Dear GMA Member and Friends:
As I begin my term as Chairman of the Gospel Music Association, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being one of the almost 3,000 GMA members dedicated to furthering HIS music. As a group of creative and industry leaders, we believe in Gospel Music and its power to change lives. We join together, setting aside personal agendas, to accomplish things we cannot accomplish separately, to ultimately extend the reach of the good news of Jesus Christ through music of all styles!
LAYING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
Like many other organizations, the economy is forcing us to refine our operations while continuing to provide the valuable services our members, the industry, media, and others have come to expect. Plans are underway and include revamping staffing, events, membership, and all aspects of our operations. If you haven’t read about the steps we’re taking, please click on this link: http://gospelmusic.org/newsmedia/pressRoom_detail.aspx?iid=42080&tid=33
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME LIVE EVENT!
During this season of change and time of rebuilding, we’re also extremely pleased to announce that on October 12, 2009, several of the top artist in Gospel Music; Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, The Booth Brothers, Natalie Grant, and others, will come together for a once-in-a-lifetime “Save The GMA” concert event! This spectacular evening, produced by the legendary Brown Bannister, is made possible by the generous donations in time and dollars by each of these artists who believe in the mission of the GMA! This event was inspired by a "Save the Symphony" event held to support the Nashville Symphony a few years ago.
Limited seating is available for $1000/ticket. Please contact Angilee at 615/277-1376 for more information or to order your tickets before they sell out!
SAVE THE DATE
In addition to the October event, we’re also busy making plans for another year of great events including:
- GMA Music Week-April 18-21, 2010
- GMA Dove Awards-April 21, 2010
- GMA Immerse 2010-July 28-31, 2010
More information about each of these coming soon.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATTERS!
As we’re transitioning into this new season, your membership dollars continue to provide crucial funds that allow us to provide valuable services like:
- Advocacy-Help our members by being an advocate with Congress in Washington D.C. and with other music organizations regarding matters important to our membership.
- Sound Healthcare – Offer low-cost healthcare options to members who don’t have the opportunity to receive quality, affordable health care.
- Immerse- Educate and give exposure to tomorrow’s artists, songwriters, and worship leaders via this one-of-a-kind event.
- GMA Music Week- Provide networking opportunities, education and exposure to industry professionals via GMA Music Week, the only place where industry leaders and artists alike gather to connect, celebrate and refine their skills.
- Dove Awards- Reach millions of consumers through the Gospel Music Channel's airing of the Dove Awards, “the Biggest Night In Gospel Music," which is our time to celebrate the achievements of our members.
- Branding/Media Opportunities- Produce resources, disseminate information through the media and other outlets, and be a point of contact for those looking to partner with Christian/Gospel music artists and companies so we can extend the reach of our music and artists to the masses.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
As GMA members, we are open to YOUR suggestions on what we can do to further expose, promote, and celebrate the Gospel through music. As a volunteer-driven organization, we also welcome your support by way of volunteering at one of our events and/or on our various committees and task forces. Feel free to email me directly with any suggestions as to how we can put your talents to use!
Thanks again for your support and prayers for YOUR Gospel Music Association!
Warm Regards,
Ed Leonard
GMA Chairman