400 bands applied for inaugural parade

All told, 1,382 organizations, and over 400 bands, applied to participate in the nation's 56th inaugural parade this January. The number of applicants sets a new standard for interest in marching in the parade, which normally receive about 300-400 applications.

At one point, the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, the organization in charge of collecting applications, said they were receiving something on the order of 10 applications per hour. So many, they had to extend the application deadline. Navy Cmdr. Craig Kujawa, head of the parade division of the ceremonies directorate at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, said the application deadline, was extended in part because of "the volume of applications that have been coming in since the election."

So far invitations were extended to 49 organizations, in the "first wave" of invites, including two from Florida. FAMU, along with the J.P. Taravella High School Band of Coral Springs will represent the state. All told, 60-70 units will receive invitations.

The parade application comes with a few limitations, no band will be allowed to play "The Star-Spangled Banner" or "Hail to the Chief." Those tunes are taken.

And you are not permitted to stop at the presidential reviewing stand in front of the White House: This isn't a talent show, and you'd better keep it moving.

Selection for the inaugural parade is an honor, organizers and past participants say, and will be especially so this time, with the installation of the nation's first African-American president.

Applications, were evaluated by a team of professional military musicians and performers, according to the application rules and instructions and selected with input from the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

All participants pay their own transportation to and from Washington and their lodging expenses.

You may also be interested in: 100rd tapped for historic parade

Band needs financial support