By: Melissa Toupin
mtoupin@abc6.com
The Portsmouth High School marching band performed during President Obama's inauguration parade Monday evening.
"Just so proud. I mean I literally could like burst into tears just talking about it," said Karen Toti whose daughter Kelsey, 14, plays the symbols.
The elated parents gathered together at a home in Portsmouth to watch the 150 students march in the historic moment. Their eyes glued to the screen. Portsmouth was one of the last bands to play for the President.
"Finally! They're here! We waited for so long," said Emily Severa. Her daughter Kelsey, 16, plays the quints.
The band has performed on many stages over the years, but this is by far the biggest.
"I was nervous. I was really surprised at myself. I was very proud of him and I was very proud of all the band members," said father David Lee.
Lee and his wife, Robin, hosted the pot-luck viewing party. Their son Ryan, 15, plays the alto saxophone. It's a talent passed down from his mother.
"My dad worked in an instrument factory for over 40 years, and so it was expected for us to play an instrument and Ryan is playing my alto saxophone from high school," said Robin Lee.
The bands performance earning them a big smile from President Obama and a nod from their siblings.
"Cool. Good. He didn't mess up hopefully," said Katie Lee, 10.
The band was the only group to represent Rhode Island in the parade, and one of just 60 chosen nation-wide for this once in a life time opportunity.
"I think all the kids hold themselves to very high standards and um I think that they'll be very relieved and very excited," said Severa.
The band comes home to Rhode Island Tuesday night at 8 P.M. Their parents are anxiously awaiting their arrival and looking forward to all the little details of this special trip.
