The Bulloch County Board of Education is reflecting on recent student successes as it recognizes March as Music in Our Schools month.
“Our team of elementary, middle and high school teachers who teach music, band, chorus, music technology, guitar, symphonic band, marching band and musical theater, inspire our students and enhance our community,” stated the board in an email.
Music in Our Schools is recognized every March by the National Association for Music Education. To celebrate, the Bulloch County Board of Education is shining a light on a number of recent opportunities and accomplishments in its music education programs.
Marching Down Magic Kingdom Parade
On March 18, the Bulloch Blues Marching Band was invited to perform during Disney World's prestigious Marching Down Magic Kingdom Parade.
Beginning at 6 p.m., the parade is one of the most iconic events along the venue's famed Main Street.
The Bulloch Blues Marching Band is made up of 128 student musicians and band directors from Portal Middle High School (PMHS), Southeast Bulloch High School (SEBHS) and Statesboro High School (SHS).
The high schools’ marching and symphonic bands are under the direction of Matt Olsen (SEBHS), Lee Collins and Sergio Arreguin (SHS), and John Gleissner (PMHS).
This was the group's first performance at Disney. Students were also able to explore EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Kiwanis Club of Statesboro
On March 16, fourth-grade students from Mattie Lively Elementary School were special guests during the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro’s weekly meeting.
The students are directed by the school’s music teacher Mrs. Muldrew and performed multiple songs using ukuleles. The local Kiwanis chapter provided grant funds for the school to purchase the instruments.
Georgia High School Association’s State Literary Competition
Southeast Bulloch High School’s choral students placed fourth in the Georgia High School Association’s State Literary Competition in March.
The school’s literary team is coached by fine arts teachers Joni Mock and Brent Whitaker.
Sara Maghiar placed second in girls solo and Ryan Whitaker placed fourth in boys solo. For boys quartet, SEBHS placed second in the state, and the girls trio placed third.
Southern Star Festival
Three of Bulloch County Schools’ middle schools collaborated to form the very first All-Bulloch County Middle School Band to compete in a band festival in Norcross in March.
William James, Langston Chapel and Portal sent 38 band students to the Southern Star Festival, which was held at the Paul Duke STEM School.
“Alone our individual bands would not have been big enough for this event,” said John Gleissner, Portal’s band director. “This is the first time the middle school bands have tried anything like this.”
The middle schools’ band programs are led by Melvin Hamilton (WJMS), Samantha Boswell (LCMS), and Gleissner (Portal). The combined local bands held three practice sessions together to prepare for the festival.
The students competed and performed with 11 other bands and 12 choirs.
After their performance, a clinician offered them tips and constructive criticism on how to become better musicians. The band earned a silver rating.
After the event the students were rewarded with admission to Six Flags Over Georgia, where the festival’s award ceremony also took place.
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