August 31, 2019
The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation (SJIRF) of Sedalia, Missouri is proud to announce Ragtime Kids, an innovative program to inspire young performers and researchers to create new ragtime music and discover more of its history. The objectives include activities to educate junior high and high school students on the significance of ragtime music, on the influence of Scott Joplin, and on the American music history that was made in Sedalia.
Funding for the program comes from public contributions to the Foundation in memory of Larry Karp, a ragtime enthusiast and important author on ragtime history. Karp wrote the definitive biography of ragtime legend Brun Campbell (Brun Campbell: The Original Ragtime Kid, 2016). SJIRF President, John Simmons, said “Our foundation is committed to advancing the reach of our ragtime heritage and culture. It is our mission to educate and promote ragtime’s contribution to American music. The Ragtime Kids program is well suited to the enthusiasm that youth have for this music once they discover it. Building on that excitement, with an outlet and pathway that they can travel, builds a foundation for future generations”.
Through an application and selection process, a winner will receive a $500 cash award to be applied toward continuing music education and for offsetting expenses to attend the SJRF Festival. Complimentary items include a Festival ticket package and Festival memorabilia. The real bonuses are the opportunities to meet and mingle with ragtime performers, to perform on stage with festival headliners, and to assist in the development of future festivals. Winners will be contacted after April 1 and announced at the 2020 Festival May 27-30.
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