In an exciting turn of events, it was announced that the Virginia Tech Hokies would be attending the Pinstripe Bowl against the University of Maryland Terrapins.
Officers setting up the uniform pick-ups to attend the Bowl Game in our freshest fits; Source: Beau Wong
The Marching Virginias could not have been more exhilarated to be heading to New York City and practiced hard in the weeks leading up to finals. We were most interested in seeing the city and meeting UM’s band, so our directors, Dr. Polly Middleton and Chad Reep, made sure that we prioritized our drill and music in order to perform at our best!
MV Horns Evan landers (left) and Austin Offhaus (right) finding their drill spots during the December 9th rehearsal; Source: Beau Wong
The first day of travel was long, but definitely worth the drive, especially with our incredibly kind bus drivers! Before collecting their Bowl Swag, students were able to head out on the town the evening of the 28th. Whether that was the Nintendo Store, Legoland, Macy’s, Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and much more, the MVs had a blast!
Rockefeller Center; Source: Beau Wong
The Mighty Sound of Maryland and the Marching Virginians have members in their respective Tau Beta Sigma chapters; Source: Danny Shupp
The second day was reserved for rehearsal and then performance in Yankee Stadium. We were escorted throughout the building, exploring and talking with many of the employees there. Upon rehearsing, we received a warm welcome from the Mighty Sound of Maryland, and continued cheers and applause during the Hokie-Pokie. Our bands even shared lunch and met each other’s sections.
The MVs lined up against Yankee Stadium for rehearsal with the Mighty Sound of Maryland cheering them on; Source: Beau Wong
Halftime consisted of our famous James Bond performance, including sets that spelled out Bond and 007. The crowd screamed with excitement as the formations came to life for an excellent performance. The MVs then transitioned into the Hokie-Pokie and Power Closer with an amazing sound. They concluded halftime with Tech Triumph off the field.
I also wanted to take the opportunity to thank our band parents. Without you, many of your MVs would not have the support they needed to travel so far from home. All of us enjoyed seeing parents sneak onto our side to see their MVs. Y’all are amazing!
Clarinet player Esther Thorne and her family; Source: Beau Wong
MV Feature Twirler Meredith Smith and her family; Source: Beau Wong
Though the final outcome of the game was a gut wrenching 10-52, many MVs enjoyed their final performance of the year, and for some, of their academic career at Virginia Tech. Attending the Pinstripe Bowl was definitely one of the best memories some of our seniors and many other MVs will hold onto. I won’t comment on the unfortunate circumstances of most of our time at Virginia Tech in regards to the pandemic, but I will say that 2022 is looking brighter. Especially for the MVs.
The Trumpets, featuring Masaki Hada (left), Daniel Arroyo-Flores (center), and Danny Shupp (right); Source: Beau Wong
We just had to get through one overheating engine and a tire blowout to get there.