Trumbull HS band heading to D.C.

Trumbull (WTNH) -  

The Trumbull High School marching band, which will be part of Barack Obama's inaugural parade, is first trying to help those in need stay warm this winter.

The band members took part in the Good Morning America's "Warm Coat, Warm Hearts" campaign, and during the last several weeks coats have been coming in from all over. The kids are trying to collect at least 5,000 coats, gently used or new, for kids or parents.

In just a few short weeks, the band will be playing in the inaugural parade down in Washington, D.C.

Dan Connolly will be front and center as the drum major.

"It should be fun," Dan said.

The kids from Trumbull are one of a dozen high school bands from around the country marching in the parade. Since they got the news, it's been practice, practice, practice.

"Playing every day, locking down the songs with the drum line, getting the band together," said Dan said.

Band director Peter Horton could not be prouder.

"It's historical. Only a few elite groups and none of these kids have done it," Horton said.

Horton has been at the school for 20 years and it is his second presidential invite.

But the kids need about $55,000 to pay for the trip to Washington so they need your help.

To help the Trumbull High School Golden Eagle Marching Band raise money for the trip visit their web page at thsgembcorp.com .