Portsmouth band plays at inauguration - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Portsmouth band plays at inauguration

Andrea Medeiros

amedeiros@abc6.com

One local high school band is getting the chance of a lifetime. 150 Portsmouth High School students are playing at President Obama's inauguration ceremony, Monday.

They packed their instruments and suitcases, Sunday, and said farewell to family and friends. After three weeks of intense practice, they finally headed to D.C. to march in a mile and a half long parade for the president.They were invited by his staff.

Parents raised about 70–thousand dollars for the kids to be able to go on the trip. Portsmouth hasn't been to an inauguration in 32 years. And even with a broken leg, freshman flag twirler Amber Roberts doesn't want to miss making history this time around.

:I've never been to Washington before," said Roberts, "And it's an honor to play for the president, so I'm really looking forward to it."

After a ten hour bus ride, some sleep and a lot of waiting, the band is scheduled to play Monday afternoon.