The Middletown High School marching band has successfully reached its funding goal to perform at the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington D.C., with the Middletown Middies raising a total of $173,999.07 to cover the trip, according to a CityBeat report. The funds include a considerable sum gathered through private donations, which account for $103,999.07, including contributions through a GoFundMe campaign set up by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and direct payments. Furthermore, significant sums were received from various other sources, such as Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones with $10,000, the City of Middletown matching this amount, and a generous grant of $50,000 coming from the Ohio Department of Development.

However, despite the invitation from Vice President-elect and Middletown native JD Vance for the band to perform and the large sums of money raised, Vance himself did not contribute financially to the fundraising efforts; multiple reports and direct inquiries to his team have not elicited a response on this matter, even the inauguration celebrates his and President-elect Donald Trump’s ascent to office, it's been reported that not a dime emerged from Vance's pocket nor the Trump Inaugural Fund, said a district spokesperson in a statement obtained by CityBeat, raising questions about the expectation and the example set by public figures in such a civic moment.

Middletown City School District has assured that no costs related to the trip will fall upon the students or parents, with some of the extra funds set to be used for upgrades to band equipment and the purchase of commemorative items, according to details shared by FOX19 NOW. The band is not just slated to perform in the inauguration parade. Still, it will also have the opportunity to explore historical sites, including visits to monuments and Arlington Cemetery during the three-day trip, as per a conversation detailed by WCPO 9 News with band members.