Blind marching band will lead Outback Bowl parade, halftime show

The only blind marching band in the world will be the lead band at the Outback Bowl New Year’s Eve parade and perform at halftime on New Year’s Day.

On Tuesday night, the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSB) band, made up of students in grades 7-12, took the field guided by community volunteers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, according to a press release.

With talent from all across the state, the band, started in 2005, has been nationally recognized for its ability to entertain and inspire.

“We are excited to host this group of talented young people as part of our halftime show and New Year’s Eve Parade,” Outback Bowl President and CEO Jim McVay said in a statement. “It is a great opportunity to showcase their abilities on a big stage.”

The former band director Carol Agler added the marching band to support the Ohio School for the Deaf Football program 14 years ago.

OSSBMB performs half-time drills at area high schools, in band festivals and regularly march as the lead band in the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival Parade and the Circleville Pumpkin Show.

The Auburn University Tigers will take on the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for the New Year’s Day bowl game, which starts at 1 p.m. ET.

This report was written by ABC News.

© 2020 Cox Media Group