There are tons of performance opportunities for students, and I encourage kids to go for as many as possible! For students enrolled in Georgia school band programs, I highly recommend:
MidFest or JanFest at the University of Georgia, which is very similar to the District Band experience.
GMEA Solo/Ensemble Festival - In the spring (or fall for some schools)
Band camp (click HERE) - After you graduate from high school, sign up for a college symphonic band, even if you are not a music major. Post-college, there are lots of community adult bands/orchestras to enjoy - music is a lifelong activity!
The following is a list of available Metro-Atlanta ensembles (as of 2024) who meet throughout the school year. Some groups require an audition, some do not.
Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony (AYWS) Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) North Georgia Youth Wind Symphony (at Reinhardt) Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra Alpharetta Youth Symphony Orchestra East Forsyth Youth and Community Orchestra Forsyth Symphony Orchestra SONG (Symphony of North Georgia)