``There's nothing bigger than the Olympics,'' said Gabriel, 18, an Augusta State University student.

Gabriel is one of 17 Augustans in the 343-member band.

More than 900 Georgia high school and college students tried out for the band, which will perform at opening and closing ceremonies, the dedication of the Olympic Centennial and other events before and during the Olympics.

They are already coping with long, daily rehearsals in Atlanta, some of which last until 4 a.m.

It's tedious, but being in the band is a reward, say the members, who excitedly talk about living with host families in Atlanta, the heavy polyester uniforms and the upcoming ceremonies.

``The hard-working people are getting to go (to the Olympics) to work harder,'' said trumpet player Jeffrey Crouch, 18, a recent graduate of Lakeside High School.

Their perks are a souvenir Olympic band uniform, an Olympic band T-shirt, attending the Olympic ceremonies for free and an unlimited supply of Powerade during practices and rehearsals.

``It doesn't even feel like we're going to the Olympics,'' said Rhonda Oellerich, a 1996 Evans High School graduate who is a member of the band color guard.

Learning the music they'll play in front of millions has been fun. Stage jitters have yet to strike band members, who say they're confident they'll entertain the millions of people watching the Olympics.

``I just can't wait to get to work,'' said drum major Chris Jankus, a Harlem High School graduate who attends the University of South Carolina.

Since his job is to conduct the band and discipline the members with the three other drum majors, he admitted he's worried about remembering everyone's name. To get the position, he applied with a videotape of him directing the University of South Carolina band, where he's also a drum major.

While many parents have bragged about their child's Olympic appearance, the musicians don't compare themselves to the athletes. As Jeffrey said, ``we're still band dorks.''

But the teens still want to impress the audience.

``I hope they see that it's not some band marching and that actually it's pretty good,'' said alto saxophonist Jason Billman, 17, a graduate of Lakeside High School. ``I guess we're representing Atlanta, Georgia, and the United States.''