Contestants in the Bland Music Competition, sponsored by the Daleville/Fincastle Lions Club on March 12, were (from left): front, Alexis Chocklette, Joy Knox, Elena Preston, Ailidh Knox, Michael Scroggins, Beau Lee–first place winner in the instrumental category; and Emery Maxson – first place vocalist; back, Lions Carole Smith, Lowell Skelton, Jim Reynolds and Betty Reynolds; not pictured: Robin Ward. [SUBMITTED PHOTO]The Daleville /Fincastle Lions Club sponsored the Bland Music Competition at The Glebe on Saturday, March 12. Lion Jim Reynolds was the Emcee and announced the seven contestants who presented vocal and instrumental talents.
First place vocalist went to Emery Maxon and first place instrumentalist went to Beau Lee (violin).
The contest encourages parents and music teachers to involve students not only for scholarship opportunities but also for the experience of performing before an audience and being critiqued by judges. It was open to any Botetourt/Roanoke/Craig County student up to the age of 18. The Lions started the competition in 1948 to honor James Bland, who wrote “Carry Me Back to Ol’ Virginny,” among other songs.
