108 talented students marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in the inaugural parade. They played for President Obama, and Vice President Biden along with thousands of people lining the streets. Now they're back in the desert, reflecting on a once in a lifetime experience they'll never forget.

 

"Oh my gosh, at the ending I almost cried because you're so close to Obama. The emotion just comes over you and you're like Ohhh," 11th Grader Samara Ortega said

 

Their experience in Washington left a lasting impression on the students who marched right past President Obama.

 

"Of course when you actually see the President clapping for you that's pretty indescribable, it was nice," 11th Grader Jake Stebbins said.

 

"When we passed the viewing stand and he stood up to congratulate us, I can't explain it. It's something you feel when you're just there," 11th Grader Melissa Castillo said.

 

The group played their songs over and over. In all more than a dozen times. It may have been freezing cold but the only chills came from the President himself. 

 

"It was amazing," 11th Grader Hannah Noble said."It was nerve racking and it was scary, but it was extremely fun." 

 

"It was really special," 12th Grader Jaime Jimenez said. "I never thought I would get a chance to do something like that."

 

"They did a phenomenal job. It really brought tears to our eyes. The crowds were unbelievable. People were so enthusiastic and we had so many Palm Springs High alumni there in Washington," Director of Bands at Palm Springs High School, Brian Ingelson said. 

 

So many people lining the streets for a parade this group will never forget.

 

"It was better than I thought," Ortega said. We might be marching for hours, but it was amazing."

 

The Palm Springs High School Marching Band performs more than 100 times a year. This was the first time they've marched in a Presidential Inauguration Parade. 

 

--Adrianna Weingold

aweingold@kmir6.com