SOUTHERN STAR
MUSIC FESTIVAL
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Atlanta, GA
Our Story
The Southern Star Music Festival was created in 1993 by music educators for other music educators. Bucky and Janet Johnson partnered with Six Flags Over Georgia to create one of the best festivals in the Southeastern United States. Thousands and thousands of students from high, middle, and elementary schools come to our festival each spring to have an outstanding educational and fun experience.
2025 PERFORMance DATES
MARCH 21 - 22 (Paul Duke)
MARCH 28 (EpiCenter - Only Fri)
MARCH 28 (EpiCenter - Only Fri)
APRIL 05 (Paul Duke - Only Sat)
APRIL 11 - 12 (EpiCenter)
APRIL 18 - 19 (EpiCenter)
APRIL 25 - 26 (EpiCenter)
APRIL 11 - 12 (EpiCenter)
APRIL 18 - 19 (EpiCenter)
APRIL 25 - 26 (EpiCenter)
MAY 02 - 03 (Paul Duke)
MAY 09 - 10 (EpiCenter)
MAY 09 - 10 (EpiCenter)
IMPORTANT SCHEDULING INFORMATION
The performance schedules will be emailed to you 6 weeks before your performance date(s).
Choral groups generally perform on Fridays (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
Instrumental groups generally perform on Fridays (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM) and Saturdays (7:30 AM - 11:00 AM).
The performance schedules will be emailed to you 6 weeks before your performance date(s).
Choral groups generally perform on Fridays (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
Instrumental groups generally perform on Fridays (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM) and Saturdays (7:30 AM - 11:00 AM).
PRICES
PERFORMER & SIX FLAGS PACKAGE
$70 PER PERSON
Festival Performance*
Recording of your Performance
Adjudication by Outstanding Music Educators
Unique Trophy for your Group
Audience Admitted Free
PLUS
Free Director's Package
Two-Day Ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia
Awards Celebration in the Park
Festival Performance*
Recording of your Performance
Adjudication by Outstanding Music Educators
Unique Trophy for your Group
Audience Admitted Free
PLUS
Free Director's Package
Two-Day Ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia
Awards Celebration in the Park
PERFORMER ONLY PACKAGE
$40 PER PERSON
Festival Performance*
Recording of your Performance
Adjudication by Outstanding Music Educators
Unique Trophy for your Group
Audience Admitted Free
Festival Performance*
Recording of your Performance
Adjudication by Outstanding Music Educators
Unique Trophy for your Group
Audience Admitted Free
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
PER PERSON
Six Flags Over Georgia
Two-Day Ticket $50
Six Flags Over Georgia
Mega Meal Deal $23
Souvenir T-Shirt $13
Six Flags Over Georgia
Two-Day Ticket $50
Six Flags Over Georgia
Mega Meal Deal $23
Souvenir T-Shirt $13
*Sweepstakes and/or Grand Champion
All groups who opt to compete will have the opportunity to win the Sweepstakes for their category and/or Grand Champion for their division.
All groups who opt to compete will have the opportunity to win the Sweepstakes for their category and/or Grand Champion for their division.
PAYMENT
$125 REGISTRATION
PER GROUP
Register your group today to secure a spot on the date and time range of your preference.
ONE PACKAGE
PER SCHOOL
Submit the full or partial payment for your group(s) 6 weeks or more before your performance date to avoid any late fees.
VENUES
Paul Duke School
5850 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Norcross, GA 30071
Norcross, GA 30071
Riverside EpiCenter
135 Riverside Pkwy
Austell, GA 30168
Austell, GA 30168
JUDGES
The Southern Star Judges are an elite panel of highly accomplished music educators, carefully chosen for their extensive expertise and distinguished careers in the fields of choral and instrumental music. With decades of combined experience and a proven track record of success, these judges bring unparalleled knowledge, insight, and discernment to the evaluation process. Their exceptional qualifications and deep understanding of musical excellence make them uniquely qualified to share their insights during the clinic.
PAST SWEEPSTAKES AND GRAND CHAMPION WINNERS
See the most recent Sweepstakes and Grand Champion Winners here.
The Sweepstakes Trophy* and the Grand Champion Trophy* are designed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication, and musical achievement of the top-performing groups in their respective categories.
The Sweepstakes Trophy is awarded to the ensemble that achieves the highest overall numerical score within the Gold rating bracket in each of the following categories:
• High School Band
• Middle School Band
• Orchestra
• Jazz Band
• High School Choral
• Middle School Choral
• Show Choir
The Grand Champion Trophy is presented to the ensemble with the highest overall numerical score within the Gold rating bracket, chosen from either the entire Instrumental Division or the entire Choral Division.
*To be eligible for the Sweepstakes or Grand Champion Trophy, the ensemble must be officially registered for the competition.
STAFF
Bucky Johnson
Co-PRESIDENT
Bucky was the Director of Bands - Emeritus at Georgia Tech where he served for 20 years and was the Music Department Chair for 10 years. He founded and served as the Director of the 350 member Atlanta Olympic Band from 1992-1996. He was named to the Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 2018.
Janet Johnson
Co-President
Janet taught choral music at the high school and collegiate levels, and directed church choirs in Atlanta for 41 years. She served as clinician for GMEA adjudication workshops, conductor for national and regional choir clinics, numerous honor and All State choruses. She received the GMEA Distinguished Career Award in 2006.
Manny Johnson
Marketing Director
Manny has worked in the areas of customer experience, finance, and marketing for over 20 years. He is proud to have been with Southern Star Music Festival for 30+ years in various roles to deliver the best experience possible for festival goers.
Wesley Johnson
Operations Director
Wes has taught Language Arts for over 15 years in Gwinnett County Public Schools and Rivers Academy Private School. He enjoys working with teachers and students in the classroom and at the festival. He has worked at Southern Star for 20+ years.
Dennis Naughton
Instrumental Director
Dennis is the Assistant Director of Bands at Reinhardt University and founder of the North GA Youth Wind Symphony. He received the NBA Citation of Excellent 5 times, was the 2012 Teacher of the Year and the 2016 STAR Teacher. He has worked with Southern Star since 2002.
Contact Us
Southern Star Music Festival
635 Sunset Drive
Norcross, GA 30071
678-325-6080 (Mobile)
[email protected]
635 Sunset Drive
Norcross, GA 30071
678-325-6080 (Mobile)
[email protected]