At 5:30pm on Saturday, February 8th, Marching Virginians came from every direction to the Custom Catering Center on North Main Street to celebrate the definitive end to the 2019 season. This group of people had not been together since the Belk Bowl on New Years’ Eve, and it was great to see everyone in the same room one last time.
The MVs were given a chance to catch up starting at 5:30, and then dinner started at 6:30 on the dot. Right at 7:30, Drew Robertson-Gouge, the Executive Officer for the MVs, stood up and welcomed the band to the end of season celebration, as well as introduced all of the important people sitting at the front of the room.
Through his speech, Drew recounted what an eventful season it has been. From welcoming the Class of 2023 to our new home in Blacksburg, to playing for the football team as Bud Foster conducted us, to being part of the longest football game in ACC history and eventually beating UNC after 6 overtimes and a few ‘Stick It Ins’, to raising $15,695 in less than 3 weeks for the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s research, it has been an incredible season for everyone involved.
After Drew was finished, Chad gave an emotional speech in which he urged the Marching Virginians to live in the moment and to not let life pass us by. He reminded us to recognize the special moments while we’re in them, and he also gave some heartfelt thanks to everyone who has served the band this season.
After Chad’s speech, Dr. Polly told us a hysterical story about her own experience as a drum major, and explained to us how college marching band changed her life. She also recounted a few of the highlights from the season: hosting over 300 high school students for MV for a day, traveling to northern Virginia for the HS exhibition and braving the heat, collecting over 7,300 cans for Hokies for the Hungry, watching in horror as we lost our 16-year winning streak against UVA, adding a 27th year to the longest active bowl streak in ACC history, and still waiting for per diem.
After Dr. Polly gave her speech, Mr. Bob White, an MV alumnus and the Marching Virginians photographer, presented a 15-minute slideshow presentation full of pictures and memories from this past season.
After the presentation, it was time for awards! Dr. Polly first presented the Honorary Marching Virginian Award to the Interim Director for the School of Performing Arts, Professor Brian Britt. Next, she awarded the Bob and Bonnie Alumni Service Award to Linda Correll.
Next, Hannah Beard read out the names of all of the Four-Year Mug recipients, but there was a catch; the mugs weren’t ready to be picked up yet, so the recipients came to the front to pick up their red plastic cups and were promised their mugs at a later date.
After that, it was time for each rank captain to present the Outstanding Rank Member award to someone in their rank. From Rank 1 to Rank 64, rank members were recognized for their outstanding work this season.
Then, the microphone was given back to Dr. Polly, who awarded the Outstanding Spirit Award to Beau Wong.
Beau Wong, who was awarded the Outstanding Spirit Award. Source: Laura Hall Scott
After that, she awarded the Ryan Clark “Stackin’ Up Service” Award to Drew Robertson-Gouge, the executive officer for the MVs.
Dr. Polly, Drew Robertson-Gouge, and Chad Reep. Source: Drew T. Robertson-Gouge
Next, the Jackie Bruhn Outstanding Rookie was awarded to Rebecca Whitten. After that was the Outstanding Band Member Award, given to Ashlyn McDonald.
Ashlyn McDonald, who won the Outstanding Band Member Award, the Director’s Award, and the James Sochinski “Spirit of Tech” Award. Source: Alana Hassett
Next, Ashlyn was invited back up to the front to present the Tau Beta Sigma “For Greater Bands” Visual Award to Ashley Deans. Ashley, along with the rest of Valiant Indoor Guard, could not be at Bandquet because of a conflicting winter guard competition. Ashlyn then awarded the TBS “For Greater Bands” Instrumental Award to Andrew Denton.
Next, Dr. Polly awarded the Directors Award to Ashlyn McDonald. Shortly after, Mr. Paul Correll, who is the President of the MV Alumni Association, awarded the James Sochinski “Spirit of Tech” Award to three members of the band: Maggie Hybl, Alana Hassett, and Ashlyn McDonald. This final award comes with a $1,000 scholarship to each of its recipients.
After that, Alana Hassett, Online Content Officer for the MVs, presented a hilarious blooper reel full of pictures and videos from this past season.
An example of a silly picture you might find in the MV blooper reel! Source: Alana Hassett
After Drew gave the closing remarks, Bandquet was officially over! The MVs were given one last opportunity to take pictures with their ranks and/sections before everyone went their separate ways, and the 2019-2020 season officially ended.
Most of the trombone section! Source: Alex Pierce
It was an emotional goodbye for many seniors, who had spent the last four years in the MVs. Many have met lifelong friends and made unforgettable memories as a part of this incredible organization. Whether this was your first Bandquet or your last, you’ll always be an #MV4Lyfe.