My First Contest

[Roger Green]

I entered the Coastal Carolina Fiddle Contest on Sunday. The very first contest for me. I thought I should do so as a right of passage. Rules were simple; 2 tunes of choice, each 3 mins or under, no sheet music. I chose Blue River Waltz & Casey’s ‘ Twisted Rag’ in Bb.

The fiddlin went fast. A very quick 6 mins. I’m glad I did it. I’m also glad it’s over. 🥴

I came in last. There were 5 contestants in the adult category. I really needed a senior category. The women took 1st, 2nd & 3rd. They were amazing, in a league of their own. My friend, probably was 4th.

DiAdarrio was a sponsor, so I did get a free set of Helicore fiddle strings, which cost about $50. So that’s not bad. And, as a contestant I got my entrance fee to the fair returned. 😃

Although my performance might have been painful to listen to, I consider it to be a success. I showed up, got through both tunes and went home with a smile.

[George Bretz]

Roger,
You’re my hero! Excellent news on the contest and congratulations on the top 5 finish.
I have been torturing myself with regards to fiddle contests the last couple of years.
I keep making excuses as to why I can’t/don’t enter one. We even have age handicapped contest I could pursue.

But you had the courage to jump in there! That’s just outstanding.
Thanks for sharing,
George

[Roger Green]

Well George, I was even happy with the youth group whom some played circles around me. That’s great news for our chosen passion.

[Jean Denzel]

I am so glad you did this. It is a difficult experience to play in front of an audience. But I think everybody needs to do it once. Winning is great, but the experience is very good for the growth in playing.

[Casey Willis]

Well done, Roger! That’s quite the tune to tackle, especially at a contest. I hope you keep competing if you enjoyed the experience, sir.

[Roger Green]

I did enjoy especially when it was over. 😀

I’ve been giving thought to trying again after your encouragement. I very much enjoyed meeting the other fiddlers and preparing gave me a goal to work towards.

When I saw that you had responded to my forum post, for a fleeting moment I was worried you might have bern looking for royalties for playing your tune. 🤣

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