Winners of the James Bland Music Competition were celebrated at the Lyceum Feb. 4 as participants were named winners by the host Lions Club and Lions of Virginia Bland Foundation.

Elizabeth Hope Stein, a 17-year-old violinist, placed first in the competition. She performed the 3rd movement of the Violin Concerto in A Minor by Antonin Dvorak. Second place went to Chole Lee, 15, who performed the 1st movement of the Violin Concerto in D Minor by Henryk Wieniawski. Patrick Johannes Ostermann-Healey, a 16-year-old student at Alexandria City High School, took third place with a performance of Concerto #3 in B Minor for Violin and Orchestra by Camille Saint-Saens.

“The talent of these young musicians is absolutely phenomenal,” said Sheriff Sean Casey, attending the event for the second time. “The fact that we are able to help with their careers moving forward and having an impact on them is amazing. Makes me proud to be a Lion and member of CCNA.”

The competition is traditionally held during Black History Month as a memorial to African American musician and composer James Bland, who wrote traditional tunes such as “Oh Dem Golden Slippers” and “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny.” The latter was the state song of Virginia from 1940-1997.

Under the sponsorship of the Lions organization, the Bland Foundation has been providing performing opportunities as well as scholarships to gifted music students, both vocal and instrumental, since 1948.

The purpose of the foundation is to promote cultural and educational opportunities for the musically talented young people in Virginia.

The program consists of elimination contests starting at club level and continuing through the state finals competition. The program is open to any vocalist or instrumentalist sponsored by a Virginia Lions Club. Any resident of Virginia (or within the club jurisdiction) and attending elementary, junior, or senior high school is eligible to participate. Awards are provided by the State Bland Committee including over $25,000 yearly in state, regional, district, and local scholarships and cash awards. The total amount awarded can vary from year to year.

Sponsors included the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA), the Foundation for the Advancement of Music Education, State Farm agent Rodney M. Louis and the Page 1 Foundation.

www.blandfoundation.org