Portsmouth band performs for President

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Rhode Island high school band was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Monday - to perform during President Obama’s inauguration ceremony.

The Portsmouth High School marching band was among a long list of entertainers providing entertainment for the prestigious event.

The band left Sunday for Washington, D.C. after spending weeks perfecting their music and marching.

High school senior Ashley Jefferds said playing for the president iss “one of those things you can’t believe.”

The trumpet and French horn player said the band has gone on many trips, including one to Disney, but this trip is the biggest in recent memory.

"I'm jealous to be honest," said David Lee, father of 15-year-old Ryan Lee. "We're really, really thrilled that he did the parade. It's something that he'll never forget."

Portsmouth Music Booster President Jim Wilkinson said the band’s performance in the Cherry Blossom Parade got them noticed for the inauguration.

The 165-member band joined 60 other groups, eight floats and nearly 9,000 people marching alongside President Obama in the parade.

It’s the school’s second inauguration parade, after appearing for Ronald Reagan’s first Presidential Inauguration back in 1981.