The MVs hosted their alumni event under the pavilion so that they could chat with old friends and meet some of the newer faces within the band. Alumni were welcome to stay through rehearsal and walk with us on our March to Victory down to Lane Stadium. We even live streamed two of our songs, Shenandoah and VT Power Closer, to our Instagram! it’s always fun to learn our history and see the faces that made it all that it is for us today.
Trumpet Alumnus Sara Elwood, featured center, with her TBS line family at rehearsal; Source: Facebook
After two long years, the MV Drumline also returned to Thompson Field to bust out some tunes for Hokie fans in this year’s Hokie Village performance. It may be their one and only performance there of the year, so they gave it their all!
The MV Drumline walking into Thompson Field for their Hokie Village performance; Source: Callie Ayala
Flag Cathleen Papas raising her pompoms for the Hokies; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
Hokies started out strong with a touchdown in the first 2 minutes of the game. With the field goal kick, Hokies began the first quarter 7-0.
Audio broke at 12:30 in the second quarter and it was up to the band to keep the spirit alive amongst the student section! With tunes like Phantom of the Opera, Countdown, and Bom Bom, it was easy to keep the energy bumping! Especially with our tubas on the field for their Hokie-Pokie performance. The score became 7-7 at 9:22 in the second quarter.
The tubas dancing to the Hokie-Pokie during their second quarter performance; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
The Marching Virginians halftime began with a proud rendition of James Sochinksi’s Shenandoah. Most fans recognized this as our state’s song as the band moved into VT Power Closer, which has been marched and played by generations of MVs throughout the years. It combines VPI Victory March and closes with Shenandoah arranged by James Sochinksi and drill written by Dave McKee. And of course what better way to end half time than with every Hokie’s favorite song, Tech Triumph.
Thanks to band parent Stephanie Key, we were able to link the MVs opener of the halftime, Shenandoah.
A U of R field goal started off the third quarter, but Virginia Tech soon recaptured the ball and took it for another touch down. The band cheered and chanted to beats like Suga, Verdi, and V -Tag as the score into the fourth quarter remained 14-10.
Trombone player Jess Stewart hyping up the Hokies; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
The Hokies ended their game against the University of Richmond 21-10 with the Spirit of Tech cheering on in the crowd.
Clarinet player Rachel Slafsky smiling through the win; Source: Nayha Pochiraju