Savannah High School marching band heads to Orlando for Battle of the Bands

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The sound of drums, brass instruments and school spirit is getting louder as Savannah High School’s Marching Blue Jackets prepare to take their talents to Orlando, Florida.

The band is one of just four Georgia high school marching bands selected to participate in the 2026 Florida Blue Battle of the Bands presented by Publix.

The event will take place Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. inside Orlando’s Kia Center.

Savannah High will join 10 other high school marching bands from Georgia, Florida and South Carolina for an evening celebrating music, performance and marching band traditions.

The Marching Blue Jackets have been preparing for the opportunity through rehearsals, working on their music, formations and overall performance.

According to Savannah High School’s October newsletter, students have spent the season practicing new music, perfecting marching formations and representing their school at football games and community events.

The upcoming showcase also gives Savannah’s student musicians the opportunity to perform at an event featuring two nationally recognized historically Black college and university marching bands.

Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 and Bethune-Cookman University’s Marching Wildcats will deliver extended performances during the event.

The Florida Blue Battle of the Bands is part of Florida Classic Weekend, which celebrates the longstanding rivalry between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman.

The festivities continue Saturday, Nov. 21, when the two universities face off at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

For the Marching Blue Jackets, the November 20 event is an opportunity to showcase their talents while representing Savannah on a major stage.

Event Details

• Event: 2026 Florida Blue Battle of the Bands presented by Publix
• Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: Kia Center, 400 W. Church Street, Orlando, Florida
• Local participating band: Savannah High School Marching Blue Jackets
• Other Georgia bands: Osborne High School, Pebblebrook High School and Westlake High School
• Featured college bands: Florida A&M Marching 100 and Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats

Tickets and additional event information are available here.