The Greater Southwest Music Festival is one of the largest and most recognized music festivals in the Southwest, hosted annually by the Amarillo Symphony. The festival attracts over 9,000 talented student musicians from elementary through high school across the region for three days of musical celebration and achievement.

Festival Structure and Recognition

Participants benefit from expert critique provided by top music directors from across the nation who serve as professional adjudicators. Every performance is recognized with trophies and awards at all levels, ensuring that students receive meaningful recognition for their musical achievements. The festival celebrates musical excellence across multiple categories and performance levels, creating an inclusive environment where musicians of varying abilities can showcase their talents.

Performance Categories

The festival features comprehensive categories including orchestras (ranging from elementary through high school), bands (beginning through varsity levels), jazz ensembles, show choirs, and traditional choirs. Schools compete in divisions based on their size and skill level, allowing fair competition across different performance capacities. This diverse programming ensures there is space for every student musician regardless of their instrument or ensemble type.

Venue Experience

Festival performances take place at multiple premier venues in downtown Amarillo, including the Amarillo Civic Center, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, and Amarillo College's Washington Street Campus. These professional facilities provide an excellent performance environment for student musicians, offering the opportunity to perform on stages typically reserved for professional ensembles.

Community Impact

The Greater Southwest Music Festival represents a significant annual gathering for the region's student musicians and their families. Over its history, the festival has provided thousands of young musicians with the experience of performing at a high level, receiving professional feedback, and competing alongside peers from across the Southwest.