Talent Hunt Music Scholarship Competition 2026

For Additional Information, Contact:

Michael Mayo
Phone: (630) 248-1022
Email: mmayo@me.com

 Ken Flamer
Phone: (704) 654-9908
Email: kenflamer@gmail.com

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Talent Hunt Idea was created in the Fraternity’s Sixth District (North Carolina & South Carolina) in 1945, and the first District Talent Hunt was held in Charlotte, on April 19, 1946. The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity for some American youth to develop their talents.

The Talent Hunt idea has become one of the Fraternity’s crowning achievements, with all graduate chapters asked to participate in the search for talent.

How it Works:

On the Local Level (Charlotte): the Talent Hunt Competition is competitive where scholarships / prizes are awarded; with the 1st place contestant moving on to the District level.

At the District once again, the students will compete for scholarship dollars. The winner from each of the 12 Districts of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will move on to the International level.

Local Classical and Semi-Classical Competition
First, second and third place scholarship winners will be awarded prize monies of $1,000, $500 and $250,
respectively, along with a plaque. Each contestant will receive a certificate of participation.

Chapter Demonstration Phase
This phase Is open to the following types of performance- Gospel, Jazz and Spoken Word. We also have a
Classical Junior Talent Hunt Division. Contestants will receive a cash honorarium.

District Talent Hunt Demonstration
Talent Hunt Contestants who advance at the local level have the opportunity to perform at the Fraternity
district meeting. There are cash prizes at all levels.

1. The competition is a Classical, Semi-Classical and Broadway musical competition open to students in grades 9 - 12. Students must perform instrumentally or vocally classical, semi classical selections or selections from a classic Broadway musical to compete for top prize money.

2. Contestants must submit a video of their performance to be considered. Contestants must submit their Videos in Android video format or iPhone video format and must include contestant’s name, electronic picture and a 14 second introduction.

3. The performance must be memorized and conducted in 5 minutes or less. There is a penalty if longer than 5 minutes.

4. Copies of music performed, or oral presentation must be provided to the Chapter prior to February 1st.

5. Among the areas considered in judging your performance are tone, stage presence, technique, dynamics, and memorization.

6. Participants are expected to dress appropriately for this occasion. Consider your Sunday best or at a minimum slacks and shirts for boys and dresses and suits for young ladies.

 

The Chapter will offer a Demonstration Phase that is open to the following types of performance- Gospel, Jazz, Dance and Spoken Word. All the same rules listed above apply to the Demonstration Phase and Contestants will receive an honorarium. We also offer a Junior Division that that will receive an honorarium.

Application Videos must be in Android video format or iPhone video format and
must include contestant’s name, electronic picture and a 14 second
introduction. We will provide direction on how to upload the video to ensure
uniformity.

Auditions will be held on 01-24-2026

Chapter Talent Hunt Co-Chairman: Michael Mayo

Talent Hunt Contestant Organizer: Michael Mayo

Phone: 630-248-1022

Email: mmayo@me.com

Photo and Image Release: I give the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. permission to photograph, videotape or record
my child and to use the photographs, videotape, film or recording in its print and electronic publications, video
broadcasts, radio broadcasts or any other presentation of the images. I agree that the photographs and videotapes,
including negatives, slides and prints or any other presentation of the images, are the property of the Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Inc. I waive any right I may have to inspect and/or approve the finished product in which the images may
be used. By signing this form, I hereby release and discharge the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., from any and all
claims that I may have, and agree to hold harmless and defend the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., from liability
arising from claims or litigation arising from its use of my child’s image, voice, or performance.

 

Waiver and Consent for Emergency Treatment: I am aware that the activity for which I am registering my child
involves limited events or field trips that will be conducted as part of this activity. In consideration of the right to
participate in this activity, I waive and release any and all rights and claims for damage I may have against the
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., its Board of Directors, District or local officials, members, employees and agents, for
any and all injuries, if any, suffered by my child while participating in this activity. I hereby give my consent to
emergency treatment including, but not limited to, hospitalization, administration of medication, or any medical
treatment deemed necessary by medical professionals, as may be needed for the health and welfare of my child. I
hereby release Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and its’ Chapters, from any and all rights and claims for damages
which I or my child may have due to the administration of any medical care and/or treatment received by my child as
a result of said emergency medical treatment. If you are under the age of 21, your parent must also sign this form.