The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. are coming to Tampa for their Grand Conclave and supporting youth and the arts while they are at it.

Omega Psi Phi will host its highly anticipated Talent Hunt Program and a special Juilliard Masterclass at the Tampa Convention Center, offering an unparalleled platform for young Black artists to showcase and develop their talents. These events, free and open to the public, are part of the fraternity’s “Conclave with a Purpose” initiative, emphasizing their commitment to artistic excellence and community support.

The Juilliard Masterclass, scheduled for Friday, June 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., features students and faculty from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York. This one-day program will provide intensive artistic mentorship for Talent Hunt participants. Through performance demonstrations, clinics, panel discussions, workshops, and constructive feedback, the masterclass aims to foster the artistic growth of these young talents.

Following the masterclass, the Talent Hunt Demonstration will take place on Saturday, June 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will highlight the skills of twelve selected students from the fraternity’s districts, who have advanced through local, state, and district competitions. The demonstration not only serves as a showcase of their abilities but also underscores Omega Psi Phi’s dedication to supporting the artistic aspirations of Black youth.

A significant highlight of the Talent Hunt Demonstration will be the donation of 25 violin kits to the orchestra program of Orange Grove Middle Magnet School in Tampa, Florida. This contribution is part of the Talent Hunt Foundation’s Instrument Donation Program, which aims to support under-resourced schools and enhance their music programs.

The Talent Hunt Program, established in 1946, was born out of the need to provide Black youth with opportunities to express their artistic and creative abilities. Since then, thousands of aspiring artists have benefited from the program’s recognition awards, financial assistance, and college scholarships. Omega Psi Phi’s International Talent Hunt Foundation, operating as a 501(c)(3) organization for the past decade, continues to advance this mission by supporting projects, programs, and activities for motivated youth in the visual and performing arts.

Both the Talent Hunt and the Juilliard Masterclass exemplify Omega Psi Phi’s commitment to addressing the lack of students of color in the performing arts and music education. By creating educational partnerships and providing significant resources and mentorship, these events aim to enhance opportunities for careers in these fields.

For more information about the events and the Talent Hunt Foundation, visit International Talent Hunt Foundation.

We at Watch The Yard believe that Omega Psi Phi’s upcoming events in Tampa promise to be a celebration of young Black talent and a testament to the fraternity’s enduring legacy of supporting the arts and the community.