KNOXVILLE - The University of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland Band is scheduled to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., next month.

The parade will follow President-elect Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony at the National Mall on Jan. 20. UT's marching band will be part of a lineup that includes more than 8,000 participants from 40 organizations across the country, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Friday.

(PDF: See letter)

"We are pleased to be a part of the inauguration parade and proud of our longstanding participation in one of our nation's great traditions," UT spokeswoman Karen Simsen said.

UT Director or Bands Donald Ryder received a letter on Dec. 21 from the committee informing the band of their selection.

"We had a record number of applicants, so your selection is a testament to your organization’s talent and enthusiasm," wrote William I. Greener III, executive producer of events and ceremonies for the inauguration committee. "Your participation will help make this Inauguration truly historic."

Sen. Bob Corker, who was an early supporter of Trump's during the campaign, tweeted his congratulations to the band Friday morning.

"Congratulations to the @UTKnoxville Pride of the Southland Band for being selected to participate in the upcoming inaugural parade," he wrote.

The announcement marks the band's return to the presidential festivities after it was not invited to President Barack Obama's second inauguration in January 2013. The band had marched in every inauguration parade since Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in to his first full presidential term in 1965.

Then-UT Director of Bands Gary Sousa said he was told the Pride didn't receive an invitation because they had performed "too many times" in the past.

"To say that we are disappointed isn't even the tip of the iceberg. It is an extremely sad moment for us," Sousa said at the time.

This year's marchers include high school and college bands, equestrian corps, first responders and veteran groups.

“People from every corner of the country have expressed great interest in President-elect Trump’s inauguration and look forward to continuing a salute to our republic that spans more than two centuries,” committee CEO Sara Armstrong said. “As participants follow in the footsteps of our new president and vice president down Pennsylvania Avenue, they will be adding their names to the long list of Americans who have honored our country by marching in the inaugural parade.”