One Southlake musician came out on top during the first-ever National Online Fiddle Contest. Tristan Paskvan (9), earned first place in his Small Fry category during the two-day virtual event. His older brother, Thomas (12), also competed in the event and came in sixth place in the Junior Junior category for players 14 and under.
After the National Fiddle Championship was canceled due to COVID-19, the Paskvan boys looked for new ways to compete.
“We typically [attend competitions] all summer and you see your friends at all the competitions, so it has been bizarre to be at home,” mother of the boys Katie Paskvan says.
The online competition held from July 11-12 consisted of prerecorded submissions as well as live streamed rounds for the open categories. Tristan and Thomas submitted their videos of three songs, a breakdown, a waltz and a tune of choice, for judging.
Both fiddlers are classically trained and are students of Southlake Suzuki Strings and McKenzie’s Fiddle Studio in Bedford.
“The whole idea behind these competitions is to preserve the old time fiddle music,” Katie says.
Tristan went on to virtually compete in the 36th annual Grand North American Old Time Championship starting on July 19. He competed in the junior (17 and under) category and placed third.