Dubuque Colts to Perform in Inauguration Parade

By Katie Wiedemann

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Dec 10, 2008 at 12:33 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 14, 2009 at 11:15 AM CST

Dubuque - The event of a lifetime. That's the way some members of the Colts Dubuque Drum and Bugle Corps describe their opportunity to march in Barack Obama's Inauguration parade.

High School Students Anna Rechtenbach and Casey Hallahan are getting ready for what they say could be the biggest event of their lives.

Rechtenbach said, "I think it's an incredible opportunity because you only get this chance once."

Hallahan said, "I'm excited, I was jumping up and down, I ran in a few circles! "

The inaugural committee selected the colts from hundreds of other marching bands.
When the group got the nod on Monday, excitement quickly turned to panic.

Colts Executive Director, Greg Orwoll said, "In less than five weeks we have to arrange our housing, arrange all the meals, raise the approximately 60-thousand it will take to pay for the trip, confirm membership, fit everyone in uniform."

And by everybody he means, everybody. Anyone who is a current or former Colt member is invited to learn the music, put on the uniform and represent Iowa. Keep in mind, the Colts have been around since the mid- 1960's.

Orwoll said, "Alumni we've already heard from, from Japan, they are flying in for this. From Florida, from Texas, from California. I think 19 states."

Flying in for the chance to play in front of an estimated five million people, including the next president of the United States.

Orwoll said, "We know we have a special place in President Obama's heart being from Iowa because we started the trajectory here."

Hallahan said, "It's a president, but it's more than that. It's the first black president and a lot of teens can relate to this guy."

And for these young musicians, that's reason enough to toot their own horns.

People can donate to the Colts at any Dupaco Community Credit Union.

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