Many of the articles we write are centered around MV members, but there’s another big part of our family that we can’t forget- Blacksburg community members! We wouldn’t be who we are without the support of these incredible people, so I thought it would be fun to ask them a few questions.
What is your favorite halftime show/stand tune?
“The Hokie Pokie.” - Julie K
“Stick it in!!!!!” - Traci
“America the Beautiful.” - Rosemary Hartmann
“Everything you play.” - Paul Lancaster
“The Bon Jovi show.” - Taylor Cupp
“Also Sprach Zarathustra.” - Denise Dodd
“The Star Wars show.” - Marjorie Marcy
“The Fight Song.” - Brenda Griffith
“The Military Appreciation halftime.” - Dorothy Brown
The MVs make the Batman logo during halftime; Source: Matt McHugh
Do you have any personal stories with MVs?
“I organized events where MVs performed and was always impressed by the positive attitudes and willingness to help.” - Traci
“My step-son participated in the group and made life-long friends.” - Anita
“I'd sit next to MVs during games, near Joe Harvey, Mike Morgan, or Steve Gillotte. I was amazed at how many drum heads they go through and made sure to bring ear plugs after the first time.” - Peter DeWeese
“Two of our grandchildren marched together. Rachael's love of music and the MVs has led her to a career as a band director.” - Dorothy Brown
Dorothy’s grandchildren, Andy Taminger and Rachael Glasgow, taking a picture together at a game; Source: Andy Taminger
Do you have a favorite MV service event?
“Hokies for the Hungry (canned food drive).” - Rosemary Hartmann
“When they play songs for tailgaters.” - Kristie Lowry
“The pep bands during the hokie half marathon. They really kept me going.” - Jenny Hazlett
MVs play in the pouring rain for Hokies for the Hungry; Source: Chloe Tenembaum
Why are The Marching Virginians important to you?
James sporting his Future MV gear; Source: Taylor Cupp
“They greatly add to the experience of attending a VT football game.” - Steven Kranowski
“I worked with someone who had been an MV, and the relationships she built continued beyond graduation. It was a wonderful experience for her.” - Reed Kennedy
“We love to bring our children and expose them to the music and enjoy seeing them recognize the songs and get up and dance.” - Dana Kadiri
“The band wakes up the town. They marched up and down the streets where I live. It was so neat to hear and see them.” - Julie
“MV alum here, that says it all.” - Cathy Duerbeck
“I know how broadening being a member of a band can be, making friends, traveling to new places, knowing the importance of practicing and being part of a team.” - Sandra
“I love the music and halftime shows.” - Vera G. Good
“Our home is close enough to campus that we can hear The MVs practice. We love having them provide the soundtrack for our late summer/fall nights.” - Kristie Lowry
Taylor and her son, James, visit the MVC; Source: Taylor Cupp
“My children were in high school bands. David McKee is a personal friend - our children were in school together.” - Marjorie Marcy
“Great music at sporting and parade events.” - Robert Jones
“Tradition, and I just like the music.” - Ellen
“It stirs up awesome memories. Fun times. Cool people. Bowl games in freezing rain in stinky polyester uniforms.” - Jenny Hazlett
“I was born in Blacksburg to two MV alumni and grew up basically in the MVs. I was part of the MVs and still live in the area and take my son to see the band.” - Taylor Cupp
Although The MVs are special to people for a number of reasons, our music and spirit bring people together like nothing else. Even if our community members are on the outside looking in, there’s no question that they play a vital role in our big, happy MV family.