Almost every Marching Virginian, both alumni and current members, can agree that this past season was an unusual one, due to the pandemic. With no crowds in the stands, and no field shows, the Marching Virginians had to take a creative approach to the season. This mostly involved various safety precautions and online events in order to keep our community safe.
Subsequently, the freshmen of the last season, our current rising sophomores, had to adjust to both the rigor of college courses and the Marching Virginians under challenging circumstances. Today, we look forward to depicting their experience through these series of questions.
Andrew Stewart and Rank 55, a part of the tone section, during a rehearsal in 2020; Source: Andrew Stewart.
What was your first impression of Virginia Tech? How do you think COVID-19 affected your experience?
“My first impression of Virginia Tech once I was on campus was that I suddenly had such a sense of freedom. I’m sure part of that was just the fact that I was going to be away from home for months at a time, but it also felt like a fresh start, from making new friends, to experiencing new things. COVID-19 definitely put a damper on being able to go out and meet people freely, and it made a lot of the college experience still feel far away. I ended up spending a fair amount of my fall semester and into the spring semester isolated from many other people I would have otherwise been glad to meet.” - Andrew
Emma Grace Woolsey, left, and Emily Saintsing, right, getting ready for a great first game against NC State; Source: Emily Saintsing.
“My first impression of Virginia Tech was how incredibly welcoming every Hokie was from the very start. The COVID-19 restrictions were difficult to work around in the beginning, especially while trying to make new friends, but organizations like the MVs definitely helped!” - Emily
“My first impression of Tech was how generally friendly everyone was despite the size of the school. I remember touring campus back in 2019 and getting so lost, and a couple of people stopped and helped give me directions completely unprompted. COVID-19 has made the sense of community even greater as almost everyone I have met has looked out for me or lent a hand.” - Megan
“I loved how welcoming all the students are at the university, but especially in the MVs! I definitely was not able to meet as many people as I would have liked due to COVID-19, as well as get out of my comfort zone socially.” - Emma Grace
Andrew Stewart playing stand tunes with his baritone in the game against Miami; Source: Facebook.
How do you think you adjusted to the Marching Virginians, especially with the new safety measures?
“I think I adjusted well since I was so glad for the in person activity twice a week. I was willing to comply with any safety measure to continue having an in person, music making, experience.” - Emma Grace
“Adjusting to the Marching Virginians was difficult, specifically because of the COVID safety measures. Making friends in general was hard for me since a lot of activities were not face-to-face during the fall semester. I have never been one to get myself out there over zoom hangouts, so that is why it was particularly difficult for me. Once I could talk to more people in my section in person, I had no problem feeling right where I belonged.” - Emily
“At first all of the safety measures were pretty overwhelming and honestly lonely. Between double masks, instrument bags, and social distancing, everyone I talked to felt so far away (literally). But as the season progressed I got more and more used to the distance and started making more friends and connections despite it all.” - Megan
“I was honestly surprised with how smoothly things seemed to run in the midst of a pandemic, and I feel that I was able to adjust with little to no problem. The new safety measures, as strict as they sometimes felt, truly did make rehearsal feel safe, and I never really had fear of catching COVID while rehearsing. I would have loved to hang out with my section more outside of rehearsal, but I understood that one of us getting COVID could potentially ‘do in’ the section.” - Andrew
Emily Saintsing, left, and Emma Grace Woolsey, right, taking cute pictures together during the first game of the season (NC State); Source: Emma Grace Woolsey.
What is your favorite memory with the MVs thus far?
“My favorite memory is definitely the hikes I went on with people in my section. Even with COVID, it was great to find ways to hang out with new people and it sparked an interest in hiking.” - Dillon
“My favorite memory with the MVs is the football game where we were in the baseball stadium (NC State) because, although it was weird, we were all together for the first time that season. I got chills when we started playing and was so grateful to experience such Hokie pride.” - Emma Grace
“My favorite memory with the MVs so far was my first football game in Lane Stadium. It may have been close to empty, but the spirit of the band was incredible and gave me such a rush. Even though we had to stomp on our Dum-Dum's when we lost, this was the first time I really felt like a true MV.” - Emily
“My favorite memory with the MVs has to be the first time I got to play with the full band at the baseball stadium (NC State). I know it's not the same as being at an actual football game, but seeing everyone there, doing section traditions with the saxes, and having a blast making music made me realize that this band can withstand anything and everything and still have fun doing it.” - Megan
Megan Phan looking at the scoreboard during the Liberty game; Source: Beau Wong.
What is your favorite stand tune?
“My favorite stand tune is Handclap!” - Megan
“I’m a little torn between Scatman for how fun it is to play and VPI Victory March for the energy it brings to Lane.” - Andrew
“My Type or Radar Love. I like how upbeat and fun they both were to play.” - Dillon
“My favorite stand tune is probably Scatman because of all of the fun hand motions and suspenseful feel.” - Emma Grace
“My favorite stand tune right now is the Hokie Pokie... even after playing it nearly 300 times for Hokies for the Hungry.” - Emily
What are you excited for this year (either at Tech or the MVs)?
“For the MVs, I’m super excited to actually be a marching band! Performing for half time in Lane has been something I’ve looked forwards to for years now, and I know I will soon be able to experience it! For the Tech aspect, I’m excited to be within my engineering major, and to have all of my classes be in person.” - Andrew
“I am super excited for the full MV experience, of spending lots of time with my section, marching every day, and attending packed football games at Lane Stadium. I cannot wait for this semester at Virginia Tech as it will almost be like starting over for rising sophomores.” - Emma Grace
“I am so excited to perform in Lane Stadium with a full stadium. Right now, it feels like a dream being able to just go to a Virginia Tech football game again. On top of that, I can hardly believe I get to run out onto the field and actually march. I grew up going to games with my dad and watching the marching band was the best part of the whole day for me, and now I get to be part of it all.” - Emily
“I’m really excited to play in a full Lane this year. It’ll be really fun to get back to marching and real shows. Plus, I’m excited to get rid of those clarinet bags.” - Dillon
From left to right: Hailey Cash, Lisa Small, Clare Sawyer, Justine Campbell, Dogeun Lee, Emily Tucker, and Dillon Key at the NC State game; Source: Dillon Key.
Using your experience from this past year, do you have any tips for incoming freshmen as they navigate college and the MVs?
“As cliché as it sounds, my advice would be to really get out of your comfort zone and meet as many people as you can. I wish I put myself out there a lot more than I did, but this year my goal is to do just that. This is your chance to be your true and authentic self because we will all love you, for you!!” - Emily
“Everyone in the band (and at Tech at large) is here to help you and rooting for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions if some things are confusing! Most importantly, have fun! Being a part of the MVs is a completely unique experience that you won't find anywhere else, so make the most of it by cheering on your team, bonding with your section and band, and making great music.” - Megan
“Just go out and meet new people. Everyone is in the same position of trying to meet new people so no one will care if you’re putting yourself out there to make new friends. Also, walk around campus in the first few days before school starts so you can get to know campus and more importantly, find your favorite study spots early because there’s a lot of great ones in places you might not expect.” - Dillon
“Never be afraid to reach out to anyone, we’re all one big Hokie nation. Your section leaders, rank captains, and fellow bandmates are totally cool and willing to help you! Being the Spirit of Tech is an incredible experience, so do everything you can to enjoy the moment (especially when exams and papers are haunting you).” - Andrew
Again, a huge thank you to these five MVs for sharing their experience, and we can’t to see you this August!
Featuring:
Megan Phan, Andrew Stewart, Dillon Key, Emma Grace Woolsey, and Emily Saintsing
Any final words?
“As always, Go Hokies :)” - Emily Saintsing
“Go Hokies, and MVs for Lyfe!” - Andrew Stewart
“I am beyond excited for this semester at Tech and I cannot wait to make music and meet more MVs!” - Emma Grace Woolsey
“Although my first year with the MVs was a different experience than most freshman years, I'm so grateful to be part of the band. I'm excited for what the future holds, and I can't wait to see what comes next for this awesome band.” - Megan Phan
The Marching Virginians proudly showing their Hokie spirit at Hokies for the Hungry (2020); Source: Lelan Yung