From what I've learned on the Mudcat from folks such as yourself, Sandy, and growing up with a dad whose grandparents were from Nova Scotia by way of Scotland, I love the old traditions and find it a shame to have such rigidity as the competitive stuff. One reason my dad quit playing fiddle in competitions in his older years was because all it seemed the "judges" wanted was fast and furious with no real feeling and no ear for regional nuances.

Interesting this has come up now. As an aside, I've been listening to a classical radio station which is playing a lot of holiday music. I found myself mightily irritated a few times when I heard a full orchestra plus chorus sing the odd old carol or two, of which the originals, I've learned here. I grew up playing and loving classical, but in this instance it just felt wrong to me...as though they were fancying up what should be the peoples' songs.

Thanks,

kat