18th Annual Armuchee Invitational
September 26, 2026
18th Annual Armuchee Invitational
September 26, 2026
The Armuchee Invitational is designed to give participating bands positive and constructive comments to assist in their development and improvement throughout the season. We use judges that are qualified and fair for every program, large and small. We only use judges that we would want judging our band.
Performance Types
FESTIVAL: In most years, the festival portion of the Armuchee Invitational occurs first and will rate groups on their performance only. The drum major(s) and auxiliary units will each receive a rating as defined below. The band (including winds) will be judged by using an Olympic-style panel of five judges. The highest and lowest ratings will be dropped and the remaining three ratings will be averaged for the final overall rating.
Superior (I)
Excellent (II)
Good (III)
Fair (IV)
Poor (V)
COMPETITION: In most years, the competition portion of the Armuchee Invitational begins after the festival portion and will rate groups on their performance and compare their score numerically to other groups within their classification. Competition groups will receive a rating (I, II, III, IV, V) and a score (1 - 100) for drum major(s), each auxiliary unit, and the band overall using the system as described previously.
Classification Requirements
Classification is determined by the number of wind players in your marching band. Marching bands are permitted to enter a higher classification but may not enter a lower one. The classification system is as follows:
100+ winds: OPEN CLASS
80 - 99 winds: CLASS 4A
60 - 79 winds: CLASS 3A
41 - 59 winds: CLASS 2A
40 & fewer winds: CLASS 1A
There will be one awards ceremony held at the end of the event for all bands participating. Trophies will be awarded to auxiliary units and bands who participate in Festival, Competition, or both and earn a rating of Superior or Excellent.
Trophies will also be awarded to auxiliary units and bands who earn 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in their classification.
There will also be a sweepstakes trophy presented to the band that receives the highest overall score regardless of classification.
The Legacy Award was established to honor Seth Bates for his contributions to the Armuchee marching band and the community. Mr. Bates was with the band for 18 years and started the Armuchee High School Invitational. This award signifies the dedication, innovation, and excellence that has left a mark on the band program, school, and community. Mr. Bates values hard work, pride in the program, overcoming tough times with integrity, and having fun. The Armuchee High School Band Boosters would like to recognize a band that has achieved similar qualities.
How to apply:
Band Director - Submit one to three paragraphs outlining how the band program is involved in their community or has overcome challenging times.
Leadership Member - Submit one to three paragraphs showing the students' pride in the program and how they have fun while working hard.
Submissions due by 9/11/26 to BoostersAHSband@gmail.com
The booster officers will read the applications and decide on a winner. The winner’s name will be announced at the Marching Awards Ceremony. The winners will receive their school name and year on the big plaque in the Armuchee HS band room They will also receive a plaque to take back to their band room.