Howard University’s Showtime Marching Band, landed a coveted spot in the 56th Inaugural Parade for President-elect Barack Obama. Howard University became A Conn-Selmer School in 2007 to support the short and long term growth of music performance and education, and increases the institution’s national and international profile as a music school. Among the nation's historically Black institutions of higher learning, Howard University and its Department of Music stand at the forefront, revered for its illustrious past and renowned as a premier provider of education for those who aspire to a career in music.

“This is exciting for us at Howard University,” said Showtime Marching Band Director John Newson. “We are truly honored to participate in this historic inauguration.” Known for its stellar stereophonic sound, kaleidoscopic precision drills, star-quality vocalist and dazzling dynamic dance routines, The Howard University “Showtime” Marching Band is the mainstay of a diverse and ever expanding population at Howard. One hundred and fifty members strong, “Showtime” is the largest student organization and holds the distinction of being the "spirit of the University." The Band has performed at several NFL games, the New York Macys Thanksgiving Parade, and the 1990 Shrewsbury Music Festival in London. “From our research, we have learned that President-elect Obama is a big Stevie Wonder fan. We plan to perform ‘Signed, Sealed and Delivered,’” Newson added. 

The parade along Pennsylvania Avenue will also include Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, and Hampton University. The Presidential Inaugural Committee received a record 1382 applications.

For complete information on the Conn-Selmer School Program, visit the website at http://www.conn-selmer.com/school.
      
Conn-Selmer, Inc., the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments and accessories in the United States, is a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. To contact Conn-Selmer, write to P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or http://www.conn-selmer.com.