Every year IBMA’s Leadership Bluegrass program brings together a cross section of music industry professionals to take an intensive look into the future challenges and opportunities our music faces, and next year’s event will be hosted March 10-12, 2009, in Nashville, Tennessee.  Those interested in participating are encouraged to apply for a limited number of openings.

Approximately 25 individuals will be selected for the program, which is designed to build commitment, motivate talents and instill enthusiasm for addressing the future of bluegrass music.

Participants represent a cross section of current leaders from various facets of the industry and diverse regions of the nation and world.  For a list of Leadership Bluegrass alumni, go to http://www.ibma.org/events.programs/leadership.bluegrass/alumni.asp. For comments from the class of 2008, go to http://www.ibma.org/resource/GradComments08.doc.

Participation

Enrollment in Leadership Bluegrass is voluntary and a new class is selected each year.  Criteria for participation includes:

• A sincere commitment, motivation and interest in serving the bluegrass industry today and in the future
• Music industry activity and experience
• An interest in advancing one’s own and the industry’s professional or volunteer leadership roles.

There is a $250 participation fee for Leadership Bluegrass for IBMA members; non-members pay $325 (which includes a one-year IBMA membership). All class members are expected to bear the expense of travel and/or lodging during the program, and they must plan to be present for the entire three-day schedule. A limited number of partial scholarships and travel assistance grants are available to applicants, based on need.

To apply or recommend someone, contact IBMA at 888-438-4262 or (615) 256-3222, or at nancyc@ibma.org.

The deadline to apply for Leadership Bluegrass is November 15, 2008.