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Students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln arrived in Washington, D.C., on Friday for a once-in-lifetime opportunity: A chance to perform at the inauguration of a U.S. president.

On Monday, 124 student singers in the University Singers choir under the direction of Peter Eklund, will perform a prelude for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration at the U.S. Capitol. Trump's swearing-in, now moved indoors due to expected cold temperatures, is set for 11 a.m. CT.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and our students,� Eklund said.

The University Singers were formally invited to sing at the inauguration by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies at the behest of Sen. Deb Fischer. With only 70 students in the group, Eklund extended the invitation to other choral groups on campus to create a choral ensemble of 124 students.

Senior Nik Barger, 21, an organ performance major and president of the University Singers from Lincoln, said the trip will be an exciting experience.

“I think it shows a tremendous example of what we have at the School of Music here at Nebraska,� Barger said. “It’s an incredible opportunity not only to showcase what we do in the School of Music, but also showcase what we have in the state of Nebraska for the fine arts.�

In addition to singing at the inauguration, Barger is also looking forward to performing at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday.

The trip was made possible, in part, by multiple donors who helped cover travel costs for students.

“I’m extremely grateful for all the donors that really care about the students here at the university and care about our education, but also the opportunities we have while we are students here,� Barger said. “Their generosity has made this trip possible for the majority of the students going.�

The university shared photos and video of the choir arriving in D.C. on Friday and visiting the Lincoln Memorial and practicing on Saturday at the basilica.

Eklund has performed for presidential functions before and has directed students at numerous high-profile events, but this will be his first inauguration — an opportunity he immediately accepted.

“They don't come along very often and I just think this is an important time,� Eklund said. “My personal take on all of this is that America needs amazing higher education, and this puts higher education in a good spotlight.�

This will be 22-year-old Tanner Engeseth’s first time in Washington. The Wisconsin native said he is looking forward to partaking in a historical event as a member of the University Singers.

As a grandson of a veteran, Engeseth is looking forward to visiting the monuments — the Capitol, the White House and the Washington Monument that his grandfather saw when he was in Washington.

“I know that they’re real, but to really see them with my own eyes I feel like will be astounding,� Engeseth said.

In addition to the trip being funded by donors, each student will be dressed in a brand-new black peacoat and bright red Nebraska scarf, courtesy of donors.

“When you have just about every television camera in the world on you, we want to represent the state of Nebraska and the region,� Eklund said.

Molly Wanless, a 24-year-old vocal performance master student from Wisconsin, said she’s very thankful for the donors’ generosity and for believing in students like her.

“It’s just such a cool, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to share our music with other people and get to discover a new place,� Wanless said. “I’m so grateful for the donors and for the other people who support us students in education and in music.�