The Bland Music Scholarship Competition, sponsored by the Fairfax Host Lions Club, was held on Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Old Town Hall in the City of Fairfax. The day was sunny and bright, though a little cool. All judges, contestants, and event volunteers arrived on time and were “ready to play”. Nine of last year’s contestants returned to compete this year. Contestants ranged in age from 9 to 17, and the level of talent was extremely high.
Taking 1st place in the vocal category was Anne Hruskoci, a 10th grade soprano who attends Annandale High School. Anne’s rendition of Waterbird by Richard Hundley captivated the audience as well as the judges. Second place in the vocal category was awarded to soprano, Pamela Eggerton, singing Pie Jesu by Gabriel Faure. At the end of the competition, one of the vocal judges remarked, “Overall, this is the best group of vocal contestants I’ve ever judged at the Bland contest, and I’ve been one of the judges at this competition for many, many years”!
Twelve musicians competed for the instrumental first place award. That honor went to home-schooled pianist, Kimberly Hou. Kimberly played Alexander Scriabin’s Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op.6. The judges and audience were extremely impressed with her passion, as well as her musical talent. Capturing second place in the instrumental category was pianist Henry Fong, a student at Farmwell Station Middle School in Ashburn, Virginia. Henry played Alberto Ginastera’s Suite de Danzas Criollas.
Both Anne and Kimberly will represent Fairfax Host Lions Club at the Region III Bland Music Scholarship Competition to be held at Melodee Music; 46077 Lake Center Plaza; Sterling, Virginia on March 22, 2009, at 1:30pm.
Much of the success of the club’s Bland Music Scholarship Competition goes to our enthusiastic and reliable group of volunteers. This year’s volunteers included the following Fairfax Host Lions and Lion associates: Past District Governor Bill Bartlett, Sarah Bartlett, Steve Haywood, Paew Haywood, Bill Trent, Elden Wright, Mary Ellen Wright, Tom Edick, PJ Story, Ken Schutz and Chuck Higdon. Ken volunteered to stand in for Jim Dellinger, the contest’s timer for many years. We look forward to having Jim back with us at next year’s competition!
