OSU Marching Band heading for Washington, D.C.

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University Marching Band will just have time to recover its collective breath following the Jan. 5 Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix before heading to the nation's capital to participate in the Presidential Inaugural Parade on Jan, 20, 2009.

"It's a great honor to be chosen to represent Ohio on this historic occasion," said Jon Waters, assistant director of Ohio State's band. "All 225 band members – the largest all-brass and percussion band in the world – will travel to Washington to join some of the nation's best marching bands."

The band was chosen after a rigorous application process, which included submission of a resume, video and recommendations from state officials to the Presidential Inaugural Committee in Washington, D.C.

This will be the fifth Inaugural Parade for the "Pride of the Buckeyes," having marched on Inaugural Day for Presidents Herbert Hoover, Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush and twice for George W. Bush.

Band members will spend three days in Washington. After a day of sight-seeing on Sunday, Jan, 18, they will perform at an Ohio Democratic Party function on Monday, Jan 19. During the three-mile long parade on Tuesday's Inauguration Day, the band will play songs including "Beautiful Ohio," the official state song; "The Buckeye Battle Cry," and "Fight the Team Across the Field."

"Right now, our concern is lining up buses and hotels, and that's not going to be easy," said Waters.

The cost of the band's trip to the nation's capital will be paid by private donations.

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Contact:
Jon Waters
(614) 506-0963
Jon Woods
(614) 946-9473