to refuse refund to anyone determined to be intoxicated or otherwise disorderly.  Such individuals will be asked to leave without recourse.

• The Yadkin Arts Council is not responsible for prizes and cash awards not claimed at the conclusion of this event. 

• The judges' decisions are FINAL.

The Yadkin Arts Council asks you to please help us by keeping your practice area clean.  Thank you for your cooperation.

                                             The Yadkin Arts Council

Questions?  Send an Email!