The Marching Virginians performed at Disney World during their trip to the 2017 Camping World Bowl; Source: Alex Springer
What do MVs do when there’s no more band rehearsal? This is a question I get asked constantly at the end of the season. But does the season really end? Yes, I don’t get to spend every evening with over 330 of my closest friends, but I can still choose to spend time with them.
For starters, we still have a bowl game! While most students stay at home for the holidays, we get to take a family vacation to perform one last time as the 2019 edition of The Marching Virginians. For freshman, it’s an exciting new experience. For seniors, it can be a bit sad. Even so, everyone has a great time!
Even though the bowl game will be our final performance, we still get to celebrate the season during the annual Bandquet (yes, that’s spelled correctly). Members and staff set aside a night in January for feasting and festivities. We get a recap on the season with Bob White’s awesome slideshow, and our directors Dr. Polly Middleton and Chad Reep hand out awards.
The Virginia Tech Drum Line celebrated a fantastic season at the 2018 Bandquet with food and friends; Source: Facebook
There are also other ensembles across campus that allow for any university member to foster their love for music. Dr. Polly and Chad both direct ensembles in the spring, and many MVs decide to join them! Honestly, I prefer it to the rehearsal when we march in the rain or play on frozen mouth pieces.
Even though these are school-sanctioned events, MVs know how to hang out on their own. Some sections and ranks continue having weekly dinners throughout the year. Many MVs even live with one another, so does the fun really ever stop? The memories, friendships and music last much longer than four months of rehearsals.
So, what do the MVs do when the season ends? Well, the answer is the simple: being a Marching Virginian never ends.