5 AM wake-up call. 8 buses. 339 tired bodies loading their luggage. For the Marching Virginians, gameday always starts much earlier than kickoff. The band arrived in D.C. 2 days before the game. Flying in from all around the country and busing through Virginia, the MVs said goodbye to their families during the holidays and went to work. The day before the game we had rehearsal at McLean High School, observed by a supportive crowd, and 1 last run-through before performing in front of 32,832 fans.
The MV Trumpet Section posing with the Northern Middle School Band Trumpet Section; Source: Northern Middle Band Boosters
1.8-mile parade. 8 times dancing the Hokie Pokie in the streets of Annapolis. 35-person pep band to play for Dr. Sands. Pre-game festivities incorporated the consistent motif of “hurry up and wait.” Getting to the piers of Annapolis at 7 AM meant lots of time to chat with Cincinnati’s band and even grab some photos with the Northern Middle School Band. But before we knew it, the parade line-up started moving and thus began what felt like the longest march of our lives.
4 times Scatman was played in the first half. About 5 minutes before the rain started coming down. 1 dancing Hokie Bird. Once the game kicked off, it was business as usual for the Marching Virginians. No matter where the band traveled, the Spirit of Tech was loud and determined. Hurricanes and torrential downpour couldn’t stop us before, so what was a little rain going to do?
The Marching Virginians during Halftime at the Military Bowl; Source: The Marching Virginians — The Spirit of Tech
3rd time performingThe Incredibles during half-time. 2 bands that knew how to play Bohemian Rhapsody. 82 graduating seniors and grad students marching their last ever show in uniform. The Marching Virginians wrapped up their 1 final performance in 2018 in fitting manner with VT Power Closer.
Verdi called lots of times. 2 very wet drum majors. 1 drum cadence and cheer that fired up the fans that we haven’t played in Lane for a very long time. The remainder of the game saw an intense and close battle with the Marching Virginians cheering every step of the way. Our enthusiasm didn’t let up, nor did the rain. In the end, the Bearcats were the ones celebrating. An unfortunate conclusion, but not one to damper the astounding 2018 season of The Marching Virginians under new director Dr. Polly Middleton. Many new faces and tunes to remember upon the conclusion of the season, and another year full of countless experiences.