Policies & Procedures

LOUISIANA STATE & FEDERAL DESIGNATION

The DeBose Foundation, Incorporated (1986) is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (1987). As a nonprofit organization, the DeBose Foundation can be a recipient of various kinds of support through educational, civic, business, and social organizations, in addition to those contributions made by individuals. Prominent credit of support and in-kind contributions will be made public; record of donations will be acknowledged immediately upon receipt. All financial documentation will be accorded the signature designation as specified by donor.

Annual programming has served the following purposes:

(1) To discover artistic talent among young performers and exhibitors who are contestants and non-contestants

(2) To provide a competitive milieu for students to instill standards of excellence and achievement in the Arts

(3) To promote achievement by providing pre-professional presentation opportunities

(4) To make available to the community, performances and exhibits by nationally recognized artists and dedicated local professionals

(5) To provide scholarships, awards and certificates for competition contestants and participants at various proficiency levels, and.

(6) To provide the community with a schedule of events designed to educate, improve the quality of life, and enhance general cultural awareness.

The DeBose Foundation presents annual programs through the collaboration and sponsorship of arts and culture, educational and professional organizations, grant agency credentials, and investments by the business and cultural community. The organization is comprised of arts, education, and legal professionals that are of high competency and dedication.


  1. PIANO PERFORMANCE SOLO & DUET COMPETITION

Program Directors, Personnel, Adjudicators


Professional Qualifications


  • Baccalaureate Degree in Piano Performance/Piano Pedagogy

  • Advanced Study: Master’s/Doctorate; Licentiates & Diplomas

  • Recognized achievement as a Performer as Soloist or in Ensemble

  • Achievement noted by critical performances and musicianship

  • Recognized achievement as a Teacher and/or Research Fellow

  • Professional Recommendations


Roles & Responsibilities


Performance Director & Executive Director


  • Adjudicator Selection and Acquisition based on Performance Procedures Guidelines

  • Development of and equable schedule of Adjudication executed by Judges with knowledge of Performance Repertoire; and the Tri-Trac Pedagogy System

  • Execute pedagogy/pianistic judgement in solo and/or ensemble performance

  • Competition collaboration with Executive and Operations Committees.


Adjudicators


  • Knowledge of published DeBose Performance Procedures Manual/Guidelines.

  • Maintain a “developmental” (growth) approach regarding divisions, (Standard, “Late-Starter”, Accelerated) categories/levels and expectations

  • Execute judgement of performance on Competition forms; with knowledge of repertoire requirements unique to each, and potential combinations

  • Evaluation critiques and recommendations for contestants

  • Provide competition evaluations for total Competition Operations.


DEBOSE TRI-TRAC® PEDAGOGY SYSTEM LEVEL DESIGNATION: DEFINITIONS

SOLO/DUET PERFORMANCE. ONLY-ONE-CATEGORY LEVEL-PER-YEAR.

STANDARD, “LATE-STARTER”, ACCELERATED


Standard-Students whose piano study or school matriculation matches established elementary and/or secondary school classifications. Primary (Age-5/6), Intermediate, Advanced. LEVELS (ACCORDING TO GRADE): A / B / C / D / I / II / III / IV


“Late Starters”-Students whose piano study begins later than established elementary and/or secondary school classifications. Primary (Age-8/9 or later), Intermediate, Advanced. LATE STARTER LEVELS: (ACCORDING TO AGE): AA / BB / CC / DD


Accelerated-Students whose piano study or school matriculation exceeds the established published standards of competition classifications. Primary (Age-5/6), Intermediate, Advanced. ACCELERATED LEVELS: (ACCORDING TO GRADE): GA / GB / GC / GD / GI / GII / GIII / GIV


DEBOSE TRI-TRAC® PEDAGOGY SYSTEM


The DeBose TTPS® (Tri-Trac-Pedagogy System), is designed to accommodate variances in talent/abilities/skills. Within this system student pianists are provided opportunities to

  • Remain where they are

  • Elevate from average to accelerated

  • Elevate from late starter to average, and/or

  • Accelerate to higher levels (i.e., applied piano NASM).

All contestants and adjudication programs must be registered by the Piano Teacher, with the corresponding level and matching repertoire. Competition officers do not assign/re-assign Contestant Levels Students will be allowed to compete every year through the graduated plan of matriculation. Standard scholastic and academic classifications are used to define each level.


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  1. Awards

WINNERS SHOWCASE RECITAL. The program features contestants according to solo/duet competition level delineations. Grade Divisions are: (a) Standard -first grade-age 5/6 through twelfth grade (12 levels); “Late-Starter” (10 levels); and, Accelerated. (12 levels). Selected Performances of Winning Contestants are made to reflect balanced representation of levels and repertoire. Contestants receive certificates and awards in recognition of all competition levels. The program provides inspiration in the pursuit of excellence; enhanced by the collaboration of professionals; and conceived to educate and improve general cultural awareness


SCHOLARSHIP – ORGANIZATIONS, DONOR ADVISED & MEMORIAL

TROPHY: FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PLACE WINNERS IN ALL CATEGORIES.

CERTIFICATE: CONTESTANTS AND PERFORMERS.



FOUNDATION OFFICERS & PERSONNEL

Angela W. Barnes, President

Bernestine B. McGee, Vice-President

Geraldine R. Edwards, Treasurer

Regina N. Thomas, Recording Secretary

Shirley Wayne, Financial Secretary

Brenda Guinn, Immediate Past President

Eileen B. Kennedy, Past President

Myrtle E. David, Executive Director (Founder-1974)

Doveal A. Essex, Trustee, Incorporator


MEMBERS & PERSONNEL

Prince Armstrong ~ Mary G. Burton ~ Velta J. Cross ~ Juanita Culbert~ Rebecca T. Cureau

Rosiena Edgar ~ Sharon D. Edwards ~ Olga Gaines ~ Rhea H. Gilmore ~ Randell Henry

Laura Jackson ~ Melba Moye` ~ Terri Perron ~ Caroline Robins ~ Geraldine Simms

Catherine L. Thompson ~ Marcia Variste ~ Shirley Whitfield ~ Annie B. Wright

Staff: Marie Flowers, Carolyn J. Wilson, ReGina Thomas, Shirley Wayne, B. Thompson