Virginia Scottish Games and Festivals

Scottish Fiddling

Fiddle Schedule

History of Scottish Fiddling

Since its introduction to Scotland at the end of the seventeenth century the violin – often under the name given to older bowed instruments, namely "fiddle" – has been central to the music of Scotland, from the Scandinavian-influenced Orkney and Shetland islands, through the wild dances and mournful airs of the Gaelic Highlands, to the ballrooms and performance halls of the cities, through the Scots lowlands and borders. The music composed for fiddle ranges from the simple anonymous folk tune to the refined compositions of one of Scotland ’s great 18^th and 19^th century composers, through the modern syncopated influences of today’s musicians.

Scottish Fiddling is thus a living tradition, steeped in the past, existing in the present, and anticipating the future. It draws influences from, and influences in return, song the other great instrumental traditions of Scotland, such as harp and bagpipe. Scottish fiddle music is also unique in the Scottish arts in how it was influenced by Continental music traditions, and how its sounds and rhythms have formed much of the foundation of the fiddle music of the New World.

The Scottish Fiddling Tent represents all aspects of this living tradition, from the judge’s instruction, where style points are discussed, to the fiddle competition, where today’s fiddlers are encouraged to achieve their highest potential, to the many concerts and performances showcasing this area’s rich and deep pool of talent on the Scottish fiddle and the instruments that accompany it.

Scottish Fiddle Competition:

Come hear the best young (and not so young) aspiring fiddlers in a contest of skill and musicianship at the fiddle contest. Broken into Junior Novice, Novice, Junior (under 17), and Open categories, the full competition set includes a slow air, then a pause, followed by a medley made up of a march, a Strathspey, and a reel. Contestants are judged on technique, faithfulness to the Scottish idiom, and expression. After the competition, stick around while the judge’s decision is considered and listen to an impromptu jam session hosted by the competitors!

Registration can be through the VSG website; either fill in the web form (signature will be required on the day of the contest, download the form and mail it to the address on the form. Same-day registration is offered until the contest commences. Your paid ticket to the games is your registration fee. More information about the requirements of the contest, such as tunes and etiquette, can be found at Scottish Fiddling Revival’s (SFIRE) website, http://www.scottishfire.org, in the “Competitions” section. Further questions may be directed to the VSG's Fiddle Chair, Peter Walker

PERFORMERS:

Open Fiddle Jam:
If you have a tune you would like to share, please join us at our Open Jam Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.!
The Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club
Made up of musicians at all levels, all walks of life, and playing many instruments (though mostly fiddle), the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club is a great place to learn about and share the traditional fiddle music of Scotland. About to start its seventeenth year, the club meets once a month from October to May, enjoying a workshop taught by Music Director Elke Baker, followed by a potluck dinner and a jam session. The club performs locally at several events each year, and the Virginia Scottish Games is pleased to be one of these. The club also puts on Scottish Country Dances and dance demonstrations with the Northern Virginia branch of the RSCDS. Many of the other musicians you will hear in the Fiddle Tent are members!
Elke Baker, 1995 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion:
A long-standing tradition at the Virginia Scottish Games is a command performance given by Elke Baker, champion fiddler and musical director of the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club. Elke brings her incomparable skill, energy, and knowledge to her performances. Just try not tapping your feet or clapping your hands!
The Homespun Ceilidh Band:
The Homespun Ceilidh Band has been setting toes a tapping throughout the Mid-Atlantic for over a decade with their lively "get up and dance" Celtic music. This nine-member group is known for their lighthearted and fun approach to performances as well as their distinctive "big band" Celtic sound.
Peat and Barley:
Like a fine Scotch whisky, Peat & Barley's music is complex, inviting and always goes down smooth. The interplay between Bill Mitchell's hammered dulcimer and Becky Ross's fiddle - trading melody, rhythm and harmony - draws the listener into the ebb and flow of the music in a centering and refreshing way. Widely-regarded for their stylish arrangements of traditional Celtic tunes, the duo continue to delight listeners with their new CD release, Silver Lining, an engaging mix of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes.
Becky Ross (fiddle) and Liz Donaldson (piano):
Liz Donaldson is a sought-after pianist for Scottish, English, and American Contra and Square Dances. Her distinctive piano style captures the mood of each dance through textures, harmony lines and exciting rhythms. Fiddler Becky Ross performs regularly in several Celtic groups as well as playing for Scottish and English Country Dances. Both Becky and Liz have recordings of Scottish Music, and together have a CD of English Country Dance Music: English Echoes. For part of the performance they will be joined by dancers from the Northern Virginia Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society showing how the music connects with the dancing.
The Devil's Tailors:
A high energy Celtic group featuring fiddles, bagpipes, guitar, cittern, vocals, and a veritable museum of other instruments, The Devil's Tailors have been getting audiences to clap their hands and stomp their feet since 2007. Featuring dance music and songs from Scotland from four hundred years ago to today, the Devil's Tailors keep this living tradition fresh and exciting.
Andrew Dodds:
A fixture in the DC-area Scottish music scene since his youth, Andrew has been thrilling audiences with his explosive performances and lightning-like bow for many years. A veteran competitor, Andrew has performed with the pan-Celtic band Iona, and with the world fusion band 50 Man Machine in addition serving as an instructor at the Jink and Diddle School, and as a private teacher.
Dileab Phriseil:
Returning to the Virginia Scottish Games is Dileab Phriseil (Gaelic for "Precious Legacy"), an ensemble of friends that formed from a church group. Featuring traditional songs of Scotland and Ireland, in English and Gaelic, along with fiddle, whistle, bodhran, and other instruments, Dileab Phriseil endeavours to preserve the bequest for which it is named.

Winchester Celtic Circle:
More than a music club, but a group of friends, the Winchester Celtic Circle performs 16th- and 17th-century Scottish, Irish and Shetland tunes.