Board of Directors – Roles and Expectations

The Board of Directors ensures that MBOTMA — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — fulfills its mission, meets its legal and financial obligations, meets its responsibilities to MBOTMA members and the public, and has a sustainable future in a changing world.

MBOTMA has a small contract staff and many volunteers who help plan and run our festivals. Some take a leadership role, but all of these volunteers are essential to our success.

If you are mostly interested in planning or assisting with events, we absolutely need and welcome you on our festival committees and in other volunteer roles. See our other volunteer opportunities.

Successful board members have a big-picture, future-oriented view and bring a variety of skills and experience to board service. These may include:

- - prior service on a board
  - experience with nonprofits
  - marketing/communications
  - grant management
  - fundraising
  - legal
  - financial
  - business
  - human resources
  - music industry
  - local/regional arts community
  - strategic planning
  - project management
  - and more.

If you have any questions regarding the Board or the elections process, please email president@minnesotabluegrass.org

Elections Timeline

Nominations Open: August 1- September 15
Elections: October 15 – November 22
Terms: Board members are elected to two-year terms.
Board Members take office: First Tuesday of January.
Officers: All Board members are elected as Members-at-Large. The members of the Board elect the officers.

Board Member Requirements

Act as an ambassador for the organization
Uphold shared vision for the future of the organization
Declare conflicts of interest and agree to follow the Board’s Code of Conduct.
Prepare for and attend scheduled board meetings and a yearly retreat
Attend and volunteer at festivals and other events (tickets are comped)
Serve on at least one board committee – either standing or ad hoc
Participate in Board Member orientation and training

Board Meeting Schedule

The Board meets bi-monthly as follows:

January
March
May
July
September
November
December (in person)

Meetings are held remotely on Zoom at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

The board endeavors to meet in person once a year.

PA Management with Aaron Niehus

The PA is the connection between you as a performer and the audience. It is critical that you have a solid understanding of how to make the most effective use of all the technology available to you. This workshop will be in 3 segments. 11 am will be setting up the PA then at 11:30 learn to work with the single Mic Everyone is welcome. Draw bands are highly encouraged to come. At noon Aaron will shift to PA Management

Song Analysis with Tim Stafford & Phil Nusbaum

Three songwriters will each present an original song. Tim and Phil then will offer thoughts and advice on structure and presentation. Phil Nusbaum will offer thoughts on what broadcasters are looking for when you seek to get your songs played on the air. You do not have to be a songwriter to attend or benefit from these perspectives. Everyone is welcome!

Stagecraft, The Art of Putting on a Show

With Brent Fuqua and Becky Schlegel These two veteran performers go beyond the setlist to discuss ways you can take your next show to a new level. Entertain your audiences, have more fun and get more bookings!

Stagecraft will be at noon on Saturday in Studio 2. Q&A is a big part of these Panels so bring your questions!

Booking and Promoting Your Band

With Ellen Stanley, Katryn Conlin and Tom Peschges

This panel promises to be a lively discussion of how to build an audience, and book better gigs! We will cover topics like, Websites, EPK’s, Booking emails, social media strategies and more. As with all of our panel discussions, please bring your questions!