GMA deems Seminar In the Rockies 2002 successful

Just as the sales of contemporary Christian and gospel music continue to grow, so does the success of Seminar in the Rockies, now in its third year under the leadership of the Gospel Music Association.

According to Frank Breeden, president of the GMA, the 2002 Seminar in the Rockies saw strong attendance in registration for the seminar and ticket sales for the Praise in the Rockies Concert series. Additionally, new winners were named in the Academy of Gospel Music Arts (AGMA) International Finals.

"We are grateful that Seminar in the Rockies continues to be a 'must' event for both industry leaders and those hoping for a career in this business. It's a testimony to the overall interest in contemporary Christian and gospel music that shows no signs of slowing," said Breeden.

Some of the highlights:

• Spotlight 2002 and Song of 2002 competitions saw a record 1,100 individual entries.
• Sales for the Praise in the Rockies Concert series were up 35 percent over last year with attendance experiencing a 43 percent increase.
• A new career track at the seminar drew nearly 100 registrants.
• Registrants were offered the chance to pre-register for 2003 Seminar and 138 signed up, compared to 48 in 2001.
• For the first time sponsorship opportunities were made available for all the evening concerts, Café Estes and the general sessions in addition to prize sponsorships. All sponsorship slots were filled.

In addition, ministry partner Compassion International received a record $8,258.13 offering, of which 100 percent will go to the Blue Skies Foundation in memory of Grant Cunningham, the Sparrow Records A&R director and songwriter who recently died from injuries sustained while playing soccer in a recreation league. The Blue Skies Foundation exists to continue Cunningham's vision of shepherding and bringing hope to children who need a father figure in their lives. "Blue Skies" was the title of Grant's most recent #1 song, and is also the name of the land that will be used to carry out the Blue Skies Foundation.

Winners were named in the International Finals on the final night of Seminar in the Rockies.

"We've been fortunate to find some great artists during these competitions in the past. Jars of Clay, Point of Grace, Nichole Nordeman, Rachael Lampa, and Stacie Orrico are a few of the artists who found the spotlight through this event. Perhaps some of these talented winners will join them as future successes in the music business. Certainly, these young artists could benefit from entering the spotlight at a time when Christian music sales are at an all time high and interest in our genre continues to grow," said Breeden, president of the GMA.

The AGMA International Finals names winners in both performance -- Spotlight 2002 -- and songwriting -- Song of 2002 -- in four categories, with an overall winner named in each division. These winners were eligible for the International Finals after winning one of two regional events this year.

Spotlight 2002 Grand Prize Winners:

Overall Spotlight 2002 Grand Prize and Urban Gospel Grand Prize:
The Word (Vincent Botts, Raymond Johnson, Leroy Wesley, Penny Wingate)
College Park, Georgia

Southern Gospel Grand Prize:
Passenger (Kristy Rhode, Mike Rhode, Barry Hackett, William Joseph Fulk, Allen Morrell)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Contemporary Christian Grand Prize Vocal:
Jaime Johnson
San Francisco

Contemporary Christian Grand Prize Band:
Josh Holloran Band (Josh Holloran, Erik Johnson, Steve Stanton, Adam Shutt)
Lakewood, Colorado

Song of 2002 Grand Prize Winners:

Overall Song of 2002 Grand Prize and Southern Gospel Song:
Allen Morrell with the song "Passenger"
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Urban Gospel Song Grand Prize:
Lito Villareal with the song "He Will Renew"
Manila, Philippines

Contemporary Christian Song Grand Prize:
Jaylene Johnson with the song "Daughter"
Winnipeg, Canada

Praise and Worship Song Grand Prize:
Allen Morrell with the song "If I Did Not Sing"
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Prizes for the Overall Spotlight winner include a custom recording album at a Music Row recording studio, a sound system, a keyboard and a four-hour performance coaching session. The Overall Song winner receives a publishing contract for the winning song in addition to the prizes named above.

Next year's Seminar in the Rockies event is scheduled for July 27-August 2, 2003.