Pickin' in the Pines Band Contest
In keeping with the diversity of the various styles of bluegrass and traditional acoustic music that Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music represents, this band contest is not confined to a specific genre of acoustic music. Rather, it is an opportunity for a broad variety of acoustic bands to display their talents, musicianship and entertainment abilities to a wide audience. Judges will be selected from Pickin' in the Pines main stage performers.
Schedule:
Contest, Saturday, September 18, 8:45 am (check-in)
Playoff on Main Stage (top three contestant bands), Saturday, September 18, 1:00 pm
Contest Prizes
First Place: $1000 cash, sponsored by Hufford, Horstman, Mongini, Parnell & Tucker, P.C.
Second Place: $500 cash, sponsored by Babbitt's Outdoor Outfitters
Third Place: $250 cash, sponsored by New Frontiers Natural Foods
Contest Rules
Download Contest Entry Form (PDF 56 KB)
1. Registration: Entry in the Pickin’ in the Pines Band Contest is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to ten contestant bands. Entry fee is $30.00 for each band. All contestants must hold a valid festival ticket for at least the day of the contest; no discounts or free passes will be granted. You may purchase advanced festival passes with your entry form. Entry fees are non-refundable after September 10, 2010. Any entries received after all 10 bands have entered will be placed on a waiting list and entry fees will be refunded if no other cancellations occur.
Any questions should be directed to (928) 525-1695 or PIPinfo@pickininthepines.org.
Contestants may mail the PDF entry form (above) with a check for $30 to:
Pickin' in the Pines Band Contest, P.O. Box 23701, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
At least one representative of each band must report to the registration table in the Commercial Building at 8:45 am on the morning of the contest to draw for their place in the lineup, review the rules, and ask any questions pertaining to judging. Contestants must be present and ready to perform at their scheduled time, or they will be disqualified. Contestants must remain in the band contest stage area in case of a tie. If a playoff is required and a contestant band is not present, the award will go to the other competitor.
The top three contestants from the band contest will perform on the main stage in a playoff round. Finalist bands will perform one song which must be different from the songs performed during the preliminary round. The playoff will take place at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 18. All playoff contestants must be present near the backstage entrance (to the left of the stage) at least 15 minutes prior to the playoff round. Winners of the band contest will be announced that afternoon on the main stage.
2. Musical Styles, Material and Instrumentation: Each band will play three selections: a slow vocal song, a fast vocal song, and an instrumental number, in any order. Each band is allotted 10 minutes performance time. Talking between songs is allowed and encouraged, since it reflects a band's rapport with the audience. Any type of traditional acoustic music is allowed in this contest, including bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, Western, newgrass, swing, gospel, or other acoustic forms. To avoid delays with band setup, all bands must use a single mic setup provided by Pickin’ in the Pines. A separate bass mic is allowed, at the band's preference. While the contest is not restricted to any specific genre of music, contestants must perform with acoustic instruments; no electrically amplified instruments, pickups, or contact mics, with the exception of electric bass, are allowed in this contest. Minimal percussion instruments, such as a snare, shaker or hand-held drum are allowed. Accidents beyond the control of the contestant (such as string breakage) may result in a replay at the bands request and if the judges so merit.
3. Band Members: A band will consist of at least three, but no more than seven members. Songs, material, and dress must be of an appropriate nature suitable for family entertainment. No band member may compete in more than one band. Any contestant appearing under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed on stage. Paid performers, members of the Pickin’ in the Pines Organizing Committee, Festival directors, Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music board members, employees of Coconino County Parks and Recreation, or Pine Mountain Amphitheater, LLC, may not enter this contest.
4. Judging Criteria: Judges will be selected from main stage performers. Contestants in the Pickin’ in the Pines Band Contest will be judged on: 30% - Material Selection — difficulty, taste, authenticity/originality. You'll get more points for playing a simple tune well than a difficult tune poorly. 30% - General Instrumental Musicianship — rhythm & timing, intonation, expression, for both solos and overall instrumental blend. 30% - Vocal Performance — intonation and overall vocal quality for both leads and harmony singing. 10% - Stage Presence — audience rapport and entertainment value, with the highest scores going to bands exhibiting high entertainment qualities, showing comfort with the audience, expertise with and confidence in their musical performance.
5. Finality: Decisions by the judges will be final and not negotiable. Contestants may view their score sheets and judges are encouraged to provide comments to provide constructive feedback for band contestants.
6. Recording Rights: All commercial recording rights are reserved and shall become the property of Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music. Signing of the registration form by contestant acknowledges such recording rights and acceptance of all rules and regulations of the Pickin’ in the Pines Festival and Band Contest.
Presented by Flagstaff Friends of
Traditional Music. Contact us at
(928) 525-1695
or PIPinfo@pickininthepines.org