Some of you may know that during the military appreciation game, the Marching Virginians switch performing places with the Highty-Tighties. This means that the MVs play pregame and the HTs play halftime.
This year, the MVs took over halftime first performing Armed Forces, the jumbotron displaying pictures of Corps alumni stationed overseas as well as those attending the game in the stadium. It was followed by America the Beautiful, where the stadium’s cameras shined on cadets singing along in the stands as the band transitioned into God Bless the USA. To capture the essence of service, the band finished with Our Nation’s March where all of the MV seniors’ names were shown in a ribbon flowing along the bottom of the jumbotron.
The list of the MVs 2020-2021 graduating seniors; Source: Callie Ayala
The Hokies started out strong this game, holding their lead against the Hurricanes right up until the third quarter: 24-13. The moving performance by the MVs wasn’t enough to get their spirits in the right place, allowing Miami to score the final 12 points in the remaining 6 minutes of the fourth quarter for a final score of 25-24.
Though the loss was a tragic way to say goodbye to our seniors, the strong military performance still radiated through everyone as this final game for some MVs ended. Stay tuned for our Year in Review live stream on Thursday, November 19th.
As we say goodbye to our graduating seniors with the season coming to a close, we’d like to share some of the experiences of those seniors with you. Please take a moment to reflect on some quotes of this year’s graduating class.
“I will miss getting to see my friends everyday at rehearsal. My time in the Mvs has been awesome and I would not trade it for the world. I have met so many friends that I know will be with me for the rest of my life. I am looking forward to going out into the real world and getting a job—plz someone hire me—but I at least will always have memories in the MVs to look back on!”
Ryan Adcock slurping down a tasty tropical smoothie during a night game; Source: Instagram
Noelle Baxter (left) and Ryan Adcock (right) taking a candid photo during a game; Source: Olivia Monseur
“Over the past 4 years, I have learned that we are not only the largest organization on campus but the largest family as well. I am so thankful to those that recommended for me to become a manager and for our past XO, Drew for believing in me. I have learned, accomplished, and grown so much from these opportunities and I hope to leave this organization knowing I have done my best for the future success of the MVs.”
Sara Elwood being her goofy self for the camera during the Miami Game; Source: Lexie Hackman
“Marching the trumpet in the MVs for the past four years have been the highlight of my college experience. I’ve made many true friends here that I know I will always keep in touch with over the years. Even though my senior season wasn’t what I imagined it would be, I’m glad I still got to play my horn with the people I love one last time. As a future elementary school teacher, I hope I can inspire my students with my love for music and marching band!”
Ashlyn McDonald conducting the band at the Virginia Tech home game against Marshall in 2018; Source: Brendan Little
“Joining the Marching Virginians was quite possibly the best decision of my life. I’ve made so many incredible memories and formed friendships with people who have become like a second family to me. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be from 5:30-7 than at the MVC with 330+ of my best friends.”
Karen Small chillin’ with her sax as her section awaits the next pep tune; Source: Lexie Hackman
“I have loved my time in the MVs more than anything. Auditioning for the first time was absolutely the best decision I’ve ever made, and I look forward to coming back for future games and probably doing the alumni band. All my best friends are in the band, my sister is in the band, and I’m so grateful that I got to do my last year while she does her first. I’ll definitely miss the saxes, anyone who was in my rank this year or in previous years, and especially the Sax Ladies. I’ve made so many memories with this organization that I won’t ever forget. Even though this year has been like no other, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Every practice and game means everything to me, and I’m trying to hold on to all of these moments for as long as I can. From my first game in FedEx Field, driving the truck as Operations Officer, getting to lead the roaming pep band for two years, and especially everything I’ve done as Executive Officer this year, this has been the best college band experience I could have asked for, and the Marching Virginians are truly my home and family at Virginia Tech.”
“I’ve always lived by the motto to try to laugh or smile with others once a day. Being part of the MVs makes this goal very easy to achieve :)”
Beau Wong rocking it out on his clarinet during a game day rehearsal at the Marching Virginians Center; Source: Brendan Little