New Kent Lions Club to hold music scholarship competition – The Virginian-Pilot

NEW KENT — The New Kent Lions Club will hold its annual Bland Music Scholarship competition on Feb. 16 at Providence Forge Presbyterian Church and will award scholarships to both vocalists and instrumentalists.

The competition is open to all Virginia residents ages 8-18, including homeschooled students.

Participants must perform a memorized musical selection under eight minutes and instrumentalists other than pianists must have live accompanists.

The first-place winner will be awarded $100, followed by $50 and $25 for second and third. Winners will have the opportunity to place in district, zone or state competitions. State scholarships range from $1,500-3,000.

Applications are available on Facebook at “New Kent Lions Club” and are due to Mary MacDonald by Friday, Feb. 10. Applications can be mailed to 772 W. Riverside Dr., Lanexa, VA 23089.

“This is always a golden opportunity to perform in front of an audience and have constructive advice provided by professional judges,” said MacDonald, secretary for the New Kent Lions.

Last year, the club awarded vocalist Naomi M. Torres and flautist Olivia M. Carey first-place scholarships. Carey placed third in the district competition.

The annual Bland Music Scholarship was established by the Lions Club in 1948 to assist and promote cultural opportunities for musically talented youth in Virginia.

The club was chartered in 1982 and meets at Don Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant on the first and third Thursdays of every month at 6:30 p.m.

The 34-member club annually serves the community by providing college scholarships, eye and hearing screenings, and financial support for local non-profits such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The club also participates in an art Peace Poster contest, food drives and recycling programs.

For more information on the New Kent Lions Club or the Bland Music Scholarship competition, contact MacDonald at 804-557-3686.

Providence Forge Presbyterian Church is located at 9310 Townsend Road.

Amy Jo Martin, amyjoreporter@gmail.com