Consistent with the spirit of openness and innovation that has made the Non-Traditional Band Contest an important part of the Appalachian String Band Music Festival, this year we are making some changes to the Non-Traditional Band Contest, and offering some new related programming.
Ribbons for Best Original Compositions: In addition to all prizes awarded as in previous years for the Non-Traditional Band Contest, this year the contest will also award ribbons (but no prize money) for best New Composition Tune, and best New Composition Song, presented by a band competing in the preliminary round of the Non-Traditional Band Contest. This is not a separate contest; rather, these are additional prizes offered to contestants in the Non-Traditional Band Contest. The composer (or at least one co-composer) must perform as part of the band presenting the tune or song to be judged for this award. All other Non-Traditional Band Contest rules continue to apply, including the rule that a person cannot compete in both the Traditional and Non-Traditional Band contests.
Showcase: New Tunes and Songs in the Old-Time Tradition. Hosted by old-time fiddler, songwriter and tunesmith Mark Simos in the Main Lodge on Friday, Aug 4, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Neither instructional workshop nor contest, this is an open sign-up, first-come/first-serve opportunity to share your original composition based on old-time style with others in the Clifftop community. All original tunes and songs inspired by old-time music are welcome, from the very traditional-sounding to the unusual and “edgy.” (Note that while only bands can enter the Non-Traditional contest, solo players and smaller ensembles are encouraged to participate in the Showcase.)
Clarified Judging Criteria: This year the judging criteria will state explicitly what has been unspecified but desired in the past -- that highest marks in the Non-Traditional Band Contest will be given to bands that creatively and skillfully combine some fundamental essence of traditional old-time music (e.g., repertoire, style/spirit, and/or instrumentation) with alternative techniques and various musical styles in their presentation. Contestants are welcome to present string band music that does not draw from Appalachian old-time music traditions, but may not score as high on the “creativity and versatility” component of the judge’s scoring.
Lastly, in keeping with the changes described above, in 2007 we are changing the name of the “Non-Traditional Band Contest” to “Neo-Traditional Band Contest.” We think this name more accurately reflects the reason the contest was invented in the first place – that is, to celebrate the relevance of old-time music traditions and their connections with new musical voices and styles.