COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University Marching Band is off to Washington D.C. to march in the Inaugural Parade for George W. Bush on Saturday, Jan. 20. The band will play "Beautiful Ohio" as it passes the reviewing stand.

"We are very excited about taking the trip to Washington," said Jon Woods, band director and professor of music education. "We consider it an honor to be selected for the parade. It is a privilege to play for the president of the United States and to represent the state of Ohio."

The Ohio State University Marching Band is the largest all brass and percussion marching band in the world. The band is known for its precision marching and military-style uniforms. It is composed of 225 playing members and a drum major.

In addition to "Beautiful Ohio," the band plans to play "Fight the Team," "I Wanna Go Back to Ohio State" and "Buckeye Battle Cry."

Since marching in the Inaugural Parade is beyond the scope of normal university or athletic performances, Ohio State’s band, like many other bands marching in the parade, is responsible for raising its own funds for the event. The band hopes to raise $55,000 to fund the trip, and Woods said fundraising initiatives in place are going well.

Unlike most college marching band programs, the Ohio State Marching Band ordinarily receives 100 percent of its operating budget from the university’s Department of Athletics. “The Marching Band is fortunate to receive a very healthy operating budget for its performance schedule,” said Woods. “It is commensurate with the size of the band and allows us to spend money on top-flight music arrangements, uniforms and equipment.

"We are confident that, for this historic occasion, the band will be able to raise the money and make the trip to Washington." said Woods. "We appreciate the support of many who have already donated and are grateful for any additional support.”

Tax-deductible donations of any size may be sent to: