There is nothing quite like leaving Lane Stadium. The complex mixture of sore feet, tired arms, and processed adrenaline seems to either enhance the win or exacerbates the loss after every game. The last game of the season can leave an even stronger impression, either making the entire season seem worth it, or making the trip back to the MVC even more arduous.
The band practicing in late September with new COVID-19 regulations in the baseball stadium; Source: MMO Team Drive
This past year, the season was unlike any other. Not only did we have different guidelines and regulations governing our activity on and off the field, but so too was the band schedule structured differently, with even the beginning of the season — band camp — receiving a complete revamp to accommodate our COVID-19 procedures. Many students felt that the early end to the season, though justified in the midst of our present pandemic, was nonetheless heartbreaking. Sophomore Cymbalist Neffisah D’odoo said of her experience, “I thought the band season in the fall was as good as it could be with the whole pandemic. However, not great. As a new person on the line, I didn’t get the chance to meet everyone … and there are still a handful of people I have yet to speak to.”
Snapshot of drumline during the Boston College game in October; Source: Lelan Yung
The Virginia Tech Drumline (VTDL) sought to continue our activity in a way that could bring us together while maintaining the previously established guidelines for COVID-friendly rehearsals. Throughout the fall semester, VTDL leadership had sewn the seeds of an idea that excited many: A Spring Drumline. Current Cymbal Rank Captain Spencer Rankin commented “Spring drumline isn’t something we normally do. However, this year was anything but normal, so it felt appropriate to try something new.” Shortly after the beginning of the second semester, the schedule was set, and the work presented in front of us.
Drumline at the Miami game in November; Source: MMO Team Drive
Time to rehearse.
Matthew Homoroc ready to play at the Liberty Game in early November; Source: Lexie Hackman
For the whole month of February, VTDL had hour-long practice three days a week, refining our “Jam piece” written for the canceled Hokie Village tradition. After a long break, the true meaning of the phrase, “Good morning, arms,” hit me like a brick to my biceps. The work, tiring as it was, was worth it. An amazing team of editors, headed by members Eric Levy, Matthew Homoroc, and Chris Caputo, on top of the Marching Virginian Social Media Team worked together to make the already energetic piece into something simply explosive. The product, in my opinion, is quite impressive.
The idea of a Spring Drumline was widely celebrated by VTDL.
“It was nice to have a music outlet that I don’t normally have,” exclaimed Sophomore Bass Ty Kwak. “It was nice to get together with everyone again, considering we normally don’t get to see each other as much in the spring.”
“It was fun to see everyone again and get together to play some music,” responded upcoming Cymbal Rank Captain Celie Anderson.
Senior Staff Assistant Matthew Belton said “[Leadership] wanted to do something that demonstrated the hard work that each member put into the season. It ended up really well, and I think it showcases the talent of the line this year.”
As I saw it, the Spring Drumline was a fun little escape from back-to-back classes and nonstop studying. It was a chance to see old friends and to further develop bonds that were sadly somewhat severed in the end of our 2020 season. For me, it was a great opportunity to continue music outside of the season. There may be nothing like leaving Lane for the last game of the season, but there is certainly something special about VTDL and what we do.
Next year, in Lane.