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Fergus Falls HS Band Performing For Obama's Inauguration

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (WCCO) -- One Minnesota band is getting ready to march its way to Washington D.C. for the presidential inauguration.

Out of 3,000 applications across the country, Fergus Falls was the only Minnesota high school band chosen to play.

This is the school's second time doing so, having also had the opportunity in 2009.

The city itself may be small, but the opportunity to play a presidential inauguration is huge.

"It's especially big since we're the only band from Minnesota," said one band member.

The pressure is growing, and there's also an increased level of excitement.

"If you haven't realized, it's real now," said band director Scott Kummrow.

This town came together for their band.

"I think the community just understands the tremendous opportunity we have," said another band member.

The band found out they were going to Washington D.C. at the end of December, meaning they only had a few weeks to raise the $60,000 to attend. They ended up raising $78,000.

The band leaves Thursday after semester finals, and the extra money raised will be used for meals and new uniforms. The current threads are more than 20 years old.

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