2026 Festival Syllabus - Fiddle

Fiddle Class Descriptions

Repertoire must represent Canadian fiddling styles and place emphasis on traditional fiddling elements.  Recognized fiddle styles include but are not limited to: Country, Old Time, Cape Breton, Swing, Métis, Bluegrass, French Canadian etc.  Competitors may incorporate improvisation, as long as the original meter and core structure of the piece are preserved.  **Styles that are not permitted include: classical, jazz, blues, trick fiddling, show tunes and other non-traditional fiddle styles. 

Fiddle Solo         Participants must perform one (1) selection.

Fiddle Recital     Participants must perform two (2) two contrasting selections and must progress from one piece to another without pause. Contrasting tunes can be played in one style (e.g. contrasting Old-Time tunes) or in a variety of styles (e.g. Bluegrass, Cape Breton jig, Old-Time Waltz).

Duets & Trios     Participants must perform one (1) selection and must enter the age level of the oldest participant based on their age as of January 1st, 2026, for competitive classes.

Small Ensembles              Small Ensembles may consist of 4-15 members playing traditional Celtic instruments (ex. Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, Whistle/Flute, Hand Drums etc).  Class Levels: Small Ensembles should enter the age group that represents the majority of the ensemble members.   If there is an equal number of members in different age groups participants should enter the higher age level.

• 20 Minute Workshop     Ensembles will have a total of 20 minutes on stage including both their performance time and the adjudicator’s workshop.  Ensembles may perform one (1) or two (2) selections with a recommended performance time limit of 6 minutes to allow time for the workshop.  If an ensemble chooses to play two (2) selections the adjudicator will assign one mark which is the average for both pieces.  No preference will be given based on how many pieces the participant plays. 
• 30 Minute Workshop     Ensembles will have a total of 30 minutes on stage including both their performance time and the adjudicator’s workshop.  Ensembles must play two (2) selections, with a recommended performance time limit of 10 minutes to allow time for the workshop.

Community & Adult Amateur Classes (non-competitive)   Participants must perform one (1) selection for Solo classes and must perform two (2) selections for Recital classes.  Participants will receive a written and verbal adjudication, as well as a Participation Ribbon, but will not be given marks or class placements and are not eligible for financial awards.   Community & Adult classes will be organized based on registration so that participants of similar ages and levels will be grouped together. Adults ages 29 and above must enter at the Community (non-competitive) level, and Adult & Child groups may enter Community (non-competitive) ensemble classes.

Fiddle Rules & Regulations

Failure to follow the Rules & Regulations below will disqualify participants from receiving a mark or class placement.  Participants may still receive written and verbal evaluations from the adjudicator.

**Participants should consult the General Rules & Regulations.

Repertoire Selections     Participants cannot perform the same selection in different classes (for example, if a participant enters both a Fiddle Solo class and a Fiddle Recital class then they must perform 3 different selections).

Accompaniment              Participants may perform with live accompaniment where appropriate.  Accompaniment instruments may include piano, guitar, ukulele, mandolin or banjo.  Pianos are available at festival venues; all other accompaniment instruments must be brought by the performer.  Accompanists may choose to chord only.

Time Limit          Total performance time must not exceed twenty (20) minutes in total for any class. 

Sheet Music       Participants must provide the adjudicator with a lead sheet or transcription of the melody line (from a big book or handwritten) and must indicate the title and composer.

Memorization is required for competitive Fiddle classes (it is not required for Community classes).

OMFA Provincial Requirements

Participants should consult the OMFA Syllabus guidelines (www.omfa.ca) if they are interested in participating in the OMFA Provincials, as the OMFA requirements may differ from the KW Kiwanis Music Festival Syllabus.  At least one (1) selection must have received a mark of 85 at the local festival.

Fiddle Solo                                     Two (2) selections must be performed.

Fiddle Duets & Trios                     One (1) selection must be performed.

Fiddle Small Ensembles                One (1) selection must be performed.