HomeAU Talent Hunt

AY Talent Hunt

Omega Psi Phi is an international fraternity and is the first African-American national fraternal organization to be founded at a black college, Howard University. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on November 17th, 1911, by three undergraduate students and one faculty advisor. The founders were Howard University juniors Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. The first faculty advisor of the fraternity was Dr. Ernest Everett Just, who early on was accorded the status of founder by the three undergraduates. Each of the founders had distinguished careers in their chosen fields: Bishop Edgar Love became Bishop of the United Methodist Church; Dr. Oscar Cooper became a prominent physician who practiced in Philadelphia for over 50 years; Professor Frank Coleman became the Chairman of the Department of Physics at Howard University for many years; Dr. Ernest E. Just became a world-renowned biologist and one of the first African Americans to be honored with a US Postal Stamp.

Alpha Upsilon Chapter "Brooklyn Omega" has been serving the Brooklyn community since 1949. Our ranks include all levels of Professionals, Doctors, Educators, Judges, Religious leaders, Law enforcement, and Business professionals, throughout the tri-state area.

The Talent Hunt Program is one of Twelve Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's, Inc., National Projects. The first Talent Hunt was held April 19, 1946, in Charlotte, NC. The need for such a program was born out of the limited opportunities afforded to some American youth to develop and give full expression of their talents. This program provides exposure, encouragement and financial assistance to talented young high school students. Presently, the Local and District Talent programs are competitive, whereas the National Program is a demonstration of first place winners from across the nation.

The original statement of the Talent Hunt idea included this expression: "Creative and outstanding capacities in any honorable activity should be eligible for consideration." As a matter or convenience in presenting a public program, the public displays were limited to the field of music. Since that time the Talent Hunt Program has been expanded to include all of the arts.

Requirements:

* All contestants must be in high school, grades 9 - 12. No students in grade 8 or below are eligible even if they attend a high school that has those grades!

* All contestants must be present for the competition in order to win.

* Each contestant must participate as a soloist. No group performances are allowed! One accompanist is allowed for each vocal or instrumental performance. Vocalists and instrumentalists may use pre-recorded music on CD. However, pre-recorded music may not contain any lead or background vocals!!

* All contestants must enter to compete in only one of the seven categories: Classical instrumental; Classical vocal; Contemporary instrumental; Contemporary vocal; Dance - to include ballet, tap, or modern - no krumpin', poppin' or hip-hop; Dramatic interpretation; and Visual arts to include painting, drawing, and sculpture.

* All performances must be memorized and must not include profanity or vulgar language.

* All contestants must provide their instruments (except for baby grand or grand piano which will be provided by the 2nd District) and any props needed for their performances. Easels and tables will be provided for visual artists to display their pieces.

* All visual arts contestants must submit at least 3 pieces to be adjudicated and no more than 5 pieces.

* All contestants, including visual artists, must dress appropriately: Females - dress/gown and Males - dark suits with shirt and tie. NO JEANS OR SNEAKERS! Contestants in the dance or dramatic interpretation categories may dress according to their presentation.

* All contestants must adhere to the performance time limits. All instrumental performers will have a maximum of 6 minutes. All other performers will have 4 minutes. Contestants will be penalized if they exceed the time limits

This program is not limited to just a competition but it also allows us to expose your students to our many college scholarships on the local, district and national level, which could be as much as $25,000 per year for college bound students.

Best regards,

Bro. Ronald Jones

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Upsilon Chapter

Brooklyn, NY