The Ethel Price Heckman Bland Music Award
was established in 1989 to encourage students in rural southeast Virginia to continue developing their musical talents into adulthood, and to share their talents and skills with their community. Winners receive a plaque and $500 to use toward future music goals.
Latest News:
CONGRATULATIONS to Rhyell Crawley
The EPHB Music Award Board is thrilled to announce our 2024 winner, Rhyell Crawley from King's Fork High School!
As a young child, Rhyell was inspired by the music he heard in church, especially the drumming and saxophone. He says, “The feeling that I would get watching and hearing them play was so indescribable that I had to learn how to play for myself.” He began with drums, practicing for hours in the sanctuary while his mother and grandmother worked nearby.
In High School Rhyell’s training expanded; he continued drumming but also took up the saxophone, and has been the saxophone section leader at King’s Fork for the past 2 years. He loves helping other students and putting together small groups to perform at school events. He plays at various churches in the area, and recently stepped into a leadership role in his home church’s band.
In her sponsorship letter, Rhyell’s advisor noted that “Rhyell has poured his heart into his music craft…it has been his passion since he was 11 years old.” Rhyell loves playing for the King’s Fork Marching Band, and is eager to grow his talents by joining Jazz, R&B, and Gospel bands and groups during the next few years—including becoming a part of the Spartan Legion at Norfolk State!
Rhyell will use his $500 scholarship to support his future musical journey while he studies Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at Norfolk State University this Fall.
