2025-2026 SIMPLIFIED STUDENT TRAVEL MUSIC COMPETITIONS

Event
Date
Location
School Type
Band
Ochestra
Chorus
Venue
Judges

Simplified North Georgia, Middle School Classic

TBD
MS
Yes
Yes
Yes
Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School
TBD

Simplified Coastal Middle School Classic

TBD
MS
Yes
Yes
Yes
TBD
TBD

Simplified Palmetto Upstate Middle School Classic

TBD
Greenville, SC
MS
Yes
Yes
Yes
TBD
TBD

Simplified Central Georgia Middle School Classic

TBD
MS
Yes
Yes
Yes
TBD
TBD

Simplified Central Georgia High School Classic

TBD
HS
Yes
Yes
Yes
TBD
TBD

Simplified Southern High School Invitational

TBD
HS
Yes
Yes
Yes
TBD
TBD
PRIZE/GRANT MONEY
($6500 per 5 School Competition)

1st Place Orchestra, Band, Chorus -- $1000 ($3000 total)
2nd Place Orchestra, Band, Chorus -- $500 ($1500total)

1st OVERALL - $1500 … 2nd OVERALL --$500

Tentative Schedule:
·        9:00AM-10:30AM
·        11:00AM-12:30PM
·        1:00PM-2:30PM
·        3:00PM – 4:30PM
·        5:00PM – 6:30PM
Awards Presentation 7:30PM – 8:30PM
COMPETITION FORMAT:
  • Performances are scheduled between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm and selected by school based on when order of registration
  • The final schedule will be released 4-6 weeks prior to the date of the festival.
  • Each group will be scheduled for a 20 minute warm-up followed by a 30 minute performance for each block of competition (Orchestra,Band, Chorus) . Chairs and stands will be provided in both the warm-up and performance space. The 30 minute stage time will include getting on-stage, being introduced, performing, and getting off-stage.
  • We recommend two music selections, but groups may ultimately choose to perform what they wish within the allotted time.
Uniforms
  • Uniforms are not required. The group attire is left up to the discretion of each director and will not factor into the Adjudicator's ratings. 
  • Changing facilities are not available at the performing site.
Equipment
  • Basic equipment provided will include: Music Stands, Chairs, 4 Timpani, Concert Bass Drum, Xylophone, and piano* (Dependent on competition venue – see travel planner)
  • Simple Choral Risers are available but may not effectively house large groups greater than 80 members. (Dependent on competition venue – see travel planner)
  • Depending on literature selections, groups may need to provide their own additional percussion items and any electronic equipment.
  • Many sites have further equipment available. A specific list will be provided to all schools upon registration.
  • Liability Waiver may be required for borrowed equipment
Adjudication
  • Two adjudicators will evaluate your performance and provide you with written (and recorded?) comments along with a numerical rating. Groups are required to provide two original conductor's scores for each selection.Photocopies of scores will not be permitted unless approval from the publishers provided
ClinicThere will not be a clinic after each performance for SIMPLIFIED COMPETITIONS for the 2025-2026 School YearAwards
  • Judges award the top two schools for each category (Orchestra, String, Chorus)
  • Cumulative point system to award top two schools overall.
  • Each group will receive an award plaque that will be presented at the conclusion of each performance or at the awards ceremony.
  • Written comments will be provided at the end of each performance slot
  • There will be an awards presentation for ALL competing schools
  • Monetary Awards in the form of a check for 1st and 2ndplace will be awarded for each category. (Orchestra, Band, Chorus)
  • Plaques or Trophies will be awarded to each winning school
Ratings
  • 70-79 Good (3)
  • 80-89 Excellent (2)
  • 90-100 Superior (1) 
Copyright Law 
  • Simplified Student Travel disclaims all liability inactions resulting from the unlawful reproduction of parts and/or entire scores of music. Directors are advised to know the responsibilities pertaining to federal copyright laws. Adjudicators have the right, but not the obligation, to refuse to adjudicate a group that does not submit original copies of music without written permission from the publisher.
TRAVELING AND LOGISTICS
  • Simplified Student Travel will handle all travel arrangements for ALL competing schools regardless of where they travel from.
  • SST will quote each school based on where they are traveling from, what they want to do in their free time, and how long they want to stay in their destination city.  
  • SST will book all transportation, lodging and activities on behalf of the school
  • Schools can pick their performance time slot based on the order they register for the trip.
  • Schools domiciled within 30 miles of the competition site may opt to not stay in hotels but will need to be picked up and dropped off collectively as a group at a designated meeting point each day.  (Most likely the school)
  • Band Directors/Leads will work with SST Travel Planet to put together the best possible itinerary that works for the school, educators, chaperones and students.
  • Competitions are designed for schools to compete in all three categories, but a school may compete in only one or two categories if they choose.
  • Ideally each competing school will have 80 paid travelers, this includes parents and chaperons.
HOW TO REGISTER
  • Simply Fill Out an Interest form “HERE”
  • A Simplified Travel Planner will reach out to you within a business day
  • For expedited quotes email info@simplifiedstudenttravel.com or call 864-982-4669
  • A trip planner will reach out to confirm your desired trip detail
  • A quote will be sent to the Band Director or Lead Educator overseeing the trip
  • Once the quote is accepted via email the school’s spot will be reserved (at no cost to the school)
  • Schools are entered on a first come first serve basis, after the initial quote is accepted.
  • After the competitions become filled, wait-lists will be created for each competition.  
  • Judges and Venues and Dates are TBD and subject to change prior to the start of the 2025-2026 School Year.

COST and EXPENSES
  • The Cost for each school to enter a competition is ZERO($0.00)
  • After working with your assigned travel planner – a quote will be issued for the price per student to travel.  
  • This is an all-inclusive price that includes transportation, food, lodging, activities, and all fees
  • Educators travel for FREE! The stipulation is one free Educator for every 20 paid travelers.
  • The general expectation is that each school will have 80 paid travelers, so 4 educators will travel for free.
  • Free Educators are any teacher, band director, or admin that the school chooses
  • Additional Educators or school staff can attend if needed for a discounted rate.
  • Each school will receive their own customized itinerary; thus pricing will vary between schools depending on activities, distance traveling, and duration of the trip
Any questions or concerns or for expedited quotes please email info@simplifiedstudenttravel.com or call us directly at 864-982-4669
Don't hesitate to contact our trip planning team
contact now!