Bulloch County’s four middle school bands are combining to perform and compete in a music festival Friday in Atlanta and the public is invited to hear them in concert Thursday.

According to a release from Bulloch County Schools, student musicians from Langston Chapel, William James, Southeast Bulloch and Portal middle schools will showcase their collective talents during a free, public concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Langston Chapel Middle School Gymnasium.

The event also will serve as the final formal rehearsal prior to the group competing in the Southern Star Music Festival on Friday in Atlanta.
Under the direction of their school band directors John Gleissner (Portal), Richard Johnson (SEBMS), Melvin Hamilton (WJMS), and Samantha Boswell (LCMS), the initiative aims to bring together young musicians and foster a sense of unity and collaboration.

"The global COVID pandemic affected school band programs, and individually our middle school band memberships were too small for any of us to really compete at larger festivals,” Gleissner said. “By collaborating, my school district colleagues and I have a chance to increase the camaraderie between all of our students and to give our bands the chance to participate in an educational experience they would not have had otherwise."

Despite having only practiced together a few times, the students are eager to merge their individual talents and musical styles into a cohesive sound that represents the rich musical heritage of Bulloch County.

“Audiences can expect a diverse repertoire that highlights the collective strengths of the participating students and celebrates the spirit of collaboration and musical excellence,” Gleissner said.