And, just for signing up on the website at www.musicintherockies.com, entrants will be eligible for a chance to win an iPod and other free stuff. GMA Music in the Rockies is planned for August 3-9, 2008.

GMA Music in the Rockies features daily classes designed for artists, songwriters and worship leaders and also offers career development and networking opportunities. One of the week’s highlights is the GMA Academy National Competition, the official GMA talent competition for unsigned artists and songwriters that has in recent years seen entrants like American Idol champion Jordin Sparks and finalist Chris Sligh; Chris Tomlin, Matthew West and BarlowGirl go on to successful music careers.

More than $50,000 in prizes will be awarded in all, but two of the biggest prizes include a GMA Music in the Rockies first -- a recording development deal with Centricity Music; a rising independent label with worldwide distribution through Word Distribution and World Wide Web distribution with Echo Music. Centricity Music’s artist roster includes downhere, Jaime Jamgochian. Daniel Kirkley and a former GMA Academy winner Circleslide.

Walt Disney World provides another coveted prize. One finalist will be named Disney’s Best of Show winner and will receive a performance slot at the "Night of Joy" event at the Walt Disney World® Resort, September 5-6, 2008 in Florida! The prize includes a vacation package for the winning artist, including accommodations at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel, airfare, Disney theme park tickets and Night of Joy tickets.

As well as the Centricity and Disney prizes, this year’s Academy National Competition will present grand prizes titles for: Solo 2008, Duet/Group 2008, Band 2008, Instrumental 2008 and Song of 2008 with additional prizes from the American Bible Society and Compassion International.

The first step to winning the valuable prizes is registering for GMA Music in the Rockies at www.musicintherockies.com. Early registration rates for GMA Music in the Rockies are available now with a 30 percent discount off on-site rates offered until May 27 and a 20 percent discount until June 30. There is also a special rate for bands that enter the GMA Academy National Competition.

In addition to the competitions, GMA Music in the Rockies offers an unsurpassed variety of training and career development classes taught by artists and other industry professionals. This year’s event will emphasize being a creative Christian in the music industry and how to make an impact in mainstream entertainment. Topics cover everything from pitching songs to singing in pitch and include creative workshops for songwriting and practical training in song publishing, legal matters and performance booking.

At night, registrants will hear Soundstage Concerts from Switchfoot's Jon Foreman, Nickel Creek's Sean Watkins, MercyMe, Mandisa, Israel & New Breed, Shane & Shane, Jaci Velasquez, Trin-i-tee 5:7, pureNRG, Chris Sligh and more.

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of 4,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week, GMA Music in the Rockies, and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.

 

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