Greater Southwest Music Festiva

The Amarillo Symphony Welcomes Over 8,000 Students to the 53rd Annual Greater Southwest Music Festival

AMARILLO, Texas—The Amarillo Symphony proudly hosts the 53rd annual Greater Southwest Music Festival (GSWMF) from April 25th to 27th. This celebrated event in downtown Amarillo, TX, will welcome over 8,000 talented student musicians from across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

The GSWMF has been a longstanding pillar of the music community throughout the Tri-State area, providing students with invaluable opportunities for performance, feedback, and growth. Participants will compete in large ensembles (bands, orchestras, choirs), showcase their skills through Solo & Ensemble categories, and receive expert critique from renowned music educators and adjudicators.

Greater Southwest Music Festival is about to kick off our most exciting season yet with special events including a Thursday evening performance by the West Texas A&M Symphonic band, a Friday noon performance of the 77th U. S. Army Band, and a Saturday noon concert and masterclass by concert pianist Hyeree Roux,” said GSWMF President Eileene Moss. “Congratulations to all our many competing students and their teachers and directors and thank you to all our many sponsors for keeping this Festival alive and thriving for the students of the Panhandle and surrounding areas.”

Festival Highlights:

WTAMU Symphonic Band Concert: Experience a thrilling performance featuring trumpet soloist Sarah Viens (April 25, 7:30 pm, Globe-News Center, free admission).

The 77th Army Jazz Band: Listen to great jazz during lunch, 12:00-1pm, on Friday in the Civic Center Concourse

Piano Masterclass: Observe renowned pianist Hyeree Chung Roux as she coaches aspiring musicians (April 27, 12:00 pm, AC Music Building Concert Hall, free admission).

Free Ensemble Performances: Throughout the festival, attend an array of student performances (8:00 am—5:40 pm daily, Civic Center, Globe-News Center, AC Washington St. campus). See the full schedule at amarillosymphony.org.

“The Amarillo Symphony is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians,” said Larry Lang, The Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “The GSWMF is a testament to our mission and the power of music education.”

We thank our generous sponsors: Carol K. Engler Foundation, Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Wonderland Amusement Park, Street Toyota, Amarillo Symphony Guild, Conn Selmer, Tarpley Music, Texas Commission on the Arts, Education Credit Union Foundation, United Supermarkets, and the M.K. Brown Foundation.