TALENT HUNT HISTORY:
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Talent Hunt Idea was created in the Fraternity's Sixth District (North and South Carolina) in 1945, and the first District Talent Hunt Program was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 19th, 1946. The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity afforded to some American youths to develop and give full expression to their talents.
The
original statement of the Talent Hunt Idea included this expression:
"Creative and outstanding capacities in any honorable activity should be
eligible for consideration." In presenting the first public program, the
displays of talent were limited to the field of music.
The
Talent Hunt Idea has become one of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's National
Projects, with all graduate chapters mandated to conduct an Annual Talent Hunt
Program. On the Local and District levels, the project is competitive. At the
National level the program is both competitive and demonstrative. The National
Program is made up of District Winners, who by their talent, diligence, ability,
and potential appear as Guests of the Fraternity. At this stage of our growth
the Talent Hunt Idea is proceeding on the National level along three
lines:
1. At
each session of the Grand Conclave, a Talent Hunt demonstration is presented to
the public.
2. In
addition, Omega is also interested in what it calls a "Fundamental Search
for Talent." Here the Fraternity hopes to develop the process and
resources through which it can help discover and provide assistance, as may be
needed, to young people who have shown and possess talents of outstanding and
exceptional quality. The field of interest will not be limited to music but all
areas of the performing arts.
3. In
our projected planning we hope to further encourage the Contestants in our
Talent Hunt Programs by recommending them to our chapters and other
Organizations throughout the United States for presentations in their
respective communities.
Talent Hunt Contestants that advance at the local level have the opportunity to perform at the Fraternity’s district meeting. There are cash scholarship prizes at all levels, except on the International level. The individual that represents the local chapter will be provided with lodging and meals. The Talent Hunt Program has been very rewarding to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and many talented youth. We will continue to search for and support our gifted youth.
CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION:
I. Participation in the Talent Hunt is open for the following forms of trained art:
Music: Vocal and
instrumental; classical, semi-classical, gospel and jazz. A printed copy of the
music (score) is required for the judges to analyze.
Interpretive Movement to
Music: ballet, modern dance and tap.
Speech: Poetry, oration,
monologue, etc. (Printed script should be provided for each judge to analyze)
Visual Art: Sculpture,
photography, drawing and painting.
II. Basic Rules for Participation:
Contestant must be a high
school or home school student in grades 9 – 11.
All presentations
including instrumental numbers must be memorized and must be dignified and in
good taste.
Track music may be used
for accompaniment as long as there is no lead instrumental or background vocals
included on the track.
Participants must be properly dressed; no jeans, tennis shoes, (No sockless (Male) or extremely exposed midriff (Female)
III Please download the
application & parent consent form (See Link Below). Complete and
return to: thetaphitalenthunt1019@gmail.com by April 15, 2022. Please
include a photo.