WASHINGTON D.C. — They have played in front of huge crowds and national TV audiences, but the UNC Marching Tar Heels may have its biggest gig yet. The 305-member ensemble is in Washington D.C. for the 54th Presidential Inaugural Parade.

With such short notice, the 300-plus students involved have spent the past week rehearsing furiously after class.

"We're still not sure how we got invited what means that happened, but we're certainly excited to be going," says band director Jeffrey Fuchs. "It's a much larger stage than we've ever been on, even though we've been on some pretty big stages with the athletic programs here."

Many of the band members voted in a presidential election for the first time last year, and a good number did not vote for Bush.

"He won the race, and there is nothing I can do about that. I hope he does well," says band member Joshua Curry. "It's just an honor to be chosen to go play in Washington, D.C."

"Everyone keeps telling me it's the most controversial election ever, and it's a moment in history, so it's exciting," says majorette Tammy Rosenberg.

The band will be playing two songs at the Inauguration: George Gershwin's "Strike Up the Band," and one of Carolina's official school songs, "Tar Heels On Hand."

The university will use private funds to pay for the trip. It is expected to cost $50,000.