With a new Public Relations Officer and an interesting season ahead, Breanna and Callie discuss their experiences and hopes for the MV blog in a brief interview.
Breanna was interviewed first:
Breanna and her cute bunny Snowball; Source: Breanna Goode
What about the blog piqued your interest?
I cherished my first year experience, both at Virginia Tech and as a Marching Virginian. It was an experience that shaped me and I wanted to be able to share my stories and make the readers feel the “magic” it is to be involved with The Spirit of Tech.
What other related experiences do you have?
Ever since I can remember, I have been writing stories and journaling my life experiences. When I was in high school, I would take extra writing classes, and I would invest my time after school to fuel my passion for art, both in writing and in music. While I have never been responsible for managing a blog, I am very excited to take on this challenge and to continue MV traditions.
What inspired you to become a PR Officer/contribute to and help manage the blog?
The Marching Virginians! It is such an accepting and endearing group, almost like a family. For me, it honestly felt like a home away from home, even in these strange times we find ourselves in. It was such a humbling opportunity, as I have never witnessed this kind of connection throughout my music experience. That, combined with my passion for writing, made me want to try for the PR Officer position. I am thrilled to combine both of my passions and give back to the band.
Breanna Goode playing stand tunes at the Liberty Game; Source: Beau Wong
How do you think the blog fits into the overarching goals of the Marching Virginians?
For as long as the MVs have been around, we have strived for service. We serve our community and give back to those in need, which is demonstrated through Hokies for the Hungry, MV Blood Drive, and other various events. The blog promotes these events so that everyone in our MV community can contribute, and helps us to remember one of our primary goals in the MVs: Ut Prosim.
What about managing the blog are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to writing and collaborating with various members of the MVs, and perhaps alumni as well. It will be a lot of fun to record this season’s experience and to work with the other PR Officer in order to create something that we are proud of. I cannot wait to start the season and work together as we manage the blog.
What goals do you have for the blog?
When looking at the blog, I realized that it is vital to spreading information, such as for the Hokies for the Hungry, MV Alumni Day, and even football games. Anyone who wants to learn more about those events and get involved with the band can find a lot of valuable information on the blog. Therefore, one of my intentions is to continue this, and keep it fun and exciting for readers. And that leads me into my next goal, which is to make sure that the blog is a place where people can learn more about who we are, what we do, and who we strive to be.
Any additional comments?
I can’t wait for this upcoming season with the MVs and to see what it brings. Go Hokies!
Breanna Goode with Rank 5 during the first game of the season, N.C. State; Source: Lyndsey Dillingham
Next up is Callie’s interview:
Sara Elwood, left, and Callie Ayala, right, having a blast at the N.C. State game; Source: Noelle Baxter
How long have you been writing for the blog?
This summer will mark my three years having written for the blog. It’s been an amazing experience, especially working within the band to contribute such meaningful pieces for a lot of the MVs and MV Alumni.
What other related experiences do you have?
I’m actively pursuing a creative writing minor that has helped me as an individual become more inquisitive about the content that I produce, in addition to reigniting my passion for writing. During the pandemic, it was really hard for me to sit down and create ideas, or just even write something down that was somewhat creative. Because of the classes I took, that required me to do that, I eventually got the motivation back and it really showed in the content we were producing throughout the spring semester.
What inspired you to become the PR Officer for the Marching Virginians/continue managing the blog?
Last year, our team felt it was inappropriate to post regular everyday blogs when so much was going on politically and socially in the world around us. We all wanted to post something that would not be viewed as insensitive or spark any conflict among band members, which is never an easy thing to accomplish. This resulted in an entire summer and part of the fall semester in no blogs and funneling all of our communication through social media posts that could be regulated. I wanted the blog to get its fresh start once more with a lot more of the current MVs voices being heard, so that’s why I reapplied.
Catherine Miller, left, and Callie Ayala, right, sporting Tau Beta Sigma shirts at practice; Source: Noelle Baxter
How do you think the blog has changed you as an individual and as a Marching Virginian?
If there’s anything that you're passionate about, speak out on it; chances are, that there’s someone else out there who feels the same. Be the catalyst for change! I feel I am able to speak out a lot more about things we could be doing better for leadership and for welcoming members than I did last year, when I was new to this position and to leadership all together.
What about managing the blog has been your favorite?
Getting to read everyone’s different styles of voice and their expression for varying experiences has been super fun and extremely insightful. Everyone remembers things differently and is positive in their own way, and it has been a nice reminder of how amazing some of the humans in our band are. We do a lot of really cool things when we band together.
What goals have you accomplished for the blog thus far?
Last year, I listed that I wanted the blog to be a source for graduated high school students, but honestly I feel that goal morphed into being a source for MV Alumni and MV Parents. I’m really glad we got to share our experiences from COVID-19 with them through the blog, given that everything we were doing was so new to us and everyone else that were also just trying to survive the pandemic.
Any additional comments?
I’m so ecstatic to be working with another P.R. Officer that will help the blog be managed more efficiently and fluidly! This is going to be an awesome experience for us both and I honestly can’t wait to see all of our future blog posts come together.
Callie Ayala, left, and John Whilesmith, right, are ready for rehearsal; Source: Gillian Murphy