Arkansas marching into history

January 5, 12:49 PMLittle Rock Getaways ExaminerDeb Bailey

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Two Arkansas Marching Bands have the honor of participating in the Obama Inaugural Parade on January 20,2009. Both bands will be marching down the infamous Pennsylvania Avenue where so many of our historical leaders have walked before them. The Parade will follow the swearing- in Ceremony of President Elect Barack Obama who will be our 44th President.

On December 8,2008 the Siloam Springs High School Band was informed they were chosen to walk in history. Director Keith Rutledge of the Siloam Springs High School Band is working with a committee who is closely organizing with area governments and civic organizations to help the band raise the funds to get them to Washington DC. As each participant is expected to pay for their trip to and from the Parade as well as lodging.

Not only will Siloam Springs High School Band acquire the honor of marching in the parade on Inauguration day, so will the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Band receive the same honor. In a text message received on Wednesday December 31,2008 to all 250 band members,their application was chosen and they were invited to march the Inauguration Parade route. That leaves less than three weeks for UAPB Marching Band to raise the same funds needed to reach Washington DC as their counter part Siloam Springs High School band does.

The Arkansas bands were only two of well over 1,380 applications vying for the same spot to walk into history. The review committee consisting of experienced military musicians , whose help is with their expertise in the areas of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams. President Elect Barack Obama was said to be honored to invite the marching bands to Washington DC . Referred to as most talented individuals, President Elect Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden said they are very proud to have them join the parade.

Two very talented Marching Bands from Arkansas will walk into history on January 20 with your help. Both Marching Bands will be raising funds and you can help them by calling for more information. Director Keith Rutledge can be reached at 479-238-3491 and the UAPB Band can be reached at 870-575-8919.