What is the Shenandoah Valley Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association?

This organization was formed out of the love and respect for the Shenandoah Valley's rich musical traditions. Our music creates a natural bond that encourages individual musical expression, builds authentic community, and fosters relationships that go far beyond the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley. Traditionally passed down from generation to generation, Appalachian roots music and its practitioners need to be understood and celebrated within the context of American life today.

SVBOMA is a Virginia based non-profit 501(c)(3) public trust corporation chartered in 2008 with a mission to: preserve, promote and maintain the integrity and roots of these great acoustic musics and their various configurations including: bluegrass, old-time string band, American fiddle/banjo traditions, Appalachian folk songs, gospel, and acoustic old-time country. SVBOTMA shall promote and celebrate this truly American performing art and maintain the integrity of the music makers, instrument makers and those who seek them out. To this end, SVBOMA shall serve as a clearing house for musicians, instrument makers, promoters, venues, vendors, and fans throughout the Shenandoah Valley. We are a viable resource for others in their efforts to help grow and preserve the traditional music makers' communities. Our efforts will also seek to serve the best interest of traditional music makers nationally and world wide.

The SVBOMA will also partner with existing museums to ensure the maintenance and archival of historically significant artifacts and identify individuals who helped shaped the Valley's music past, present, and future and celebrate their contributions.

For the purpose of defining the musical scope of this ASSOCIATION the instrumentation combinations considered within the domain of BLUEGRASS/OLD-TIME music shall be: fiddle, 5-string banjo, guitar, mandolin, resnophonic guitar (Dobro), and acoustic bass fiddle, harmonica, mountain dulcimer, autoharp and other assorted instruments that fall within the bounds of traditional Appalachian music.

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Please let us know your ideas and thoughts as we grow our organization to better serve our music community.
Email the Director - director@SVBOTMA.org