game day

Band from the BENch: The Last Month

What a month it’s been! 

Plenty has happened since I last contributed to the Marching with the Virginian blog and to this series. The football team lost its head coach and started winning, Band 52 went parading down Main Street, and I edited more PA scripts than I’d like to admit. It’s been an absolute whirlwind, but it’s one I’m absolutely loving each and every day.  

From my viewpoint, the band has grown in strength and confidence exponentially over the last thirty days. Band 52 has beautifully matured into one unified sound from 330 individual voices, and it’s been such a blessing to see the results of hard work on football weekends.  

I’d like to review each thrilling event the MVs have been a part of over the last month in today’s blog post. Far too much time has passed since I last wrote for the website, which can be squarely placed on the fact that photography has been such a focus of mine now as a junior MV.  

I’ve also been slowly, but surely, playing my saxophone again for the first time since breaking my jaw in February. Maybe Band from the BENch won’t be from the bench much longer...at least I can hope.  

Vanderbilt 

My first view from the VT press box. Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

Ah, Vanderbilt. The promise of a new season still stood before Hokie Nation when we faced the Commodores, a team that had garnered national attention after knocking off Alabama just a season ago. Yet, they had to face not just the Hokies but a raucous Lane Stadium in the home opener. I had plenty of faith heading into the matchup. 

Under a signature Blacksburg night sky, Band 52 took the field and performed a knock-your-socks-off Superhero show that featured music from plenty of great comic book adaptations. My personal favorite was the Superman set, in which MVs perfectly dressed to create the sharp lines of Clark Kent’s signature “S” chest piece.  

What made my experience on Superhero Saturday special, however, was the fact that I was able to travel to the tip-top of Lane Stadium and photograph the band in the press box. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with cameraman Matt McHugh this fall, our specialist when it comes to recording halftime performances. If you’re watching a performance on the MV YouTube, it was probably recorded by him. 

My first trip to the press box started with a journey that first weaved through Lane Stadium attendees and ended with a seven-floor elevator ride to the roof of the venue. The sheer size of not only the stadium, but Worsham Field is in my opinion only conceptualized by a view like that (see right). It’s high, it’s loud, and you can really feel the passion Hokie Nation comes in with each time the Hokies take the field.  

The rest of the game is one I’d like to forget. 34 unanswered points, barely any offensive production, and a brutal collapse from our defensive unit was a tough watch, especially seeing so many fans up and leave once the score became too much to bear. I have never seen something quite like that, or so I had thought, seeing that we then witnessed... 

Old Dominion 

As far as confidence goes when analyzing the Hokies football team, mine was high knowing that we had a chance to bounce back against Old Dominion. A team that plays in the Sun Belt conference should not give the Hokies trouble, especially seeing as they had just let Indiana do whatever they pleased two weeks prior. 

Such was not the case, however. Quarterback Colton Joseph meticulously diced up our team once again, a loss so unforgivable that it resulted in former head coach Brent Pry getting the boot from Blacksburg. 

If only Mitch knew what was coming… Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

From a media perspective, this was an utterly fascinating time. I’ve mentioned my employment with Virginia Tech Athletics mostly by word of mouth to other MVs, and my work there is largely focused on curating article content akin to that of the MV blog. That week post-Pry was one of the most interesting weeks of my entire life. It was like the life was sucked out of Blacksburg, many people unsure of what was to happen next or how we would move on as an athletics program.  

Being on the wings of those conversations, the “What happens next?” talks, was especially peculiar in the best ways. I was challenged both at work and at the band, especially in crafting the newsletters that MVs read each week. Going back and seeing how people were so emotive in their reactions to the game provided some tragically beautiful moments. It was a weekend, and a week, that I won’t forget anytime soon.  

Wofford 

New coach, new kickoff time, and to some, a new season. That was the Wofford game just a couple weekends ago. The Terriers rolled into town on a noon kickoff game and played the Hokies under an unrelenting sun, and it was the first game that the Hokies had interim head coach Philip Montgomery at the helm.  

My gameday experience on the Wofford weekend started off in a half-funny, half-ridiculous way. I’m admitting this seeing as it was many weeks ago now, but I was almost late to band because I GROSSLY mistimed my McDonald’s breakfast drive-thru order. I jogged through the trail behind the MVC to arrive at 8:02 a.m. when the call time was 8 a.m. That one’s on me.  

Lot of good energy throughout this game. Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

More content was captured at this game, this time with a new camera lens from the VT School of Communication (us journalism majors get the good stuff). I was able to utilize an enhanced zoom for a plethora of shots, and these were much more positive than those I captured when we faced Vanderbilt and Old Dominion.  

Military Appreciation was the focus of our field show on Wofford weekend, and I got to enjoy that from the air-conditioned press box. The sets looked superb, and I could really tell how much it meant to members of Hokie Nation that we honored their bravery and valor with our show. Military is always one of my favorite shows to perform, but it was even more special to witness it the way I did this season.  

Wake Forest/Homecoming 

Wake Forest weekend rolled into Blacksburg after the MVs had a moment to breathe on our first off weekend of the season. I spent mine swaddled in blankets on my couch in Richmond. Seeing my dad launch off the couch after we beat NC State is seared into my mind.  

Homecoming weekend always has a rare air in Blacksburg. I personally believe it’s because this town and this university mean so much to so many people, and seeing former Hokies reunite in downtown bars, dining halls, and on the Drillfield makes the celebration so much fun. 

So many people stopped and cheered for the MVs! Photo credit: Benjamin Gozzi

The parade on Friday was unlike anything I have captured in not just the MVs, but in my budding media career. I broke my out Saucony running shoes – bright neon orange with green and white laces, in case anyone was curious – and was quite literally SPRINTING down Main Street to capture good angles of the MVs. The band was moving so quickly and was hitting so many turns that I truly felt like I wasn’t going to keep up. My Apple Watch rings must have been so proud of me.  

Gameday was just as fun. The atmosphere was vibrant, the fans were loud, and the Hokies donned fully orange uniforms with never-before-worn helmets at the 1 p.m. kickoff. While we did lose, I felt the most confident I ever have in my camera work on Saturday. The camera felt like an extension of me this game, maybe because the mysterious morning weather gave me a chance to capture some interesting angles before March to Victory.  

While we did lose, I’ve grown to appreciate afternoon games because we’re done no later than 6 p.m. After I left the MVC, I wolfed down Five Guys Burgers and Fries with my parents, came home, took a shower, did some laundry, and edited photos while I let a Burt’s Bees facemask do its thing. Self-care is me, and I am self-care. It was awesome.  

The last month has been such a blast with The Marching Virginians. I’m so excited that our outstanding MV Blog Team is going to be hitting the ground running this month, and I encourage anyone reading this to meet the bloggers on page located at the top of this site.  

To many more awesome rehearsals, gamedays, and events, Band 52! 

50th Anniversary and Alumni Weekend - VT vs. Marshall

What better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Spirit of Tech than with a Alumni Day performance and a Virginia Tech Hokies victory? 

The VT vs. Marshall game weekend was packed with reunions, memories, and celebrations of what the Marching Virginians had accomplished. Friday night had started off with welcoming back the alumni with a reading session, allowing them to “warm up their chops” before their big performance on Saturday in Lane Stadium. The reading session was followed by an alumni banquet.

Alumni Event (Courtesy of Andrew Single)

The banquet was filled with Marching Virginians from every decade of the band, from 1974 all the way to current Marching Virginians sharing memories, exchanging stories, and celebrating how much this young marching band has accomplished. Emotions were very high as all looked back and dreamed of the future of the band.

“This 50th Anniversary had occurred because every person in this room left a part of them on that field,” Dave McKee shared during his speech to the Alumni. Sharing stories and looking at the band now, alumni were happy that their legacy still stood as a staple of not just Virginia Tech Football, but the atmosphere of so many students across many different colleges in the university. Dr. Polly Middleton ended the night by sharing “I hope you are always proud of the Marching Virginians… and I hope you look at the MVs with a sense of pride and excitement!”

Next up was GAMEDAY! All the current MVs and the Alumni met for rehearsal and shared with the Alumni the music and drill which would be shared with the thousands of fans in Lane Stadium.

First Quarter

Flyover! (Courtesy of Andrew Single)

The first quarter was slow and anxious at the same time, with Virginia Tech and Marshall making strong attempts to run the ball down the field with failed attempts. The quarter ended with excitement as Marshall punted the ball on 4th down. Jaylin Lane received the ball and ran 50 yards towards the North End Zone to celebrate a Virginia Tech touchdown with the Marching Virginians and student section to end the quarter at 7-0.

Second Quarter

We saw more action in the 2nd quarter, starting with Virginia Tech taking a 42 yard field goal to put the team at 10-0. Marshall pushed back as they pushed the Virginia Tech defense down the field making a 2 yard touchdown, pushing the Hokies at 10-7.

Halftime

As the game clock hit 0:00, the Marching Virginians took the field, opening their Alumni Day performance of “Aranjuez,” a band favorite which first made its debut in the Marching Virginians repertoire as another Jim Sochinski classic arrangement, and played throughout the 2010s and 2020s. Over 500 alumni members took to the field afterwards, with the combined Super Sousaphone section inviting everyone in Lane Stadium to the Hokie Pokie. Shennandoah and VPI Victory March followed, with the combined bands setting the field to present a large “50” for the 50th Anniversary. And just like that, the Marching Virginians finished Tech Triumph and sprinted back to their stands to continue rooting for the Hokies!

The halftime show was incredible. Over 800 Marching Virginians on the field, playing their hearts out, entertaining thousands with the melodies which have been shared for decades. This was a special show, as always, with every song arranged by late staff arranger James Sochinski. While no longer with us physically, his memories are carried by every MV who hits the field, as they play his pieces. And that made the show even more special than it already was. 

Without Uncle Jim, we would not have been able to complete what we have accomplished... he poured every bit of sweat and knowledge into his arrangements.
— Dave McKee

Third Quarter

Virginia Tech meant business, returning from halftime and pushing Marshall into the Red Zone for a 1 yard touchdown to push the score to 17-7. Marshall pushed the score with a 18 yard pass and touchtown to make a close 17-14. However, the Hokies returned shortly after to go 65 yards down the field, and finish with a 3 yard run by quarterback Kyron Drones, sliding past Marshall’s defense for a touchdown, leaving the score in the 3rd quarter to 24-14.

MVs and Hokie Football! (Courtesy of Andrew Single)

Fourth Quarter

The Hokies were not backing down yet, and started the quarter off strong with Drones throwing a 5 yard pass to Da’Quan Felton for a touchdown, sitting Virginia Tech at a comfortable 31-14. The Hokies held back Marshall for the rest of the game, guaranteeing another Virginia Tech Hokies’ victory for the books!

The Marching Virginians finished off their night in Lane Stadium with a new tradition, playing the ending medley from the Metallica show (Sad But True, Wherever I May Roam, Creeping Death, Lux Æterna, and of course, Enter Sandman) to celebrate all Virginia Tech victories. Lastly, the remaining fans saw a sky full of flying Marching Virginians as the night was finished with Superman.

The weekend was slam packed and exhausting for most, but it is memories that will be shared for a lifetime and never forgotten. However, the weekend’s festivities show what community has been built by this incredible organization. It is important to remember who has come, what is now, and what is to be – a grand show. 

In the words of the great Marching Virginians band director, Dave McKee, 

Know the tradition, grow the tradition!

It's Great to Be Back!

All of us here in Blacksburg are more than thrilled to be able to welcome new members, returners, leadership, and staff back to the Marching Virginians Center for another great season! This season is incredibly special because it is our 50th Anniversary celebration, where we will be celebrating and welcoming back MV Alumni. Whether they were the class of 2024, or the class of 1974, the Marching Virginians are so excited to have them back. Here is a tiny sneak peek into what our schedule entails this season!

September

This Friday (September 6), we are welcoming our alumni back for what is known as our Reading Session. This will be an opportunity for us to play a couple of their absolute favorite shows and stand tunes with them.

Happy Band Camp! (Photo courtesy of MV Multimedia)

This Saturday (September 7), is our first home game. We play against Marshall University, and it’s the Marching Virginians’ 50th Anniversary Celebration as well as our MV Alumni Day! We will be welcoming over a thousand alumni and their loved ones back to Blacksburg, and we cannot wait to hear about their favorite memories of being in the MVs.

The following Saturday (September 14), is our exhibition performance at Christiansburg High School! The MVs will take a quick trip over to Christiansburg to perform for very excited high schoolers and families. We absolutely love exhibitions, because this is a way for high schools to see what our organization is all about. It’s also a chance for Hokie fans that may not be able to come to a game to see us perform. There’s always a chance that someone in the crowd is hoping to be an MV someday!

On Saturday, September 21, we are hosting lots and lots of high schools from around Virginia and nearby states at our annual MV for a Day! This is always such a fun day, and we are so excited to meet high schoolers and prospective MVs! The Marching Virginians always love getting to meet and perform with high school marchers.

September 28 brings another exhibition day — a doubleheader at both Riverbend and North Stafford high schools! This really maximizes how many young marchers will get to see us play this season. We’re so excited!

Hi, Chad! (Photo courtesy of MV Multimedia)

October

On Friday, October 25, we have our homecoming parade. That Saturday, the 26th, is our homecoming game against Georgia Tech.

November

November 9th, we will be hosting Clemson University at Lane Stadium, and this is also our annual Hokies for the Hungry! Hokies for the Hungry is a friendly competition among the sections to see who can donate the most food to donate to charity. We always love this fundraiser at the end of the year!

On November the 30th, we will be hosting the University of Virginia for our last game of the regular season. This is Senior Recognition for the MVs, as well as Band Parents Day! This is the day that we get to recognize our wonderful seniors, and welcome our parents on Game Day to join our celebration!

December

In early December, before finals, we will have our end of year livestream concert. Stay tuned for details on dates, and to see if we play the ACC Championship on Sunday, December 7!

We have such a busy but exciting season coming up here in Blacksburg, and we cannot wait to celebrate our 50th anniversary alongside our alumni, high school bands, and all of Hokie nation!

See “The Spirit of Tech” Up Close

See “The Spirit of Tech” Up Close

“Hokie Village” is located on Beamer Way a little past Cassell Coliseum—just follow the sound of loud music and cheering fans. When you walk up the stairs and through the gates, you’ll find a bustling atmosphere with music, tailgating games, and concessions, as well as appearances by student athletes, cheerleaders, the Hokie Bird himself, and of course, your Marching Virginians. Learn more about how to see the MVs up close and personal on Game Days at Hokie Village