Our national orginization was founded in 1967 by the late Rev. James Cleveland. The Gospel Music Workshop of America is the largest artistic organization of it's kind in the world with 75,000 members and more than 185 chapters in the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Canada, Alaska, Europe, Asia and Africa. With a wide range of faiths, our covention is a weeklong gathering of academic classes, evangelism and outreach, nightly music services, showcases, radio and television executives, promoters, exhibits and seminars. There is also an opportunity for persons to enhance their musical talents by singing in one of the various music outlets such as the National Mass Choir, the James Cleveland Gospel Chorus, the Thurston G. Frazier Memorial Chorale, the Women's Chorus, the Men's Chorus and our Children, Youth or Young Adult Choirs. Active membership includes professional and amateur gospel vocalists, musicians, composers, arrangers, directors and producers. Each annual convention is one week long and held during the month of July. The convention has attracted over 15,000 registrants. An additional 3,000 to 5,000 local gospel music lovers attend workshop and musical services during the week. In addition, the annual board meeting is held during the month of March. This is the planning session for the next scheduled convention. All officers and members are invited to attend the annual board meeting.
