The print., May 06, 1981, Page 8, Image 8

Old Time Fiddlers'
Contest proves to be more than competition
“It’s a chance to get together with some old friends,
make some new ones and play some good fiddlin’
music.”
— Barney Alexander
With only a little apprehen­
sion, she mounts the stage.
Then, as she’s done a hundred
times before, she presses the
fiddle into her chin, raises the
bow and begins.
Tiffany, with her parents
watching, has just entered the
21st annual Oregon Old Time
Fiddler’s Contest held here last
Saturday.
Fiddling is more than just a
musical hobby. Many of those
who attended the contest con­
sider it an important part of
American heritage. Unlike
other musical traditions, fiddl­
ing has a uniquely American
background.
Fiddling originated in the
Blue Ridge and Ozark Moun­
tains more than 200 years ago.
Currently, fiddling takes up but
a small part of the American
music scene. Tiffany is one of
only a handful of youngsters
who participated in this year’s
contest.
The participants, including
ages from 4 to 78, began by
playing a hoedown song,
followed by a waltz, and finish­
ed with a tune of their own
choice. They were then judged
on fiddling ability, tone and
rhythm. The winners will go
on to the championships to be
held in Idaho this summer.
To the participants, though,
the contest was more then just
a competition. ‘Fiddlin’s just in
my blood,” said 72-year-old
Wes Brunson. Barney Alex­
ander, another competitor in
the Senior category, said, “It
was a chance to get together
with old friends, make some
new ones, and play some good
fiddling music.”
Towards the end, a call goes
out to the audience, “junior
competitors to the stage.” Tif­
fany slowly walks up, and then
waits for the announcer to
speak. Sixth place may not
send her to Idaho, but it’s
something to be proud of.
“Fiddlin’s just
in my blood.
-- Wes Brunson
Story by Duffy Coffman and David J. Hayden
Photos by David J. Hayden
Clackamas Community College