The fiddle race has been a tradition at the Violin School for over 30 years. Students from foundation level to year 3 join together and compete to produce a stringed instrument within the allotted time and to a selected theme.
The theme this time was a ‘Radical Design’. This saw learners experimenting with new materials including stainless steel, as well as exploring unusual design concepts.
Student Kyle Schultz was a team leader in this year’s contest. He said: “The Fiddle Race is just pure fun! It’s something extremely creative that we wouldn’t normally get to do.
“Usually our making is very precise and takes months, but this event forces us to think about what’s important - be it quality, overall finish or sound.”
The competition culminated with an award ceremony where special guest and international soloist Jennifer Pike played each instrument. Prizes were presented for the best sound and the best violin in accordance with the brief. The winning team this year designed a violin that showed the tools used in the violin making process.
Tutor, Peter Smith said: “Students have to find the right balance between good craftsmanship and challenging the brief.
“It’s fun for them to explore different ideas, but even the most elaborate need to be completed in 24 hours and must be able to be played.”
Interested in studying musical instrument craft with us? You can email enquiries@lincolncollege.ac.uk or call 030 030 32435 to find out more.