South Gwinnett Band of Stars Drumline shines bright in performance at county event
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The South Gwinnett High School Band of Stars Drumline showcased their Comet pride last month at Gwinnett County’s “State of the County” event. In addition to greeting attendees, the band performed a musical selection for the guests. This was the first time the State of the County event featured a guest performance. Together, more than 1,000 Gwinnett County Council and Chamber of Commerce members, elected officials, businesses, staff, and community partners gathered to witness the band’s performance and review the county's achievements from 2024, share the vision for Gwinnett in 2025, and celebrate the county's accomplishments.
SGHS Band Director Shawan Baptiste is a new Team GCPS staff member and is incredibly proud of the student percussionists. “After being in the Gwinnett school district for only eight months and being considered for this type of platform, I find it rewarding,” Baptiste shares. “It reassures me that I am here to serve students who are lovers of music. I am still living on the hype of the moment, just knowing that the best has yet to come.”
Before this opportunity, the drumline performed at various events across the state and country, including the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, the Celebration Bowl—Disney on the Yard Drum Battle, and the City of Stonecrest Mayor’s Battle of the Drumlines.
Baptiste says the students are what makes this program so special. “They [SGHS Band of Stars Drumline] are the true heart of this music program. The beginning was rough, as any transition of directors is,” Baptiste shares. “However, I pour myself into students with every fiber of my being. I know that not all of them can grasp the concept as quickly as others, but students rely on each other. I do not make any false promises, and because of this, they believe in me. They know I have their best interest at heart. The parents are also turning the corner. My biggest dream is to get the community on board.”
Interested in keeping up with the SGHS Band of Stars Drumline? The students will perform in the Habitat for Humanity DeKalb’s Annual Blue Jeans, BBQ & Blueprints Festival on April 26, the Atlanta Gladiators game on April 4, and the WorldStrides Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 in November.