HONOLULU -- In just a few weeks, Punahou's marching band will head to the nation's capital.

President-elect Barack Obama's alma mater has been chosen to take part in the historic inaugural parade.

Punahou's marching band is under the gun.

One hundred thirty-three students will represent Hawaii in Washington, D.C., in a tribute to one of their own.

They march with Obama's words in mind: Dream big. You just never know.

"It's the first African-American president and the first president from Hawaii, so to be able to take part in that is really exciting," band member Brent Nagamine said.

"We never really expected to be chosen for this," drum major Jessica Yoshimi said. "It's truly a great honor, especially since this is such a monumental moment in history."

Punahou will be featured near the front of the inaugural parade and has been told it will be the first marching band in the lineup.

There's much to do and little time to get it all done.

"Usually a trip like this takes 18 to 24 months to prepare. It's been about two months that we've had to prepare, so it's really moving at light speed," said Darin Au, instructor with the Punahou Music Department.

The students will be tapped to rehearse three times a week on school day mornings as well as on three Saturdays before they leave.

So with just a few short weeks, the band has been practicing three songs, including "Aloha Oe."

"As our band passes the parade stand, we will be doing 'Aloha Oe,' " Au said. "That's our way of saying farewell to Barack Obama as he enters this new phase of his life, until we meet again."