Attention Ragtime Composers!

We would like to commission "The Tulsey Town Rag."   The title comes from the name given to Tulsa by the early settlers, perhaps a name variant of a tribal town in Alabama known as Tulasi, meaning "old town."   It is also the title of Ragtime for Tulsa’s newsletter.

The composer of the winning rag will receive $1,000 and the composition will be premiered during the Oklahoma Centennial Ragtime Festival October 12-13, 2007.   See the rules below and get busy composing that "Tulsey Town Rag."

1. The music shall be written for solo piano.

2. The form shall be that of the standard classic rag: Introduction (optional), Section A with repeat, Section B with repeat, Section A transition (optional), Section C with repeat, Section D with repeat, Coda (optional).   At least two sections should be syncopated.

3. Paper sizes of entries should be 8.5 x 11 inches, 8.5 x 14 inches or 9 x 12 inches or similar European size.   Computer-generated print is preferred; however, handwritten entries that are neatly and legibly written will be considered.   Those that are untidy and difficult to read will be rejected.

4. The written music should be accompanied by a music CD or tape.

5. Entries are due by July 31, 2007.   The winning entry will be premiered in October, 2007, in Tulsa.

6. The title of the winning composition will be "The Tulsey Town Rag."   Non-winning entries will be returned to composers to be renamed whatever they choose.   The title page of the composition will carry the statement: "Commissioned by The Ragtime for Tulsa Foundation to Commemorate the Centennial of Oklahoma Statehood."   Ownership will remain with the composer.

7. Rags which have been previously published, formally or informally, or which have been premiered at a public gathering will not be considered.   A statement that the composition conforms to this requirement must accompany the submitted rag.

8. The cash prize for the winning entry is $1,000(U.S.).   Judges reserve the right not to award a prize if none of the entries meets the expected standard.   Ragtime for Tulsa Board members or family are excluded from submitting compositions.

9. Entries should be sent to Carol Tillman, Centennial Rag Coordinator, at 1721 E. 33rd Place, Tulsa, OK 74105.   E-mail caroltillman42@sbcglobal.net for questions.