Giving Day 2025

Tuba parade! (MV Online Content)

In preparation for our annual Giving Day, here’s a little bit of history about the Marching Virginians and our fundraiser! This year’s Giving Day will be on February 19th, and at noon, there will be a 24-hour window to help hit our goal of $50,000 to go toward our incredible organization.

Giving Day is a university-wide celebration that lasts for just 24 hours, and it is a chance to give back to Virginia Tech. The Marching Virginians are celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year, and we are so excited to be a part of such a special tradition of Hokie Nation. Contributions from our supporters across Virginia Tech, Virginia, and all over are invaluable to each of us as musicians and marchers. Your support for the Marching Virginians comes in the form of instrument purchases and upkeep, uniform maintenance, food during game day, travelling to and from away games, and even bowl game trips!

Happy Game Day! (MV Online Content)

Each rehearsal we are able to practice our music in an incredible facility, the Marching Virginians Center, using high quality instruments and lyres, along with the equipment required for our rehearsal to run smoothly. On game days, we utilize our wonderful uniforms and each of their parts, our instruments, food, and many more aspects that are needed for a successful game day in Hokie Nation.

Every MV is eternally grateful for the support for Hokie fans and families that are dedicated to the success of the band and our endeavors. We hope that you will contribute to Giving Day on February the 19th, opening up at noon!

VT vs Rutgers - MV For A Day and Military Appreciation

This past Saturday, as Hokie Nation welcomed Rutgers University, the Marching Virginians had the wonderful privilege of hosting high schoolers from around Virginia!

All of us here at Virginia Tech were so happy to perform alongside our new high school friends (and hopefully prospective MVs!) during our Military Appreciation performance. Check-in began bright and early for our guests at 9:30, and the MVs began our practice at 10:30. Our repertoire included John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the service song of each military branch, and John Williams’s “Olympic Fanfare and Theme.”

Go Hokies! Photo courtesy of Andrew Single (MV Online Content).

First Half

The first quarter started off a bit slow back and forth between two teams, but later on Rutgers Running Back Kyle Monangai scored a 1-yard touchdown. At the very end of the first quarter Rutgers Running Back Sam Brown scored another touchdown for the opposing team, putting the score at 14-0 Rutgers. Quickly into the second quarter Hokie Running Back Bhayshul Tuten scores a 23-yard touchdown, making the score 14-7 Rutgers. Near the end of the second quarter, Hokie Quarterback Kyron Drones sacked in the endzone for a safety, putting the score at 16-7 Rutgers by Halftime. Afterward the hardworking football team moved out of the way for their friends in the Marching Virginians so we could have the field for halftime!

Halftime

As we took the field, this was an extra special performance since we were not only able to perform with the high schoolers, but we also had the honor of recognizing and remembering current and past members of the United States armed forces. We first performed each song that represented each branch of the armed forces, and any current or past member of the respective branch was asked to stand to be recognized. The high schoolers quickly joined us afterward to perform the “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” along with our national march, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” After playing “Tech Triumph” to end our performance, we were back in the stands to continue the game against Rutgers.

Tuba train! Photo courtesy of MV Online Content.

Second Half

The third quarter featured Rutgers in the lead after Brown scored a 5-yard touchdown. Going into the fourth quarter, Tuten quickly scored a 14-yard touchdown, with a 2-point conversion to Benji Gosnell. At 4:35 Tuten scored a 2-yard touchdown, with another 2-point conversion to Stephen Gosnell. This put both teams at a 23-23 tie. At 1:56 Rutgers broke the tie with a 24-yard field goal, winning the game with 26-23.

All of the MVs here in Blacksburg were incredibly honored to be able to meet with and perform with high schoolers, and to also recognize our veterans and current members of the armed forces. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Lane Stadium on Thursday, October 17th against Boston College! As always, Go Hokies!

It's Great to Be Back!

All of us here in Blacksburg are more than thrilled to be able to welcome new members, returners, leadership, and staff back to the Marching Virginians Center for another great season! This season is incredibly special because it is our 50th Anniversary celebration, where we will be celebrating and welcoming back MV Alumni. Whether they were the class of 2024, or the class of 1974, the Marching Virginians are so excited to have them back. Here is a tiny sneak peek into what our schedule entails this season!

September

This Friday (September 6), we are welcoming our alumni back for what is known as our Reading Session. This will be an opportunity for us to play a couple of their absolute favorite shows and stand tunes with them.

Happy Band Camp! (Photo courtesy of MV Multimedia)

This Saturday (September 7), is our first home game. We play against Marshall University, and it’s the Marching Virginians’ 50th Anniversary Celebration as well as our MV Alumni Day! We will be welcoming over a thousand alumni and their loved ones back to Blacksburg, and we cannot wait to hear about their favorite memories of being in the MVs.

The following Saturday (September 14), is our exhibition performance at Christiansburg High School! The MVs will take a quick trip over to Christiansburg to perform for very excited high schoolers and families. We absolutely love exhibitions, because this is a way for high schools to see what our organization is all about. It’s also a chance for Hokie fans that may not be able to come to a game to see us perform. There’s always a chance that someone in the crowd is hoping to be an MV someday!

On Saturday, September 21, we are hosting lots and lots of high schools from around Virginia and nearby states at our annual MV for a Day! This is always such a fun day, and we are so excited to meet high schoolers and prospective MVs! The Marching Virginians always love getting to meet and perform with high school marchers.

September 28 brings another exhibition day — a doubleheader at both Riverbend and North Stafford high schools! This really maximizes how many young marchers will get to see us play this season. We’re so excited!

Hi, Chad! (Photo courtesy of MV Multimedia)

October

On Friday, October 25, we have our homecoming parade. That Saturday, the 26th, is our homecoming game against Georgia Tech.

November

November 9th, we will be hosting Clemson University at Lane Stadium, and this is also our annual Hokies for the Hungry! Hokies for the Hungry is a friendly competition among the sections to see who can donate the most food to donate to charity. We always love this fundraiser at the end of the year!

On November the 30th, we will be hosting the University of Virginia for our last game of the regular season. This is Senior Recognition for the MVs, as well as Band Parents Day! This is the day that we get to recognize our wonderful seniors, and welcome our parents on Game Day to join our celebration!

December

In early December, before finals, we will have our end of year livestream concert. Stay tuned for details on dates, and to see if we play the ACC Championship on Sunday, December 7!

We have such a busy but exciting season coming up here in Blacksburg, and we cannot wait to celebrate our 50th anniversary alongside our alumni, high school bands, and all of Hokie nation!

Recap: Spring Game!

Today the Marching Virginians found themselves right back at the MVC gearing up for kickoff and their much-anticipated win! This past Saturday was Virginia Tech’s Spring Game, and this was a scrimmage that the football team opened up Lane Stadium for. A scrimmage is where a team goes up against itself, with half of the team vs. the other half of the team. None of us were exactly skeptical about winning our game, since it was Hokies against Hokies! We were so incredibly happy to be back together playing Tech Triumph, VPI Victory March, and many other beloved stand tunes. Read more to see which team WON the Spring Game, the Orange, or the Maroon Team!

photo credit to VT Recreational Sports

The morning began with several early risers who volunteered to play in the Marching Virginians Pep Band for the VT Run in Remembrance in honor of the Virginia Tech shooting that took place on April 16th, 2007. Atlas, one of our wonderful Senior Staff Assistants, led the band down to the intersection between Washington Street and Beamer Way. We were able to play a lot of our favorite tunes while the runners and walkers passed us by!

The Spring Game this year was quite close, with the Maroon Team securing a win of 21-14 over the Orange Team. During Halftime, although the MVs didn’t perform, special awards were given to the football team in recognition of their performance during the 2023 season.

(photo credit to Hokie Sports)

2024 Spring Ball Award Winners

Most Improved: Ayden Greene, Mansoor Delane

Frank Beamer Ultimate Teammate Award: Miles Ellis, P.J. Prioleau

Offensive MVP: Kyron Drones

Defensive MVP: Cole Nelson

Special Teams MVP: Jaden Keller

President's Leadership: Kaden Moore, Josh Fuga

Although we weren’t able to get all decked out in our uniforms, the MVs were so happy to get back together one last time before the 2024-2025 season. Tune in to see our preparations for the upcoming season! Springtime is the time for the MVs to pick out our new XO, Drum Majors, leadership, and film auditions to be sent in! We want to send a big thank-you to Hokie Nation for having us back in Lane Stadium this past Saturday, and we’re so excited to see everyone this coming August!

(cover photo credit to Hokie Sports)

A True Marching Virginian

If you were to ask an MV what it means to be a Marching Virginian, they would likely respond with the importance of working hard, compassion, friendship, and being a leader. Many of the MVs today absolutely love what they do, and there is a special phrase that our organization lives by today: Ut Prosim, meaning, That I May Serve, in Latin. This Latin phrase is the motto of Virginia Tech, and as representatives of our university, we strive to keep it in the hearts of each MV. One very special Marching Virginian, however, is the very definition of “That I May Serve,” and his name was Ryan “Stack” Clark. Ryan was a victim of the Virginia Tech shooting that took place on April 16, 2007. He was, and is, very special to our organization, and I had the honor of getting to meet and talk with his remarkable mom, Mrs. Letitie Clark. I was able to talk to her about what her son was like, why he decided to become an MV, and how we can remember him and keep him in our hearts. Many of the Marching Virginians today didn’t get the chance to get to know Stack and understand the impact he had on the band. I hope by writing this blog post today, Mrs. Clark and I can keep his memory and spirit alive.

Tell me about what your son; Where did he grow up? What was he like?

Hi, Stack! (ryanstackclark.org)

My son Ryan was born in Germany with his twin brother, because at the time we were a military family moving from place to place. Soon after we moved back to the United States, where my son grew up in Georgia. He’s a lot like his mom in how he loved perfection; he always strived to pay attention to the little details. He loved people, and he lived by the phrase, “I can help.” He always looked for ways to brighten someone else’s day, or make the world a better place. My son had the biggest heart, and the Marching Virginians and the Blacksburg community was his pride and joy.

Why did Ryan decide to become part of the Marching Virginians?

Well, since our family is from Georgia, we knew that it might be tough on our family having a child go out of state for school. When Ryan was starting to tour colleges in his senior year of high school, he went on a tour of Virginia Tech. Right when he arrived, he turned to me and said, “Mom, this is it,” he knew Virginia Tech would be his home. Ryan had been involved with marching band during high school, and he wanted to continue band in college. He was just so excited to come up to Blacksburg early for band camp, and he told me how nervous he was that he wouldn’t make it. He wanted to be a Marching Virginian so bad, and he would find out at midnight during band camp. He stayed up so late, waiting on the results of whether he would be accepted or not. Ryan read his name on the list of baritones that were new to the MVs, and he was just overjoyed. He was now a Marching Virginian.

Can you tell me about the day that he passed away?

Yes. Even though it was 17 years ago, it feels like yesterday to me. Although I’m now retired, I was a teacher at a local school near our home in Georgia. That morning I was already at work, and there was a television in our lounge where the news broadcasters had gotten information about something happening at Virginia Tech. As I was in the lounge with a couple of my coworkers, a couple members of the administration came in and said, referring to me, “Take her home, take her home now.” Nobody had told me what was going on, but in my heart I knew that something was very wrong. Our family had a plan in place for if there was ever an emergency, but I didn’t hear from my son. I had people at the house with me, and it felt as if hours had passed. Then there was a knock at the door, and there was a gentleman alongside a couple police officers standing on my doorstep. This gentleman was the coroner, and he told me that they had received word from the emergency room in Blacksburg, VA, and he said to me, “Ma’am, your son is gone.” From that moment on everything changed. This was the worst day of my life.

How can we remember Ryan and keep him in our hearts?

I think the way that you all have named your Hokie bird after him is beautifully touching, and I adore the way that others have told you all stories about him and taught the band about him. I hope we can remember not what happened to the 32 people that day, but who they were and their impact on this world.

Mrs. Clark told me that in the days following the shooting, she felt like she had gained 330 new family members; the Marching Virginians. She told me that they rallied around her, and their support and level of compassion was overwhelming in her time of grief. She has created a scholarship in memory of Ryan, called The Ryan “Stack” Clark Scholarship, where this organization hosts an annual 5K run that benefits the scholarship. I was absolutely honored to be able to interview such a warm, kind, and compassionate lady, and the Marching Virginians wish her all the best. We remember Ryan and the other 31 victims of that horrific day not by what happened to them, but the impact that they had on their loved ones and the people that they met. To each of the families who lost a loved one during the Virginia Tech shooting, the Virginia Tech community, and the Marching Virginians — We are Virginia Tech.

---

“The Hokie Nation embraces our own and reaches out with open hearts and hands to those who offer their hearts and minds. We are strong, and brave, and innocent, and unafraid. We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imaginations and the possibilities. We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through all our sadness. We are the Hokies.”

-Nikki Giovanni, Distinguished Emerita Professor and Poet

Ryan Clark. (ryanstackclark.org)

What Makes a Manager

A lot of time when a Hokie pictures the Marching Virginians, they see the big VT on our uniforms, or our awesome music in the stands or on the field. They might remember our music that we perform on the field, or the silly dances that we do in the stands. However, there is one section in particular that we would be lost without, and they are our managers!

The manager section doesn’t march with us on the field, but their job is to work behind the scenes to make sure everything is running smoothly. You may have to work a little harder to find one of our managers on game day since they’re always running around on a mission to help an MV. This week I got to interview a couple of the managers and their favorite head manager, Sarah-Faith! I was so happy to get to know them and get a glimpse into what it was like being a manager!

Sarah-Faith is the boss of the section, and her job is to oversee each job within the section. They are always ready to help someone in need, whether that be one of the MVs, a manager, or even Dr. Polly!

Hi, Sarah-Faith! Photo credit: MV Online Content

What are your jobs during a rehearsal at the MVC?

I try to keep everything from going absolutely haywire! A typical day for me includes setting out yard markers, water, unlocking things, sound system, and preparing for game day! On Fridays before game days, we do game day chats, where we make sure everything is in place for the next day. We also get to go on super secret missions during rehearsal for Dr. Polly, which is fun and often also involves food runs! What does a typical gameday look like for your section?

What does a typical game day look like for your section?

We get there 15-30 minutes before everyone else and the first order of business is to get the MVC field set up, load the golf carts, and start getting equipment down to Lane Stadium. I’m the one in charge of the golf cart (boss perks!), running back and forth from Lane Stadium while a couple other managers hold down the fort at the MVC!

Once we’ve made it to Lane Stadium for game day, we split up into our specific halftime groups and get prepared for halftime! We have two groups for plumes, and one for podiums, which rotate each game. At the beginning of the season, everyone gets put into a group with a designated group leader. These group leaders help facilitate things, while I choose which group I want to be in for halftime after making sure the others are all situated. 

After halftime, we finish the game and pack up the golf carts to go back to the MVC! We put everything away, sometimes have a team meeting, and then go home!

The thing that makes half time work is a comprehensive google document we have for each game. All the details and times for everything are on there, and we go over it each Friday before a game. By mid-season, game days are second nature. If anyone has any questions, they can consult the document, ask their group leader, then ask me! We work as a team that all want to help each other succeed. 

Why did you decide to become a manager? 

The first answer is that I didn’t make the saxophone section. I became a manager because I wanted to be involved in the band in any way I could. I had already met some really cool people during band camp that I wanted to continue to form relationships with. I kept coming back because I enjoyed the work I was doing. The managers that came in with me, Andrew and Brandon, are truly pinnacles of my college experience. I have learned a lot of communicable skills, such as organization, working under pressure, managing a lot of materials, etc., that I knew would carry me far as a person. I would make the same choice a thousand times over. 

Hi, Connor! Photo credit: MV Online Content

 One of the managers, Connor Stein, has absolutely loved being apart of the MV Manager section! Here are some of the questions I got to ask him about his time in the MVs.

What are your jobs during a rehearsal at the MVC? 

Before practice starts, we take care of setting up the field by putting out field markers, getting jugs of water filled and placed around the field, and setting up the sound for the directors to talk to the whole band for corrections and announcements! During practice, we are much more laid back since we do not have immediate duties, but we will help when needed. For example, we will run batteries up the tower if microphones die, we will help with small medical issues involving band-aids, headaches, etc., and head to various locations (like Lane Stadium, the uniform place, and the directors’ offices). We also help percussion when they transition from concert arcs to marching by getting their music stands off the field and back into the practice rooms. At the end of practice, we pick up everything we got out at the beginning of practice and close the gates to the practice field. 

What does a typical game day look like for your section? 

During game day, we will load various equipment onto the golf carts and drive them down to Lane Stadium, monitor bathrooms to ensure tailgaters do not go in, and stay at the practice field during rehearsal in case someone needs anything along with setting up the field like a usual practice. We also help with lunches by setting up the tables with food in an organized-ish fashion. When we do “March to Victory,” most of us will walk on the outside of the band and three-to-four of us will stay back to lock up the Marching Virginians Center (MVC). During games, we will be a cheer squad with goofy dances till halftime. We will help with distributing plumes and setting up the podium on the field. Nearing the end of the game, about three of us will head back to unlock the MVC for the band. Once the game ends, we will reload the golf carts and unload them at the MVC. 

Why did you decide to become a manager? 

I joined to get closer to my roommates with a common interest, and I ended up getting closer to, not only my roommates, but other people who I never would have met outside of the marching band. 

Hi, Alex! Photo credit: MV Online Content

The last (but certainly not least) of the managers that I got to interview this week is Alex Haynes!

What are your jobs during a rehearsal at the MVC?

We generally arrive 15 minutes earlier than the rest of the band each practice (typically 30 minutes earlier on game days) and leave about 15 minutes after the band leaves. All this time is used to unlock the MVC and the field, place field markers, water jugs, a second drum major podium if needed, and set up the mics for the drum majors and the directors. We usually assist drumline in carrying music stands off the field when the band sets up for drill.

During practice is always a good opportunity for us to complete tasks given by the directors, such as counting out swag for inventory and helping with H4TH!

 What does a typical game day look like in your section?

On game days, we split into two teams: the Lane team and the MVC team. The Lane team loads golf carts full of equipment, color guard poms, drum stands, and apples to go to Lane Stadium. The MVC team guards the tower and the bathrooms from non-MV affiliates. Once lunch is over and the band puts on uniforms to prepare for the march to victory, we march in pairs alongside the band. In the stadium, we sit behind the guard and we cheer alongside them. At halftime, we split into different roles. One role is in charge of the drum major podium, one is in charge of distributing apples and extra water, and two are in charge of distributing plumes. At the end of the game, we take everything back to the MVC in the golf carts, put everything away, and, win or lose, we call it a good game day.

Why did you decide to become a manager?

I decided to become a manager because, although I didn't get to perform on the field this season due to audition cuts, I still wanted to be part of the band and help out the MVs! The managers are just as much part of the band as any section and are just as important. I also use some of my free time to practice and keep my chops up to get ready for next season's auditions!

This week I was so excited to be able to interview and get to know the manager’s section a little bit better; they are the section that many forget to consider when they think of the band. We wouldn’t really be the MVs without our managers, though! They are the wind beneath our wings, and they work tirelessly to help each of the marchers become better each day.

Part 1: Let's Go Bowling! - VT vs Tulane

So, we didn’t actually go bowling — we got to go to a bowl game with the Hokies! Our super awesome football team, working tirelessly throughout this last football season, made it to the 2023-2024 Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland. Naturally, they needed the assistance of the Marching Virginians.

So, off we went on our journey to win the bowl game!

Two peas in a pod! Photo credit to Robert White.

Our trip began with buses throughout Virginia picking up MVs. Since many Hokies are on a much-deserved winter break, most of the band wasn’t in Blacksburg. Lots of arrangements were made in order for each of us to make it to Washington, D.C., where we would stay during our trip.

Some of us flew, some of us drove ourselves, and a lot of us rode the bus. Nevertheless, each of the MVs were ready to win the bowl game against Tulane.

Last rehearsal with the MVs. Photo credit to Robert White.

Before the busses got to the hotel, we made a pit stop at McLean High School in McLean, Virginia. Here the Marching Virginians had a super quick break for pizza, and then it was off to the field to do one more run of our halftime show.

We prepared an abbreviated version of one of our favorite shows, Metallica, for the bowl game. This was a show that we had already performed in Lane Stadium, so it was less stressful than having to learn a whole new one during finals season! We ran through a couple fun stand tunes, the music for the show, and then put the show on the field. After a couple announcements from Dr. Polly and Chad, we were back onto the buses to drive to our hotel in Washington, D.C.!

Once we reached the beautiful Washington Hilton hotel, the MVs ventured down to one of the conference rooms to pick up their super cool swag! After picking up our swag, we hopped into bed very early. We had quite a big day ahead of us!

read Part 2 by Seth Boehringer for more of our Bowl Game recap!

January 11 correction: the captions previously attributed the photos to MV Online Content. The attributions have been changed to Robert White.

H4TH - Virginia Tech vs. NC State

This past week was quite the week for the MVs! This week was Hokies for the Hungry, Senior Night, and Parents Night! Before rehearsal during the long-awaited competition for who would donate the most to H4TH, each section was hard at work. From the Pix all the way to the VTubas, each of the sections within the Marching Virginians put their heads together to find a way to win the competition! Every day there was a new “bonus item,” where a certain canned food would earn a section extra points in the competition. However, there was always an item that one section could sabotage another section with: canned beans. If a section saw fit, they could put cans of beans onto another section’s donation pile and drag their points down. This created quite the rivalry between the sections in the MVs this week. After such an eventful week of friendly competition, the Tubas and the Nets were named the winners of Hokies for the Hungry!

This weekend was also our Parents Weekend! We invited parents and families of our MVs to see a sneak peak of our Space Show that we’d be performing for the game, and for dinner with us as well! Each of us were so grateful to spend time with and meet other families this past weekend!

Roaming pep bands! Photo credit: MV Online Content

During the middle of our fundraiser, the MVs enlisted the help of friendly Hokie tailgaters before the game against North Carolina State this past Saturday! The MVs were divided up into what we called “Roaming Bands” and each band went to a section of campus where we played for the tailgaters. Depending on what someone donated, whether is was a monetary donation or a canned good, we would play one of our stand tunes for the group. We absolutely loved getting to meet each of the tailgaters, and we are so very thankful for each of their contributions! After meeting and playing for everyone going to the game that afternoon, we were off to Lane Stadium!

First Half

The game between the Hokies and NC State was off to a slow start during the first quarter, with the score sitting at 0-0. Right into the second quarter, NC State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion scored a touchdown from a 3 yd pass by their quarterback, Brennan Armstrong. A little while later, NC State scored another touchdown, putting the score at 14-0 against Virginia Tech. Quickly after, Virginia Tech wide receiver Turner-Bradshaw scored a touchdown against NC State. The opposing team quickly responded with yet another touchdown, putting the score at 21-7 at the end of the first half.

Halftime

And just like that, the MVs performance was just a clock-tick away; we had the Space Show to perform. Our last show of the season in Lane Stadium included Gustav Holsts’s “Mars,” “Defying Gravity” from the popular Broadway show Wicked, and familiar tunes from Star Wars and Star Trek. Just before we performed works from Star Wars, by John Williams, we invited the graduating seniors and graduate students up to the front sideline to be recognized. This is our traditional senior recognition, for their tremendous effort in each practice and performance. Each of the graduating MVs has been a role model for new and returning MVs; they are what being a Marching Virginian is all about. We will miss them dearly, and we wish them all the best.

Second Half

After halftime, the Hokies were back in business on the field. NC State’s quarterback scored a touchdown a little bit before halfway through the third quarter. VT scored another touchdown in response, and NC State quickly sped ahead. This put the score at 35-14 at the end of the third quarter. The Hokies scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but fell short of a win against the opposing team by 7 points. NC State won against Virginia Tech with 35-28.

Hi there! Photo credit: MV Online Content

As we wrap up our 2023-2024 season, we look forward to our game against the University of Virginia this coming weekend! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, each of us are thankful for our graduating MVs, donations for Hokies for the Hungry (including donations from NC State’s marching band, the Power Sound of the South!), and our MV families! We look forward to seeing you at our game against UVA in just a couple days!

Metallica! - VT vs. Syracuse

Exit light

Enter night

Take my hand

We’re off to never-never land

“Enter Sandman,” Metallica

Well, the MVs were off to Lane Stadium; not quite neverland. This particular game, Virginia Tech was up against Syracuse University, and it was scheduled for a Thursday. It was definitely odd to wake up and attend class and then be zipping up our uniforms eight hours later. Nevertheless, it was gameday. We had a game to win!

Fireworks! (MV Online Content)

First Half

The first half was off to a great start as Hokie kicker John Love scored a 43-yard field goal, putting Virginia Tech in the lead at 3-0 against Syracuse. With six minutes left on the clock, running back Malachi Thomas made a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Da’Quan Felton. And with just under two minutes left in the first quarter, Love scored a 32-yard field goal, putting the Hokies in the lead at 13-0. Virginia Tech hit the ground running in the second quarter with another field goal by Love, putting the score at 16-0. Felton then makes a 62-yard pass from quarterback Kyron Drones. With the score now at 23-0, kicker Brady Denaburg from Syracuse scores a 43-yard field goal, giving the opposing team 3 points. Virginia Tech quickly speeds ahead with running back Bhayshul Tuten scoring a 3-yard touchdown.

A beautiful gameday sunset! (MV Online Content)

Halftime

It was now time for the Hokies to take a break off the field, and they very nicely handed the field over to the Marching Virginians. This show was extra special because we had the honor of competing against other marching bands across the United States in the Metallica Marching Band Competition: For Whom the Band Tolls! Our show consisted of famous works by the band, including “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Fuel,” “Fade to Black,” “Sad But True,” “Wherever I May Roam,” “Creeping Death,” “Lux Æterna,” and the Hokie favorite “Enter Sandman.” The crowd in Lane Stadium during our performance even chimed in when we played “Enter Sandman!” The football team was ready to take on Syracuse for the third and fourth quarters, so we headed back up to our spot back in the stands after the show.

Hi, Hokie Bird! (MV Online Content)

Second Half

At the beginning of the second half, Virginia Tech received two points for a team safety. Soon after, Syracuse scores a touchdown, putting the score at 32-10, with the Hokies in the lead. With just 8 seconds left of the third quarter, Love scores a 24-yard field goal. The score was now 35-10. The fourth quarter stayed stagnant, with Love finishing out the game with another field goal. The Hokies won 38-10 against Syracuse.

The Hokies are now gearing up for their game against NC State on November 18th — we hope to see you there! For now, the MVs are preparing for our next performance in Lane Stadium. As always, go Hokies!

Hokies Win! - VT vs. Pitt

The MV version of our great Commonwealth! Source: Macey Early

This past Saturday the Hokies were up against the Panthers, who traveled all the way to Lane Stadium from Pittsburgh, PA.! Luckily, we had super awesome weather, and the MVs were ready to perform. Typically we perform during halftime, but this game we had the exciting opportunity to march the pregame show!

This particular game was extra special because the MVs had a very special visitor come to say hello. Her name is Mrs. Letitie Clark, Ryan “Stack” Clark’s lovely mom. Stack was a member of the Marching Virginians’ Baritone section, and was a victim of the Virginia Tech shooting that took place on April 16, 2007. At every rehearsal, game day, and event that the MVs are involved in, we remember the lasting impact Stack made on our band. His spirit, energy, and loving personality are just a few of the characteristics that we as MVs hope to have just half of. The Spirit of Tech was honored on Saturday to welcome his sweet mom, Mrs. Clark, back to the Marching Virginians Center.

We were also joined by College Marching, an organization that travels across the United States promoting collegiate marching bands. The MVs were so happy to be able to meet the representatives from this awesome organization!

The Bones performing during pregame. Source: Macey Early

Here are the MVs performing for an absolutely packed Lane Stadium before kickoff! Our Pregame performance included the Superman theme, Shenandoah, our VPI Victory March, Copland Colors, the Star Spangled Banner, and every Hokie’s favorite song, Tech Triumph!

First Half

The Hokies quickly took the lead in the first quarter with a 54-yard touchdown, putting them in the lead 7-0. Pitt quickly caught up with a 75-yard pass from quarterback Phil Jurkovec to their wide receiver Bub Means. The score was now tied 7-7. Hokie quarterback Kyron Drones finished out the first quarter with a short touchdown run, putting Tech in the lead with 14-7 against Pitt. Before Halftime, the Hokies scored yet another touchdown, putting the score at 21-7.

The Highty-Tighties performance at halftime. Source: Macey Early

As the football teams took their break at the end of the second quarter, the Highty Tighties took the field to perform their halftime show! The Highty Tighties is the marching band for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and it was their turn to perform last Saturday. They just amazed all of Lane Stadium with their musicality and accuracy during their show! Afterward, the football team got right back to work.

Second Half

The Hokies began the 3rd quarter with the football and quickly scored a touchdown from 10 yards out. Within just seconds Pitt’s quarterback Jurkovec passed the ball onto running back C’Bo Flemister across 61 yards, putting the score at 14-28 against Tech. Pitt then scored another touchdown, making the score 21-28. Tech quickly sped ahead, scoring another touchdown. Tech triumphed, scoring 35-21 against Pitt.

This past Saturday was such an incredible night for each of us; the MVs were so happy to be able to meet Stack’s wonderful mom, Mrs. Clark, meet representatives from College Marching, and land a win against Pittsburgh! Go Hokies!

Interview With the Boss

Hi, Dr. Polly! Source: MV Online Content

With any organization – whether that be a large corporation, a youth soccer team, or a college marching band – there are so many aspects that need to be considered in order for that organization to thrive. The Marching Virginians have incredible leadership and staff that work tirelessly in order for our band to succeed. This week I had the incredible opportunity to interview our director, Dr. Polly Middleton! 

As the director of the Marching Virginians, Dr. Polly oversees each and every component of the band, on and off the field. While interviewing her, I was able to get a glimpse into just what it is like to be in her shoes.

Can you tell me what it’s like to be the director of the MVs? Describe an average day.  

Well, today I answered lots and lots of emails! I spend a lot of time communicating with prospective students, university staff who want to plan game days, those who are interested in borrowing the MVC for organizations, and various other organizations. We needed to get our uniforms cleaned a couple days ago since we got stuck in a monstrous rain storm. I spoke with the dry cleaners after we had gotten them cleaned, and I put together a schedule for our upcoming exhibition! 

Besides directing the MVs, what other music organizations at Virginia Tech do you direct? 

I direct a class here at VT called Woodwind Methods, featuring instruments such as the flute, clarinet, and saxophone. In the spring I instruct a similar course, but this one features the oboe and bassoon. In both of these classes I see a lot of Music Education students, since it is required for their specific major.

Tell me about your very first day as the boss!

My very first day as director of the Marching Virginians was definitely very nerve-wracking, but I was just so excited. I was the assistant director years back, and so luckily I had already made relationships within the band. Being the director of a college marching band had been my dream ever since I was a freshman in college, and so being able to achieve this goal just meant so much. 

What was your motivation to become a marching band director? 

I had wanted to be a band director actually since the seventh grade, but not until I got to college did I decide that I wanted to be a director of an athletic band. I have always loved music, and while participating in marching band in college, I fell in love with marching as well. I just love the sense of community within a college marching band, and I wanted to continue that in my future. 

What is your educational background?

After graduating high school, I attended the University of Illinois and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I then taught high school for four years, and then decided to go back to school. While back in school I attended Indiana University and earned my Master’s degree in Conducting. I then decided to continue my education and earn my Doctorate in Music Education from the University of Illinois.

Can you tell me about a favorite director, teacher or mentor that had an impact on you during your time in school? 

While I was attending Indiana University, I was a part of the Marching Hundred, under the direction of Dave Woodley. I admired his spirit and motivation to see each of us succeed. I also admire Dave McKee, and while he wasn’t my own instructor, I was able to learn so much from him as assistant director before he retired. 

Thanks for all you do, Dr. Polly! Source: Emily Saintsing

What motivates you as the director of not only the MVs, but of other music organizations at Virginia Tech? Why do you do it? 

My biggest motivation is the students. It is so rewarding to see students who love the band, take part in leadership positions, and make friends who love to march as much as they do. I absolutely love being a mentor to students and watching them grow as musicians, marchers, and people. I also enjoy keeping in touch with alumni after they’ve graduated, and seeing all of the amazing things they have accomplished after college.

Dr. Polly, our director, is such an amazing fit for the tremendous responsibility of being the director of the Marching Virginians. I absolutely loved being able to ask her why she does what she does and getting to learn about her inspiration for being the director of the MVs. Her spirit, determination and simply her love for music inspires each of us every single day.

MV for a Day 2023 - VT vs. ODU

Like many other Hokie fans across Virginia Tech’s campus and beyond, the Marching Virginians and hundreds of high schoolers welcomed the first game of the season with lots and lots of maroon! This past Saturday, September 2, was not only Virginia Tech’s first football game of the season, but it was also MV for a Day for the Marching Virginians! We had the tremendous opportunity of welcoming nearly 600 high school students to march alongside us in Lane Stadium.

Many of our members have fond memories of marching in high school, and some even attended MV for a Day themselves before becoming a member in college. Saturday was such a special day for each of us; all of the MVs just loved being able to march with all of the high schoolers!

The MV Drumline jumping to Enter Sandman. (Photo courtesy of Beau Wong)

1st Half

Our game started off to a promising start as the Hokies found themselves at 2-0 against Old Dominion. Into the second quarter, quarterback Grant Wells scored the first touchdown of the season with a 20 yard pass up the middle to wide receiver Jaylin Lane. After several plays, the score at halftime was 10 for ODU and 16 for Virginia Tech.

The MVs and high schoolers performing together during halftime. (Photo courtesy of Beau Wong)

Halftime

As our hardworking football team took their break, the Marching Virginians (and our high school friends!) took the stage — or, Worsham Field — during halftime. This past weekend the Marching Virginians put on our Superhero show, which consisted of well-known works from various film series. These included Avengers, Dr. Strange, Black Panther, and Loki. The MV’s performed music from Loki and Dr. Strange, and afterward our high school friends joined us to play music from Black Panther and Avengers. After our performance, we let the football team have their field back.

Touchdown! (Photo courtesy of Beau Wong)

2nd Half

Jumping back into the game, the each football team was hard at work trying to secure a win. Tech scored a touchdown early into the third quarter, with ODU scoring one soon after as well. ODU’s score became stagnant at 17 throughout the rest of the third and fourth quarter. Virginia Tech scored another touchdown, along with a couple field goals afterward. Virginia Tech won 36-17.

Stick around for upcoming posts from our blog! Hokie Nation is thrilled with such a great start to our football season, and the MVs cannot wait to march in Lane Stadium again in a few days! We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of our staff, leadership and high school band administration for all of their hard work and cooperation in making the MV for a Day go off without a hitch.

And, as always, go Hokies!