Jody Victor: The Ohio State University Marching Band has been invited to officially represent the state of Ohio in the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade for President George W. Bush on January 20, 2005. The OSU Marching Band will perform “Beautiful Ohio” as it passes the reviewing stand.

This is the band’s fourth appearance in the Presidential Inaugural Parade. The band played once before for President Bush in his first inauguration parade in 2001.

 “We are very excited about returning to Washington, D.C., to march in the parade,” said Jon Woods, marching band director. “We consider it an honor to be selected. It is a privilege to play for the President of the United States and to represent the state of Ohio.”

The Ohio State Marching Band is well known and is the world's largest all-brass and percussion marching band.  Known for its precision marching and military-style uniforms, the Ohio State University Marching Band is composed of 225 playing members and a drum major.

In addition to “Beautiful Ohio,” the band will play “Across the Field,” “I Wanna Go Back to OhioState” and “The Buckeye Battle Cry.”

This event is outside the normal university performances and therefore the band is responsible for raising its own funds for the trip. The band needs $70,000 to fund the trip.

“We are honored to be a symbol of the great state of Ohio in our country’s most prestigious parade,” said Woods. “We deeply appreciate the financial support of any donors who are interested in enabling us to participate in this historic event.”

If you are interested in making a Tax-deductible donation of any size, it can be made payable to:
The Ohio State University
Memo: “Marching Band Fund” #302589
Attn: Marilyn Cook
1866 College Rd.
110 Weigel HallColumbus, OH43210
(614) 292-4748

MarkerMan Productions'Jody Victor: As you can imagine, this is a huge deal for the band members. Playing for President Bush is such an honor…something they will never forget. We know The Ohio State Marching Band is the best in the country and so does President Bush! Being involved in organizations on campus exposes students to so much more than just attending classes. Whether students are involved in the band, athletics, social or professional organizations they get more out of the “college experience.” In talking with my sons, Steve Victor and Joe Victor, they learned so much about life in general by being involved on campus. Although neither sons went to The Ohio State University, they both went to college and were involved. Steve played football for Bowling GreenStateUniversity and was involved in many other organizations. Joe was the mascot for the university and was also involved in many campus organizations. They both can agree that being involved made them more well-rounded individuals and it better prepared them for life after college. 

I would like to congratulate the Ohio State University Marching Band for their achievements of being invited to the inauguration parade!

Go Bucks!

Jody Victor