While the normal number of fans are not in Cassell Coliseum this season, the Hokie Pep Band is there to cheer on our team! The pandemic has definitely hit the music department hard this year with limited performance opportunities, but luckily this group of dedicated and talented students were still able to make this basketball season a great one. Like marching band, pep band had to find new ways to make sure everyone was safe while still entertaining their limited audience.
Natasha flexing her tone posture in Lane Stadium this past MV season; Source: MV Multimedia Team
“In terms of what’s the same and what’s different, we still get to make music but now our rehearsal spaces are outdoors, and we got to perform for basketball games! We do have the same safety measures as in MVs (spacing, double masks, bell covers). It’s different being in Cassell this year because there were barely any fans, and normally there’s a lot of noise going on. They replaced the student section with cutouts and these machines which was cool! Because of space issues, we’re not allowed to have as many rehearsals, so we’ve only had one right now, but I think Chad is planning on getting us to play around campus when it gets warmer.”
In a semester full of Zoom fatigue and limited in-person social opportunities, many students are glad to be back in the swing of performing live to receive some sort of normalcy in their lives.
“Getting back into Pep Band this season reminded me of how much I really miss playing in person which made me that much more excited to get back to it.”
Danny prepping his trumpet muscles during band camp this past MV season; Source: MV Multimedia Team
Jada Braxton cheesing in a selfie with her pep band gear; Source: Jada Braxton
“The excitement of the band is the same as I remember! The band was smaller but that didn’t stop the amount of fun we had! Wearing masks and social distancing and limiting the amount of people definitely made me feel very safe and I enjoyed every moment!”
Through efforts such as double masking, bell covers, social distancing, and reduced numbers, these students are able to continue their love of music and bring joy to the basketball team. Even though their season has ended with the recent loss of Virginia Tech to the University of Florida on Friday, it has been rumored that the Pep Band might continue to play through the semester on campus. We can’t wait to hear them again in action!