They’re new, but they’re award-winning musicians. They’re blue, but they’re upbeat. And now they’re marching together to a unique new drum.

Bulloch County’s three public high school marching bands are joining musical forces to preserve and enhance their programs; to compete with larger, better-funded bands; and to be invited to march in nationally recognized and televised parades.

Happily, they have already realized their third goal, and will march on December 30 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando and Macy’s Holiday Parade in Universal Orlando on December 29.

This unprecedented cross-school collaboration began almost a year ago, when band directors Lee Collins of Statesboro High School, John Gleissner of Portal Middle High School and Matt Olsen of Southeast Bulloch High School met to discuss how their students, whose talent ranks among the region’s best, could become eligible to compete on a national level—and afford to do so.

“We want to help our students to aim ever higher and enjoy greater experiences. Now they’ll have new opportunities to build their confidence, grow their collaborative and leadership skills, and experience the pure joy of entertaining,” Olsen said. “Plus it’s important to promote marching band music as an inherent part of local, state and American culture.”

Their proposal to join forces for greater numbers and more efficient operations was approved last week by the superintendent of Bulloch County schools.

Bandleaders say there is still work to do. Instruments are in short supply, so fundraising must be ongoing. Of course, the students must continue to practice, practice, practice. Fortunately, they have proven they can do that—along with winning multiple state competitions.

You can hear and see the exciting young musicians at these upcoming events:

Oct. 19th, 5:00 p.m.     Kiwanis/Ogeechee Day Parade    Downtown Statesboro

Nov. 3rd, 7:00 p.m.     Family & Friends Fundraising Concert   Statesboro High

Nov. 11th,  TBA          Veterans Day Parade                    Savannah, GA

In keeping with their name and the area’s blues music heritage, the band will perform Blind Willie McTell’s “Statesboro Blues” (also recorded by local musical heroes the Allman Brothers) at every event. “Georgia on My Mind” will also be regularly included, as will a medley of the three schools’ fight songs and popular music.

For tickets or more information, visit Bulloch Blues Marching Band on Facebook at Facebook.com/BullochBlues.