Youth Band Competition
2025 OIBF YOUTH BAND COMPETITION
O
IBF’ s annual band competition for youth is an opportunity to experience the etiquette of sharing the stage with others. While some band members play back-up, another takes the lead break. That goes for lead singing and background harmony vocals. It’ s nerve-wracking yet exhilarating at the same time.
The competition, a popular attraction at the festival is open to any band with participants under the age of 18. Participants are judged on their acoustic-only bluegrass performance.
A panel of professional musicians judge the competition based on four different aspects of the performance.
1. 40 points for arrangement- Competition’ s version of the tune selected, and difficulty and originality will be considered.
2. 40 points for execution- Singing, picking, timing and dynamics will be considered.
3. 10 points showmanship- Stage presence and entertain-
ment values will be considered. 4. 10 points for overall impression. Registration is a whole new process this year, according to Youth Competition Chairperson Lynette Williams.“ It is our hope there will be less distractions for the contestants by shortening our time footprint for everyone involved.”
For those wishing to compete in either the Youth Band Competition or the Youth Instrument Championships sign-ups are between 8:00 a. m and 9:00 a. m. Saturday morning.
The instrument championships begins in the youth tent Saturday at 9:00 a. m. and the band competition follows at 11:00 a. m. Go to OIBF. com under Youth Tent for additional information.
The audience is always entertained by the future stars of bluegrass music. Plan on attending and supporting the youth competitions. IBF
YOUTH 2024 INSTRUMENT COMPETITION WINNERS:
FIDDLE GUITAR MANDOLIN
YOUTH 2024 INSTRUMENT COMPETITORS:
26 / OKLAHOMA’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2025