Tallahassee, FL (WTXL) -- As pre-inaugural festivities are already underway in D.C., FAMU's Marching 100 was loading buses to make the trek to the nation's capital Jan. 18th. I talked to some students as they prepare to see history in the making.
"How do I feel? Wow, words can't even describe I'm just so excited," said Ahmad Newbold, drum major, FAMU marching band.
The excitement was obvious as 420 FAMU marching band members loaded their instruments and luggage preparing to leave for President-elect Obama's inauguration. It's been nearly a month of hard work for the band as they get ready for Tuesday's parade. FAMU's marching band will be the only band at the parade that will get to stop and perform for the president. Band organizers say this is an amazing opportunity for students, one they thank their supporters for.
"The community really rallied to make this possible none of the students will have to pay anything for the trip," said Shelby Chipman PH.D., assoc. dir. of bands, FAMU.
But aside from seeing Obama become our next president the other 'hot topic' was the cold.
"I'm anxious to be a part of history but I'm nervous about the cold weather. I've never even seen snow," said Shayla Baylock, FAMU marching band member.
Band directors have been preaching all week long about being prepared for 20 and 30 degree weather so as the students worry about thermals. The voice of the Marching 100, Joe Bullard, had some gear of his own to show us.
"I'm honored to be a part of the Florida and Washington inaugural ball where Mayor Marks will be there, the Boys Choir of Tallahassee will be there, and that's when I'll do a little announcing," said Joe Bullard, disc jockey 96.1, voice of Marching 100.
Even with the nearly two million bodies expected to be packed into the nation's capital this moment of history will not be lost in the crowd.
"For me of course being of African descent and having a mother who is 77 years old, it's something to know where we have come as a people," said Chipman.
And our very own Marco Villareal is traveling with the marching band. He'll be bringing us stories all week long from the road.
