OUR PRIZED DIRECTOR
Larry J. Bland, a native Richmonder, is a highly respected musician, arts administrator, producer, performer, and business professional. Mr. Bland’s multi-talents have been revealed in his accomplishments as a trailblazer in his innovations in gospel music presentation, being among the very first nationally to introduce choreographed, “gospel show choir” formatted performances.
In addition, he has received numerous public service and outstanding arts administrator awards for his accomplishments in directing and coordinating special events, most notably serving as the first black to direct the City of Richmond’s June Jubilee Festival.
He has directed the Volunteer Choir for the past 40+ years, touring extensively on the East Coast, appearing in Los Angeles before The Late James Cleveland (1981), garnering numerous awards and critical acclaim for his unique brand of musicianship and presentation. He has also directed various choirs within sacred music programs for many churches in the Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.
He is a 1977 graduate of Virginia State College, receiving his B.S. Degree in Vocal Music Education. During his matriculation at VSC, he most notably founded the Virginia State College (University) Gospel Choir (1972).
He has worked professionally in the legal and entertainment industries where he contributed greatly to the success of the launch and ongoing success of the Discovery Channel’s partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation on the domestic and international level, coordinating programming summits and providing administration in London, France and Singapore. He also worked closely with the launch events for TV-One.
Mr. Bland has several Richmond-based recordings to his credit and has accomplishments also in the secular community, having partnered his talents with the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Opera Company, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, City of Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, United Way, March of Dimes (to name a few) and most notably with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s May 2007 Royal Welcome to Queen Elizabeth. He has also led his group in performances before former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, along with special guest appearances at The Wolf Trap Amphitheater, Constitution Hall, RFK Stadium and The Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Bland has received critical acclaim for his theatrical portrayals of “Purlie ” in the musical of same title, his musical directorship of productions of “The Amen Corner”, “Don’t Bother I Can’t Cope”, as well as Chorus Master for The Richmond Opera Company’s premiere production of Scott Joplin’s opera, “Treemonisha.”
Mr. Bland’s ongoing commitment to the preservation and presentation of traditional and contemporary gospel music is most noted in incorporation of The Volunteer Choir as a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. The organization continues to present limited concerts and special appearances under Mr. Bland’s artistic direction.
Mr. Bland also provided administration and operations management assistance for Paradigm Communications’ Richmond Free Press, a black-owned and operated newspaper in Richmond, Virginia from 2007 to 2009.
On July 15, 2012, Mr. Bland received the first “Excellence In Gospel Music Award” during the 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest at Richmond’s Dogwood Dell Amphitheater for his lifetime achievements in gospel music and the successful establishment of the music genre in the City’s Annual Summer Music and Arts Festival. Mr. Bland and The Volunteer Choir are credited with being the second black performing group to be invited to this prestigious series, first appearing in 1978 before over 12,000 attendees and subsequently presenting highly anticipated performances for over 12 consecutive years. This award was presented by national gospel artist Dr. Bobby Jones and Producer Sheila Belle on behalf of The City of Richmond. Additionally, Mr. Bland was honored on this date with an award from the nationally acclaimed Virginia State University Gospel Chorale (Director Perry Evans/Sponsor James Holden) as its Founder.
He is currently Artist In Residence on the music staff at First Baptist Church (South Richmond) where he directs the Praise Team Ministry. Mr. Bland is also serving the Richmond church community as a solo artist, guest host, choral/music director and workshop facilitator.
He is also currently employed as manager of operations for Wise Entertainment Law LLC in Cabin John, Maryland, residing in both Bethesda, Maryland and Richmond, VA.
In addition, he has received numerous public service and outstanding arts administrator awards for his accomplishments in directing and coordinating special events, most notably serving as the first black to direct the City of Richmond’s June Jubilee Festival.
He has directed the Volunteer Choir for the past 40+ years, touring extensively on the East Coast, appearing in Los Angeles before The Late James Cleveland (1981), garnering numerous awards and critical acclaim for his unique brand of musicianship and presentation. He has also directed various choirs within sacred music programs for many churches in the Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.
He is a 1977 graduate of Virginia State College, receiving his B.S. Degree in Vocal Music Education. During his matriculation at VSC, he most notably founded the Virginia State College (University) Gospel Choir (1972).
He has worked professionally in the legal and entertainment industries where he contributed greatly to the success of the launch and ongoing success of the Discovery Channel’s partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation on the domestic and international level, coordinating programming summits and providing administration in London, France and Singapore. He also worked closely with the launch events for TV-One.
Mr. Bland has several Richmond-based recordings to his credit and has accomplishments also in the secular community, having partnered his talents with the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Opera Company, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, City of Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, United Way, March of Dimes (to name a few) and most notably with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s May 2007 Royal Welcome to Queen Elizabeth. He has also led his group in performances before former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, along with special guest appearances at The Wolf Trap Amphitheater, Constitution Hall, RFK Stadium and The Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Bland has received critical acclaim for his theatrical portrayals of “Purlie ” in the musical of same title, his musical directorship of productions of “The Amen Corner”, “Don’t Bother I Can’t Cope”, as well as Chorus Master for The Richmond Opera Company’s premiere production of Scott Joplin’s opera, “Treemonisha.”
Mr. Bland’s ongoing commitment to the preservation and presentation of traditional and contemporary gospel music is most noted in incorporation of The Volunteer Choir as a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. The organization continues to present limited concerts and special appearances under Mr. Bland’s artistic direction.
Mr. Bland also provided administration and operations management assistance for Paradigm Communications’ Richmond Free Press, a black-owned and operated newspaper in Richmond, Virginia from 2007 to 2009.
On July 15, 2012, Mr. Bland received the first “Excellence In Gospel Music Award” during the 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest at Richmond’s Dogwood Dell Amphitheater for his lifetime achievements in gospel music and the successful establishment of the music genre in the City’s Annual Summer Music and Arts Festival. Mr. Bland and The Volunteer Choir are credited with being the second black performing group to be invited to this prestigious series, first appearing in 1978 before over 12,000 attendees and subsequently presenting highly anticipated performances for over 12 consecutive years. This award was presented by national gospel artist Dr. Bobby Jones and Producer Sheila Belle on behalf of The City of Richmond. Additionally, Mr. Bland was honored on this date with an award from the nationally acclaimed Virginia State University Gospel Chorale (Director Perry Evans/Sponsor James Holden) as its Founder.
He is currently Artist In Residence on the music staff at First Baptist Church (South Richmond) where he directs the Praise Team Ministry. Mr. Bland is also serving the Richmond church community as a solo artist, guest host, choral/music director and workshop facilitator.
He is also currently employed as manager of operations for Wise Entertainment Law LLC in Cabin John, Maryland, residing in both Bethesda, Maryland and Richmond, VA.
Larry's Obituary as printed by Joseph Jenkins Funeral Home is below:
LARRY'S OBITUARY
Bland,
Departed this life November 13th, 2020. Larry J Bland, age 67 of Richmond. He was the director of Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir for 47 years. He is survived by three god sons: his Volunteer Choir Family and many other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home where he can be viewed Wednesday from 11 to 7 and Thursday from 11 to 7. Online video tribute can be viewed at Jenkinsjr.com. Due to the governor's recent declaration, funeral services will be private (service not at the funeral home). It can be viewed online at Jenkins Funeral Home Facebook Page or at jenkinsjr.com. on Friday at 11am.
LARRY'S OBITUARY
Bland,
Departed this life November 13th, 2020. Larry J Bland, age 67 of Richmond. He was the director of Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir for 47 years. He is survived by three god sons: his Volunteer Choir Family and many other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home where he can be viewed Wednesday from 11 to 7 and Thursday from 11 to 7. Online video tribute can be viewed at Jenkinsjr.com. Due to the governor's recent declaration, funeral services will be private (service not at the funeral home). It can be viewed online at Jenkins Funeral Home Facebook Page or at jenkinsjr.com. on Friday at 11am.