The Marching Virginians have embarked on a fund raising campaign with the goal of building a dedicated practice facility for the band. For a look at what the MVs are setting out to do, and to find out how you can support the campaign, check out this YouTube video. It sounds — and looks — like a really exciting project, and we here at TSL wish them the best of luck getting this accomplished:
Here is a brief letter and contact info for John King, the Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences:
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Virginia Tech prides itself on its constant growth and development. However, since the band’s creation in 1974, practices have been conducted in borrowed spaces – outdoor facilities with uneven, muddy fields, cars used as dressing rooms and for instrument storage, and long lines for portable toilets have always been the reality behind the image of this celebrated symbol of school spirit at Virginia Tech.
In 2006, director of the MVs, Dave McKee, was approached by the late Bill Skelton and challenged to pursue the creation of a dedicated practice facility for the Marching Virginians. McKee and members of the Marching Virginians Alumni Association have worked hard to get our message to the right people, and while there have been many obstacles to overcome, we have now reached a major milestone in the process.
Dean Sue Ott Rowlands of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences has identified this facility as a priority and Director of Development John King is working very hard to identify possible supporters. We know this facility will never be built without significant contributions from private donors, so we need alumni, families, and fans to come forward and work together to support this project.
We all KNOW the tradition of the Marching Virginians, but now it’s time to GROW this tradition!
If you’d like to become a part of the MV Building Project, please contact:
John King, Director of Development
College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
260 Wallace Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061-8734
(540) 231-8734
jhking@vt.edu
Is this going to added to the Lane Stadium video board at every football game so everyone in the state of Virginia knows about this. This would be great if this could be more then a Virginia Tech project. The way that the MV can get your attention is enough it make anyone that has been to a VT sporting event to want to help funds this project.
i saw this a week or so ago! it is quite an awesome project. From a former MV, thanks Will for putting this up and giving it some attention to the Hokie Nation.
“… one day the BANDGEEK shall inherit the earth.”
Good luck MV’s!
HT’s will always be my número uno.
My Father was a marching band director and music educator for 33 years. When I went to VT from NY he was blown away by the Marching Virginians. Nothing like that exists in the NYC area. His first FB game was the 62-0 stomping of Syracuse in ’99 and all he could talk about at the post game tailgate was the halftime show and band. I shall donate in his memory.
That’s a great story.
After working for the MVs for over 10 years, I am absolutely thrilled to see this project come to the forefront of building projects at Virginia Tech. Whether you like the band or not, these young people are extremely dedicated to the motto of Virginia Tech — “That I May Serve”. It’s not just a Saturday afternoon thing — it’s an EVERYDAY thing!!! Some of the finest students I ever had the privilege to work with at Virginia Tech were members of the Marching Virginians!!! I still keep in touch with several. Please give serious thought to your donation and make it count!!! The Marching Virginians will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart!!!
As a music educator and former Marching Virginian, this is very exciting for the future of the group.
The band does a great job with what they have. Think about if the basketball team were to use McComas as their practice facility. Not only would they be using a space that wasn’t designed for them (and we would obviously not have the same caliber of recruits come in), but the players that are there would begin to play below their ability.
Instrumentalists are the very same. Building this home for the Marching Virginians could help motivate more musicians that give up their instrument as they leave high school to want to continue to be in an ensemble. Quality of musicians increase, and the quality of the final product increases with it. Having a facility like that at their disposal would enhance the quality of all aspects of the band.
Most college bands worth mentioning provide scholarships for those who participate in the band. VT does not provide any monetary support to student musicians. These kids are in it for the love of music and for school pride. I am very displeased with any of you “fans” who put down these individuals who sacrifice a LOT of their free time not only on a practice field, but who also represent the organization and the university by volunteering in the community as well.
Thank you, TSL, for supporting the Marching Virginians!
Absolutely! A BIG thanks to Will Stewart for supporting the Marching Virginians in this effort!
The MVs don’t do a very good job of tooting their own horn, so to speak, when it comes to the amount of off the field activities that they spearhead. If anyone is curious, the link below will take you to the band’s outreach page that details most of the projects that the band is involved with. It is staggering how much these student musicians embody the school’s motto of Ut Prosim.
http://spiritoftech.music.vt.edu/about_outreach.html
As a huge college “fan I have learned to enjoy the entire game day experience thanks to VT and especially the Marching Virginians. TSL, as a subscriber, I too say thanks for supporting the spirit that is Virginia Tech the MV’s!
Awesome awesome awesome. Very much needed. I will be donating!
As will I. As a former MV myself, I vividly remember having to rehearse in a cramped room down at Squires Student Center.
This facility is long overdue. Props to Will and TSL for helping to publicize it.
where would this facility be located?
The plan is above Chicken Hill on Tech Center Drive.
Literally could not care less about the MVs. They are the worst part of every sporting event
And yet you took time to read and respond to this article.
Thanks for the quality contribution to the discussion.
TReally inappropriate response Hokiecheme. Not sure how the Marching Virginians wronged you. You do realize I hope they are one of the few marching college bands that don’t give out scholarships or have a real funding so it is strictly volunteer. Given that I think they do a decent job. My only request is when Jim Weaver leaves that someone in the MVs has the testicular fortitude to bring back “Stick it in”.
Literally could not care less what a tool like you thinks.
Gotta agree with hokiecheme… Nothing against the marching band, but I don’t really enjoy their performances. I would rather see 5 million dollars go towards any of the following (no particular order):
-Football Practice Facility
-More Student Parking
-More Faculty (so less classes are taught by TA’s)
-Dorm Renovations (Pritchard and Lee still don’t have AC)
-Improvements to BT
I’m personally of the belief that the marching band(s) should be restricted to half time performances and ‘Stick it in.’
And I thought I was a jerk.
Hey hokiecheme and br1990
I would like to see the MVs surround your house at 2am and start playing loud enough to break every piece of glass you have ! !
Go Tubas – You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out. . . . . . . . . .
Didn’t your mother ever tell you about saying something nice or not saying anything at all.
Only the government demands your money. If you don’t want to be a part of this – Don’t.
But keep the negativity to yourselves. H*ll, even UVa has a marching band now.
“Literally could not care less about the MVs. They are the worst part of every sporting event.”
My parents taught me if I couldn’t come up with something good to say it was best to say nothing!
Something you might want to consider in the future.
Play some songs we like.
Believe or not, the MVs do take requests. Just give em time to arrange and learn it. As long as it translates to Marching Band. : )
Must be a lot of requests for THE WHO or Tchaikovsky… I remember emailing the band director after going to a Big 10 game some 8 or so years ago and gave him suggestions and his only response was they are on scholarship and that was why they play current or popular songs that actually keep people in their seats at halftime instead of tuning them out.
Haha. Actually the band gets to request halftime shows as well and the Tchaik and The Who shows are actually two of the most popular shows among band members. The Who was my second favorite show to perform, but was a distant #2 to the pre-game show.
No offense to the Hightie Tighties (named by French Field Marshall Foch after seeing them in a parade after WWI) who did a great job before the MV’s; I remember how proud I was to have such a quality and sizeable Marching Band to represent the Hokies. I remember Alabama, Clemson, and West Virginia to name a few who brought quality, talented ensembles in the late 60′s, early 70′s and since then. The MV’s have been a quality and classy representative of our school and great support for our Athletics program. I will be contributing.
As a current member of the HT’s I dont see the reason some HTs/Alum get offended when the MV’s are brought up. The fact is theyre primary mission is to rally the general university population and to support the Football team.
The HTs primary mission then is to support the Corps first, to me then performing at football games is a lucky side benefit, while it is an important part of what we do it does not define us to the extent it does for the MV’s
Because of this, and the very visual differences in the bands to me there is plenty of space here for both of us to grow and flourish. The MV’s continue to be strong and are setting the ground work for a great future. While there is a real possibility that next year could set a record for the most HT’s ever on the field at once with over 160 bandsmen with accompanying growth in quality. If thats not a sign that there is room for two I dont know what is.
Well put, HT14. Good luck to the MV’s with this ambitious project!
As good a band as the MV’s are, hopefully the HT’s can go to more away games if we have 160! As an HT alum, I have to admit my extra excitement when I saw the HT’s at an away game (even though it was Duke).
’07!
I don’t really see the point. As a member of a college marching band (not at VT, though) I just don’t see why a marching band needs a $5 million facility. Sure its annoying when rain screws up your practice schedule, but those other concerns just seem somewhat trivial. Getting dressed on the bus/at your car is part of being in the band.
I certainly mean no disrespect towards the MVs but I just think this building seems excessive. Sure, you build stuff like this for the football team, but only because that’s how you compete for players. If you’re going to raise $5 million I’d rather see it go towards scholarships, fellowships or faculty hiring.
Well for starters, our friends in Charlottesville just built their marching band building (similar to the MV’s proposed building) a few years ago. So just like in college athletics, even music facilities can serve as a battleground in the ever escalating competition between schools: http://campaign.virginia.edu/site/c.ghKJIUPGIuE/b.5802227/k.924E/Hunter_Smith_Band_Building.htm
As a former MV I can attest that such a building is necessary for the band, for many of the reasons listed above. But the value of having a physical, tangible home cannot be overstated. It always did seem like we were a wandering band of nomads to an extent, just a group of people who showed up for practice at the track and field facility every afternoon, with no real ‘home’ to call our own (there were always ‘issues’ between the track team and the band for that matter…I’m sure the track team would like to have their facility back, and I can’t really blame them).
$5 million is no paltry sum, particularly for a band to raise, no question about it. But the investment in the future of the program, a program that lives and dies by their hokies (trust me, the MV’s might be the single greatest producer of rabid hokie fans out there), is priceless. I think it’s time the Hokie Nation shows it has the MV’s back and supports the band in it’s quest for a home. I know I’ll be donating.
Not only will this project provide the only indoor practice facility on campus that can hold the larger musical ensembles, but it will also provide an artificial turf field that will be shared with rec. sports and can be shared with the HTs. The facilities the MVs currently put up with are grossly inadequate. There are 3 portajohns for 400+ people on game day, the field leaves a lot to be desired and is begrudgingly shared with the track and field teams, and there are no lights on the field cutting rehearsal times shorter after October. School owned instruments (several hundred thousand dollars worth) and uniforms are stored in the trunks of cars.
As already mentioned, there are plenty of bands across the country with facilities much larger than this one: Penn State, Ohio State, Florida State, Indiana, Minnesota, and UVA all come to mind. The need is real and the time is now. If you are so compelled, please contact John King and let him know you’d like to make a pledge. No money will be exchanged at this time. We are simply asking for pledges that can be made in increments as low as $100 and can be spread out over a 5 year period. If you’re not moved to donate, perhaps you would share the video with friends and family. The Marching Virginians play a significant role on and off Worsham Field, it is time that they had a home to call their own.
While I am a bit biased, I feel that this is a great idea. Why should all of the focus and money raised be associated with sports programs. Music is a huge part of many (if not most) peoples lives and I for one value it more than words could express. Investment in music is something that will bring talented and intelligent students to VT. Isnt that the ultimate goal?
Everyone is obviously entitled to their opinion, however, allow me to provide a couple perspectives.
One of the many reasons for these proposed facilities is to attract better students in the future. If a really talented player comes out of high school and sees UVA (or other schools) with those types of facilities and the MVs in a cow pasture, where do you think they’ll wanna go? This isn’t for the band today…it’s for the band tomorrow. How do you wanna hear the MVs at football games? Do you want a quality product (that gets PLENTY of air time across the nation) or are you satisfied with a mediocre product? It’s to attract and continually improve the experience of students to come.
Secondly, the MVs will not be the only ones who would have access to this facility. For starters, intramurals would use the practice field in the offseason for sports. Other large groups on campus would also be allowed to use the space when needed. So, although it’s primary use will be MV, it is not a members only club.
Lastly, many people, including President Steger, who are more intelligent than many of us, see this as an issue that needs to be solved. So, please support it if you can. If you cannot, we will still love you. However, understand…it’s a GOOD IDEA; and it will provide a benefit, not just to the MVs, but to the University as a whole!
If you build it, they will come !
DOH!
I guess I am a bit surprised to hear that there is so much need for such a facility. I am also a former member of a college marching band (other than VT) and am a bit shocked to hear that the MV’s don’t have a better setup for rehearsing a group that large, and with such a vital role in the gameday atmosphere (as well as other events, of course).
I suppose I was lucky in my college days, in that our main practice field was a stroll from the fine arts building where all instruments were stored, and we also had easy access to the performance halls for music rehearsals. On game weekends, we relocated to another practice field closer to the stadium, and had to “live out of trunks” much as this video says the MV’s do … difference being, we were close enough to other buildings to use facilities if needed, and also to have the use of the indoor field house for full field rehearsal in the event of bad weather. I’m SHOCKED if the MV’s don’t have at least SOME use of the Rector Field House.
I really hope they can get some kind of facility done, even if not to this magnitude. At the least, the athletics admin should work with the MV’s to provide nearby facilities, and certainly access to Rector.
From my time in the MV’s (2002-2006), we had maybe 6 rehearsals inside Rector (4 were for bowl games). Rector is incredibly difficult to schedule for the MV’s, since they are right at the bottom of the barrel for scheduling priority. I can remember one rehearsal beginning at 10pm and going until 11:30, because that was the first time in that day that Rector was available.
Concur on the Rector field house scheduling. I practiced in there 3 times in 4 years and all 3 were bowl preparation before winter break and all 3 were also late evening practices. It is difficult to get into the field house in general, but nearly impossible to get in there on short term notice due to inclement weather.
makes sense, how many top tier colleges have such facilities?
Penn St, LSU, Ohio St, UVA (only cuz you said top tier colleges and not football programs), for starters. They are growing increasingly more popular.
Will this facility be shared with the Highty Tighties?
Would make a big selling point in drawing more funding from VTCC alumni.
That question was asked at the bottom of the YouTube link. I believe the answer was that the HT’s have been invited to use the MV facilities in the past, but have not done so due to the distance from the Upper Quad, but they were welcome to share the facility.
As a current HT that pretty much is spot on as to why we dont make us of the MV facilities for practice. The drill field is just that much closer, and part of it is just keeping 140 years of tradition as of this spring going, its just how it’s done.
The other issue is that we are all college students, and when the MV’s ave the time to get together and practice is essentially the same time we as a band can practice. That is one of the main reasons why the HT’s will use Rector on Friday night before eah home game for our Eternals.
Also it needs to be considered just how much use a specific practice field would be for the HT’s. While it is nice for football season, as opposed to the MV’s that is not our only responsibility. We have parades, such as NYC ST. Patty’s day or the Presidential Inaugural next year, to prepare for, and of course the Pass-in-Reviews for the Corps. As it stands the drill field just offers more versatility as a practice environment.
I have made a contribution and I hope many of you will do so as well. While it might not always be pretty, the 330 members are dedicated! Back in the day (1976-1979) we practiced 2 to 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, and performed on Saturday.
This project is long overdue. I understand it will take $5 million of private donations to break ground. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU CAN.
Marching Virginians…THE SPIRIT OF TECH!
With that kind of spirit and attitude. . . . in my book . . .
You are a Hokie ! !
Now go buy that T-shirt that declares “What is a Hokie? – I am!”
Wear it proudly!
I can verify that. It was about 12-15 hours of practice time each week just to prepare one 15 minute halftime show, and for all that time invested you only received 1 credit hour from VT.
These kids work extremely hard to give us entertainment on game days and to represent VT at other events like parades.
If you can possibly make a contribution to this project, please do.