Jillian Sasso, who guest wrote this blog, is a current MV.
In order to become a beautiful butterfly, a caterpillar must undergo an intense transformation inside a cocoon for a couple of weeks. Now, I know nothing about entomology, but I do know that this same process can be seen in other areas of life. Two weeks may not be enough time, though, as some transformations can take many years.
Me in my freshman year at the Baseball Stadium game — September 26, 2020. (Beau Wong)
If you are currently a member of the Marching Virginians, you may know me as the Service Officer, the girl who makes really good food, the girl who says some really weird stuff, or just “Jill.” It was not always like this though. I entered college as a ball of anxiety during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every other MV who was here in 2020 knows the struggle; bags over our instruments, two masks at all times, and very limited rehearsals. Yet, I could not have asked for a better freshman year.
Let’s just say my high school marching band experience was not the best. Coming from a small band of 30 people to over 330 in the Marching Virginians was a massive shock for me. Not only was the clarinet section larger than my entire high school band, but everything was different. I came to the MVs looking for a better experience, and I wanted to remedy the problems I had faced in high school marching band. What I found was exactly that – and more!
Justine Campbell, Samuel Martin, Aidan Fishenden, and me at a game — September 10, 2022. (Jillian Sasso)
Like many others, I started out as a nervous young adult who had no idea what to do in life. The thought of college was scary and it certainly didn’t help that there wasn’t anyone else from my hometown in the band. I was terrified of everyone and everything, so trying out for the MVs was a major step out of my comfort zone. The MVs is a place of taking chances though, both for yourself and others. For me, the audition process was frightening, but I am so thankful that the clarinet leadership took a chance on me (cue ABBA music) that year. Although the conditions were not exactly favorable due to the pandemic, I still got my foot in the door to the greatest organization that exists at Virginia Tech.
Alexis Trippel, Ella Wolfe, and me after a failed picture attempt — September 16, 2023. (Beau Wong)
Sophomore year, Executive Officer Lauren Chuderewicz gave me an opportunity to be a part of something greater than myself – the MV Officer Team. The officers are the backbone of the entire band and nothing can operate without this incredible group of people. Becoming an officer was the beginning of my metamorphosis, and I felt that it was my duty to serve the band for as long as I could. I started out as the Music Librarian, printing copies of sheet music for numerous sections within the MVs. This was a wonderful position, and I was so thankful that Lauren gave me this chance.
Things only got better from there. I started to emerge from my “cocoon,” as I found a solid group of friends within the clarinet section. I also had the chance to interact with other sections and leadership through my position as an officer. College was still scary, and sophomore year proved to be more challenging than I thought. Things were adjusting “back to normal” after the pandemic had mostly subsided, including a return to in-person classes, an increased schedule for band, and many other things. It was a lot of stress for me, and things came to a critical point when I decided to switch my major over winter break. Yet again, the changes in my life changed me as a person. College is about exploration, and I realized that it was perfectly alright for me to acknowledge the current problems and choose a different path in life.
Some of the officers and managers that helped with counting cans for Hokies for the Hungry 2023 — November 17, 2023. (Jillian Sasso)
Throughout all of this, the MVs helped me to navigate everything. Even if nothing else was going right in my life, I had the support of my friends in the MVs and I still had music to perform for 60,000 fans in the fall. I was developing solid relationships, learning how to communicate with people of all different backgrounds, and working with others to create a better experience for current and future MVs. Then, I was selected to be the band’s Service Officer, which was a new opportunity to do more within the MVs. It took some time to adjust to the position, but I think I got the hang of it the second time around.
My senior year proved to be the best part of my time in the MVs. I had entered my college cocoon as an anxious freshman afraid to talk to anyone, but I emerged from this cocoon as a more confident senior with a reputation within the MVs. As a senior and the band’s Service Officer, I felt it was my duty to help other MVs have the best possible experience. It has been such an honor to serve in this particular officer position. From coordinating band camp activities to setting a record for “Hokies for the Hungry” this past season, being the Service Officer has been the greatest achievement of my college career.
My mom and I when she visited for a game during my sophomore year — September 11, 2021. (Jillian Sasso)
I wanted to also take a moment to shout out my biggest supporter throughout the entirety of my college career and life–my mom! I have made so many friends in the MVs, but my mom is my absolute best friend. You may have seen her at the MVC with a “Hokie Mama” shirt on, mostly embarrassing me, as many moms do. Regardless, she has supported me through everything I have done in my life, especially music. My mom has constantly encouraged my clarinet playing in numerous ensembles, showed up to see me perform at as many football games as possible, and has even helped me count cans for “Hokies for the Hungry.” All of my friends love “Momma Sasso” and I have to say that I do too! Thank you, Mom, for being my biggest fan!
So, why am I telling you about all of this? Well, whether you’re an MV Alumni or a prospective MV for the next season, I hope my story reflects just how special this organization is to all of us. In the MVs, I have found friends, family, and love all through the concept of music. It’s not just about playing James Bond and Led Zeppelin in Yankee Stadium or trying not to cry when the crowd cheers during our Pregame show. It’s about coming to rehearsal and seeing your friends after a hard day of classes. It’s about finding people who make you a better version of yourself, and that is what I have found during my time as an MV.
Me flying during Superman after the 5.5 hour rain delay game — September 9, 2023. (Beau Wong)
My advice to any prospective MV is to try everything you can, even if you’re a ball of anxiety like me. College is a time of exploration, so just go out and do everything that you possibly can. Audition for the MVs, apply to be field leadership or a member of the officer team, and suggest ways to improve the organization as a whole. Be curious, ask questions, and keep practicing. In other words, start your own metamorphosis and join this wonderful organization that can transform you into a beautiful butterfly!
As I sit here typing this, about to graduate in May 2024, I feel mixed emotions. On one hand, I could spend my entire life performing as a clarinet player in the MVs. On the other hand, I have served my four years in the MVs and it is time to move on to the next chapter of life. I will miss performing in Lane Stadium, I will miss the MVC sunsets, I will miss the jokes and memes, but most importantly, I will miss this part of my life. However, I have completed my college musical metamorphosis, and I believe it’s time to start another. It’s time to follow the advice of one of my tattoos and “Keep Moving Forward!”