Lake Butler native to play tuba in President-elect Trump's inauguration

Petty Officer 1st Class James Hicks says opportunity is 'dream come true'

Petty Officer First Class James Hicks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Lake Butler native will have a tuba-sized role in President elect-Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Petty Officer 1st Class James Hicks plays the tuba in the Navy Band, which will march in the inaugural parade and also honor Trump in front of the White House after he’s sworn in on Jan. 20.

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Hicks will also have the opportunity to perform at some of the inaugural balls that night.

“The balls afterwards -- to be backstage and see the other celebrities there in attendance and also be a part of the celebration -- (like) I said, it's such a highlight,” Hicks said. “To think I came from such a small town like Lake Butler, and now I'm living in Washington, D.C., and playing for the president of the United States is a dream come true.”

This will mark the third inauguration that Petty Officer Hicks has played in.

Hicks recently learned his great-grandfather had also been a member of the U.S. Navy Band in World War I. He played the tuba as well.