The estimated $150,000 needed for the trip will allow the band to charter a flight and pay for rooms in town during the event. Esplin said the money will have to be collected within a couple of days to make a go of the trip.

"We're doing the best we can to get them there," he said. Individuals can make contributions to the band online at music.utah.edu/ensembles/bands.

"We're getting a late start, and it's not something that is cheap," Walzel said. "We're hopeful it happens. It would be a great way for our university to be represented, and with a Utah name like ours, I think we could represent the state really well."

How to help

To donate toward the Marching Utes' presidential inauguration trip, go online to music.utah.edu/ensembles/bands

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com