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The FLORIDA
OLD TIME MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP has been conducted
since 1982. Originally
held at the Pioneer
Florida Museum, the FLORIDA
OLD TIME MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP was
started to help preserve and promote traditional
old time music in Florida. It
was started by individuals desiring to encourage
participation and the passing on of old time music to
future generations. It was the brainchild of master
Ernie Williams, "Poppa Doc Ernie." His
underlings, Dennis Devine and Jim Stickland (Mr
Ethnic), did all the dirty work
that Ernie didn't want to do. He basically only
wanted to play the banjo and party. Some of the
"elders" that inspired these once young men
were Doc Fleming and Cousin Thelma Boltin. Doc Fleming
lived
in Dade City and was a director at the White Springs
Florida Folk Festival. Cousin Thelma had family in
Dade City and started the Heart of Florida Folk Festival
in Dade City. She was also the director and master
storytelling at White Springs Florida Folk Festival.
The
concept of old time music is not static, decisions concerning
what is appropriate are ultimately subjective. The evolution
of old time music and the folk process in general take place
within the boundaries of good taste, though difficult to state,
are nevertheless familiar to those knowledgeable of the idiom.
Contestants are urged to exercise their own good
taste and intuitive grasp of the spirit of old time music.
The
judges will award points in the following categories; expression,
rhythm, timing, execution, taste, choice of tunes, ease and confidence
in performance.All
contestants will be judged by a panel of three judges,
except Senior Fiddle, Banjo, and Band categories, and
the Flemming Award, Banjo and Band will be judged by
the Guest(s) of Honor, as well as the panel.
No
electric instruments, drums, or recorded music will
be permitted in nay category, for any reason. Electric
pickups will not be permitted. Detailed rules of the FLORIDA
OLD TIME MUSIC CHAMPIONSHIP are available
are are provided with the Championship flyer.
Guest
Judges are selected from master old
time musicians from throughou the Southern United
States. Finalists
will be selected in the Senior Fiddle and Old Time
Banjo categories. Winners will be selected
from the first round of competition in all other categories
unless a second round is requested by the judges.
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