Overview – BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band

Expanding to Atlanta for its inaugural year, Drum Corps International is proud to present the 2016 BANDTastic! Georgia Honor Band.

This middle school music ensemble features students from across the state of Georgia performing as a part of the DCI Atlanta Southeastern Championship presented by Lone Star Percussion.

Participation in this program motivates middle school students to consider the arts as they make important skills development decisions for their high school years and beyond, and impact lifelong arts behaviors.

Students who participate in the BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band will enjoy the following opportunities:

• Perform as part of the BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band in front of an expected audience of more than 12,000 spectators at the DCI Atlanta Southeastern Championship presented by Lone Star Percussion at the Georgia Dome.

+ Students are nominated to the ensemble by their band directors based on talent, effort and leadership criteria.
+ Musical instruction and support will be provided by local middle school directors serving in a volunteer basis.
+ One honorary band director will be selected through state association committees to lead the ensemble in their final performance.

• Participate in a Kick It In! leadership session with industry renowned motivational speaker Fran Kick that is specifically designed to inspire and excite the minds of the middle school students.

• Take part in additional structured educational activities with professional artists which promise to be packed full of performances and speakers who will engage young audiences on future opportunities in the performing arts.

• Some meals will be provided.

• The opportunity to observe performances of the "best-of-the-best" marching music ensembles.

• Tickets to the DCI Atlanta Southeastern Championship presented by Lone Star Percussion (seating in premium areas if registered by deadline).

• Family and Friends wishing to attend the performances and watch the DCI event with their student, may purchase additional add-on packages.

Band Selection


The BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band still has spots available for 2016! If you have students who you would like to nominate, please contact BANDtasticGA@dci.org as soon as possible.

Registration is now open for all BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band members, family and friends. Please refer to your band director for confirmation of selection and information on how to register. There will be an early-bird discount for all participants who register and pay before Tuesday, May 31.

Student and Parent Resources


• Music

• Student Medical & Conduct Forms

Schedule of Events



The following is an overview of a typical schedule. Additional details and a specific timeline will be given to participating students and families as venues, transitions and activities are finalized.

• Check-In and parent welcome/Q&A

• Students/directors rehearsal while parents are invited to band parent educational session

• Students/families/directors all invited to attend Kick It In! student leadership session

• Students have interaction/Q&A time with professional musicians and mentors

• Students/directors observe some of the very best drum corps preparing for competition

• Students perform in front of a large-scale DCI Tour event audience

Additional Information


Parents, please note that students will be released after activities back into parental custody (or to another adult authority if specified by the legal guardian). A valid driver's license or ID is required and must match parental permission documents.

If required, Drum Corps International will supply a list of convenient overnight accommodations. You will be requested to supply your plan for transportation and housing upon registration.

For questions or information on how to become a sponsor or partner of the BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band, please contact the Drum Corps International office at 317.275.1223.