The sounds of the “Showtime Marching Band” led the motorcade with Harris during the inauguration parade. Band director Kelvin Washington has now been a part of three inaugurations, but with Harris being an alum, this one was extra special. “We, like, led the way — we have a special prepared new banner that stated ‘Howard University, home of Vice President Kamala Harris,'” Washington said. Because of pandemic precautions, only 40 members of the band could take part, so he selected the drum line, dance and flag squads for the performance. Rehearsals were tough because of social distancing, but Washington said the students and staff stepped up because it was an important moment in history for the historically black college.