The MVs Go To Alexandria

Courtesy of Virginia Tech (Facebook)

On Friday, February 28th, a small group of the Marching Virginians travelled to Alexandria, Virginia, for the opening of Virginia Tech’s Innovative Campus, the “Center of Next.” While a short trip, it was a trip full of excitement as members got to interact with administrators of the university who were excited to hear the Spirit of Tech for this special occasion.

The Alexandria campus houses two Masters of Engineering — one in computer engineering and one in computer science and applications. Members of the band had the opportunity to see the new building. The building houses one large auditorium space, several areas for showcases which houses exhibits from students in creation and innovation programs, including MV Student Staff Assistant Atlas Vernier, as well as several state-of-the-art classrooms across its several floors.

While the short trip lasted barely 24 hours, it was so moving to witness the impact this ensemble has on members of Hokie Nation. The gratitude we felt for playing music for even under 10 minutes really brought excitement to many of the attendees. And furthermore, getting to be a part of this university’s history is what the Spirit of Tech is all about!

Aranjuez Across the Ages

“Concierto de Aranjuez,” by Joaquín Rodrigo, was originally written as a guitar piece. The song has been played by guitarists in solos as well as in orchestral arrangements, as well as by the Marching Virginians as one of our hits throughout the decades! Like many Jim Sochinski arrangements, “Aranjuez” has been a favorite to perform by the Marching Virginians. 

The 51st Edition of the Marching Virginians alone has performed this piece several times. The first was as a part of its 50th Anniversary Show and MV Alumni Day at the Marshall game. Furthermore, the piece was shared with high school students performing at exhibitions at Christiansburg, Riverbend and North Stafford high schools. 

This blog, with interviews from MV alumni and a current MV, highlights some of the ways that this piece has impacted every alumni and current members of the band throughout the decades.

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The 1986 Edition of the Marching Virginians

I have had the honor of working with it each time it has come back and watched it become the tradition it is today.  It means a lot that it connects with so many iterations of Marching Virginians.

Lisa VanDyke (Guard, 1985-1990)

The Marching Virginians is where Lise VanDyke found her husband of 34 years and instilled the love for color guard in her daughter, current MV Reilly VanDyke. While an office space designer in North Carolina, she could not stay away from the Marching Virginians for long post-graduation. She is one of the instructors for the Marching Virginians color guard, and we see her during band camp and at every Virginia Tech home football game.

VanDyke described the 1986 Edition of the Marching Virginians as extremely new, but the same feel as today with old traditions continuing to be valued while new traditions were always being formed. She shared that her favorite memory will always remember the 1986 season as the season where she met her future husband, Chuck VanDyke (snare), and where the Hokies won the Peach Bowl!

VanDyke was in a performance of “Aranjuez” during her second season in the Marching Virginians. She shared that the show is unlike any other, fun choreography that is “dancy and fun” with poses that the colorguard does not get to do in a typical show. 

VanDyke earned her B.A. in housing, interior design and resource management from Virginia Tech. 

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The 2017 Edition of the Marching Virginians

One of the most unique and special things about the MVs is how we can bring a concert band sound to a marching band, and I think Aranjuez showcases the very best of that in a way that's totally unique to us. I hope every MV gets a chance to perform it at least once.

Kent McDonough (Trumpet, 2016-2020)

Kent McDonough remembers 2017 as the last year that Dave McKee directed the Marching Virginians, and the organization welcomed Chad Reep in as the new assistant director. He shared the environment was exciting, with lots of reflection on the progress made during the band’s tenure,

Kent’s favorite part of “Aranjuez,” like any Trumpet player would share, would be rowing in the floating set, as if they were in canoes. Kent shared their section shirt highlighting they were the “Aranjuez Rowing Team.”

Kent McDonough is a two-time Hokie, earning his B.S. and M.S. in computer science, and is now living in Washington D.C. with his partner (and fellow former MV) Karen and their dog Libbi. 

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The 2020 Edition of the Marching Virginians

It is really special that the MVs still continue to march and play Aranjuez because it has been such a fun song for many different  generations of MVs to play.

Lauren Chuderwicz (Trumpet, 2019-2024)

She played in the COVID edition of the marching band, playing “Aranjuez” as a part of their performance repertoire for the year. Lauren shared that while challenged by COVID, she was impressed by the enthusiasm and the energy everyone brought to these modified and unusual rehearsals and performances.

Lauren shares her favorite part of “Aranjuez” is the Trumpet row, which you can see in the regular marching show where the Trumpets along the East sidelines row towards the end zones as they march to their dots!

Lauren Chuderwicz is a two-time Hokie, earning her B.S. and M.Eng. in Computer Engineering,and is now working on Radar Planes with Northop Grumman.

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The 2022 Edition of the Marching Virginians

Just about each edition has played countless pieces arranged or written by James Sochinski, including Aranjuez… No matter how different the band looks or feels today versus however many decades ago, the music that flows through our veins has the same roots, and continuing to honor that and play these pieces is the glue that sticks the generations together.

Audrey Jones (Piccolo, 2019-2023)

She shared that while tiring, the 2022 Edition was energetic, even with so many early kick off times. She shared the MVs were hyped up and ready to cheer on the team through every game.

Audrey shares that “Aranjuez” is an intense piece, a fun song that locks in and brings the intensity that a marching band wants to bring to its audience.

“Each edition of the band has different inside jokes and memes. But just about each edition has played Tech Triumph, the Hokie Pokie, and countless other pieces arranged or written by James Sochinski, including Aranjuez… No matter how different the band looks or feels today versus however many decades ago, the music that flows through our veins has the same roots, and continuing to honor that and play these pieces is the glue that sticks the generations together.”

Audrey Jones graduated with her B.S. in Fish Conservation, and she now lives in Idaho doing aquaculture and fish farming research. 

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The 2024 Edition of the Marching Virginians

The MV family has an unbreakable bond and having that show as a connection is one more reason to feel so connected to the other alumni.

Gracie Maslyn (Clarinet, 2021-2024)

She shared that the 2024 Edition is very special, with the level of performance and professionalism on the field being incomparable to previous seasons. Her description of Aranjuez highlights the blend between several instruments, and the interest that it brings to the listener in each performance.

Gracie shares her favorite part of the “Aranjuez” performance was the amount of times the 2024 Edition performed it this season, as well as the amount of effort and work the band has put in to make the show as amazing as it can be every single performance.

Gracie Maslyn will graduate this semester with her B.A. in Human Development.

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The Legacy of Jim Sochinski

Jim Sochinski’s time in the Marching Virginians is remarkable, and has been felt by members during his tenure at Virginia Tech up to students who never had the privilege to meet him. His arrangements, whether it be Tech Triumph or Aranjuez, still sits as the foundation of the Marching Virginians.

To Lauren Chuderwicz, continuing to play pieces such as Aranjuez means remembering the foundation and the traditions of the Marching Virginians. “It was an honor to play his arrangements and pay tribute to someone who impacted so many in our program.”

To many, “Aranjuez” is a story of many things, including the legacy in which the Marching Virginians pride themselves in, the history of those who put their time and effort on the field, and a reminder that even with change, the foundation of such an incredible organization continues with the band.

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NOTE: We’re looking for recollections of the oldest “Aranjuez” performance! If you marched in that first show, we want to hear from YOU! Let us know at mv.mco.1974@gmail.com.

H4TH: VT v. Clemson

Hokies 4 the Hungry (H4TH) is a combined effort with the Montgomery County Christmas Store to provide meals and discounted gifts for those in need during the holidays. It is a tradition that the MVs have supported for several years and is one that many members of the band look forward to participating in. Events include a week-long interband competition with bonus point items, and “canned bean” deduction points to harm other sections in the competition.

On gameday, the band disperses to tailgates to collect more cans and raise funds for the store to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and toys for their discounted Christmas store. It is a lot of fun for members of the band, but it is even more important to be supporting such a great cause in our community!

The Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team! (photo courtesy of Andrew Single)

First Half

The first quarter resulted in a tied score of 0-0, with both the Clemson Tigers and Virginia Tech Hokies showing off their strong defense. The excitement came when Clemson went for a field goal. Hokie’s Keyshawn Burgos blocked the kick, and Quentin Reddish recovered the ball, rushing it 77 yards for the first touchdown of the game! This ended the first half 0-7.

Halftime

This week’s show was Dark Disney, highlighting Villainous themes from several Disney classics, including “Hellfire” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, “Anthem of Evil” from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, “Breath of Life” by Florence & the Machine (written for Snow White and the Huntsman), and ended the show with the main theme from The Pirates of the Caribbean, written by Hans Zimmer. The show was full of several moving shapes and lines, creating impactful images on the field. As always, it was another amazing performance in Lane Stadium full of cheers and excitement as the fans’ favorite themes from Disney classics were shared.

Roaming pep bands! (photo courtesy of Andrew Single)

Second Half

The second half was not as hopeful for the Hokies, as Clemson scored two touchdowns and held the Virginia Tech offense from any attempts at earning any points before the end of the third quarter. After the small break, Clemson pushed the Virginia Tech defense down the field again to score their last touchdown of the game. The Virginia Tech Defense still pushed to keep Clemson from running all the way down the field, however Clemson made their last advances with a final successful field goal attempt. However, the Hokies were not done. With Virginia Tech quarterback, Collin Schlee, making his debut during the second half, he threw a 14 yard pass to Ayden Greene, adding one last touchdown for the Hokies within the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. The game ended with a Clemson victory, 24-14.

Although the Virginia Tech Hokies were not able to clutch a victory, the Marching Virginians won big this week with the Hokies 4 The Hungry canned food drive! In total, the Marching Virginians collected 21,217 cans within the band, beating the band record set last year! Congratulations to the MV Nets for collecting the most cans and most points during our interband competition!

MVs unloading cans after a successful food drive! (photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Christmas Store)

Furthermore, a HUGE thank you to the Clemson Marching Band for donating 2,200 cans and $800 to our cause during their visit! The band also collected additional cans and monetary donations during our roaming pep bands, bringing our final count to a total of 24,518 cans and $16,000!

We want to give a big thank you to everyone who participated in our food drive to support the Montgomery County Christmas Stores and those in need in our community during the upcoming holiday seasons!

50th Anniversary and Alumni Weekend - VT vs. Marshall

What better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Spirit of Tech than with a Alumni Day performance and a Virginia Tech Hokies victory? 

The VT vs. Marshall game weekend was packed with reunions, memories, and celebrations of what the Marching Virginians had accomplished. Friday night had started off with welcoming back the alumni with a reading session, allowing them to “warm up their chops” before their big performance on Saturday in Lane Stadium. The reading session was followed by an alumni banquet.

Alumni Event (Courtesy of Andrew Single)

The banquet was filled with Marching Virginians from every decade of the band, from 1974 all the way to current Marching Virginians sharing memories, exchanging stories, and celebrating how much this young marching band has accomplished. Emotions were very high as all looked back and dreamed of the future of the band.

“This 50th Anniversary had occurred because every person in this room left a part of them on that field,” Dave McKee shared during his speech to the Alumni. Sharing stories and looking at the band now, alumni were happy that their legacy still stood as a staple of not just Virginia Tech Football, but the atmosphere of so many students across many different colleges in the university. Dr. Polly Middleton ended the night by sharing “I hope you are always proud of the Marching Virginians… and I hope you look at the MVs with a sense of pride and excitement!”

Next up was GAMEDAY! All the current MVs and the Alumni met for rehearsal and shared with the Alumni the music and drill which would be shared with the thousands of fans in Lane Stadium.

First Quarter

Flyover! (Courtesy of Andrew Single)

The first quarter was slow and anxious at the same time, with Virginia Tech and Marshall making strong attempts to run the ball down the field with failed attempts. The quarter ended with excitement as Marshall punted the ball on 4th down. Jaylin Lane received the ball and ran 50 yards towards the North End Zone to celebrate a Virginia Tech touchdown with the Marching Virginians and student section to end the quarter at 7-0.

Second Quarter

We saw more action in the 2nd quarter, starting with Virginia Tech taking a 42 yard field goal to put the team at 10-0. Marshall pushed back as they pushed the Virginia Tech defense down the field making a 2 yard touchdown, pushing the Hokies at 10-7.

Halftime

As the game clock hit 0:00, the Marching Virginians took the field, opening their Alumni Day performance of “Aranjuez,” a band favorite which first made its debut in the Marching Virginians repertoire as another Jim Sochinski classic arrangement, and played throughout the 2010s and 2020s. Over 500 alumni members took to the field afterwards, with the combined Super Sousaphone section inviting everyone in Lane Stadium to the Hokie Pokie. Shennandoah and VPI Victory March followed, with the combined bands setting the field to present a large “50” for the 50th Anniversary. And just like that, the Marching Virginians finished Tech Triumph and sprinted back to their stands to continue rooting for the Hokies!

The halftime show was incredible. Over 800 Marching Virginians on the field, playing their hearts out, entertaining thousands with the melodies which have been shared for decades. This was a special show, as always, with every song arranged by late staff arranger James Sochinski. While no longer with us physically, his memories are carried by every MV who hits the field, as they play his pieces. And that made the show even more special than it already was. 

“Without Uncle Jim, we would not have been able to complete what we have accomplished... he poured every bit of sweat and knowledge into his arrangements.”

— Dave McKee

Third Quarter

Virginia Tech meant business, returning from halftime and pushing Marshall into the Red Zone for a 1 yard touchdown to push the score to 17-7. Marshall pushed the score with a 18 yard pass and touchtown to make a close 17-14. However, the Hokies returned shortly after to go 65 yards down the field, and finish with a 3 yard run by quarterback Kyron Drones, sliding past Marshall’s defense for a touchdown, leaving the score in the 3rd quarter to 24-14.

MVs and Hokie Football! (Courtesy of Andrew Single)

Fourth Quarter

The Hokies were not backing down yet, and started the quarter off strong with Drones throwing a 5 yard pass to Da’Quan Felton for a touchdown, sitting Virginia Tech at a comfortable 31-14. The Hokies held back Marshall for the rest of the game, guaranteeing another Virginia Tech Hokies’ victory for the books!

The Marching Virginians finished off their night in Lane Stadium with a new tradition, playing the ending medley from the Metallica show (Sad But True, Wherever I May Roam, Creeping Death, Lux Æterna, and of course, Enter Sandman) to celebrate all Virginia Tech victories. Lastly, the remaining fans saw a sky full of flying Marching Virginians as the night was finished with Superman.

The weekend was slam packed and exhausting for most, but it is memories that will be shared for a lifetime and never forgotten. However, the weekend’s festivities show what community has been built by this incredible organization. It is important to remember who has come, what is now, and what is to be – a grand show. 

In the words of the great Marching Virginians band director, Dave McKee, 

“Know the tradition, grow the tradition!”

From an Extreme Rookie to Leadership

Carter conducting at Hokies 4 The Hungry 2023! (MV Online Content)

I have been going to Virginia Tech football games my entire life; maroon and orange runs through my blood. I would sit by my Papa and Mama through the warm and sunny, rainy and windy, and whatever weather Blacksburg might bring us during the game. While I was always excited for every touchdown Virginia Tech made, I was more excited of the results of the touchdown — hearing the Marching Virginians play “Tech Triumph!”

I grew up begging my parents not to leave during halftime, saying “we can’t miss the band!” I knew that someday, I would be a dedicated marcher in high school, and furthermore, I would be a part of the Spirit of Tech. However, my dreams of participating in marching band were put on pause when I learned that I would have no high school marching band experience. My friends at other schools bragged about the community and all of the fun that they had at practice and making friends, practicing and rehearsing, and going to band competitions. My freshman year of high school, I remember going to the Virginia Tech football game and thinking “I will never be in that band; I will never be as good as them.”

Carter and Pix friends at dinner on the Military Bowl trip. (Rafael Garcia-Rodriguez)

Entering into my freshman year at Virginia Tech, I applied to the band and went to band camp to try out for the Marching Virginians. I cannot lie, it was overwhelming at first. To show up at a band camp with scores of freshmen sharing their high school experiences, talking about how incredible their high school bands were, terrified me. I thought I would not last. However, I did my best, I pushed to learn, and I worked as hard as I could to be the best marcher I could be. The leadership of the band was nothing but welcoming and encouraging. I remember one of my leaders in the piccolo section sharing with me that she had never marched before coming to Virginia Tech and she was impressed by the progress I was showing. I was determined to finish auditions as strong as I could whether I made the band or not. But let me tell you, to play Tech Triumph for my first time with the Marching Virginians was the most emotional experience I have ever had. I could not help but to cry. I had finally made it to the point I had dreamed about since elementary school. Whether or not I made the final cuts for the band, I finally had reached my goal.

Carter during band camp 2023. (MV Online Content)

Since then, I’ve surpassed that goal and have made it to my next goal, which was to become a member of MV leadership. Now, I am a piccolo rank captain.

I hope my story can be a testimony to what new members of the band can do, regardless of experience, and share what the Spirit of Tech is all about. The Marching Virginians is an organization that cares about community and service. I have made friends that I have gone through some amazing and terrible times with, and I know I can lean on them for anything. I have had some of my greatest memories of college in this band, whether it be at rehearsal laughing on the turf field, standing in the freezing and pouring rain, or jumping during “Enter Sandman” on Worsham Field in Lane Stadium. The Marching Virginians is an experience like no other.

If I could give any advice, tips, and tricks to any new member to the band, experienced or new to the world of marching, I would say you never know until you try. The Marching Virginians care about attitude, integrity, grit, and persistence. It is a matter of trying your best, listening to feedback, staying positive, and contributing as a member of the organization and the band. It takes work, but marching and adjusting to a different band arrangement is not hard if you put your time and effort into it. I now look back as a leader in the band to understand the incredible progress I have made, and how thankful I am to have people like Dr. Polly, Chad, and my section leadership who believed in me from the beginning, even as a new marcher.

There is nothing on this campus more incredible to be a part of than the Marching Virginians. It’s family, it’s support, it’s memories, and it truly is the foundation and the Spirit of Tech.