CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IS OPEN UNTIL June 30th, 2024
It’s your chance to join us in honoring the best among us to celebrate our cultural heritage and more in 2024!
GCA 2024 RECOGNITIONS: AWARDS AND PRIZES
GCA's 2024 Theme: Hope Harmony Continuity
Request for Nominations
The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Excellence in Music (Composition, Performance, and Preservation)
The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Excellence in Music (Composition, Performance, and Preservation) administered by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., was established in September 2020. It is inspired by Derry Etkins’ tireless devotion to the quest for an original Guyanese sound, his ongoing study of Guyanese musical traditions, and his dedication to excellence in musical performance and production. The prize was established to encourage and to reward composers, performers (singers and instrumentalists) whose musical projects and body of work celebrate the diversity of Guyanese and their musical traditions.
This prize focuses on musical creativity. It emphasizes composition, performance, and preservation. Specifically, it recognizes excellence in the composition and performance of an original work that is inspired by a Guyanese indigenous or traditional musical expression.
An annual prize of US$500 will be awarded.
Eligibility. The following categories of persons and musical works are eligible for the Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Excellence in Music. (Composition, Performance, Preservation)
· Guyanese citizens and legal residents domiciled in Guyana.
· Guyanese residents abroad and descendants of Guyanese resident abroad.
· Works in which the primary performer (vocalist or instrumentalist) is a Guyanese citizen.
Submissions
Submissions are invited from the public. Self-nominations will be accepted. Submissions must be presented on the approved form provided below.
- All submissions must have been produced in one of the following media formats:
- Available audio download in .wav, .mp3, .m4a, or other common digital audio format.
- Available music video download in .wmv, .mp4, or .mov video formats.
- Nominations may include a single original composition or a series of compositions and performances.
- Where appropriate, the lyrics should be submitted.
- If a score is available, it is recommended that it be submitted.
Other guidelines, including definition of terms and the NOMINATION FORMS are available below.
The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Service and Commitment to Music Education in Guyana
The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize for Service and Commitment to Music Education in Guyana administered by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc, was established in 2020.
Derry Etkins studied music with Sybil Husbands and Edith Pieters, with special emphasis on composition and musical arrangement. He was a graduate of the music-training programme sponsored by the Organisation for Canadian Overseas Development in collaboration with the Government of Guyana. As a certified music teacher, he taught in Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Guyana and Tortola. At the time of his death, he was on the faculty of Guyana’s Cyril Potter College of Education and responsible for rehabilitating the College’s music education program.
The Derry Etkins Memorial Prize is an annual cash donation of $500.00 USD to recognize current service and commitment to creative, impactful and sustainable music education programs focused on community engagement, innovation and/or excellence in music.
Eligibility
The prize is open to Guyanese and/or other persons resident in Guyana for the 10 years preceding the award of the prize. Guyanese institutions of at least 10 years standing are also eligible for the prize. The prize can be awarded posthumously, including to the associated institution. Prior recipients of the prize are not eligible, nor are the relatives of members of the Prize Committee. Only one entry per person or institution is considered.
Key attributes of the Awardee are an extraordinary commitment to and history of providing meaningful musical experience/pedagogy with a focus on Guyana, music advocacy, adaptability, and dedication to service in music extended to a diverse Guyanese community that has been recognized by others.
The three principal criteria that will be considered are the engagement of the ‘community’ whether socially or geographically defined, the integration of innovative approaches in music education and the pursuit of excellence in music.
The Awardee will have
- Demonstrated an understanding, respect and ongoing response to learners’ needs and interests;
- Incorporated knowledge of the learners’ culture and interests to create a robust program;
- Built meaningful relationships with key stakeholders and community members;
- Promoted a quality music programme;
- Created programming (approaches/materials/media) responsive to the needs of learners who would otherwise be excluded from music education;
- Inspired learners and key stakeholders and community members to creatively define music education;
- Incorporated new strategies and programming through reflective education practices;
- Provided learners with opportunities beyond the music classroom to perform, create (improvise or compose), and respond to music;
- Demonstrated an extraordinary commitment towards teaching and learning music;
- Provided evidence of a favourable and lasting influence on learners and, where relevant, on key stakeholders and community members;
- Developed an approach that supports awareness, connections, and collaboration in music education and global citizenship; and or,
- Mentored student teachers.
Guidelines for submission process, including NOMINATION FORMS are available below.
Completing a Nomination NOMINATION DEADLINE is on or before June 30, 2024. IMPORTANT |