When the MVs take the field, the wind instruments stand at the forefront of it all. From the audience, it’s easy to get lost in the flashy horn moves and warm melodies from the brass and woodwinds. However, if you let yourself fall deeper into the music, you’ll feel the pulse driving each piece forwards. With each precise movement, the drumline is responsible for keeping the music alive.
Despite their integral role, the drumline’s dedication and extra effort is often overlooked. Let’s shift the spotlight and spend a game day with VT’s very own drumline.
Warmups
While wind players are seen strolling into the MVC and playing section sports, the drumline begins grabbing their instruments and getting into formation. They start their rehearsal early by stretching—the arm circles, calf stretches, and laps help build the game day excitement among the section.
Their warm-up consists of 8s, accent taps, triplet rolls, and Pry paradiddles (named after the beloved Hokies football coach). The echoed beats across Chicken Hill signifies the start of rehearsal to the rest of the band and to the surrounding tailgaters.
“We work really hard to make sure everything sounds good… We’re here [early] because we have to be.”
Jin Yun, cymbals
Photo credit: Taylor Harrison
March to Victory
For the MVs, the March to Victory is one of the most impactful game day traditions. It allows us to interact directly with Hokie football fans as we enter Lane Stadium, anxiously awaiting the game. As we make our way to Lane from the MVC, the drumline can be heard playing Beamer Beats and their secondary cadence, which changes each season. These cadences are written by the drumline themselves, making them a unique part of the Virginia Tech football experience.
Pregame
If you look to the center of the MV stands just before the football team makes their appearance, you might be able to see each member of the drumline reach into a box of raisins. As the stadium seats begin to fill, the drumline proudly lifts their raisins to the air and proclaim words of encouragement before consuming the snack. With this, they are ready to watch the Hokies win another game.
“I love being super close to the field and getting to see the whole game.”
Mallie Yun, bassline (white shirt)
Photo credit: Nathalia Berenguer
Drum Cheers
After the game has commenced, the drumline can be heard leading the band through numerous in-game events. The drum cheers “Nokia Style” and “Bojangles” can be heard during second and fourth downs, respectively. Other cheers such as “Percolator” and “Donkey Punch” are played sporadically throughout the game to keep the energy high. The MVs love to dance, and you will notice that every section of the band has choreographed moves for each cheer.
As the final notes of Superman ring across the emptying stadium, light reflects off of metallic cymbals raised high in the air. With that, the game has ended.