The Punahou School Marching Band started marching practice today for the presidential inaugural parade to be held Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.

The parade will follow the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Barack Obama, a Hawai'i native and 1979 Punahou School alumnus.

The band, co-directed by Alec Briguglio and Jason Sivill, rehearsed "Aloha 'Oe," composed by Queen Lili'uokalani, "Men of Punahou" and "Brahms Symphony No. 1."

Besides the band members, 17 JROTC cadets and six varsity cheerleaders — a total of 156 students — will travel to Washington, the school said in a news release.

During the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, the students will wear a formal military cadet-style uniform with the Punahou seal emblazoned on the front of the jacket.

While in Washington, D.C., the students also plan to visit the Smithsonian Institution museums, the U.S. Capitol and various memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The cost of the trip is $3,500 per student. Donations may be made on the school's Web site, www.punahou.edu/giving.