Band from the BENch: The Last Month

What a month it’s been! 

Plenty has happened since I last contributed to the Marching with the Virginian blog and to this series. The football team lost its head coach and started winning, Band 52 went parading down Main Street, and I edited more PA scripts than I’d like to admit. It’s been an absolute whirlwind, but it’s one I’m absolutely loving each and every day.  

From my viewpoint, the band has grown in strength and confidence exponentially over the last thirty days. Band 52 has beautifully matured into one unified sound from 330 individual voices, and it’s been such a blessing to see the results of hard work on football weekends.  

I’d like to review each thrilling event the MVs have been a part of over the last month in today’s blog post. Far too much time has passed since I last wrote for the website, which can be squarely placed on the fact that photography has been such a focus of mine now as a junior MV.  

I’ve also been slowly, but surely, playing my saxophone again for the first time since breaking my jaw in February. Maybe Band from the BENch won’t be from the bench much longer...at least I can hope.  

Vanderbilt 

My first view from the VT press box. Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

Ah, Vanderbilt. The promise of a new season still stood before Hokie Nation when we faced the Commodores, a team that had garnered national attention after knocking off Alabama just a season ago. Yet, they had to face not just the Hokies but a raucous Lane Stadium in the home opener. I had plenty of faith heading into the matchup. 

Under a signature Blacksburg night sky, Band 52 took the field and performed a knock-your-socks-off Superhero show that featured music from plenty of great comic book adaptations. My personal favorite was the Superman set, in which MVs perfectly dressed to create the sharp lines of Clark Kent’s signature “S” chest piece.  

What made my experience on Superhero Saturday special, however, was the fact that I was able to travel to the tip-top of Lane Stadium and photograph the band in the press box. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with cameraman Matt McHugh this fall, our specialist when it comes to recording halftime performances. If you’re watching a performance on the MV YouTube, it was probably recorded by him. 

My first trip to the press box started with a journey that first weaved through Lane Stadium attendees and ended with a seven-floor elevator ride to the roof of the venue. The sheer size of not only the stadium, but Worsham Field is in my opinion only conceptualized by a view like that (see right). It’s high, it’s loud, and you can really feel the passion Hokie Nation comes in with each time the Hokies take the field.  

The rest of the game is one I’d like to forget. 34 unanswered points, barely any offensive production, and a brutal collapse from our defensive unit was a tough watch, especially seeing so many fans up and leave once the score became too much to bear. I have never seen something quite like that, or so I had thought, seeing that we then witnessed... 

Old Dominion 

As far as confidence goes when analyzing the Hokies football team, mine was high knowing that we had a chance to bounce back against Old Dominion. A team that plays in the Sun Belt conference should not give the Hokies trouble, especially seeing as they had just let Indiana do whatever they pleased two weeks prior. 

Such was not the case, however. Quarterback Colton Joseph meticulously diced up our team once again, a loss so unforgivable that it resulted in former head coach Brent Pry getting the boot from Blacksburg. 

If only Mitch knew what was coming… Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

From a media perspective, this was an utterly fascinating time. I’ve mentioned my employment with Virginia Tech Athletics mostly by word of mouth to other MVs, and my work there is largely focused on curating article content akin to that of the MV blog. That week post-Pry was one of the most interesting weeks of my entire life. It was like the life was sucked out of Blacksburg, many people unsure of what was to happen next or how we would move on as an athletics program.  

Being on the wings of those conversations, the “What happens next?” talks, was especially peculiar in the best ways. I was challenged both at work and at the band, especially in crafting the newsletters that MVs read each week. Going back and seeing how people were so emotive in their reactions to the game provided some tragically beautiful moments. It was a weekend, and a week, that I won’t forget anytime soon.  

Wofford 

New coach, new kickoff time, and to some, a new season. That was the Wofford game just a couple weekends ago. The Terriers rolled into town on a noon kickoff game and played the Hokies under an unrelenting sun, and it was the first game that the Hokies had interim head coach Philip Montgomery at the helm.  

My gameday experience on the Wofford weekend started off in a half-funny, half-ridiculous way. I’m admitting this seeing as it was many weeks ago now, but I was almost late to band because I GROSSLY mistimed my McDonald’s breakfast drive-thru order. I jogged through the trail behind the MVC to arrive at 8:02 a.m. when the call time was 8 a.m. That one’s on me.  

Lot of good energy throughout this game. Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

More content was captured at this game, this time with a new camera lens from the VT School of Communication (us journalism majors get the good stuff). I was able to utilize an enhanced zoom for a plethora of shots, and these were much more positive than those I captured when we faced Vanderbilt and Old Dominion.  

Military Appreciation was the focus of our field show on Wofford weekend, and I got to enjoy that from the air-conditioned press box. The sets looked superb, and I could really tell how much it meant to members of Hokie Nation that we honored their bravery and valor with our show. Military is always one of my favorite shows to perform, but it was even more special to witness it the way I did this season.  

Wake Forest/Homecoming 

Wake Forest weekend rolled into Blacksburg after the MVs had a moment to breathe on our first off weekend of the season. I spent mine swaddled in blankets on my couch in Richmond. Seeing my dad launch off the couch after we beat NC State is seared into my mind.  

Homecoming weekend always has a rare air in Blacksburg. I personally believe it’s because this town and this university mean so much to so many people, and seeing former Hokies reunite in downtown bars, dining halls, and on the Drillfield makes the celebration so much fun. 

So many people stopped and cheered for the MVs! Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

The parade on Friday was unlike anything I have captured in not just the MVs, but in my budding media career. I broke my out Saucony running shoes – bright neon orange with green and white laces, in case anyone was curious – and was quite literally SPRINTING down Main Street to capture good angles of the MVs. The band was moving so quickly and was hitting so many turns that I truly felt like I wasn’t going to keep up. My Apple Watch rings must have been so proud of me.  

Gameday was just as fun. The atmosphere was vibrant, the fans were loud, and the Hokies donned fully orange uniforms with never-before-worn helmets at the 1 p.m. kickoff. While we did lose, I felt the most confident I ever have in my camera work on Saturday. The camera felt like an extension of me this game, maybe because the mysterious morning weather gave me a chance to capture some interesting angles before March to Victory.  

While we did lose, I’ve grown to appreciate afternoon games because we’re done no later than 6 p.m. After I left the MVC, I wolfed down Five Guys Burgers and Fries with my parents, came home, took a shower, did some laundry, and edited photos while I let a Burt’s Bees facemask do its thing. Self-care is me, and I am self-care. It was awesome.  

The last month has been such a blast with The Marching Virginians. I’m so excited that our outstanding MV Blog Team is going to be hitting the ground running this month, and I encourage anyone reading this to meet the bloggers on page located at the top of this site.  

To many more awesome rehearsals, gamedays, and events, Band 52! 

Press Book: Wake Forest

Press Book: Wofford

Press Book: Old Dominion

Press Book: Vanderbilt

Band from the BENch: Atlanta

I’ve been to Mercedes-Benz Stadium twice. Once this past weekend...and once for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” More specifically, her Atlanta leg of the tour, night three, back in 2023. I think that concert made me more tired than any halftime MV performance ever has... 

Atlanta was an absolute blast. Being able to kick off our season in one of the most architecturally savvy stadiums in the nation was an experience I and many other MVs will never forget. From the team walk, to pregame, to halftime, to the four exciting quarters of nonstop stand tunes, this was one of the coolest ways Band 52 could have started our year. 

I started my Atlanta trip at the Waffle House on Main Street in Blacksburg. When I saw the itinerary and noticed how little time was allotted for food on our trip down south, I had decided the night prior that I would wake up and scrounge for the largest breakfast I could find.  

The stadium we played in was absolutely gorgeous. Photo: Benjamin Gozzi

I about died laughing when I walked into the restaurant and saw half the restaurant being occupied by other MVs. Half of the tubas, led by Senior Staff Assistant Atlas Vernier, outfitted the bar area while various other marchers sat in booths. I found my seat at the bar adjacent to the VTubas and enjoyed one of the better All-Star Specials I’ve ever had.  

The MVC always has a different air on big days. I know I personally take our beautiful marching grounds for granted at times, especially when we show up here every day at the same time, at the same place, for the same activity. Yet, on gamedays and travel days, there’s more excitement. That was the case on Saturday, and that same excitement only grew when a fleet of charter buses rolled up Chicken Hill at the close of rehearsal.  

The bus ride down was punctuated by good conversation, good friends, and good rest stops. I liked the one in Atlanta that had a giant bulldog in the lobby, which threw my very tired self for a total loop when I first saw the statue. I also watched The Summer I Turned Pretty, which I’m sure bothered my bus partner and good friend Nick Louvet as I reacted to the ridiculousness of that show. If any of those reading this piece are firm members of Team Jeremiah...praying for you.  

After finally arriving in Atlanta (I finished five episodes of “TSITP” on the way down), the energy was palpable as floods of marchers entered our hotel. And this hotel was nice. The water fixture leading to the elevators screamed opulence, and the rooms themselves were spacious and comfortable. I was with fellow saxophone section mates in the room, a room that saw us for all of five minutes before we hopped on a train and beelined it for food. 

In our journey for something to eat under the Atlanta night sky, the saxophones that I traveled with eventually became a saxophone-trumpet-VT Drumline-horn mob of hungry MVs. Our sax group, after traversing through monorails, parts of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and metro rides, arrived at Alma Cocina in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  

What made the dinner trip more memorable than expected weren’t my spicy shrimp tacos and heaping piles of appetizer nachos. Instead, it was the fact that, at the same time of the Aflac Kickoff Game weekend, “Dragon Con” was occurring. Unbeknownst to myself and other saxophones I traveled with, this event was a celebration of all things media and television over the course of one hot Atlanta weekend. “Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe,” reads the website. 

So, instead of what one may assume would be a casual Latin American dining experience, I was chowing down with Wario, Princess Zelda, and Ricky Bobby from the 2006 film “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” The entire dinner was an out-of-body experience of sorts, and there were borderline hallucinatory moments of the meal that made me think I was imagining everything happening to me. Such is not the case, though.  

This group of Dragon Con attendees had asked for a photo, and I had to jump in. Photo: Joey Bachert, saxophone rank captain

The rest of our evening was largely uneventful, minus a lengthy return trip home that featured a pair of metro rides and a sleepiness that almost took hold while I sat on the train.  

Like Saturday morning, the beginning of Sunday retained that same excitement factor that MVs always have on gameday. Soon after everyone was organized, we were whisked away to our buses and traveled to the team walk before entering the stadium. 

IT WAS SO HOT. I was adorned with MV swag from head to toe, but that jacket is not conducive to 80-degree heat and unrelenting sun. Being able to photograph the team walk, however, made my temporary sweatiness worth it. I had never been so close to Virginia Tech football head coach Brent Pry and quarterback Kyron Drones, and seeing how amped the two were gave me faith heading into the contest (...bummer).  

The only thing that made me worried about my success during the game was the fact that I didn’t have a credential. Yet, thanks to Dr. Polly’s quick action, I was soon able to secure my own...but not without its own story. 

My last name has been butchered by those who do not know me for the better part of my life. Benjamin Gozzi, pronounced “Gah-zee,” has been mutilated into “Go-zee,” “Go-zye,” and on the most egregious occasions, “Got-see,” like we’re in Calabria with my ancestors saying “Piz-za.” 

Never in my life has my name been misspelled, though. It’s always been two Zs, one O, all held together by a G and an I. When a missed exchange left my name off the credential list for Atlanta, the wonderful Dr. Polly rushed to print me a new one.  

The result? Ben Goozi. Dr. Polly handed me the credential with the biggest laugh, the two of us equally dumbfounded yet amused by the mistake. Even as I type this blog, I still get a kick out of the whole thing seeing my first band credential marked so erroneously as it hangs above my nightstand. The legend of Ben Goozi, cameraman and media guy, was born in Georgia.  

BEN GOOZI. Photo: Benjamin Gozzi

The game itself was an exciting one, although the on-field product left much to be desired. I enjoyed walking around with a camera and capturing the moments of the contest, focusing much of my attention on the MVs playing all around me. I tend to place more emphasis on the writing side of my multimedia endeavors, but being able to take the camera for a spin in environments like Atlanta has given me lots of real-world practice that I’ll forever be grateful for.  

A mad dash back to the buses once the game concluded was the catalyst for a sleepy, dream-like journey back to Blacksburg. I tried my hardest to sleep (my aforementioned bus buddy Nick was out cold) but I tossed and turned throughout the ride home.  

Finally, we arrived back in Blacksburg, and it took me all of two seconds to get home (the perks of not having a uniform to manage!). It was a trip I’ll never forget, one full of memories and great experiences, and I can’t wait to do it all again come Saturday against Vanderbilt.  

Band from the BENch: Band Camp

My name is Benjamin Gozzi, and I have a broken jaw. 

Well, had. Six months ago, I fainted off my apartment stairs and crash-landed onto a gravelly parking lot, shattering my mandible in three places and breaking four teeth. My mouth was clamped shut for eight weeks in the spring of my sophomore year. Not a great way to spend a semester. 

Funnily enough, I can clearly remember thinking to myself, “Man, you might never play the saxophone again,” after I fell. I’ve had the great pleasure of being a member of the MV Saxophone section for the past two seasons, even serving as one of four sax Rank Captains in the 2024-25 season. I love this band to the point that I was thinking about it on my way to the hospital, which makes me smile now that so much time has passed. 

When I sent Dr. Polly and Chad the first email letting them know of my injury, I knew that my chances of being ready for the auditions earlier this year were slim. I’d argue that the saxophone is one of the most jaw-dependent instruments in the MVs, especially when you consider the embouchure one needs to play well. Hence, I knew I needed a backup plan. I study Multimedia Journalism and Digital Marketing Strategy at Virginia Tech, and when I realized that former Marketing and Communications Officer (and great friend!) Emy Delaporte was graduating, I knew that was my in. I had to be in the band...even if I couldn’t play. 

Now the sitting MCO, I feel uniquely qualified to be writing about what Band 52 will mean to me this season. I enter with a perspective that I pray no one learns themselves. Yet, knowing that I have the chance to blog about it makes me thankful for the hardships I’ve been able to endure.  

Also, I think the series name is witty. 

-- 

My own Band Camp experience is, of course, unlike anyone else’s.  

I entered Leadership Retreat in mid-August utterly consumed by ambiguity. Even though I was tagged as MCO, the role didn’t come with a handbook. Would I be secluded to writing and managing the blog? I knew that was in the job description. But what would I do with the time I now had, the same time that would normally be spent learning drill and music during the week? 

I had my questions answered in some of my initial meetings with Dr. Polly and Chad. I was to be “multimedia staff” - not a Senior Staff Assistant, not a manager, not a marcher – but the founding and sole member of “multimedia staff” that would help game days go smoothly come September. I interpreted it as making MCO more “do-it-yourself" than it has been in years prior.  

Working with Online Content Officers Taylor Harrison and Katie Sabo has given the MCO role more direction than I could have imagined. Both members of the MV Clarinet section are absolute wizards when it comes to social media, whether it be in content creation or photographing the band, and working with them has been a joy. They made the first days of Leadership Retreat an absolute breeze. It was a trio of dedicated, social media-minded MVs collaborating consistently and efficiently.  

The first day of Band 52’s band camp, after rookies had been registered and returners had joined the band once more, made me realize how much I took them for granted. With Harrison and Sabo now splitting time between Instagram and the marching field, I realized I could pick up some of the outward-facing media responsibilities. In response to this realization, I grabbed Harrison’s camera (thank you, Taylor), plugged in my SD card, grabbed my phone and mini microphone, and got to work. 

Band 52 sets elements of their “Pregame” show in Lane Stadium. Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi, MCO

Band Camp at the MVs follows a loose “marching-music-combo" session format. I say combo because the evening session, as marchers are washed in illuminated white light, allows the band to run music while marching in the shows Dr. Polly and Chad are looking to perfect. In this year’s band camp, we’ve been perfecting both our Superhero show, which has been shelved since 2018, and parts of the classic Pregame performance.  

Capturing the work Band 52 has been doing for the past week and a half has made the low-lying jealousy towards those on the field much more manageable. Walking around the MVC and seeing the smiling faces through a camera lens has given me a new purpose in this ensemble, one fully focused on elevating the voices of others while also giving me a chance to stay somewhat involved. I’ve had a first-hand look at service events from Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, seen the band merge into intricate designs from my tower vantage point, and have worked with some of the most talented photographers who are found on the Senior Staff Assistant team. If you want to make your jaw drop, ask how much money Andrew Single has spent on his camera equipment.  

Oddly enough, I also think I’ve arguably met more folks in this band than I did as a Rank Captain a season ago. I credit this to my “MV Help Desk,” which metamorphosed from the “Multimedia Help Desk” after I realized that no one really needs multimedia help. I positioned myself on the bathroom-side wall and brought essentials that I thought people may need: Chargers, pencils, pens, and the like. Never did I imagine that this would end up being a place where people could stop by and chat, tell me about their sectionals, how they slept the night before, or how they’re doing outside of band. While I don’t know all 330 members of the band yet, the desk has helped me connect with some of the most passionate, kind folks I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.  

Even though I’d kill to be on that field right now, I’m more excited than I have been in a long time. This role is so perfectly tailored to what I’m interested in doing post-Virginia Tech, and to be able to have this experience now only adds to the excitement that has been my college career thus far. I can’t wait to see how Band 52 contributes not only to the university, but also how they contribute to each other.  

Jaylyn Resh twirls into the spotlight

Baton twirling, per the World Baton Twirling Federation, is defined as the “manipulation of a metal rod and the performer’s body to a coordinated program of skills set to music.” Considered a sport by the organization, the discipline is an artistic incorporation of dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics that all come together in “dexterity, smoothness, fluidity, and speed,” says the site.  

Since The Marching Virginians’ inception in the early 1970s, feature twirlers have been a mainstay in the halftime performances at Lane Stadium. Thrilling the audience with dazzling tricks is part of the job description, and it goes without saying that the role is easily one of the most technically demanding in the entire ensemble.  

With its high-flying tosses and jaw-dropping routines, twirling would be practically impossible for the average person to do well. For incoming freshman Jaylyn Resh, however, twirling is a passion that she can’t wait to display at the collegiate level. I had a chance to interview Resh as she enters not only her first year of college at Virginia Tech, but her first year as the Feature Twirler for the 2025-26 iteration of The Marching Virginians. 

Resh hails from Pennsylvania and joins the MVs after twirling for nearly her whole life. Inspired by her mother, who twirled in high school, Resh first found the baton at just four years old and has loved the practice since.  

“My mom was a twirler in her band. She wasn’t as into it as I am, but she just wanted her kid to do the same thing that she did,” the twirler reflected.  

Resh shines in an evening Band Camp session. Taken by Taylor Harrison, Online Content Officer

Becoming more involved as time progressed, Resh found herself in the middle of the uber-intense competitive twirling scene, an arena that focuses largely on technical skill over the flashiness of a performance. It’s more trick-focused, Resh told me, than moving around the field. 

“[Twirling competitively] is really different from twirling on a field. You do a lot more challenging tricks, [and] you’re not really moving all over like on the field,” said Resh. “You’re at a standstill...there are a lot of competitions, and the season never really stops.” 

Resh isn’t kidding, either: The year-round affair is punctuated by a nationwide competition, the 2025 tournament taking place at the University of Notre Dame’s campus earlier this summer. After the tournament concludes, said Resh, a two-month break is the only real downtime she gets before ramping up her training schedule for the next year’s showcase.  

Resh’s practice regimen is also nothing to balk at. In seasons where she vies for the top spot at the national level, she’ll spend hours sharpening the skills that have already taken her to new heights.  

“Whenever I go to the gym to practice, it’s about an hour and a half to two hours of practice per day,” said Resh. “[It’s] making sure you’re keeping everything up.” 

Generally, a training session will consist of repeated tricks that she knows will be included in a future performance, says Resh. High toss tricks, as they’re called, often make up a majority of the routine, and they serve as the moments “where you can take a minute to smile at the audience, or just have a moment to breathe.” Striking a balance between the sparking high toss tricks and the more impressive, technical displays is key, she told me: “You want to make sure it’s [the routine] is packed full of impressive things that are going to draw the audience in to watch you.” 

Outside of the competitive sphere, Resh was also a feature twirler for her high school’s marching band. When asked what she’s most excited for when joining the MVs, her answer was simple: Illuminating the night sky with a fiery baton. 

“Fire was my favorite part of high school band,” said Resh. “I’m really looking forward to twirling fire at the night games.” 

In the winding journey that has been Resh’s twirling career, there have been signature moments that made the incoming freshman realize her dream of performing at the collegiate level. Most notably, it’s the yearly experience of seeing twirlers from across the nation at the same National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) competition at Notre Dame. 

“Obviously, I have never participated in the event before, but you sit in the stands and watch all these incredible feature twirlers from all these universities perform,” reflected Resh.  “They have fun music from the band, and it’s such an encouraging moment to watch and think, ‘That could be me.’” 

Now entering into her first season as the Feature Twirler for The Marching Virginians, it’s not just about the tricks and spins for the freshman. It’s about making people realize, she said, that twirling deserves just as much attention and respect as any other sport or discipline.  

“I feel like, to a lot of people, they don’t know a lot about baton,” asserted Resh. “I definitely think that baton twirling needs to be brought to light, [in that] it’s difficult and you need to practice multiple hours every day. I’m hoping that, as the Feature Twirler at Virginia Tech, I can do lots of performances to make the public aware of it.” 

Farewell in Duet for Piccolo

This piece was co-written by Carter Bohart and Emelia Delaporte. She’s very glad he came up with this idea.

With the end of the 2024 marching season came the last time that we would march on the same field, play in the same band and partake in some of our favorite traditions together. Alumni weekends may come, but they won’t be the same. Our three years of marching together have held so many memories in an abundance of locations – behind the gates of the MVC, up in the stands at Lane Stadium, around town in Blacksburg and beyond.

Carter, Erin, Emy, Brad (left to right) at Band Banquet 2024

We met during the 2022 Edition of the Marching Virginians. Carter was a first-year student and Emy was a second-year student. We became an inseparable group including two other second-year piccolos, Brad Vezzetti and Erin Stevenson, adopting Carter as “our rookie.” The group chat is aptly named “impulsive pix.”

We started with simple adventures that quickly morphed into less common outings – showing Carter around campus and sitting in Emy’s car in the Regal parking lot after a late-night movie turned into boat ramp star-gazing on the New River, running back and forth across the state line in Glen Lyn, multiple trips to the two-state city of Bluefield and more. We trimmed Emy’s hair in Erin’s bathroom once, though not very well. We tried to drink a whole gallon of sweet tea at McDonald’s.

We huddled together and kept warm during those brutal “first winters” up on Chicken Hill during those cold October rehearsals, and drove each other insane with our 1:00 AM text messages. When the need to work prevailed over the desire to engage in the free-time capers that we had deemed “jailbreakin,” we studied in Squires for hours after closing on Tuesday nights. 

Erin, a piccolo rank captain, graduated last year and has been able to visit a couple of times. The more recent visit found us catching up over Cookout and visiting yet another boat ramp to drop big rocks off a bridge and wade in the water, with an attentive eye on the moon. Brad is here with us, and will leave Virginia Tech alongside Emy in May. Carter stays on, working towards completing his master’s degree. 

Photo by Anna Payne, taken in Lane Stadium.

From Carter

I want to thank the Marching Virginians for the opportunities I was given during my undergraduate studies, the friendships that were made, the family that were formed, and therefore the greatest support network I could have asked for during my time in college. It is so interesting to look back at the dynamics of what a freshman in a new state and new town is like, and I am so glad I met my adventurous wilderness explorer friend, my biology friend who just wants to be an EMT like me so bad, and my quiet friend who, after watching in concert, I still am not sold on the fact he plays the bassoon.

While I will be in Blacksburg and the Marching Virginians for another season, I have no idea what I will do without my best friends by my side. Probably drag them all back for Alumni Day regardless of if they are available or not, or possibly FaceTiming them through rehearsal so they are forced to continue rehearsing. Only time will tell. Yet, I cannot be anything but thankful for this amazing group of people and how the Marching Virginians brought us together. While this group splits to be officially scattered across the east coast, I know where all our hearts lay; in an impulsive group chat and a turf field atop Chicken Hill.

Photo by Daniel Long, taken near Capon Bridge, WV.

From Emy

impulsive pix has been my center of gravity in Blacksburg. The fall of 2022, when we first met Carter, followed a summer of a lot of self-discovery that left me floundering a bit about who I was, what I wanted and how to get it once I got back to campus. Magnetization to Erin had occurred the previous winter at the Pinstripe Bowl, and to Brad slowly over that summer about DCI and abandoned buildings, through lots of Wikipedia links. Carter was the missing piece of the puzzle and it all clicked from there. I’ll admit that when we first met him, I was excited to have an underclassman that I considered in my care, and promptly labeled his contact “Houseplant.” Realistically, he’s taken just as much, if not more, care of me. 

Carter has been my parallel in ambition, passion and demand for things to be done right. Knowing him has made me more assured in my standards of labor and my belief in good things to come. We temper each other in the best way. I hope he’s ready for a lot of voicemails, and I hope that the group chat is ready for many more late night messages lacking in necessary context, for the sake of the bit. The Marching Virginians gave me these people and I’m sincerely grateful for it. I’m likewise grateful for the chance to see what our friendships look like without it. It has been a pleasure to serve as your MCO these past two years, and to play piccolo for you.

Thank you, Marching Virginians, for all you have given us across the years! DEUCES!

All our love,

Emy, 2023-2025 Marketing & Communications Officer

Carter, 2024-2025 Piccolo Section Leader and Marching with the Virginians Blogger

Emy and Carter on the West Virginia border in (the now former) town of Glen Lyn in fall 2023.

Run in Remembrance: 2025

Last year I had the incredible opportunity of getting to meet Ryan “Stack” Clark’s mom, Mrs. Letitie Clark. I interviewed her for our blog, and we talked about her sweet son, what he was like, and his love for the Marching Virginians. A year later, I still think about our interview and how we can remember and honor Ryan and his lasting impact on not only the Marching Virginians, but the Virginia Tech community.

MVs participate in remembering Ryan with each visit to the Sochinski-McKee Marching Virginians Center, where a Hokie Bird named Stack stands watch over our practice field. Many MVs take additional opportunities to remember stack, such as participating in the annual Run in Remembrance put on by the university. Some will participate in the event itself by running or walking, and others will play in a pep band to cheer on the participants.

This year’s event starts at 9:00 a.m. on April 12, commencing with a moment of silence to honor the 32 students and faculty who were lost on April 16, 2007. Those participating will include 3.2 miles for the 32 lost, and the route will loop around Virginia Tech. The loop will begin in front of War Memorial Hall, and it will pass landmarks such as The Grove, Lane Stadium, and the Virginia Tech Pylons, and will conclude at the April 16 Memorial, just in front of Burruss Hall.

Those who are unable to attend in person are able to participate virtually. These participants are encouraged to move in a meaningful way, and to share their experiences by posting photos online, with the hashtag #VT32Run on Instagram and X.

Each year, Virginia Tech has a variety of events that are dedicated to the remembrance of those who were lost on April 16, 2007. These include the readings of selected poetry, the Run in Remembrance, and a ceremonial candle lit at midnight on April 16, 2025. That evening, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand guard for exactly 32 minutes at the April 16 Memorial, starting at 11:27 p.m.

We remember the 32 victims not only today, but throughout the future of Virginia Tech. For more information, please see Virginia Tech’s “We Remember” at weremember.vt.edu.

The Run for Ryan 5k: A New Tradition

On Sunday, March 23, the Marching Virginians the first ever Run for Ryan — a 5k honoring Ryan “Stack” Clark. The route began on the MV practice field and continued down Southgate Drive, looping underneath US-460.

The runners were a mix of current MVs and alumni, with former director Dave McKee making a special appearance. On the field, in true MV fashion, the runners (and walkers) were led in group stretches and breathing exercises before doing the Hokie Pokie. Once the pep band kicked off with Tech Triumph, the runners took off, each tapping Stack’s statue on their way out the gate.

Runners were cheered on by volunteers and provided with water along the entire path. While making it up Chicken Hill for the run’s finale was no easy task, the runners were congratulated with the pep band’s many iconic tunes as they crossed the finish line. Afterwards, the runners were provided a lunch of pizza and apples under the pavilion.

While this was the first Run for Ryan 5k held at Virginia Tech, Ryan’s hometown in Georgia hosts a similar 5k each year in honor of his passing. The proceeds of the run are donated to the Ryan Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award, founded by his mother, Mrs. Letitie Clark. The scholarship provides aid to upcoming collegiate students who demonstrate excellence in community service.

For more information about or to donate to the Ryan Clark Scholarship, please visit www.ryanstackclark.org.

The Hokies Pep Band Takes on March

The Hokies Pep Band shows its support on Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball as it competes in the 2025 WBIT Tournament (Joey Bachert)

While the arrival of spring is often tied to longer days and warmer weather, the college sports world also celebrates the high-octane March Madness Tournament. This year, both Virginia Tech Men’s and Women’s basketball fell short of making the tournament, with the women’s team being the first team out of the women’s NCAA tournament. 

Although, for the first time since 2017, Virginia Tech will not be competing in March Madness, the women’s team did receive an invitation to the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). Since Tech was the first team out (or in other words being the best team that didn’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament), the Hokies received the first overall seed in the WBIT.

In its first-round matchup hosting North Carolina A&T, Virginia Tech came away with a 61-45 victory against the Aggies. Although it may be the postseason, the band was in its usual spot as it cheered for the Hokies.

(Joey Bachert)

Virginia Tech will square off against Texas Tech in Cassell Coliseum on Sunday, Mar. 23 at 2:00 p.m.. In the event they win that game as well as the game after, they will travel to Indianapolis for the semifinal and championship rounds. If they do so, the band could possibly travel with them.

Though Virginia Tech Basketball was unable to qualify for March Madness, the women’s team’s season is not over just yet. With that, there is no doubt that the Hokies Pep Band will cheer them on until the end.

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!

Drumroll, please: A conversation with Hayden Milic, section leader with the Virginia Tech Drumline

The spring semester is always a tricky time for the Marching Virginians. The noticeable absence of daily practice can throw the routine of the fall semester awry, but don’t fret – the band will be back before you know it! 

I had a chance to conduct a digital interview with Hayden Milic earlier this month. Milic, who will be returning to the Marching Virginians as a drumline section leader, has been a dedicated member of the MVs since he first began as a freshman. It was a pleasure to ask Milic about his thoughts heading into what will be his fourth consecutive year in the band and his third consecutive year as a section leader.  

---

For new members/those who don’t know you yet, tell us a little bit about yourself.  

Hey! My name is Hayden Milic, and I’m a rising senior studying Aerospace Engineering with a focus on guidance and control systems. I’m originally from Hershey, PA, and I came to VT for both the engineering program and the band and have loved my time here since! 

Outside of the band, I keep myself pretty busy. I do research with the Hume Center, help run a few clubs around campus and am a Defense Civilian Training Corps scholar. When I do have free time, I love hiking, coding personal projects, and cooking—almost as much as I love eating afterward. 

What has your experience been with the MVs up to this point? 

This will be my 4th year in the MV’s on quads and my 3rd year as a section leader, and I have nothing but praise to give. The community aspect of the band can’t be overstated, and it’s honestly been a huge part of my college experience. The drumline especially has always been a tight-knit group, so starting my freshman year with a great group of friends really set me on the path [to] success. We end every day by doing something we love with some of our closest friends, and I don’t think you’ll find that experience at any other club here! 

How does section leader of the drumline contribute to your experience with the band? 

That’s a great question! It certainly gives you an appreciation of the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Everyone from the directors to the managers to the officers does so much to teach, feed, and mobilize this group of 330. Being a part of the leadership team that makes that magic happen is incredibly rewarding, and it’s been one of the best parts of my experience with the MVs. 

Do you have any memorable moments that you can remember from your time as an MV? 

I think I could sum up the class of 26’s MV experience in one word: RAIN. Our first game freshman year was on a rainy day, and it was only an omen for things to come… Between rehearsals, game-days, and bowl games, I don’t think I’ll ever forget all the rain! But if I had to pick one event, it would be the infamous rain game against Purdue. It was a long, soggy day, but when I look back at it, I can’t help but laugh. There were some great games of cornhole against the Hokie Bird, and I think I had the best nap of my life on that turf field. 

After a massively successful run as section leader last season, how do you plan to bring the same energy to the upcoming marching season? 

I have to attribute that success to the line itself! We had a great group of drummers last year that made the season a blast, and this year I want to keep that momentum going. We always aim to set a high standard, make practices productive but fun, and keep up the energy. We have a truly fantastic group in leadership this year that I’m looking forward to working with, so there’s no doubt in my mind we’re in for a great season. Plus, we have new drums in the works, so I’m excited to look and sound cleaner than ever! 

What’s your favorite part of being a drumline section leader?  

Honestly, it’s the people. The drumline, and the band as a whole, are all like a second family. I know how helpful that was to me as a freshman, to come into a welcoming and fun environment, and start college off with a large support network. So, every year as we have new people audition, I’m excited to help provide that opportunity to others, and to help grow the MV family. Writing, teaching, and playing music are all a blast, don’t get me wrong. But at the end of the day, I love my job because I get to enable people to do what they love, and to join this amazing group. 

---

While practice may not be as regular at the MVC, the band is continuing to do great things in its offseason. If you see Hayden once the season ramps back up, be sure to introduce yourself! 

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!

Recap: Mayo Bowl

This blog was written by Sarah Bell and Evan Bainer, Marching with the Virginians blog staff.

The MVs had such an incredible start to the New Year by getting to perform at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl! Although there are some MVs that aren’t really fond of mayonnaise, we all had a wonderful time getting to support the Hokies, meeting members of the Pride of Minnesota marching band, and spending time together on our trip.  

Our adventure began on January 2nd, as we hopped on the buses and travelled down to North Carolina. After arriving in Charlotte, select members of the band and headed over to the common area outside of Truist for a “Battle of the Bands” with the University of Minnesota’s marching band! Each band played special tunes, along with each fight song for the schools. No need to worry, it was a very friendly competition, and both Minnesota and Tech fans had such a blast kicking off the cold, mayo-filled weekend.

(Photo: Bob White)

The next morning, the MVs were up bright and early to catch the buses on the way to rehearsal at the UNC Charlotte stadium! We want to give a HUGE shout out to Dr. Hunter Kopcynski, director of UNC Charlotte’s Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band, for allowing us the opportunity to rehearse on their field! Dr. Polly introduced us to him during our rehearsal, and told us that he was a proud MV alum. We practiced our music, ran through our drill, and worked out the logistics until we felt confident for that afternoon’s performance in front of Hokie and Minnesota fans!  

After rehearsal, the MVs grabbed an early dinner of everyone’s favorite Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, and then we were off to start getting dressed! We then hopped on the buses and made our way to the Bank of America stadium in downtown Charlotte. Before the game, we had enough time to get a drink of water, get up to walk around, and do anything that we needed to do prior to kickoff. Some of us got to meet members of Minnesota’s band, and we all shared our traditions, favorite stand tunes, and how much we all love being a part of the marching band.

(Photo: Bob White)

During our pregame performance, we were able to play various Hokie favorites such as Tech Triumph, VPI Victory March, and our arrangement of the classic tune Shenandoah.

The scoring started in the first quarter when Virginia Tech quarterback Collin Schlee ran in for a three-yard touchdown to put the Hokies up 7-0. The Golden Gophers would then score three touchdowns in the second quarter, and Virginia Tech kicker John Love would kick a 60-yard field goal right before the half, making the score 21-10 in favor of Minnesota.

We had the privilege of getting to play during halftime as well, and during our performance we showcased our Aranjuez show, along with our Metallica show. These were both crowd favorites along with MV alumni favorites, so we considered our performance to be fitting for the bowl game.  

After the halftime performance, the band headed back to its seats to support the Hokies for the second half of the game, even though the only scoring for the half was a fourth-quarter field goal from Minnesota, making the final score 24-10.

Although the Hokies lost to the University of Minnesota, the MVs had such a wonderful time getting to stay in Charlotte, spend time together, and perform in such a beautiful stadium. Our regular season is now over, but the MV Blog isn’t going anywhere! Stay tuned for more posts about the MVs and what we’re up to in a couple weeks.

Go Hokies! 

Press Book: Mayo Bowl

Introducing: Be Our Guest!

With the college marching season winding down and the bits of turf finally getting swept off doormats after months of almost-daily practice, those of us who spent the fall as members of the Marching Virginians are finally getting a chance to miss band. 

As we settle into the new normal of evenings off to engage in other organizations, a more typical dinnertime and extra availability for homework, our minds are drifting back to the MVC and Lane Stadium. What will we hear next about Virginia Tech’s best marching band and the people who love it?

That’s where you come in. Introducing, Be Our Guest. 

Be Our Guest is your opportunity to get involved with Marching with the Virginians and tell a story through the blog to our community. Current MVs, former MVs and even community members are encouraged to reach out if you think you have a compelling story to tell. 

Whether you want to write about your personal time in the Marching Virginians, to ask other MVs a question and share the answer with the world, dive into our history or anything else you might be able to think of – we want to hear your voice.

Please fill out the form at this link if you have an idea that you want to write or that you want one of our staff to write. The link also lives on the right-hand side of the blog webpage. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact me at erdelaporte21@vt.edu. 

Sincerely, 

Emelia Delaporte

Marketing and Communications Officer

2023-2025

Commonwealth Clash: VT v. UVA

The Virginia-Virginia Tech rivalry has a long and storied history. The two teams first faced off in Charlottesville in 1895, but the name “Commonwealth Clash” was not coined until the 2014-15 season. Since its beginning, the Virginia Tech football team leads in victories against UVA 62-38. As of the 2024 season, the UVA football team has not won in Lane Stadium since 1998. The buildup to the game was tense, as both teams were 5-6 in their respective football seasons.

6 wins are needed for bowl eligibility, so the question remained:

Happy Senior Night! Photo courtesy of Andrew Single

Pregame

Long after the sun had set, the MVs entered Lane Stadium for the final home game of the season. Energy was high as we eagerly awaited kickoff. As Hokie fans began to arrive, we started our pregame stands performance with Bom Bom, followed shortly by Crosstown Traffic. The football team then presented their graduating seniors, including key players such as Kyron Drones, Bhayshul Tuten, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, and Aeneas Peebles. The Highty-Tighties then gave their final pregame show just before “Enter Sandman” welcomed the football team to the field.

First Quarter

William “Pop” Watson III made his collegiate football debut as quarterback for the Hokies. While the first few minutes of the quarter were slow, things quickly picked up after Tuten scored the first touchdown of the game. The Hokies later sacked UVA quarterback Tony Muskett. Before the quarter ends, kicker John Love successfully scores a 44-yard field goal, putting the Hokies in the lead 10-0.

Second Quarter

Photo courtesy of Andrew Single

Tension began to build in the second quarter as both teams struggled to score. The Cavaliers managed to score a field goal and made their debut on the scoreboard. Watson makes an impressive delivery to Jaylin Lane, who runs it into the endzone for another Hokie touchdown. Just before the end of the half, John Love scored a 31-yard field goal, securing a score of 20-3 as the clock hit zero.

Halftime

During halftime, the MVs took the field and the fan-favorite Metallica show made a return from the 2023 season. The crowd cheered as the MVs played a medley of iconic Metallica songs including “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, “Fuel”, “Fade To Black”, “Lux Æterna”, and “Enter Sandman”. At the end of the performance, the graduating MVs were announced, including drum majors Emily Tucker and Thomas Chase. Congratulations and happy trails to all of our graduating seniors!

Third Quarter

The intensity continued into the third quarter. A few minutes in, Watson ran the ball into the endzone, scoring the Hokies another touchdown. Later on, the Cavaliers managed to score a touchdown of their own along with a two-point conversion. Love scored another field goal for the Hokies, making the score 30-11 by the end of the quarter.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Single

Fourth Quarter

The Cavaliers managed to score another touchdown with a failed two-point conversion, giving them 6 points at the start of the fourth quarter. After a failed tackle from UVA, Tuten is able to run the ball 58 yards into the endzone for another Hokie touchdown—putting VT in a 20-point lead. The game ends with a final score of 37-17, and the Hokies win another Commonwealth Cup.

The students rush the field as the MVs perform their end-of-game concert of Metallica, VPI Victory March, Swag Surfin’, Tech Triumph, and Superman. With this win, the Hokies finish their football season 6-6. Let’s go bowling!

Press Book: UVA