The Harmonica Club

of Huntington, WV     founded August 2001 

Rules for The West Virginia State Harmonica Championship

Home The WV Harmonica Championship

RULES The basic idea is that you have 5 minutes to do 2 songs 1.) EVERYONE, Pro or Amateur, is allowed to compete in this contest. The only entry requirement is that contestants must be able to play at least one recognizable melody on a harmonica. It can be either style of harmonica - diatonic or chromatic, and ANY tuning like minor or tremolo. Any brand or type of harmonica is permitted 2.) Each contestant will have 5 minutes in which to perform at least one recognizable melody along with whatever else the contestant feels will best demonstrate his/her harmonica playing skills. Contestants will be stopped when 5 minutes has passed. This may affect the points earned for your presentation. There are no deductions or penalties for performances lasting less than 5 minutes. 3.) A panel of judges will judge contest. You will be judged on in 5 categories. 20 points per category with a maximum of 100 points with 50 points considered average. Techniques and Skill ( are you doing fancy stuff? ) Complexity, Difficulty and Mastery of music ( easy Vs hard tune ) Presentation, how enjoyable the performance (do you put on a show?) Meter / timing / song interpretation ( do the song with feeling ) tone quality, and pitch ( do you sound good? ) 4.) ANY type of music is permitted. NO PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY ONE GENRE OF MUSIC. Gospel and folk players stand just as much chance at winning as do blues and rock players. 5.) Contestants must use only the sound equipment provided. No extra equipment may be used - just a contestant and his/her harmonica. 6.) No recorded music may be used. 7.) You may be accompanied by one other non-harmonica and non-amplified musician. Example acoustic guitar, accordion, or drummer 8.) The judge’s decisions are final 9) A 10-dollar donation must be given to The Children’s Oncology Unit of Cabell Huntington Hospital.

To sign up, email jrumbaug@marshall.edu or mail your name and contact info to : Harmonica Club c/o Jim Rumbaugh 722 22nd street west Huntington, WV 25704