Bland Memorial Contest

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
VIRGINIA LION’S BLAND MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

The Virginia Lions’ Bland Memorial Music Scholarship Contest is the ultimate result of many years of effort on the part of the Virginia Association of Lions’ Clubs.

The Lions of Virginia first became interested in James A. Bland in 1938, as the composer of the stirring song, “Carry Me Back To Ole Virginny.” Impressed by the patriotic fervor and nostalgic quality of this lyric, the Lions began a campaign, which resulted in the General Assembly of Virginia officially adopting the song, in 1940, as the Virginia State Anthem. In 1994 the Virginia State Senate adopted the revised song “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia” as the State Song. In February 1997, the Virginia state legislature of voted to retire the song.

James A. Bland, the greatest Black writer of American Folk Song, composed over seven hundred songs, a number of which were outright contributions to Americana.

In 1938 as Virginia Lions inquired into the career of “Jimmy Bland,” they found that his grave was unknown and unmarked. Further investigation found his grave in a cemetery in Merion, PA, near Philadelphia. The Virginia Lions erected a suitable monument over the grave. The culmination of this work became a feature of the 1946 Convention of Lions International at Philadelphia. On that impressive occasion, July 15, 1946, the dignified monument was unveiled in the presence of many distinguished representatives of Government, the world of music, and of Lions International. At the Lions International Convention in Philadelphia in 1997, Virginia Lions rededicated the monument at James Bland’s grave.

The Lions of Virginia were not content that a monument of granite should suffice to memorialize the work of the author of our official State Song. As a permanent living memorial, they established the Virginia Lions’ Bland Music Scholarship Program. Scholarships for musical excellence in both instrumental and vocal performance are awarded annually. Since the initiation of these contests, the Lions have continuously added to the value of the scholarships. Today the contest is spread over the entire state, commencing with individual Club, and thereafter expanding through Zone and/or Region, and District competitions to the final state contest at the annual State Convention. The first Bland contests were held in 1948 with the state finals in Roanoke. Two awards of $150 were given to the winners. Through the interest and efforts of the Lions of Virginia, the music Scholarships have grown from 2 to 12 scholarships which amount to $12,600.00 at the state level. The project is financed entirely through voluntary contributions from the Lions Clubs throughout the State of Virginia.

Bland Memorial Contest Committee Members

• Lion Ray Carmines- Chairperson
• Lion Shannon Phillips
• Lion Barbara Seiter

REGION l Bland  -    25 March  7:00PM hosted by Warwick  
 
Lancaster, Matthews, Middlesex:  30 Jan 2:00PM
at Lower Meth Church. contact Michael Firkins 804-776-0925
 
Poquoson   22 Feb. 7:00PM
Poquoson High, Shannon Phillips   869-2265
 
Warwick    18 Feb. 7:30PM  
Christ United Meth.,   Patricia Morrell  757-930-3299
 
Williamsburg 19 Feb 7:00PM
Bruton Parrish House, Greg Hodge 757-253-0855
 
York   14 Feb. 1:30PM  
Yorkminster Presb Church,  Peter Guhl    757-890-2020

New Kent County   18 Feb. 7:00 PM
Providence Forge Pres.,    Mary Edwards  804-966-9366

2010 Bland Contest Winners

Another outstanding year with 10 superb competitors!  The Poquoson Lions would like to thank Mr Doug Spruill and Mr Scott Bumbuagh of Poquoson High School for helping organize and arrange for this annual competition.  Also, we would like to thank the Poquoson High School for arranging for “The Jazz Ensemble”, under the supervision of Mr. Bumbaugh, which provided entertainment while the judges evaluated and scored the performances.  Contestants were judged in one of two categories, Vocal and Instrumental.  First place winners receive scholarships of $100, second place $75 and third place $50.  

First place winners will compete for Region honors and the Region winners will compete in the District Honors.  Region I contest is the 25th of March, 7:00 pm at Christ United Methodist Church.  District Bland is 17 April at 7:00 pm at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church in Chesapeake. Questions regarding these follow-on competitions can be directed to the District Bland chairperson,  
Lion Ginny Rauch     ginsing@cox.net   757-410-4370 H   757-739-4336C