Deena picked up her first violin at the age of seven, and has spent the last thirteen years studying classical violin and fiddle. She is a five-time Minnesota state champion as well as a three-time Wisconsin State Champion. In addition to performing in numerous recitals and symphony concerts as well as competing in many state and national competitions, she had also judged in fiddle contests throughout Minnesota, including the contest that her family has put on for five years. She currently is working on her degree in classical violin at the University of Minnesota, and also spends time teaching classical and fiddle lessons to students throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.
 
Judging philosophy:
 
I listen for intonation, quality of sound, clarity, rhythm, and variety when I judge a tune. I like to hear difficulty, especially in waltzes, but you should always play something you have mastered, rather than to attempt something you are not comfortable with. All styles are equal, and I will not dock points, nor give bonuses because someone plays a certain division of fiddling. The most important thing about playing the violin is learning to showcase the versatility of the instrument. Using bow control and vibrato, you can greatly alter the sound you make with different types of tunes or different parts of a tune. Mastering these techniques is a cornerstone of exceptional fiddling.