The Amarillo Symphony will be hosting the 55th annual Greater Southwest Music Festival (GSWMF), Thursday through Saturday, April 30 through May 2. As with previous years, the celebrated event in downtown Amarillo will welcome nearly 10,000 talented student musicians from across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
“Fifty-five years ago, a group of passionate people came together to give students the opportunity to perform, challenge themselves, and develop their musical talents through friendly competition,” said GSWMF Committee Chair Tim Shafer. “From that vision, the Greater Southwest Music Festival was born. In addition to competition, students can experience high-quality music performances, student leadership workshops, and the charm of the Texas Panhandle.”
Throughout the festival, visitors can attend an array of free ensemble student performances, from 8 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. daily at the Amarillo Civic Center, Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts and the Amarillo College Washington Street campus. See the full schedule at amarillosymphony.org .
Along with the performances starting Thursday, special events and workshops take place Friday, with an awards ceremony Saturday. The Amarillo Symphony said GSWMF is about to kick off its most exciting season yet, with special events including:
For more information and to participate in the workshops, call (806) 376-8782, ext. 1115.
The competitive festival has been a longstanding pillar of the music community throughout the Tri-State area, providing students with invaluable opportunities for performance, feedback, and growth, according to a news release from the Symphony. Participants will compete in large ensembles (bands, orchestras, choirs), showcase their skills through Solo & Ensemble categories, and receive expert critiques from renowned music educators and adjudicators.
Festival sponsors include the Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Carol K. Engler Foundation, Wonderland Amusement Park, Street Toyota, Amarillo Symphony Guild, Texas Commission on the Arts, Mays Foundation, Tarpley Music, United Supermarkets, and the Gayle H. and Peter Bickers Foundation.
“Investing in the next generation of musicians is fundamental to the Amarillo Symphony’s mission,” Executive Director Larry Lang said. “The Greater Southwest Music Festival is a powerful demonstration of that commitment and highlights the vital role music education plays in shaping our community’s future.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Symphony hosts 55th annual Greater SW Music Festival
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
