Since 1948, Lions Clubs across VA – at Club, Regional and State levels – have held annual music competitions and awarded cash prizes and scholarships to youth.  They are called the “Bland Music Contests,” named for the Black composer James A. Bland (1854–1911), one of the greatest writers of American folk songs…he composed over 700 songs, including “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny.”

On March 10, 2024 Fairfax Lions Club held its annual Bland Contest. Congratulations to all contestants; their performances were excellent; It was a pleasure to watch such fine talent on display by today’s young people.

Three young persons were awarded cash prizes and advance to the Regional competition on April 7th.

Watch local youth perform (instrumental & vocal) in Fairfax Lions Club’s annual James A Bland music contest. Prizes and the opportunity to advance to next level of Lions Clubs music competition are awarded to winners.

Contest: Sunday, March 10, 2024: 1:30-4pm, Providence Presbyterian Church at 9019 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA 22031

Since 1948, Lions Clubs across VA have held music competitions and awarded cash scholarships to youth at regional and state levels.  They are called “Bland Music Contests,” named for the African-American composer James A. Bland (1854–1911), who was one of the greatest writers of American folk songs and composed over 700 songs.

On March 10th, Northern VA Lions Clubs hosted eight persons in a competition.  Shown in the photo (L to R): Yanglan Xu (Oakton HS), Yasmin Gerardi (Potomac Falls HS), Rebecca Lipshultz, (Potomac Falls HS), Angela Zhang (Cooper MS), Noah Zimmerman ((James Madison HS), Raelyn Hoang (Mercer MS), and Kayleigh Hoang (John Champe HS).  Not shown: Claire Wang (Cooper MS).

Congratulations to the both the top two vocalists and instrumentalists who received cash awards and now advance to the next level of competition:  Raelyn Hoang, Rebecca Lipshultz, Angela Zhang, and Yasmin Gerardi.  Presenting the awards of Fairfax Lion Jeff Root.

On February 12th, Fairfax Lions Club hosted its annual James Bland Music Contest.  Lions Clubs across Virginia run local contests to promote cultural and educational opportunities for musically talented young people (primarily of high school age). Winners compete to advance to State level contests. At State level, music scholarships are awarded to the top twelve finalists.

Ten pianists and three vocalists competed onFeb 12th. The instrumental winner was pianist Alexander Suh, an 8th grader at Lake Braddock Middle School, who performed “L’alouette (The Lark)” by Balakirev. The vocal winner was soprano Kirsten Tierney, a 7th grader at Longfellow Middle School, who sang “Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind” by Roger Quilter.   Alexander and Kirsten will compete in the Region III Bland Music Contest on Tuesday, March 14.

Contestants & Bland Chairperson Lion Jeff Root

Vocal contestants with judges

Each year, Lions Clubs across Virginia hold music competitions (the “James Bland Youth Music Contest”) for elementary, middle or senior high school (or home schooled) students. Top performers (both vocal and instrumental) receive scholarships.

Fairfax Lions Club’s competition begins at 2pm, Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA. Best performers progress to higher level competitions.

Please submit your registration form (attached) not later than January 31st.

Samples of last year’s performances: https://www.fairfaxlions.org/?s=bland+contest

Let family, friends, and neighbors know, and encourage young musicians to sign up!

The Fairfax Lions Club hosted the “James Bland Music Contest” on Sunday, March 31, in the Old Town Hall in Fairfax.  Five vocal contestants and five instrumental contestants participated, representing Lions Clubs in there Northern VA area. Two vocalists and two instrumentalists were judged the winners and advance to the District 24-L James Bland Music Contest, on April 28.  Winners there advance to State Finals, May 17, where the VA Association of Lions Clubs will award 12  scholarships totaling $18,000. 

Photo:  1st Place Vocalist, Madeleine LeBeau of Chantilly HS, sings  ll Bacio by Luigi Arditi to a packed house.