With less than a month from the start of the 2019-2020 season for The Spirit of Tech, we’re excited for the upcoming sunny days filled with friends, tons of marching, new faces, and cultivating a powerful show that will captivate thousands in Lane Stadium. Yet, a select few Marching Virginians have been practicing and performing for countless hours all throughout the summer! These individuals are proud members of DCI – Drum Corps International.
A drum corps is a marching unit comprised of brass, percussion, and color guard. After surpassing a rigorous audition process, performers can expect an intense summer of teamwork, character development, and an unbelievable marching band experience unlike any other!
Trumpet player Camy Colon in maroon and orange; Source: Brendan Little
Camy Colon, a Blue Stars trumpet player and MV trumpet rank captain, exclaims “I learned a lot about self-accountability and how to trust my peers. I continue to learn different leadership tactics from all the staff here.”
Hoping to apply the skills she has acquired to being a leader in the Marching Virginians, Colon is looking forward to being back at the MVC alongside a strong leadership team to “create a wonderful culture for the MVs.”
Camy Colon in Blue Stars uniform; Source: Camy Colon
Keeping up with DCI, Natasha Chauhan is attending the DCI hosted NightBEAT event to witness incredible performances from drum corps across the nation with fellow MV baritone and tuba players on July 28 at Winston-Salem, NC.
Sun and sousas; Source: Facebook
“You literally can’t get the full brass sound anywhere else unless you see it live. It’s also really cool to see music being used to portray several different themes or ideas within the corps. I think what makes me most excited is that I know people who are in some of the corps – Blue Stars, Cadets, and Crown – and it’s so exciting to see all the work that some of my friends have put in this summer to making a great show.”
–Natasha Chauhan
Our local drum and bugle corps, The Thunder of Roanoke, will also be at NightBEAT!
Events like NightBEAT and the upcoming DCI Eastern Classic showcase the result of countless hours of practice and immense passion for marching band. Not only will a handful of Hokies be performing among some of the most dedicated and hard-working musicians in the country, but members of the Spirit of Tech will also be there as supportive audience members watching the show unfold.
Interested in going to the DCI Eastern Classic, clarinetist Rachel Slafsky wanted to support one of her friends [Camy Colon] in Blue Stars and see other favorites like Phantom Regiment. Moreover, she shares “I’ve also never been so I was hoping to go this summer.”
The Marching Virginians trumpets; Source: Facebook
Are you ready to get back to the MVC? Natasha Chauhan says,
“DCI always makes me excited for MVs because it’s inspiring to see really good visuals and music, and it makes me miss being on the field.”
-Natasha Chauhan
With less than one month away, the Marching Virginians – The Spirit of Tech – 330 Strong are preparing for another awesome season. We’ll see you there!