GMEA Certification
We are proud to be a certified GMEA Marching Festival and Contest. You can see the GMEA’s adjudication information and forms at the GMEA website.
Our classifications are based on the total number of WIND players ONLY. Bands may enter any higher classification but not a lower one.
The breakdowns for classifications are:
Class
A
AA
AAA
AAAA
AAAAA (Open) | Number of WIND Players
0 to 40 students
41 to 59 students
60 to 79 students
80 to 100 students
101+ students |
Facilities
The Facilities at South Gwinnett High School are among the best around. The press box is a whopping 60 feet off the ground. The press box also has an elevator for your convenience. The stadium field has been redone with Bermuda grass. There will also be well planned concessions. For more information about the facilities click the Facilities tab.
Judging
The Southern Star invitational uses captioned judging. There is a panel of 9 expert judges, which in the past have included college faculty members, nationally known DCI instructors, and leading directors. For more information about the judge’s click the Judges tab.
Awards
There will be a large number of awards, including large, impressive trophies. The Grand Champion trophy stands over 5 feet tall. For more information about Awards click the Awards tab.
Opportunities
With the possible presence of DCI corps and college and university music representatives, your students will have time to check what they are all about.
First Aid Stations
There will be First Aid Stations present at the competition. If there is a medical emergency the Gwinnett County Fire Department is less than 2 miles away. There will also be local members of the Snellville Police department for crossing the street.
Southern Star InvitationalBand Festival & Competition 
