SMITHVILLE FIDDLERS' JAMBOREE®

Friday, July 4th, 2025 - Commencing at 9:00am

1. OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN FOLKSINGING (Solo)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75
   

   View the rulesMaximum of 2 1/ 2 minutes. Event will be timed. Violation of time limit will result in deduction of points on score. Only Old-Time Appalachian Folk songs may be sung. Newer songs may be disqualified. Contestants will be judged on vocal ability, not instrument skills.

2. JUNIOR CLOGGING (Ages 13 – 39)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75
   

   View the rulesEmphasis on rhythm, timing, energy, appearance of dress, expression, and authen- ticity. Shoes with taps must be worn. This is NOT a restricted dance. Dancers will dance only one time in both preliminaries and finals.

3. JUNIOR OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN BUCK DANCING (Ages 13 – 39)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

   View the rulesEmphasis on feet as well as rhythm, timing, energy, appearance of dress, expres- sion and authenticity. Foot, arm, and upper body movement should be limited. The feet should not be higher than 6” off the floor during the entire dance performance. Arms should not be flounced but held loosely at the sides of the body, keeping the head and shoulders as level as possible. Shoes with taps must be worn.

4. OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN FOLKSINGING (Duet, Trio, Quartet)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75
   

   View the rulesMaximum of 2 1/ 2 minutes. Event will be timed. Violation of time limit will result in deduction of points on score. Only Old-Time Appalachian Folk songs may be sung. Newer songs may be disqualified. Contestants will be judged on vocal ability, not instrument skills. Emphasis on harmony. Contestants may only enter this category once.

5. DOBRO GUITAR 1st-$150 · 2nd-$125 · 3rd-$100
   

   View the rulesEmphasis on clarity of tone, rhythm, timing and style. Finger picking only, no flat picking permitted.

6. DULCIMER (Mountain or Hammered) and Autoharp 1st-$150 · 2nd-$125 · 3rd-$100
   

   View the rulesMountain Dulcimer, Hammered Dulcimer, and Autoharp: Traditional style of playing with noter and pick is encouraged in keeping with the Appalachian theme of the contest but not mandatory. Only American Hammered Dulcimers will be permitted. No related instruments will be permitted. Emphasis will be on sound, rhythm, tim- ing, tuning, and execution. Chromatic dulcimers will not be allowed, however the 6 1/ 2 fret will be accepted. Other 1/ 2 frets, such as the 11/ 2 fret, will not be allowed. Autoharps may be played with fingerpicks, flat picks, or bare fingers. Lap style or Appalachian style of holding the instrument is acceptable.

7. NOVELTY EVENT (Jug Bands, Spoons, Washboard, Tub, Saw, etc.)** 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75
   

   View the rulesAnything novel in keeping with Old-Time Appalachian theme (jug bands, jug blow- ing, spoon clacking, washboard, tub, saw, etc.) No recorded music.

8. GOSPEL SINGING(Solo)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

   View the rulesA cappella or accompanied by a maximum of 2 instruments. Emphasis on authen- tic gospel songs. No more than 2 complete verses may be sung. Maximum time of 2 1/ 2 minutes.

9. COUNTRY HARMONICA 1st-$150 · 2nd-$125 · 3rd-$100
   

   View the rulesUse of chromatic or double-reed instruments will not be permitted – single-reed instruments only.

10. OLD-TIME BANJO 1st-$175 · 2nd-$150 · 3rd-$125
    

    View the rulesEmphasis on authentic mountain style. Picks are not permitted.

11. YOUTH SQUARE DANCING (4 Couples – 8 Total Dancers)* 1st-$400 · 2nd-$300 · 3rd-$200

    View the rules part-1• Judges will look for square dance routines in keeping with preservation of old style. (not modern, precision dance styles)
    • Dancers will be judged according to authenticity, taste, appearance, intensity, energy, rhythm, timing, and overall expression in executing the dance.
    • Dancers will dance one time in both preliminary and final events.
    • Shoes with taps must be worn.
    • Teams will consist of only 4 couples (total of 8 dancers).
    • Teams will dance to one tune.
    • One appointed Jamboree band will play for ALL teams. Speed should compli- ment the grace and beauty of the dance.

    View the rules part-2• Maximum of 4 1/ 2 minutes. Event will be timed. Violation of the time limit will result in deduction of points on the score. Time and Scoring begins when the team begins to dance in unison, continues through routine, and ends once en- tire team has exited the stage. (warm ups, or anything causing your team’s feet to begin to move, even without music, will signal you have begun. So be aware that you are being timed and do not need to warm up on stage...unless it is part of your routine. Dance directors need to exit with the team. To skip around the stage cheering oneself will continue to be considered part of the timed routine.) Please enter and exit in an orderly fashion.
    • Jamboree coordinator will appoint staff to time routines. Judges or committee members will not take heed to advice (other than staff) concerning timing.

    View the rules part-3• It is not required, but we ask that dance teams leave the stage, continuing a “slow-down” movement (basic step will work) for your team. Dancing 4 1/ 2 min- utes and stopping at once is dangerous to the heart. Keep your teams healthy and safe. Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Contestant Rules and Regulations Rev. June 2025
    • Loud, negative or abusive comments will not be tolerated on the grounds. Always exhibit good sportsmanship.
    • As a courtesy to all performers on stage, as well as the band, we ask that those waiting behind the stage be respectful to others. No practice may take place behind or beside the stage area (due to the noise).
    • Disrespect and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. No director, team member, family member, etc. may approach a judge (before, during, or after a performance). Approaching a judge will result in disqualifying your team.
    • Judge’s scores are FINAL. No disputing the outcome of judge’s scores.

12. GOSPEL SINGING (Duet, Trio and Quartet)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

    View the rulesEmphasis on harmony, style, execution, and authentic gospel songs. No more than 4 instruments permitted. No more than 2 complete verses may be sung. No taped music. Contestants may only enter this category once. Maximum time of 2 1/ 2 minutes.

13. MANDOLIN 1st-$175 · 2nd-$150 · 3rd-$125

    View the rulesTraditional old-time or bluegrass style is permitted. Emphasis on tonal quality, execution, timing, rhythm, and styling.

14. OLD-TIME FIDDLE BAND 1st-$600 · 2nd-$500 · 3rd-$400

    View the rulesOne fiddle must be a lead instrument. Emphasis will be placed on Old-Time Appalachian style music. A band member may not play in more than one band in this same event. Failure to comply will result in no score for both groups. You will need to honor the players with clear roots in this tradition. Also judged will be repertoire, style/spirit, and instrumentation. Contestants will play one song in the preliminaries. The three finalists will play two songs: one with vocals and one instrumental only.

15. NCHC*** TRADITIONAL DUO - to House Band, All Ages 1st-$200 · 2nd-$150 · 3rd-$100

    View the rulesDancers may be any combination of male and female. Footwork must be tradi- tional-styled clogging steps, i.e. drag-slide, buck, or flatfoot (No modern clogging steps, double-doubles, tap Canadian step, etc.) Judge’s discretion determines the authenticity of traditional footwork. Footwork and dance must be precision oriented. No individual rise and shine or acrobatics are allowed. Dancers should dance as a couple–hands joined as much as possible with plenty of interaction and couple turns. Dancers are encouraged to use the entire stage, showing the ability to move as a unit. Dancers MUST perform to a live band and may set the tempo/speed prior to competing. The band will play an 8-beat intro, then play a traditional song with 32 sections until the couple begins to double step in place while waving at the audience. At the signal of the wave, the band will wind down the music. Maximum of 1 1/ 2 minutes (90 seconds)..

16. NCHC*** TRADITIONAL HOEDOWN - to House Band, min. 4 couples 1st-$300 · 2nd-$200 · 3rd-$100

    View the rulesMinimum of 4 couples, any combination of males and females. May dance with a hole if necessary. Figures must be couple oriented. A variety of figures and formations recommended. Hoedown and freestyle steps should be used while performing dance. Dancers must NOT start footwork simultaneously. No dancer should be intentionally in step with another dancer. This dance is intended to be performed as couples while dancing figures and formations. Dancers MUST dance to the Live Band. Recorded music is not allowed. Maximum of 5 minutes.

• Finals in above categories 1.-16. Note: Finals usually begin between 5-7pm depending on weather and contestants counts.

*Check rules and regulations for time limits. – The Jamboree Committee reserves the right to put time limits on any event.

**(Appalachian-Related only)

***(National Clogging and Hoedown Competition)
see related Rules & Age Divisions

Saturday, July 5th, 2025 - Commencing at 9:00am

17. JUNIOR OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN FLATFOOT DANCE (Ages 0-39) 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

    View the rulesAll performers will compete individually to the same tune. Shoes must be worn. NO taps on shoes. This event should consist of authentic, old-time dancing in the true “flat-foot style.” Emphasis on authenticity, rhythm, timing, and execution. Arms should not be flounced but should be held loosely at the sides of the body. The feet should be kept parallel to the floor and as close to the floor as possible.

18. SENIOR OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN FLATFOOT DANCE (Ages 40 +) 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

    View the rulesAll performers will compete individually to the same tune. Shoes must be worn. NO taps on shoes. This event should consist of authentic, old-time dancing in the true “flat-foot style.” Emphasis on authenticity, rhythm, timing, and execution. Arms should not be flounced but should be held loosely at the sides of the body. The feet should be kept parallel to the floor and as close to the floor as possible.

19. SENIOR OLD-TIME APPALACHIAN BUCK DANCING (Ages 40 +)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

    View the rulesIn the “individual performer categories” each contestant may perform unaccom- panied, or accompanied by no more than 2 instruments. The accompanists shall not double the melody line with any contestant. With the exception of the Flat Top Guitar category, accompanists must play a different type instrument than the contestant.

20. SENIOR CLOGGING (Ages 40 +)* 1st-$125 · 2nd-$100 · 3rd-$75

    View the rulesIf a competitor plays the same song in the preliminaries and finals, a point deduc- tion will be assessed.

*Check rules and regulations for time limits. – The Jamboree Committee reserves the right to put time limits on any event.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
COUNTRY MUSICIAN BEGINNERS
(Ages through 12 years by event date)

• **Follow standard rules by category**

1. BUCK DANCING* 1st-$100 · 2nd-$75 · 3rd-$50

   View the rulesEmphasis on feet as well as rhythm, timing, energy, appearance of dress, expres- sion and authenticity. Foot, arm, and upper body movement should be limited. The feet should not be higher than 6” off the floor during the entire dance performance. Arms should not be flounced but held loosely at the sides of the body, keeping the head and shoulders as level as possible. Shoes with taps must be worn.

2. CLOGGING* 1st-$100 · 2nd-$75 · 3rd-$50

   View the rulesEmphasis on rhythm, timing, energy, appearance of dress, expression, and authen- ticity. Shoes with taps must be worn. This is NOT a restricted dance. Dancers will dance only one time in both preliminaries and finals.

3. DOBRO GUITAR 1st-$100 · 2nd-$75 · 3rd-$50

   View the rulesEmphasis on clarity of tone, rhythm, timing and style. Finger picking only, no flat picking permitted.

4. MANDOLIN 1st-$100 · 2nd-$75 · 3rd-$50

   View the rulesTraditional old-time or bluegrass style is permitted. Emphasis on tonal quality, execution, timing, rhythm, and styling.

5. BANJO, Five-String 1st-$100 · 2nd-$75 · 3rd-$50

   View the rulesEmphasis on authentic mountain style. Picks are not permitted.

6. FLAT TOP GUITAR 1st-$100 · 2nd-$75 · 3rd-$50

   View the rulesEmphasis on clarity of tone, timing and rhythm. Flat top or archtop type guitars will be permitted. Flatpicking, no fingerpicking.

7. FIDDLE 1st-$200 · 2nd-$150 · 3rd-$100

   View the rulesEmphasis on clarity, tone, timing, execution, and authenticity. This includes:
   a. Authenticity: the ability to play danceable music in a manner appropriate to the style of the music. The fiddler should have a basic respect for the structure of the tune and the tradition and style of the tune’s source. Variation and ornamentation should emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not distract from or obscure it.
   b. Rhythm/timing: the ability to set and maintain a steady danceable tempo, with no unevenness, breaks in the rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed if they are part of the tune and traditionally played. Dotted notes or syncopation, when appropriate to the tunes, are also allowed.
   c. Execution, difficulty, tone, and mastery: the tune’s level of difficulty and contes- tant’s proficiency. Notes should be played clearly, on pitch, with good tone.
   d. Expression/feeling: the ability to move or “connect with” the audience and judges.
   e. Contestants will play one song in the preliminaries. The three finalists will play two songs: a breakdown and a waltz.

• Finals in above 7 beginner categories.

Beginner Events 3. – 6. Overall Award – The Nolan Turner Best Overall Instrumental Entertainer Trophy - $200 to the winner

The James G. "Bobo" Driver National Championship Country Musician Beginners Fiddler's Memorial Trophy - $300 to the winner

21. BLUEGRASS BANJO 1st-$175 · 2nd-$150 · 3rd-$125

    View the rulesThis tradition emphasizes the three-finger roll and may include “melodic style” and single-string interludes. Resonator-type banjos will be permitted. Emphasis on styling, clarity, intensity, authenticity, and expression. The use of Scruggs/D-tuners are not permitted.

22. BLUEGRASS BAND1st-$600 · 2nd-$500 · 3rd-$400

    View the rules part-1Bands must have a minimum of 4 members and not more than 6 members. Vo- cals are optional in the preliminaries. A band member may not play in more than one band in this same event. Failure to comply will result in no score for both groups. *Highest marks will be given to bands that creatively and skillfully com- bine some fundamental essence of the bluegrass music (e.g. repertoire, style/ spirit, traditional bluegrass vocal harmony, and/or instrumentation.) The contes- tants are advised to abide by the intention of the event to honor players with clear roots in the bluegrass tradition. Judges will keep in mind the “bluegrass” aspect of a performance with scoring the appropriateness of an arrangement.

    View the rules part-2**Will be judged with the following in mind:
    a. Material selection: difficulty, taste, authenticity.
    b. General instrumental musicianship: rhythm, timing, intonation, expression and dynamics for both solos and overall instrumental blend.
    c. Vocal performance: intonation and overall vocal quality for both leads and harmony.
    d. Stage presence: entertainment value, showing comfort with the audience and expertise with the music. Contestants will play one song in the preliminaries. The three finalists will play two songs: one with vocals and one instrumental only.

23. FLAT TOP GUITAR1st-$175 · 2nd-$150 · 3rd-$125

    View the rulesEmphasis on clarity of tone, timing and rhythm. Flat top or archtop type guitars will be permitted. Flatpicking, no fingerpicking.

24. CONTEST FIDDLE (Neil Dudney Award)1st-$250 · 2nd-$200 · 3rd-$150

    View the rulesContest fiddling is a separate style distinct from old-time fiddling. This more contemporary style includes influences from jazz and swing (includes bluegrass, Texas swing, and performance tunes). The judges will focus on advanced bowing techniques, double stops, slides, hot licks, variations, and innovative arrange- ments. Trick tunes such as Orange Blossom Special, Listen to the Mockingbird, Mockingbird Hill, or Black Mountain Rag are not permitted.

25. NCHC*** PRECISION - (to recorded music track)1st-$300 · 2nd-$200 · 3rd-$100

    View the rulesMinimum of 4 couples, any combination of males and females. May dance with a hole if necessary. Figures must be couple oriented. A variety of figures and formations recommended. Dancers must always be in step with each other. A progressive step change is allowed. This dance is intended to be performed as couples while dancing figures and formations. Recorded music must be bluegrass, traditional, or hoedown music with or without vocals. COUNTRY MUSIC is NOT allowed. Maximum of 5 minutes.

26. NCHC*** TRADITIONAL LINE - (to recorded music track)1st-$300 · 2nd-$200 · 3rd-$100

    View the rulesMinimum of 4 dancers, any combination of males and females. Footwork must be traditional-styled clogging steps, i.e. drag-slide clogging. Line dance is a category with choreography for one person but danced by many. No progressive step changes allowed. No hand or head choreography. All dancers must face the same direction at the same time. No dancing as couples. No individual freestyle dancing. No trading, twisting, passing through, bending, rotating, making V’s, forming columns, or interaction of lines. No pull throughs, splits, tosses, leaps, cartwheels, or flips. May clog on an off stage. Recorded music may be bluegrass, traditional, western, hoedown, or country music with or without vocals. Maximum of 4 min- utes.

27. JUNIOR TRADITIONAL / BLUEGRASS FIDDLE (Ages 13-39)1st-$300 · 2nd-$250 · 3rd-$200

    View the rulesEmphasis on clarity, tone, timing, execution, and authenticity. This includes:
    a. Authenticity: the ability to play danceable music in a manner appropriate to the style of the music. The fiddler should have a basic respect for the structure of the tune and the tradition and style of the tune’s source. Variation and ornamentation should emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not distract from or obscure it.
    b. Rhythm/timing: the ability to set and maintain a steady danceable tempo, with no unevenness, breaks in the rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed if they are part of the tune and traditionally played. Dotted notes or syncopation, when appropriate to the tunes, are also allowed.
    c. Execution, difficulty, tone, and mastery: the tune’s level of difficulty and contes- tant’s proficiency. Notes should be played clearly, on pitch, with good tone.
    d. Expression/feeling: the ability to move or “connect with” the audience and judges.
    e. Contestants will play one song in the preliminaries. The three finalists will play two songs: a breakdown and a waltz.

28. SENIOR TRADITIONAL / BLUEGRASS FIDDLE (Ages 40 + Over)1st-$300 · 2nd-$250 · 3rd-$200

    View the rulesEmphasis on clarity, tone, timing, execution, and authenticity. This includes:
    a. Authenticity: the ability to play danceable music in a manner appropriate to the style of the music. The fiddler should have a basic respect for the structure of the tune and the tradition and style of the tune’s source. Variation and ornamentation should emphasize the distinctive flavor of the tune, not distract from or obscure it.
    b. Rhythm/timing: the ability to set and maintain a steady danceable tempo, with no unevenness, breaks in the rhythm or dropped beats. Extra beats or measures are allowed if they are part of the tune and traditionally played. Dotted notes or syncopation, when appropriate to the tunes, are also allowed.
    c. Execution, difficulty, tone, and mastery: the tune’s level of difficulty and contes- tant’s proficiency. Notes should be played clearly, on pitch, with good tone.
    d. Expression/feeling: the ability to move or “connect with” the audience and judges.
    e. Contestants will play one song in the preliminaries. The three finalists will play two songs: a breakdown and a waltz.

29. SQUARE DANCING (4 Couples – 8 Total Dancers)*1st-$500 · 2nd-$400 · 3rd-$300
    *Best Overall Inclusive Dance Award $100
    *Best Overall Inclusive Music Award$100

    View the rules part-1• Judges will look for square dance routines in keeping with preservation of old style. (not modern, precision dance styles)
    • Dancers will be judged according to authenticity, taste, appearance, intensity, energy, rhythm, timing, and overall expression in executing the dance.
    • Dancers will dance one time in both preliminary and final events.
    • Shoes with taps must be worn.
    • Teams will consist of only 4 couples (total of 8 dancers).
    • Teams will dance to one tune.
    • One appointed Jamboree band will play for ALL teams. Speed should compli- ment the grace and beauty of the dance.

    View the rules part-2• Maximum of 4 1/ 2 minutes. Event will be timed. Violation of the time limit will result in deduction of points on the score. Time and Scoring begins when the team begins to dance in unison, continues through routine, and ends once en- tire team has exited the stage. (warm ups, or anything causing your team’s feet to begin to move, even without music, will signal you have begun. So be aware that you are being timed and do not need to warm up on stage...unless it is part of your routine. Dance directors need to exit with the team. To skip around the stage cheering oneself will continue to be considered part of the timed routine.) Please enter and exit in an orderly fashion.
    • Jamboree coordinator will appoint staff to time routines. Judges or committee members will not take heed to advice (other than staff) concerning timing.

    View the rules part-3• It is not required, but we ask that dance teams leave the stage, continuing a “slow-down” movement (basic step will work) for your team. Dancing 4 1/ 2 min- utes and stopping at once is dangerous to the heart. Keep your teams healthy and safe. Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Contestant Rules and Regulations Rev. June 2025
    • Loud, negative or abusive comments will not be tolerated on the grounds. Always exhibit good sportsmanship.
    • As a courtesy to all performers on stage, as well as the band, we ask that those waiting behind the stage be respectful to others. No practice may take place behind or beside the stage area (due to the noise).
    • Disrespect and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. No director, team member, family member, etc. may approach a judge (before, during, or after a performance). Approaching a judge will result in disqualifying your team.
    • Judge’s scores are FINAL. No disputing the outcome of judge’s scores.

30. GRAND CHAMPION TRADITIONAL / BLUEGRASS FIDDLER - $800 to the GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR & SENIOR FIDDLE-OFF
    (Berry C. Williams Memorial Trophy)

    View the rulesn selecting the Grand Champion Fiddler (“Fiddle Off”) from winners of the Junior and Senior Fiddle competition, each contestant will play three tunes; one hoedown or fast tune, one waltz, and one tune of the fiddlers’ choice. The two finalists will draw for position. This is judged on traditional / bluegrass style. The winner will be asked to play a crowd-pleasing victory song after the award ceremony.

• Finals will be held in above categories 17-29 and usually begin between 5-7pm depending on weather and number of contestants.

*Check rules and regulations for time limits. – The Jamboree Committee reserves the right to put time limits on any event.

***(National Clogging and Hoedown Competition)
see related Rules & Age Divisions

(Participants can only win 2 years in a row in one category, out the third year, then are eligible to enter again.)
JUDGING: No contestants will participate in judging.
CONTESTANT RULES ARE AVAILABLE.
All Amateur Musicians, Singers, Dancers and Entertainers Invited.
EACH PARTICIPANT IN EACH EVENT MUST PAY A FEE OF $10.00 PER PERSON