Just a couple of smiling horn players supporting each other; Source: Carla Neigh
There is no better time to be a Marching Virginian than there is on Alumni Band Day. A day where we not only honor our past marchers, but our past directors as well.
As many members are aware, Dr. James Sochinski, the second director of the MVs and writer/arranger for many of the band’s classic pieces including The Hokie Pokie and Tech Triumph, recently went into retirement. What better way to celebrate a fellow MV and Hokie than by marching an entire show dedicated to him?
For a day full of excitement and nerves, the band could have not asked for a cooler day, perfect for the cotton uniforms. This is always a good noon start to a jam-packed game day!
Alumni excitedly marching down to the stadium; Source: Carla Neigh
After the first forty-five minutes of rehearsal, Alumni returned to their spots among the band as marchers once more, rehearsing as one unit. As their fingers recalled the notes, the beautiful sound seemed to carry past the parking lot and down to the stadium for an early performance.
When it was time to head down to the field, Alumni members marched in their own block. The band extended like a long snake, wrapping down and around both the MV and Stadium lots with as much enthusiasm as if marching down for the first time.
Tubas hittin’ it during the third quarter; Source: Carla Neigh
However, the halftime performance says otherwise, each student and Alumni stepping and hustling to Sochinski beats that require years of practice. Beginning with Moldau, the piece eloquently carried the band to onto Olympic Fanfare with eager alumni watching on the sidelines. The band marched an Olympic victory to the five interlocking circles. They were then joined by the Alumni as they transitioned into the Hokie Pokie where fans standing in the crowd tried to dance along on HokieVision. Then the combined 2019 and alumni band scattered to spell the words, “Thanks Jim.” Concluding half time with an honorable Tech Triumph performance, they surrounded Dr. Sochinski marching off.
At this point, the stars joined the football team, the cooler weather seeming to excite everyone in the stands as we achieved a well-earned victory for the Hokies: The final score 34-17. Let’s be honest though, it’s definitely because the band rocked the stadium! But more realistically it’s because they put in Hendon Hooker, no shade directed at Ryan Willis.
Dr. Sochinksi pulling off his ball cap in thanks; Source: Virginia Tech Athletics
There is no limit to how thankful you can be to any one person or persons ever. That’s why Dr. Polly provided Dr. Sochinski with a sharp picture of current and past MV’s in their formation, “Thanks Jim.”
One final note: It’s always important to recognize and appreciate those who help to build up who we are. We’ll never forget our experiences in the MVs as students just as the directors will never forget theirs as teachers. Just a friendly reminder to remain thankful.
Legs out for the Hokie Pokie with Alumni in the tuba line! Source: Virginia Tech Athletics