LITTLE ROCK, AR — The uniforms are boxed, the bags are packed, and the Little Rock Central High School band is headed to Washington, DC. Thursday morning, the marching unit left to perform in the inauguration parade for President Barack Obama.

“It’s my first time going to Washington and I am ready for it,” said member Devonte Johnson.

The group left around six for the more than 15 hour bus ride.

“Everyone has been hyped up about it. We just been excited about it and now today is the day that we actually go,” said member Joshua Taylor.

The group will be one of many from across the country at the event and members know they have a positive reputation to maintain.

“We come to represent Central, Little Rock, and the state of Arkansas,” said Johnson.

Members will also tour monuments while there, but there are some other things on their mind.

“The first thing I am going to do is eat because I know I am going to be hungry. It’s a long bus ride,” said Taylor jokingly.

But the musicians say they will stay focused on capturing the moment.

“This is something I will tell random people on the street. This is something really important to me,” said Taylor.