SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONCERT FESTIVAL
Festival Overview
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Launched in 1992 as Bands of America’s National Concert Band Festival, Bands of America rekindled the concert band tradition in America as exemplified by the National Band Contest in the 1930s, which drew national recognition for a young director named William D. Revelli. In an ongoing partnership, Music for All and Georgia State University collaborate together to present the Southeastern Regional Concert Festival for bands. This Festival is an integral part of their ongoing work to advance student excellence and to support advocacy of music and arts education.
Being invited is the achievement! The Festival’s non-competitive atmosphere provides a place for growth, cooperative encouragement and mutual respect among music programs, students, parents, boosters, and administrators. Directors select their own programs; there is no required repertoire. There are no ratings or rankings so directors and their ensembles are free to stretch themselves, reach for new heights, and strive for innovation, growth and excellence, instead of focusing on a rating or placing.
Participating students experience an atmosphere of mutual respect while enjoying concerts from other outstanding ensembles. Ensembles that perform at the Festival are recognized as being among the finest in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Participation is a “credential” worth having. The preparation process itself can have a positive affect on your music program.
Concert Performances & Clinics
Each ensemble performs a concert before a knowledgeable audience, including the Festival evaluation panel, music educators, and fellow ensembles. Directors receive recorded and written comments from the evaluators. Directors also receive a recorded conductor view video. Following the performance, each invited ensemble receives an on-stage clinic with the Lead Festival Clinician and one other member of the evaluation panel.
Scheduled Observation
Concert observation time is scheduled and required for each ensemble, ensuring that all ensembles perform for a knowledgeable, appreciative audience who in turn enjoy outstanding performances of quality literature.
Master Classes
All students participate in instrumental master classes, led by top applied faculty and professional musicians. This opportunity provides for interaction with outstanding performers whose insight and experience exemplify musical achievement.
2026 EVALUATORS
2026 EVALUATORS

Mallory Thompson '79, '80 MMus is the former director of bands, professor of music, and coordinator of the conducting program at Northwestern University, where she held the John W. Beattie Chair of Music. In 2003 she was named a Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence. As only the third person in the university's history to hold the director of bands position, Thompson conducted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, taught undergraduate and graduate conducting, and administered all aspects of the band program. She made five recordings with the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble on the Summit Records label, which are available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music, led the Symphonic Wind Ensemble in performances at the College Band Directors National Association national conventions in 2001 and 2017 and earned praise from composers including John Adams, Michael Colgrass, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, Karel Husa, Morten Lauridsen, David Maslanka, Jonathan Newman, Carter Pann, Joel Puckett, Kevin Puts, and Adam Schoenberg.
Thompson received the Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University, where she studied conducting with John P. Paynter and trumpet with Vincent Cichowicz. She received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Donald Hunsberger.
Maintaining an active schedule as a guest conductor, conducting teacher, and guest lecturer throughout the United States and Canada, Thompson has had the privilege of teaching conducting to thousands of undergraduates, graduate students, and professional educators. She has served as a conductor or clinician at the College Band Directors National Association regional and national conventions, the Midwest Clinic, the Interlochen Arts Academy, numerous state music conventions, and the Aspen Music Festival. In addition to conducting all-state ensembles throughout the United States, she has had professional engagements as guest conductor with the United States Air Force Band, the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the United States Army Field Band, the United States Coast Guard Band, the United States Navy Band, the West Point Band, the Dallas Wind Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Monarch Brass Ensemble, and Banda Sinfônica in Sao Pãulo, Brazil. In 2019, she was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Midwest Clinic in recognition of her service to music education and continuing influence on the development and improvement of bands and orchestras worldwide. Her professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, and the American Bandmasters Association.
Dr. Thompson is especially proud of her 58 graduate conducting students and the hundreds of outstanding Symphonic Wind Ensemble members with whom she has had the joy of making music at Northwestern. She treasures her relationship with the Wildcat Marching Band and is honored to preserve and grow Northwestern’s legacy.

Dr. Albert Nguyen currently serves as the interim director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the director of bands at the University of Memphis. He also leads the Conducting Area and is the executive director of the Summer at the Scheidt Music Camps.
In his current role, Dr. Nguyen manages the School of Music's daily operations, overseeing all aspects of the University Bands program, conducting the University Wind Ensemble, leading the graduate wind conducting program, and teaching graduate courses in wind/band repertoire and rehearsal techniques.
Under Nguyen's direction, his ensembles have performed at the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference, the Tennessee Music Education Association All-State Conference, and internationally in Austria and Italy.
As a conductor and clinician, he has been invited to work with ensembles throughout the United States and frequently gives presentations on diversity/inclusion and conducting at music conferences, including the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference.
Nguyen's professional journey began as the Director of Bands at Morrilton High School in Morrilton, AR. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. His exceptional teaching, creative activity, and service at the University of Memphis have been recognized with the prestigious Pearl Wales Professorship. He is also a past recipient of the First Tennessee Professorship and is an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Phi Beta Mu, and the Diversity Committee for the College Band Directors National Association.

Dr. John Cody Birdwell is Director of Bands at the University of Kentucky, where his duties include conducting the University of Kentucky Wind Symphony, directing graduate programs in wind-band conducting, teaching graduate courses in instrumental conducting, history and literature, and supervising the administration of the University of Kentucky band program in the School of Music. Prior to his appointment at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Birdwell served as Director of Bands at Texas Tech University, Director of Bands at Utah State University, Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Illinois, and Director of Bands at Northern Michigan University.
Dr. Birdwell's ensembles have toured extensively throughout the United States, China, and Great Britain, and the University of Kentucky Wind Symphony was recently selected to perform at the 2013 National Convention of the College Band Directors National Association. Ensembles under Dr. Birdwell's direction have also performed at numerous CBDNA national and division Conferences, and have also performed for the Kentucky Music Educator’s Association, Texas Music Educators Convention, Texas Bandmaster's Association Convention, and the Utah Music Educators Association. In 2008 the UK Wind Symphony toured the People’s Republic of China, and performed to capacity audiences in the cities of Suzhou, Yangzhou, Changzhou, and Beijing.
Birdwell has collaborated with and premiered works by a variety of celebrated artists, conductors, and composers including Arturo Sandoval, Michael Colgrass, Luis Serrano Alarcon, Tim Reynish, Frederick Fennell, Dan Welcher, Donald Grantham, John Mackey, Anthony Barfield, Bob Mintzer, Mike Mower, and Adam Gorb. Several compact discs, including the University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble “Distilled in Kentucky – Premieres from the Bluegrass State”, and “GO! – The Music of Bob Mintzer”, along with the Texas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble “LIVE!" and “Diversions” have received acclaim from composers and conductors throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Dr. Birdwell is an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and holds degrees from The University of North Texas and West Texas A&M University.
Dr. Birdwell serves as President-Elect President of the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division, and holds memberships in the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, Kentucky Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States and abroad.
Terry Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University
Travis Cross, University of California, Los Angeles
Steve Davis, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Rodney Dorsey, Indiana University
Cheryl Floyd, Hill Country Middle School, TX, Retired
Richard Floyd, UIL State Director of Music, Emeritus
Gary Green, University of Miami, Retired
Gary W. Hill, Arizona State University
Roy Holder, Lake Braddock High School, VA, Retired
Col. Timothy Holtan, US Army, Retired
James F. Keene, University of Illinois, Retired
Craig Kirchhoff, University of Minnesota, Retired
John Lynch, Conductor, Composer, Teacher
Sarah McKoin, Texas Tech University
Allan McMurray, University of Colorado, Retired
Tanya Mitchell-Spradlin, Penn State University
Albert Nguyen, University of Memphis
Myra Rhoden, Fayette County High School
Scott Rush, Dorchester Two School District, SC
Susan Smith, Troy University
Alfred Watkins, Lassiter High School, Retired
Marguerite Wilder, GIA Publications
Shiree Williams, Conductor and Clinician
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where does the Festival take place?
The Festival is hosted on the Georgia State University campus, specifically housed in the Rialto Center for the Arts.
The physical address to the Rialto is:
80 Forsyth Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
When must we arrive to participate?
A suggested arrival time will be indicated on your school's schedule but ensembles may consider arriving in Atlanta earlier to ensure sufficient time for unload, check-in, and being present at the first session to which you are assigned. Although arrival time is left to the discretion of the director, we suggest arriving no later than the time indicated on your schedule.
Where do buses and equipment trucks park during the Festival?
Georgia State University will provide detailed information regarding designated unload and reload times during the Festival. Parking for buses and trucks is typically at Georgia State's Center Parc Stadium during the day. Overnight parking will not be available. Unload/Reload and Parking Maps will be provided to invited ensembles.
What is the dress code?
Participants will adhere to a dress code as well as a code of conduct that enhances the world-class atmosphere of the Festival. Ultimately, each director determines ensemble dress code. There are restroom facilities available should students in your ensemble need to change clothes.
Are meals provided during the Festival?
Meals are not included in the Festival pricing structure. You may also choose to take your students to any number of restaurants on and around campus or order meals to be delivered to the Rialto lobby. Suggestions are listed below.
Ali Baba’s (Mediterranean), Best Cajun Asian (Asian), Brick Stone (sandwiches, salad, pastas), Dua Vietnamese Noodle Shop (Vietnamese), Ginseng Chinese Café (Chinese), Hard Rock Café (American), Jimmy John’s, Landmark Diner, Mama Mia (pizza, wings, salads, subs), Moe’s Southwest Grill, Naan Stop (Indian), Peachtree Center Food Court, Rising Roll (sandwiches, soups, salads), Rosa’s Pizza, Reuben’s Deli (sandwiches, soups, salads), Smoothie King
What is the permitted concert length?
High school ensembles have a 40-minute performance time. Middle school ensembles have a 30-minute performance time. All performance times are inclusive of concert music, reading of program notes between each piece, presentation of awards, and set changes between pieces. Each concert is followed by a 20-minute clinic on the performance stage. Because of limited setup and tear down time, risers are not permitted.
What is an Ensemble Host?
Each invited ensemble will have a Georgia State University host that will stay with the ensemble for the entirety of their performance cycle. This person will be there to answer your questions, guide you to different locations on campus, and assist in any way possible.
Is attendance required at all scheduled events and activities, including audience times?
Yes. The Festival promises to be educational and inspirational for your ensemble, and you will want to be a part of the full experience. It is imperative that your ensemble attends all scheduled events. Countless hours of preparation have gone into the schedule to ensure that each performing ensemble receives a complete and attentive audience. Ensembles that do not participate in their assigned audience time and master classes may forfeit their right to apply for this Festival in the future. Attending other ensemble performances is part of the educational aspect of the Festival. As a performing ensemble, playing to a knowledgeable and attentive audience is very rewarding.
Do we provide our own programs?
Part of what makes the Festival such an unparalleled experience is the attention to detail and quality that goes into every aspect. Georgia State University will produce a glossy, high-quality program book for the Festival that includes information on all of the participating ensembles. This program will be a lifelong keepsake and eliminates the need for ensembles to produce and provide their own printed programs for their Festival performance. Each ensemble will receive one (1) full page in the program book. Proofs will be sent for director’s approval prior to printing. Each participating student and director will receive one complimentary copy of the Festival program book.
Will we receive audio or video recordings?
Each ensemble will receive a professional audio recording, audience view video recording, and conductor video recording. All recordings will be unedited. If desired, directors may work directly with the audio engineer to master the recording in post-production.
What equipment is provided?
Georgia State University will provide the percussion equipment as indicated on the Supplied Equipment List. We hope to provide ALL large equipment needed for your performance to ease in logistical flow. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the performing ensemble to secure equipment beyond that supplied by Georgia State University for warm-up and performance. Due to time and space demands, performing ensembles are not allowed to use their own equipment if listed. Additionally, risers are not permitted.
Are pianos provided?
Concert grand pianos will be provided in the performance areas.
How many music scores must be provided for the Festival?
The Festival’s evaluation panel is comprised of world-class educators. Each invited ensemble is required to provide three (3) original scores of each piece, or have secured written permission from the publisher to make and submit photocopies. All scores will be submitted upon your arrival at Festival Check-In. Georgia State University remains in strict compliance of copyright laws.
What is the cost and payment schedule for the Festival?
The total cost is $55 per student participant.
The payment schedule for the Festival is as follows:
November 1: $500 non-refundable deposit due per ensemble
January 30: Balance due
The ensemble participation fee is determined by your submitted roster count (due on January 15). The $500 deposit will be applied to your final balance. All fees paid are non-refundable.
PREVIOUSLY INVITED ENSEMBLES
2025
Barber Middle School | Honors Band | Robert Grogan
Carrollton Middle School | Wind Ensemble | Maria Menendez
Feagin Mill Middle School | Symphonic Band | Trey English
Mabry Middle School | Symphonic Band | Jill Barnocki
McCleskey Middle School | Eighth Grade Symphonic Band | Andrew Paller
McClure Middle School | 8th Grade Symphonic Band | Ashleigh Rider
Page Middle School | 8th Grade Band | Evan Burton
Pinckneyville Middle School | Symphonic Winds | Roland Ventura
Charleston County School of the Arts | Wind Ensemble | Dustin King
Decatur High School | Wind Ensemble | Ira Jenkins
Harrison High School | Wind Ensemble | Joshua Ray
Huntsville High School | Wind Ensemble | Stuart Tankesley
Millbrook High School | Wind Ensemble | Avery Payne
Parkview High School | Wind Ensemble | Carlos Franco
South Forsyth High School | Wind Ensemble | Reggie Humphrey
Whitewater High School | Wind Ensemble | Chad Reynolds
2024
Auburn Junior High School | Wind Symphony | Joshua Wine
Bonaire Middle School | Symphonic Band | Leah Williams
Buford Middle School | Symphonic Band | Kathy Mason
Cass Middle School | Honor Band | Abigail Russom
Couch Middle School | Symphonic Rams | Marc Kaufman
Lost Mountain Middle School | 8th Grade Symphonic Band | Brittany Mori
Taylor Road Middle School | Symphonic Band | Angela Reynolds
Trickum Middle School | Symphonic Winds | Robert Davidson & Jessie Matthews
Cambridge High School | Wind Ensemble | Daniel Scott
Chattahoochee High School | Wind Ensemble | Nick Garofalo
Hickory Ridge High School | Wind Symphony | Chris White
Newnan High School | Wind Ensemble | Joshua Boyd
North Gwinnett High School | Symphonic Winds | Greg Gibson
Virgil I Grissom High School | Symphonic Band 1 | Theo Vernon
Walton High School | Wind Symphony | John Palmer
Winter Park High School | Wind Symphony | Mike Clemente
2023
Hightower Trail Middle School | 8th Grade Symphonic Band | Fred Norton
Lakeside Middle School | Symphonic Band | Reggie Humphrey
Louis Pizitz Middle School | Symphonic Band | Leah Seng
Mabry Middle School | Symphonic Band | Jill Barnocki
North Gwinnett Middle School | 8th Grade Symphonic Band | Travis Downs
Riverwatch Middle School | Symphonic Band | Hunter McGee
South Forsyth Middle School | Symphonic Band | Andrew Poor
Thompson Middle School | Symphonic Band | Michael Chambless
Allatoona High School | Symphonic Winds | Cecilia Clark
Buford High School | Wind Ensemble | Erik Mason
Cass High School | Wind Ensemble | Samuel Iddings
Kennesaw Mountain High School | Wind Symphony | Michael Huebner
Lambert High School | Wind Ensemble | Kevin Morrison
McEachern High School | Wind Symphony | Keith Clupper
River Ridge High School | Wind Ensemble | Ross Amend
Valdosta High School | Wind Symphony | Travis Kimber
2022
Alpharetta High School Wind Ensemble-- Alpharetta, GA; Ira Jenkins
Awtrey 8th Grade Band-- Kennesaw, GA; Tara Melvin
Barber Middle School Wind Symphony-- Acworth, GA; Robert Grogan
Carolina Forest High School Wind Ensemble-- Myrtle Beach, SC; Mark Roddy
Chapin High School Symphonic Band-- Chapin, SC; Blake Fowler
Chapin Middle School Symphonic Band-- Chapin, SC; Secaida Howell
Crestview High School Wind Ensemble-- Crestview, FL; Jody Dunn
Cuthbertson High School Blue Note Winds-- Waxhaw, NC; Todd Ebert
Cuthbertson Middle School-- Waxhaw, NC; Katie Ebert
Hewitt-Trussville High School Wind Ensemble-- Trussville, AL; Mike Guzman
Houston County High School Wind Symphony-- Warner Robbins, GA; Jay Davis
Jefferson High School Wind Ensemble-- Jefferson, GA; Nicholas Golding
LaVilla School of the Arts Wind Ensemble-- Jacksonville, FL; Ann Adams-Valle
North Cobb High School Wind Symphony-- Kennesaw, GA; Sheldon Frazier
North Paulding High School Wind Symphony-- Dallas, GA; Teddy Mack
Walton High School Symphonic Band-- Marietta, GA; Chris Johns
2021
Virtual Festival
Blythewood H.S. Wind Symphony-- Blythewood, SC; Quintus Wrighten
Dutchtown H.S. Wind Symphony-- Hampton, GA; Wolson Gustama
Florence Chapel M.S. Symphonic Band-- Duncan, SC; Alicia Crutchlow
Germantown M.S. Advanced Band-- Madison, GA; Jim Peacock
Norcross H.S. Wind Symphony-- Norcross, GA; Lee Newman
Otwell M.S. Symphonic Winds-- Cumming, GA; Jacob Wildes
South Effingham H.S. Wind Ensemble-- Guyton, GA; Sean McBride
Walton H.S. Wind Symphony-- Marietta, GA; John Palmer
Wando H.S. Concert Band I-- Mount Pleasant, SC; Lanie Radecke
2020
cancelled due to COVID-19
Barber M.S. Wind Symphony-- Acworth, Ga; Robert Grogan
Blythewood H.S. Wind Symphony-- Blythewood, SC; Quintus Wrighten
Bonaire M.S. Symphonic Band-- Bonaire, GA; Leah Williams
Dutchtown H.S. Wind Symphony-- Hampton, GA; Wolson Gustama
Florence Chapel M.S. Symphonic Band-- Duncan, SC; Alicia Crutchlow
Germantown M.S. Advanced Band-- Madison, GA; Jim Peacock
Lake Nona M.S. Wind Ensemble-- Orlando, FL; Hannah Jennings
McEachern H.S. Wind Symphony-- Powder Springs, GA; Keith Clupper
Norcross H.S. Wind Symphony-- Norcross, GA; Lee Newman
Otwell M.S. Symphonic Winds-- Cumming, GA; Jacob Wildes
Palmer M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band-- Kennesaw, GA; Sue Bulock
Pinckneyville M.S. Symphonic Winds-- Peachtree Corners, GA; Roland Ventura
South Effingham H.S. Wind Ensemble-- Guyton, GA; Sean McBride
Tuscaloosa County H.S. Wind Ensemble-- Northport, AL; Nick McDonald
Walton H.S. Wind Symphony-- Marietta, GA; John Palmer
Wando H.S. Concert Band I-- Mount Pleasant, SC; Lanie Radecke
2019
Cuthbertson M.S. 8th Grade Band -- Waxhaw, NC; Katie Ebert
Kennesaw Mountain H.S. Wind Symphony -- Kennesaw, GA; Michael Huebner
Kennesaw Mountain H.S. Symphonic Band -- Kennesaw, GA; Corey Futrell
Lakeside H.S. Wind Ensemble -- Evans, GA; Jared Best & Jim Tau
Lassiter H.S. Symphonic II Band -- Marietta, GA; Jeff Harper
Leesville Road H.S. Symphonic Band -- Raleigh, NC; Alyssa Montgomery
Martin Luther King, Jr. H.S. Wind Ensemble -- Lithonia, GA; Travis Kimber
Meigs Academic Magnet School Wind Ensemble -- Nashville, TN; Franklin Norris
North Gwinnett M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band -- Sugar Hill, GA; Travis Downs
North Habersham M.S. Symphonic Band -- Clarkesville, GA; Emery Warnock
Pelham H.S. Wind Ensemble -- Pelham, AL; Justin Ward
Pine Mountain M.S. 8th Grade Band -- Kennesaw, GA; Amy Adams
South Forsyth M.S. Symphonic Band -- Cumming, GA; Andrew Poor
Webb Bridge M.S. Symphonic Band -- Alpharetta, GA; Kirk Stroud
West Forsyth H.S. Wind Ensemble -- Clemmons, NC; Patricia Ball
Whitewater M.S. Symphonic Band -- Fayetteville, GA; Elizabeth Haynes
2018
Barber M.S. Wind Symphony – Acworth, GA; Robert Grogan
Bellevue M.S. Symphonic Band – Nashville, TN; Paul Waters
Dickerson M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band – Marietta, GA; William Grimes
East Coweta H.S. Wind Ensemble – Sharpsburg, GA; Robert Owens
Feagin Mill M.S. Symphonic Band– Warner Robins, GA; Lloyd McDonald
Griffin M.S. 8th Grade Band – Smyrna, GA; Ashley Cole
Harrison H.S. Wind Ensemble – Kennesaw, GA; Josh Ray
Jackson County H.S. Wind Ensemble – Jefferson, GA; Nick Golding
Ligon M.S. Wind Ensemble – Raleigh, NC; Renee Todd
Lovinggood M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band – Powder Springs, GA; Joe Heiberger
Lovinggood M.S. 7th Grade Symphonic Band – Powder Springs, GA; Shelley Ferrell
Mabry M.S. 7th & 8th Grade Symphonic Band– Marietta, GA; Jill Barnocki
McEachern H.S. Wind Symphony – Powder Springs, GA; Bo Sodders
Norcross H.S. Wind Symphony– Norcross, GA; Lee Newman
North Gwinnett H.S. Symphonic Winds – Suwanee, GA; Rudy Gilbert
Spain ParkH.S. Chamber Winds – Hoover, AL; Chris Neugent
Winter Park H.S. Wind Symphony -- Winter Park, FL; Christopher Blackmer
2017
Bumpus M.S. Symphonic Band – Hoover, AL; Josh Lynch
Carrollton H.S. Wind Ensemble – Carrollton, GA; Christopher M. Carr
Cuthbertson H.S. Blue Note Winds – Waxhaw, NC; Todd Ebert
Decatur H.S. Wind Ensemble – Decatur, GA; Robert Truan
Durham M.S. Symphonic Band – Acworth, GA; Michelle Rickard & Matt Segars
Effingham County M.S. Symphonic Winds – Guyton, GA; Tony Murray
Hightower Trail M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band – Marietta, GA; Andrew Cole & Fred Norton
Kell H.S. Symphonic Band – Marietta, GA; Taylor Watts
Kell H.S. Wind Ensemble – Marietta, GA; David Roth
Mill Creek H.S. Wind Ensemble – Hoschton, GA; Erik Mason
Newnan H.S. Newnan Winds – Newnan, GA; John Erdogan
Oliver M.S. Wind Ensemble – Nashville, TN; Susan Waters
Pizitz M.S. Symphonic Band – Vestavia Hills, AL; Kim Bain
Providence H.S. Wind Ensemble – Charlotte, NC; Joshua K. Potter
Riverwatch M.S. Symphonic Band – Suwanee, GA; Matt Koperniak
Simmons M.S. Honor Band – Birmingham, AL; Valerie Womack Morgan
2016
Barber M.S. Symphonic Band – Acworth, GA; Robert Grogan
Central-Carroll H.S. Symphonic Band – Carrollton, GA; Niel Ruby
Durham M.S. 8th Grade Band – Acworth, GA; Michelle Rickard
East Coweta H.S. Wind Ensemble – Sharpsburg, GA; Robert Owens
Eastside H.S. Symphonic Band – Covington, GA; Alan Fowler
Ebenezer M.S. Eagle Winds – Rincon, GA; Kenza Murray
Flowery Branch H.S. Wind Symphony – Flowery Branch, GA; Dennis Naughton
Harrison H.S. Symphonic Band – Kennesaw, GA; Jonathan Grogan
Harrison H.S. Wind Ensemble – Kennesaw, GA; Josh Ray
Lost Mountain M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band – Kennesaw, GA; Suzanne Tingle
Lovinggood M.S. 8th Grade Symphonic Band – Powder Springs, GA; Joseph Heiberger
Mabry M.S. 7th & 8th Grade Symphonic Band – Marietta, GA; Jill Barnocki
Milton H.S. Wind Ensemble – Milton, GA; Chris Shumick
North Gwinnett M.S. Symphonic Band – Sugar Hill, GA; Travis Downs
Ooltewah H.S. Wind Ensemble – Ooltewah, TN; Joel Denton
Smokey Road M.S. Symphonic Winds – Newnan, GA; Oscar Prado
2015
Alpharetta H.S. Wind Ensemble – Alpharetta, GA; Michael Walsh
Collins Hill H.S. Symphonic Winds – Suwanee, GA; Daniel Treuman
Dickerson M.S. Symphonic Band – Marietta, GA; John Palmer
Flat Rock M.S. Symphonic Band – Tyrone, GA; Matthew Price
Hightower Trail M.S. Symphonic Band – Marietta, GA; Andrew Cole
Hillgrove H.S. Wind Symphony – Powder Springs, GA; Patrick Erwin
Hillgrove H.S. Symphonic Band – Powder Springs, GA; Jeremy Trimmer
Hopewell M.S. Symphonic Band – Milton, GA; Audrey Murphy
Houston County H.S. Symphonic Band – Warner Robins, GA; Wally Shaw
Mill Creek H.S. Wind Ensemble – Hoschton, GA; Erik Mason
Norcross H.S. Wind Symphony – Norcross, GA; Lee Newman
Parkview H.S. Symphonic Band – Lilburn, GA; Richard Magner & Jason Atha
Pickens H.S. Symphonic Winds – Jasper, GA; Michael Oubre
Southwest DeKalb H.S. Wind Symphony – Decatur, GA; James Seda
Stephenson H.S. Wind Ensemble – Stone Mountain, GA; Quentin Goins
APPLICATION INFORMATION

All auditioning ensembles receive recorded or written evaluation from the audition listening panel. The listening is “blind”– ensembles are not identified to evaluators in the listening process. Evaluators recommend the ensembles that demonstrate an exemplary level of excellence to receive an invitation to perform at the Festival. Applying schools may submit applications for up to three ensembles to participate in this life-changing experience.
Completed online festival application, audition recordings, and supporting materials must be received by June 15.
Many groups want to travel with all of the students in their program and we provide educational options to allow as many of your instrumental music students as possible to participate. Directors can choose to submit applications for multiple ensembles from their school.
The application fee is $75 for the first ensemble and an additional $35 for each ensemble submission from the same school.
A complete application requires the following:
Specific requirements for application and audition recordings are included in the Requirements for Application and Participation section.
The application fee is $75 for the first ensemble and an additional $35 for each ensemble submission from the same school. All applying groups receive recorded or written evaluation from the evaluation panel. Submission of your application is a commitment to attend and perform if accepted. The cost to attend the Festival is $55 per student participant. Booster and administrative approval and support is required prior to applying.
Festival Payment Schedule
(2) $500 non-refundable deposit per invited ensemble due by October 1, 2025.
(3) Balance due January 30, 2026.
The ensemble participation fee is determined by your submitted roster count due on January 15, 2026. The total cost is $55 per student participant. The $500 deposit will be applied to the final balance. All fees paid are non-refundable.
2025 INVITED ENSEMBLES
McClure Middle School
Charleston County School of the Arts
Carrollton Middle School
McCleskey Middle School
Decatur High School
Feagin Mill Middle School
Barber Middle School
Parkview High School
Whitewater High School
Mabry Middle School
Huntsville High School
Pinckneyville Middle School
Page Middle School
Harrison High School
Millbrook High School
Contact Us
Office/Delivery Address
35 Broad Street, Suite 410
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 3984
Atlanta, GA 30302
Office Hours
8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Director of Educational Outreach
Amy Reid