#A Showcase of Youth Talent
The Friends of the Brentwood Library group is proud to present the James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson Youth Piano Competition on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. This prestigious competition not only commemorates the 125th Anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - an anthem that has resonated across generations and holds a significant place in American history - but it also provides a platform for aspiring young pianists to showcase their talent, passion and dedication to the art of piano performance.
This inaugural event takes place in the Hicks Auditorium at Jacksonville Public Library - Main (in the Conference Center). Join the Friends in celebrating the rich legacy the Johnson brothers and help us cultivate the next generation of pianists.
Submission Deadline
Submissions are due by January 24, 2025. You must submit a high-quality video recording of the required repertoire (see more below).
Questions? Call (904) 520-4194 or email jwjlifteveryvoice@gmail.com. Or visit www.friendsofbrentwoodlibrary.com.
Competition Structure
Eligibility: Open to pianists of all nationalities within the specified age categories:
- Young Pianists (Ages 7-10), performance time is limited to up to eight minutes
- Junior Pianists (Ages 11-14), performance time is limited to up to 10 minutes
- Senior Pianists (Ages 15-18), performance time is limited to up to 15 minutes
To compete, submit a high-quality video recording of the required repertoire. The video must be good enough to see and hear the applicant’s performance. We recommend placing the recording devices 6-7 feet away from the performer(s). Contestants must show an upper or full body and have adequate lighting to see their faces the piano and their full range of motion. Please submit videos in a mp1 video format. Note: Applicants must not edit or enhance video performance in any way.
Requirements
Composition: “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Composer: Written by James Weldon Johnson (set to Music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson)
All contestants are required to perform this hymn at their level.
Applicants are also asked to perform their choice of a Classical or Spiritual from their repertoire. Note: Repertoire submissions are limited to three.
By participating in the Friends of the Brentwood Public Library James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson Youth Piano Competition, participants’ parents/legal guardians agree to forfeit the right for any financial remuneration regarding eventual publication and/or distribution of music video recordings on CD, DVD, publications and the internet. Participants also agree to allow the Friends of the Brentwood Public Library James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson Competition to use photos or images taken online and live competition hosted by the Friends of the Brentwood Public Library, Inc. organization.
By entering this competition, participants/parents accept all conditions set forth above. The Friends of the Brentwood Public Library have the right to change these terms & conditions at any time. Participants/parents will be notified if any changes occur.
Cash Prizes
Participants will receive a notable historical certificate for participating and winners in each age group will receive cash prizes in the amounts shown below:
Young Pianists:
- $100 for 1st Place
- $75 for 2nd Place
- $50 for 3rd Place
- $25 for Honorable Mention
Junior Pianists:
- $300 for 1st Place
- $200 for 2nd Place
- $100 for 3rd Place
- $50 for Honorable Mention
Senior Pianists:
- $500 for 1st Place
- $300 for 2nd Place
- $200 for 3rd Place
- $100 for Honorable Mention
Performance Rubric Categories
Performance: Musical effect, poise, memorization, Interpretation: Dynamics, phrasing styling/Mood, balancing; Musicianship: feeling for meter, steadiness, tempo, expression, range of dynamics; Accuracy: note accuracy, rhythmic accuracy continuity fluency, dynamics/tempo indications and, Technique: coordination, fingering, tone quality, facility, appropriate touch/pedaling.
The jury is comprised of noted musical artists from Jacksonville, FL. The jury reserves the right to award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize in each age category. In addition to multiple honorable mentions merit prizes at their discretion. The results of the jury are final and cannot be overturned.
