BANDS
The Georgia State University Bands program is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding collegiate band programs in the Southeast. The Band Department offers a comprehensive program to the university community. More than 250 students participate in our performing ensembles, making Georgia State Bands one of the most visible groups on campus.
You do not have to be a music major to participate!
Ensembles within the band program have accepted invitations to perform at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference, the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. and the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Band Department offers several programs for secondary school students each year, including the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival, Marching Band Day and the Summer Leadership Institute. Each year nearly 2000 secondary school students visit our campus as part of these programs.
Concert Ensembles
The Georgia State Symphonic Wind Ensemble, led by Dr. Robert J. Ambrose, is widely recognized as one of the top ensembles in the region. As the premier wind band at Georgia State, the ensemble consists of the most advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players from the School of Music, selected each semester by audition.
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has performed at prestigious conferences such as the College Band Directors National Association and Georgia Music Educators Association and has completed several recording projects, including American Manuscripts on the Summit label and recordings of Michael Colgrass’s music on GlA’s Composer’s Collection and Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series.
Moreover, Dr. Ambrose and the ensemble have commissioned over forty new works since 2001, demonstrating their strong commitment to supporting the creation of new music.
Course Information: *Audition Required
MUS1060, MUS3060, MUS7060
Tues/Thurs … 1:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Friday … 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
ALC 405 / Kopleff Recital Hall
The Wind Orchestra at Georgia State is a top-notch ensemble that features talented music majors from the School of Music and non-majors from various disciplines across the university. The ensemble is under the baton of Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Adam F. Dalton, who leads them in performances of an impressive range of repertoire, including iconic band masterworks, contemporary compositions and orchestral transcriptions.
In addition to their regular concert series, the Wind Orchestra frequently collaborates with acclaimed guest composers, conductors and soloists, such as Frank Ticheli, Steven Bryant, Michael Colgrass and John Mackey.
These collaborations provide students with invaluable opportunities to work with and learn from some of the most prominent names in the industry, further enhancing their musicianship and developing their professional networks.
Course Information: *Audition Required
MUS1061, MUS3061, MUS7061
Mon/Wed … 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Friday … 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
ALC 405 / Kopleff Recital Hall
The Concert Band at Georgia State focuses on presenting both classical and modern wind band literature to audiences. As the largest instrumental concert group on the Atlanta campus, the band comprises over 80 members, including students from various disciplines across the university.
Led by Prof. T. Devin Reid, assistant director of bands, the Concert Band provides students with the opportunity to further develop their musical skills and share their passion for music with others. The band is open to any student with prior instrumental experience, making it an excellent option for students who want to continue their musical pursuits in a collegiate setting.
Course Information:
MUS1062, MUS3062, MUS7062
Athletic Ensembles
The Georgia State Panther Band is an integral part of campus life and has gained national recognition in a short period. Founded in 2010 alongside the University’s football team, the Panther Band performs pre-game shows and halftime shows at all home games and attends various university and community events and high school marching band exhibitions.
Rated as one of the best college marching bands in the country, the band has achieved numerous accolades, including ranking in the top ten bands nationally by the College Band Directors National Association in 2013 and among the top five in the Southern Division in 2012 and 2016.
The Panther Band has also participated in high-profile events, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Super Bowl LIII Pepsi Halftime Show and made its debut appearance in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade. Under the guidance of Dr. Adam F. Dalton and Prof. T. Devin Reid, the Panther Band continues to captivate audiences with its outstanding performances. Auditions for the Panther Band are held in April each year and are open to any Georgia State student.
Course Information: *Audition Required
MUS1063, MUS3063, MUS7063
Wed/Fri- 4 – 7:00 p.m.
Center Parc Stadium
The Panther Basketball Band is one of the most exciting elements of the game-day atmosphere at the Georgia State Sports Arena. Referred to as the “Sound of Downtown,” the Panther Basketball Band performs at all home basketball games for the men’s and women’s teams, as well as post-season tournaments.
Composed of 60 highly skilled musicians, this auditioned ensemble provides a lively energy that electrifies the Sports Arena and cheers the Panthers to victory. Under the guidance of T. Devin Reid, assistant director of bands, the Panther Basketball Band practices from October through March and performs at more than 30 events each year.
Course Information: *Video audition window September 15 – October 1
MUA1059, MUA3059, MUA7059
Course meets for all home basketball games (men’s and women’s)
GSU Convocation Center
Bands Highlights
Graduate Programs in Wind Band Conducting: Take Your Musicianship to the Next Level
The Master’s wind band conducting program at Georgia State is a rigorous and comprehensive program designed to prepare students for successful careers as conductors in the field of wind band music. Students receive personalized instruction from world-class faculty members, participate in a variety of performance opportunities and gain valuable experience through hands-on conducting and rehearsal techniques.
The program also provides opportunities for students to collaborate with other musicians, build their professional networks and develop skills in leadership and communication. With its emphasis on practical training and professional development, the Master’s wind band conducting program at Georgia State is the perfect choice for students who are passionate about music and committed to achieving excellence in their craft.
Meet the Team
Contact Us
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Office / Delivery Address
75 Poplar St
5th floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Interim Director
Public Relations Coordinator
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
USPS Mailing Address
P.O. Box 3993
Atlanta, GA 30302-3993