Apply now for 2026!
Follow the directions below to apply for the 2026 award. The application deadline is April first. We look forward to hearing all about you!
Seeking Music Lovers!
The Ethel Price Heckman Bland Music Award celebrates music students of the greater Tidewater area who excel in their understanding of music and eagerly share their talents and skills with their community. Note that there is no requirement for candidates to major in Music or Music Education in College...everyone's music journey is different!
Candidates for this award should:
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Live in rural southeast Virginia, including Suffolk and Sussex, Surry, Isle of Wight, and Southampton counties.
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Be eligible for High School graduation in the current calendar year, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Have a minimum of 3 years of vocal or instrumental music training.
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Share their Musical skills with the wider community in various ways, from teaching to performance.
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Plan to continue their Music journey beyond High School, through some combination of music training, performance, teaching, community outreach, or further education.
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Provide the names of 1-2 Sponsors who can attest to their training, skills, and understanding of basic Music Theory.
...if this describes you, we encourage you to apply!
For Students.
1. Gather your materials. You will need:
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The name, phone #, and email of a contact at your High School (so we can confirm graduation and GPA).
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The name, phone #, and email of 1-2 sponsors who can attest to your Music training and skills. They will need to fill out the Recommendation form linked here.
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Highlights of your music training & experience.
2. Write Your Essay! We ask for a 250-500 word narrative describing your goals and vision for your musical journey beyond High School.
NOTE: Do NOT use AI to write this essay! Use your OWN words—we want to hear from you, not a computer.
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3. OPTIONAL: Prepare a 1-3 minute video showcasing your performance. This must be WMV, AVI or MP4 file, or a YouTube/ Google Drive link.
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4. Fill out and submit this form:
​5. Contact your sponsor(s) and tell them to visit this page and fill out their form. Remember: it is your responsibility to contact your sponsors and ensure they fill out their nomination form by the due date. See the website for details. We cannot consider a candidate without a response from at least one sponsor!
Deadline for ALL Materials is April 1, 2026
For Sponsors:.
1. Make sure the student you are nominating/recommending has already submitted their application.
2. Prepare your thoughts! You know the student better than we ever could. We want to hear about their training, dedication, and commitment to the musical community. Specific details are extremely helpful.
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3. Fill out and submit this form: