Lions of Virginia Bland Music Scholarship Foundation

REGISTRATION AND RULES OF THE CONTEST

FOR VOCALIST OR INSTRUMENTALIST

The Annual Bland Music Scholarships 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 boy or girl, vocalist or instrumentalist, properly sponsored by a Virginia Lions Club, a resident of Virginia (or

within the club's jurisdiction) and attending elementary, junior, or senior high school is eligible to participate. (See Item 5d)

2 a. Contestant is allowed to enter only one club contest annually.
 

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, region, zone, or club level at the discretion of the Contest Bland Chairman. In case of a tie, the

judges shall determine the winner.
 

c. Contestant must memorize his composition.
 

d. Contestant shall furnish the required number of copies of his composition as defined by the club, zone and/or region,

district and state chairmen.
 

e. Lions of Virginia shall provide no instrument for contestant other than a piano. Instruments other than piano, may

3. All contestants must compete on the date and at the place and time of the scheduled club, zone and/or region, district or

state contest.
 

4. a. Judges for the contest shall be competent judges 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 instrument).
 

c. Judges shall score the contestant on his or her ability.
 

d. Score sheets shall be given to the contestant after the contest.
 

5. Awards shall be furnished by the State Bland Committee as follows:
 

b. State Scholarships for BOTH Vocal and Instrumental WINNERS are:
 

First Place SCHOLARSHIPS, each. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,500

Second Place SCHOLARSHIPS, each. . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,000

Third Place SCHOLARSHIPS, each. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500

CASH AWARDS

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 payable only to an accredited college or school of music or to an accredited 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 at least in the payment amount

being requested. Requests for payment to private and public teachers must include a signed statement for lessons previously

f. District winners are required to SIGN a copy of "Contest Rules," certifying their familiarity therewith and their

COMPLETE acceptance thereof.
 

(Date & Time) (Location & Address)
 

7. Complete Registration Form and mail to:
 

(Date)

Revised 10-01-07