2026 CONTEST SCHEDULE
– Tickets go on sale January 25 –
*all events in Nutt Auditorium unless otherwise indicated
** after-hours activities at The Old Henry on the Oxford Square
$10 after-hours cover charge (*not included in all-event or day passes)
FRIDAY PASS / SATURDAY PASS / SUNDAY PASS
THURSDAY, MAY 21
- 8:00 pm Opening Preview Concert at The Old Henry
An evening of non-stop piano playing by guest artists at the The Old Henry on the Oxford Square. This is your chance to catch the pros in action in an informal setting, hear some phenomenal piano playing and get a flavor for the style of music the weekend contests have in store for Oxford. Enjoy your favorite drink while you reconnect with old friends and make some new friends while listening to all of your favorites. Bar and food available on site. *NOT included in all-event pass / $15 cover charge at the door
FRIDAY, MAY 22
- 10:30 am Trolley Tour of Historic Oxford (*departs from circular Band Hall loop)
Join us for a trolley bus tour of historic Oxford including stops at Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulker, and Cedar Oak. Visitors wishing to take their own vehicles may park on campus free after 5 pm Friday. Parking passes for events during Friday morning & afternoon will be handed out upon arrival. The trolley leaves from the Band circle at 10:30 am. $25 *included in all-event or day pass.
- 12:00 pm Luncheon
Join us for a musical luncheon in the UM Band Hall with three-time champion Paul Orsi providing entertainment. Paul has played his high-energy ragtime style in a variety of restaurants and venues throughout Southern California. In 1983, he joined the elite group of Coke Corner Pianists at Disneyland, where he performed for 10 years. You will be sure to enjoy Paul’s exciting style while enjoying a Mexican luncheon! $30 *included in all-event or day pass
- 2:00 pm Presentation: Julie McClarey: Raggin’ Up the Gospel Classics
Join three-time champion Julie McClarey as she demonstrates her knack for incorporating ragtime techniques with gospel music to make it come alive!$15 *included in all-event or day pass.
- 3:00 pm Performance: Bobby van Deusen: The Complete Rags of Arthur Marshall
Bobby van Deusen proudly presents the complete rags of Arthur Marshall (1881-1968) Come join Bobby for lots of tunes (and very little talk) as he explores the 12 delightful and musically complex rags by this lesser-known composer.$15 *included in all-event or day pass
- 6:00 pm New Rag Contest
The annual New Rag Contest is the first contest of the weekend. Composers must adhere to a strict list of rules and their selections must adhere to the standard format of a traditional rag. Come out and listen to pianists from across the country premiere their original compositions and compete for the New Rag trophy and cash prize. Emceed by Bobby van Deusen. $15 *included in all-event or day pass
FRIDAY AFTERHOURS @ The Old Henry - 8:00 pm Tune-Ups Party
Bring a friend and come out to listen to many of the pianists competing on the weekend. This is their last chance to test out their contest repertoire before the fun begins on Saturday morning. Bar and menu available. Contestants admitted free of charge.
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $15 at the door
SATURDAY, MAY 23
- 8:00 am Draw for playing order – ALL contestants (Rm. #153)
- 9:00 am Preliminary Round (Junior, Regular & Senior)
Competitors ages eight to eighty compete for trophies and cash prizes as the Junior, Regular & Senior contestants play their first couple of selections for the audience and judges. The Junior Champion is crowned at the end of the day while Regular & Senior competitors vie to make it into the semifinal round on Sunday. Learn more about each contestant before they perform as emcees Paul Orsi and Ted Lemen conduct interviews with each performer.
$30 *included in all-event or day pass - 11:45 am Silent Movie Luncheon with Bobby van Deusen (UM Band Hall)
Join us in the UM Band Hall for two short classic silent films with live piano accompaniment from “Mr. Piano,” Bobby van Deusen. Box lunch and drinks provided with admission. An excellent and easy way to stay on campus during the pause in the Preliminary Competition. $25 *included in all-event or day pass
- 1:00 pm Preliminary Round continues …7:00 pm After-hours Party
Relax after a long day of competition with some great music and refreshment with new and old friends before the final day is upon us. Bar and menu available.
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $15 at the door
SUNDAY, MAY 24
- 9:00 am Master Class for Junior Contestants with TBA
$15 *included in all-event or day pass. - 11:00 am Church Service at First Baptist Church with music by three-time champion Julie McClarey
- 1:00 pm Regular Division Semi-Finals & Finals / Seniors’ Final
Up to 10 Regular Division entrants compete with two selections each in the semi-final round. The field is narrowed down to the top 5 who vie for the crown of 2026 Champion with their one remaining selection. Those who advance from the Senior Division winners play their final round and the winners are announced at the end of the Semi-finals. $30 *included in all-event or day pass
SUNDAY AFTERHOURS @ The Old Henry
7:00 pm Memorial Day Finale & Salute
It’s sad, but this will be the final time to celebrate with friends before the long journey home. Come out to The Old Henry and celebrate the service and music of the army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard on this special weekend. If you were in the service, stand up and be recognized for your contribution! Enjoy one last chance to take in the awesome talent arrayed under one roof! *FREE Admission for veterans!
*NOT included in all-event or day pass – cover charge $15 at the door
*NOTE: Your sales receipt is your ticket. Your name will be added to the guest list at the door for each event purchased.
Don’t forget to purchase your 2026 T-shirt & contest merchandise while you’re here.
Available on-site only (no mail-orders).
