The Bristol Music Club’s Annual Scholarship Benefit is held Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. at State Street United Methodist Church, Bristol, Virginia. The event includes refreshments, silent auction and performances by 2026 scholarship winners.
Tickets for this fundraiser cost $25 each and may be purchased from any member of the Bristol Music Club or at the door.
Beth McCoy is the Master of Ceremonies for the musical program. She is a retired music teacher, founder and retired artistic director of the Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy, published composer, Diaconal Minister of Music, and former church choir director. Her awards include the YWCA’s Tribute to Women and the Arts Alliance Mountain Empire Arts Achievement Award.
The performers are from the following group of 2026 scholarship winners: Andrew James Darlington, Isabella Permenter, Aylin Ballard, Eliana Ková?ová, Fritz Hagemeier, Caroline Ning, Silas Oliver, Finley Rainey, Elijah Theurer, Elena Webb, Levi Kobienia and Yael Shumakher.
The main purpose of the Bristol Music Club is to encourage student musicians by providing scholarships for music study. The club has existed for more than 100 years and for the past 60 years has awarded scholarships to more than 400 students in grades four through 12. In May of each year, the club holds auditions in four divisions, based on school grades and college plans. Professional judges choose winners in each division plus a special award for one winner who performs with the Paramount Chamber Players. A winners recital follows with awards of scholarship money. In May 2026 12 students were chosen to receive several thousand dollars in awards.
Funds for these scholarships come from donors and from the club’s fundraisers. To support this scholarship program with donations, make your check payable to The Bristol Music Club. To have your name listed as a donor in the printed program, please indicate how you want your name to appear and mail your check by October 17 to Nancy Cook, Treasurer, 1810 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620-2833.
For more information about the next auditions in May 2027, contact Pat Flannagan at 423-956-1136.
