Elk Grove HS band to play 4th of July parade in Washington, D.C.

Members of Elk Grove High School's marching band got a big surprise at the end of Wednesday's Veterans Day assembly - they'll be spending their Independence Day in the nation's capital.

The school's band has been chosen to represent Illinois in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2016.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who nominated the band, made the surprise announcement to the students Wednesday by video.

"Celebrating the Fourth of July in our nation's capital is a special event and special recognition," Durbin said. "I'm looking forward to you representing our state. Make us proud."

The parade will be the first time Elk Grove's marching band has played in Washington, D.C.