• Leigh Holt, Director of Strategy, Branding and Merchandising at Word Label Group. A digital marketing specialist, Holt has built her marketing career working with professional sports teams (NBA’s Orlando Magic) as well as such brands as Chrysler-Jeep and ESPN Radio.

Worship track faculty includes Jared Anderson, Vicky Beeching, Andy Chrisman, Travis Cottrell, Carmen D’Arcy and Keith & Kristyn Getty.

One of the most recognizable features of GMA’s Music in the Rockies 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, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West and BarlowGirl go on to successful music careers. More than $50,000 in prizes will be awarded, and all competitors have the opportunity to perform in front of key A&R, record label and publishing executives and to receive on-the-spot feedback from celebrity artist judges, including: recording artist Joy Williams, Tom Jackson, and Mark Bright, producer for Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.

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. Additionally, exclusive prizes are given by:

American Bible Society – The American Bible Society will present ABS Scripture Song Awards in three different classes - amateur, semi-pro, and professional - and three winners in each class will receive a guaranteed cut on an ABS recording project to be released by a major record label."

• Centricity Music – One performance finalist will be selected to receive a recording development deal with Centricity Music, a rising independent label with worldwide distribution through Word Distribution and online distribution with Echo Music.

• Walt Disney World – One artist finalist will be named Disney’s Best of Show and will receive a performance slot at the "Night of Joy" event at the Walt Disney World® Resort, September 5-6, 2008 in Florida.

• Compassion International -- Compassion International will choose one competitor to receive its Music & Ministry Experience, an all-expense paid ministry trip to a Compassion International destination.

At night, registrants will hear Soundstage Concerts from Switchfoot's Jon Foreman, Nickel Creek's Sean Watkins, MercyMe, Hawk Nelson, Mandisa, Israel & New Breed, Shane & Shane, Jaci Velasquez, Trin-i-tee 5:7, pureNRG, Chris Sligh and more. Add to that, excursions into the Rocky Mountains and late-night jam sessions and GMA Music in the Rockies offers an “unequaled experience of a lifetime for any creative person at any stage of their life who shares a passion for music inspired by the heart of God,” said John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA.

Matthew West was a college student trying when he first competed at GMA Music in the Rockies. “Sometimes God just opens a door,” West says. “I moved through that door and got on a plane to Estes Park. You shouldn’t come with the expectation of walking away with a record deal,” Matthew says. “I walked away with a motivation to get better at my craft.”

About Estes Park:

The YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center is nestled on 860 acres in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. All seasons at the YMCA Center bring abundant wildlife right outside each cabin or lodge. Cool mountain breezes and brilliant sunshine create the perfect environment for refreshing the spirit and enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors.

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.