Lions of Virginia Bland Music Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
REGISTRATION AND RULES OF THE CONTEST FOR VOCALIST OR INSTRUMENTALIST
The Annual Bland Music Scholarship Program was established in 1948 to assist and promote cultural and educational opportunities for the musically talented youth of Virginia. The program consists of elimination contests starting at club level and continuing through “State Final Contest” and is administered by the following rules.
1. Any student, vocalist or instrumentalist, of elementary, middle or senior high school age, or home schooled, must be properly sponsored by a Virginia Lions Club. Any student who resides in or attends school in Virginia (or within a club’s jurisdiction) is eligible to participate.
2. Contestants
a. Are allowed to enter only one club contest annually and may participate in either the vocal or instrumental division but not both. Students who enter more than one contest may be banned from future participation.
b. Shall render only one composition and is allowed only eight (8) minutes to present it. In order to keep within the 8-minute time limit, contestant may eliminate part of his or her composition. The part cut out shall be marked on the score for the information of the judges. A one-point penalty (per judge) for every five seconds exceeding the eight-minute limit, with a grace period for the first five seconds, will be assessed at the state level. The point penalty may be enforced at the district, zone/region, or club level at the discretion of the Contest Bland Chairman. In case of a tie, the judges shall determine a winner.
c. Must memorize his or her composition.
d. Shall furnish the required number of parts of his or her composition as defined by the club, zone/region, district and state chairmen.
e. Lions of Virginia shall provide no instrument for contestant other than a piano. Instruments other than piano must have an accompanist, if dictated by the composition. Accompaniment must be provided with musical instruments played by live performers, other than the contestants themselves. No pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed.
f. All contestants must compete on the date and at the place and time of the scheduled club, zone/region, district or state contest.
3. Judges
a. Judges for the contest shall be competent teachers or performers of music not connected with the contestant or the sponsoring club.
b. When appropriate, there should be 2 judges for each division of music (vocal and instrumental). Two judges for each division are required at the District and State levels.
c. Shall score the contestant on his or her musical ability.
d. Score sheets shall be given to the contestant after the contest.
4. Awards shall be furnished by the State Bland Foundation Committee as follows:
a. Official certificates (1st and 2nd places, and participation) at the club, zone/region, district and state levels.
b. State Scholarships for BOTH Vocal and Instrumental WINNERS are:
• First Place SCHOLARSHIPS $2,500 each
• Second Place SCHOLARSHIPS $2,000 each
• Third Place SCHOLARSHIPS $1,500 each
• Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Place SCHOLARSHIPS $1,000 each
c. Scholarships are not transferable, and those not claimed within five (5) years after date of State Contest will be forfeited.
d. State first place winners are NOT eligible to compete again.
e. Scholarships are not transferable and are payable only to a college or school of music, summer music program or to a private or public music teacher. Requests for payment to a college or school must be accompanied by the winner’s course curriculum, which must include a music course, and a statement from the school indicating an outstanding balance of at least the payment amount being requested. Requests for payment to private and public teachers must include a signed statement for lessons previously given the student, showing the dates, the number of lesson hours, and fee per hour. In order for payments from scholarships to be disbursed, the aforementioned information must be submitted to the Bland Foundation, 402 Scott Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.
5. The Fairfax Host Lions’ Club contest will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at 1:30 PM at St. George’s United Methodist Church, 4910 Ox Road, Fairfax. St. George’s UMC is across the road from University Mall.
6. All participants are required to SIGN a copy of the “Registration Form” certifying their familiarity and their COMPLETE acceptance of the rules. Complete the registration form, detach, and mail to: Jeff Root, 4788 Tapestry Drive, Fairfax, VA 22032-1918.
7. Registration forms must be received by Monday, February 6, 2017. Registration is limited to the first 10 entries in the instrumental category and the first 10 entries in the vocal category.
8. If you have questions, please contact Jeff Root at JNRoot@aol.com or (703)-323-4438.
A list of other Lions' Bland Music Contests in northern Virginia in case you cannot participate on February 12...
