PHS band to perform at Inauguration

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) - Portsmouth High School’s marching band has been selected to play in the in the Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama.

The ceremony will take place in Washington, DC on January 21.

EastBayRI.com reports that school officials are rushing to organize a trip that would normally take them months to plan.

In the meantime, members are practicing in anticipation of the honor. According to Band Director Ted Rausch, he was personally asked to play. "I did not apply for it... received the email, and I thought it was a joke actually," said the 15-year director.

The students are especially excited about the trip. Ryan Blythe, a senior, put it best when he said,  "It is an absolute honor. Littlest state, biggest pride."

The band will leave Portsmouth Sunday, January 20 in a caravan of four motor coaches and arrive in Washington, DC that evening.

Early Monday morning, the band will head to the Washington Mall and prepare to march.

The parade is expected to last until late afternoon, after which they'll eat and head home to Portsmouth.

 To contact the band email: phsbandmusic@gmail.com