By maria caporizzo
Providence Journal video by Kris Craig
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. -- Portsmouth High School band director Ted Rausch had been hoping for a bit of cooler weather Thursday.
His 156-member marching band will be leaving Jan. 20 to take part in President Obama's Inaugural Parade on Jan. 21 and he wanted his group practicing outside to get used to playing their brass, woodwind and percussion instruments in winter conditions.
"I want you to get used to the cold," Rausch said.
The marching band, color guard and dance troupe, along with staff and volunteers, will pile into buses early Sunday 20th for the trip to Washington, D.C.
The band needs to raise some $50,000 to send everyone to the parade.