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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 18th and
19th 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
Potomac
Valley Scottish Fiddle Club:
http://www.potomacvalleyscottishfiddle.org
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 ofScotland. 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:
http://www.elkebaker.com/
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!
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