HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton University’s marching band, “The Marching Force,” will be the first from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to be in the Rome New Year’s Parade. 

The Marching Force will make the journey to Italy to participate in the January 1, 2020 parade in St. Peter’s Square among thousands of patrons., says the university. 

The international event celebrates life and cultural diversity, coinciding with the World Day of Peace and the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing. 

The Marching Force recently performed in the Rose Bowl Parade in California. 

The university says the band will need to fundraise over the next year to help pay for the trip and purchase new uniforms and instruments. You can donate by going to humarchingforce.com/donate. 

“’The Marching Force’ is an elite group of talented, young musicians who are also academically accomplished. This opportunity shows that our band is being recognized internationally,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey in a press release. “They continue to uphold THE Standard of Excellence as being one of the best marching bands in the nation.”