CMA, Discovery Education Offer Students New Virtual CMA Awards Field Trip

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The CMA and Discovery Education have teamed up to launch a new virtual experience, “Country Music’s Biggest Night: STEAM Takes the Spotlight Virtual Field Trip,” as part of their Working In Harmony: Every Voice is Instrumental educational initiative.

“Country Music’s Biggest Night: STEAM Takes the Spotlight Virtual Field Trip” offers students in grades 6-12 an exclusive look at what it takes to produce the annual CMA Awards telecast. The first-of-its-kind experience allows students to further explore careers within country music, and  takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2022 CMA Awards, introducing them to several professionals who work to bring the show to TV audiences across the globe.

With a heavy focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), the Virtual Field Trip introduces students to several critical individuals and roles within the CMA Awards production, including Jessica Basile (Post Production Supervisor), Alana Billingsley (Art Director), Mel Black (Head of Security), Robert Deaton (Executive Producer), Tiffany Gifford (Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist), Gary Natoli (Head Stage Manager), and Risa Thomas (Production Supervisor).

Discovery Education offers an accompanying educator guide and multiple classroom activities to provide teachers with material and activities before, during and after the Virtual Field Trip. The engaging Virtual Field Trip can be viewed at CMAWorkinginHarmony.com.

“Our partnership with Discovery Education is just getting started,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Certainly, our industry knows what it takes to deliver the CMA Awards each year, and now we have the great opportunity to meet students in their classrooms and bring them along for the ride. Our hope is for students from a multitude of backgrounds to see themselves in these roles, inspiring their ambitions beyond the classroom.”

CMA Members are invited to join a special “Lunch & Learn” Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. CT at CMA’s office to hear more about the Discovery Education partnership. As part of the session, attendees will watch the Virtual Field Trip together before discussing ways to become more involved with the initiative and lunch will be provided. An additional session will be held virtually on Feb. 23 at 12 p.m. CT. Current CMA Members can RSVP to either session here.

CMA launched its multi-year partnership with Discovery Education in October of 2022. Designed to empower students to explore STEAM, the Working in Harmony educational initiative provides no-cost digital resources for students to learn the many career opportunities offered within the country music industry. CMA is the first-ever music organization to partner with Discovery Education.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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