PROGRAM OF EVENTS

2016

VIRGINIA TECH
vs.
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
 MUSIC FOR TODAY’S SHOW
VIRGINIA TECH
vs.
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Title Composer Arranger

Django John Lewis James Sochinski

Moonlight and VPI Charles Gaynor James Sochinski

Fred Waring

Virginia Tech Alma Mater E.T. Sparks James Sochinski

Tech Triumph Wilfred P. Maddux James Sochinski

Mattie Eppes

For further information, please contact:

Samantha L. Hall
Public Relations Officer
sam757@vt.edu
(757) 508-0154

2
 VIRGINIA TECH vs.
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
HALFTIME: SEPTEMBER 24

Band runs on to opening set (facing home) and horns come up.
PA (when horns come up):

FROM THE SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS IN THE COLLEGE OF

LIBERAL ARTS AND HUMAN SCIENCES, WE PROUDLY PRESENT THE
SPIRIT OF TECH. UNDER THE FIELD DIRECTION OF CALEB COPELAND
AND JENNA SHARER, 330 STRONG, THE 2016 EDITION OF THE
MARCHING VIRGINIANS.
MVs play Django.
MVs scatter into a block; MV alumni band join the MVs.
PA (over scatter):

THE MARCHING VIRGINIANS OPENED TODAY’S HOMECOMING

HALFTIME PERFORMANCE WITH THE MUSIC OF THE MODERN JAZZ
QUINTET AND THEIR MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO JAZZ GUITARIST DJANGO
REINHARDT.
WE NOW INVITE EVERYONE IN LANE STADIUM TO JOIN THE
MARCHING VIRGINIANS AND THE MARCHING VIRGINIANS ALUMNI
BAND IN ONE OF THE GREATEST COLLEGE BAND TRADITIONS IN THE
LAND. HOKIES, PIRATES, EVERYONE IN LANE STADIUM – LET’S DO
THE HOKIE POKIE!
MVs and MV alumni band play The Hokie Pokie.
Alumni band runs off field, MVs march into
two large blocks on either side of field.
Highty-Tighties and Gregory Guard enter the field simultaneously.
PA continues after MVs and HTs are in place:

- HOMECOMING PRESENTATION -
PA following:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE JOIN THE BANDS OF VIRGINIA

TECH IN THE VIRGINIA TECH ALMA MATER.
Bands play Virginia Tech Alma Mater.

AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO END OUR HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

THAN WITH EVERY HOKIE’S FAVORITE SONG. . .
Bands play Tech Triumph, exiting at chorus.
3
 Field parties exit immediately.

PA (after Tech Triumph):

FANS, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE NEXT HOME GAME AGAINST

MIAMI IS THE 20 ANNUAL HOKIES FOR THE HUNGRY CANNED FOOD
TH

DRIVE. LET’S ALL JOIN TOGETHER TO BRING ONE CAN FROM EVERY
FAN FOR THE 20 ANNUAL HOKIES FOR THE HUNGRY CANNED FOOD
TH

DRIVE.

4
THE MARCHING VIRGINIANS
The Marching Virginians will support the Hokies with entertaining performances and lively
music throughout the 2016 football season. Under the direction of David McKee and Dr. Dana
Biggs, the band will perform a variety of crowd favorites throughout the season. Dr. James
Sochinski, the primary music arranger, has composed over 250 musical arrangements for The
Marching Virginians over the past 40 years and Mike Sparrer, former percussionist from the
Class of 1993, serves as The Voice of The Marching Virginians.

In addition to the professional leadership, The Marching Virginians is administered by an

exceptional group of 12 student officers who work together to manage many logistical operations
within the ensemble. The Executive Officer of the band is Evan Fitts, a senior Political Science
major from Chester, Virginia. A squad of over fifty rank captains and sections leaders lead their
sections in learning music and drill throughout the season. This season’s drum majors are Caleb
Copeland, a graduate student studying Mathematics from Newport News, and Jenna Sharer, a
junior Business Information Technology major from Oak Hill. The Marching Virginians have
two feature twirlers; the fiery pair consists of Kaitlyn Boyer, a senior Human Development
major from Sykesville, Maryland, and Serena Bronk, a freshman Biology major from Owings,
Maryland.

Students of The Marching Virginians are enrolled in nearly every major in the university and
truly represent the Virginia Tech community. The Marching Virginians are proud of their years
of spirit and dedication since the founding of the band in 1974. Throughout their history, The
Marching Virginians has performed for hundreds of nationally televised football games and
parades. During the 2016 season, the ensemble travelled to Bristol, Tennessee to perform at the
Bristol Motor Speedway for 159,990 fans at the largest college football game to date: the Battle
at Bristol. The band has also received praise for outstanding performances at Virginia Tech’s
recent bowl games, including the 2015 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana; the 2014
Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland; the 2013 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas; the 2012 Russell
Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Florida; the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl; and the 2008, 2009, and 2011
Orange Bowls in Miami Gardens, Florida. The unique show band style and extraordinary spirit
of The Marching Virginians has been a hit with Hokies and football fans everywhere.

Members of The Marching Virginians continue to volunteer their time and energy toward service
projects, both local and national in scope. Over the past four years, The Marching Virginians has
raised $70,000 to support research and services for the ALS Association through their Marching
for ALS program. The Marching Virginians has sent a pep band of 80 to 100 student musicians to
Craig County High School for 10 years to perform at a football game for a community where
there is no band program. In addition, the 330-member ensemble travelled to both Hanover High
School and Harrisonburg High School in 2015 to give exhibition performances and promote
collegiate bands at marching band competitions. The ensemble is proud to have participated in a
series of blood drive challenges; performances for school, community, and campus events; and
19 Hokies for the Hungry canned food drives (sponsored jointly with New Life Christian
Fellowship) – members of The Marching Virginians are truly the model of Ut Prosim.

The strong level of dedication, enthusiasm, and talent of this ensemble has led The Marching
Virginians to become an irreplaceable element of Virginia Tech football. The Marching
Virginians are proud of their reputation with fellow students, faculty, and fans and are honored to
be The Spirit of Tech!
5
FACULTY AND STAFF
DIRECTOR DAVID MCKEE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DANA BIGGS

MUSIC ARRANGERS ROD HARKINS

SCOTT MCKENZIE
JAMES SOCHINSKI

PERCUSSION ARRANGER BRIAN NOZNY

PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR ANNIE STEVENS

FLAG CORPS INSTRUCTORS SARAH MCHUGH

LISA VANDYKE

THE VOICE OF THE MIKE SPARRER

MARCHING VIRGINIANS

PRESIDENT, MV ALUMNI STEPHEN ELRIDGE

ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT, KAPPA KAPPA PSI ADAM CHIODINI

ETA BETA CHAPTER

PRESIDENT, TAU BETA SIGMA VIRGINA KIBLER

ZETA OMICRON CHAPTER

SENIOR STAFF ASSISTANTS JULES CLAYTON

KATIE ROCKEFELLER

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FACULTY AND STAFF
DIRECTOR OF THE MARCHING VIRGINIANS
David McKee serves as director of The Marching Virginians. A native of Lynchburg, he
received his B.M.E. from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in 1976 and his M.A.Ed. from
Virginia Tech in 1986. He joined The Marching Virginians as a graduate assistant in 1984 and
took over as director in 1986.

Under his direction, The Marching Virginians has performed throughout the nation for football
games, parades and other activities, sharing performances with bands with such schools as the
University of Texas, Florida State University, and the University of Tennessee. In addition to a
demanding schedule of performances throughout the football season, The Marching Virginians
are the model of Ut Prosim serving the university community through 18 Hokies for the Hungry
canned food drives, two collaborative hurricane relief trips to New Orleans with the YMCA
Student Programs at Virginia Tech, and countless performances and presentations for public
school students in the region. In the spring of 2009, The Marching Virginians partnered with
Community Housing Partners to build a home in honor of Ryan “Stack” Clark, a band member
and victim of the 2007 campus shooting. Under McKee’s guidance, the Marching Virginians
Alumni Association has developed into an exceptional source of networking and funding for The
Marching Virginians, providing well over $1,000,000 of support to the band.

In addition to directing The Marching Virginians, McKee teaches aural skills and conducts the
Symphony Band during the spring semester. He is an active guest conductor, clinician, and
advocate for music education in the public schools. At the 2007 Virginia Music Educators
Association Conference in Norfolk, he served as a percussionist, orator, and conductor within the
span of 48 hours. In 2005, Mr. McKee was awarded a Certificate of Teaching Excellence by the
College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. He is a member of the ACC Band Directors
Association, past-president of the Big East Band Directors Association and has served on the
Athletic Band Advisory Committee of the College Band Directors National Association. He and
his wife, Charlotte, celebrated their 40th anniversary in the summer of 2016. They are the proud
parents of three adult children.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE MARCHING VIRGINIANS

Dana Biggs is the new Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Virginia Tech. His responsibilities
include assisting with directing the 330-member Marching Virginians, directing the Hokie Pep
Band, serving as an artistic conductor of the Symphonic and Campus bands, as well as teaching
various other classes throughout the Department of Music. Prior to his appointment at Virginia
Tech, Dr. Biggs directed bands in the PAC 12 Conference at Oregon State University and the
University of Colorado Boulder. As the Director of Athletic Bands at OSU, Dr. Biggs increased
the size of the marching band to 250 members and the basketball band to 130 members. His
concert groups received acclaim for their outstanding performances that were considered the best
in program history. In Colorado, Dr. Biggs transformed the basketball band from a 30-piece
group to a group of 120 members that made an immediate impact on the games and atmosphere
in the Coors Event Center. He also was the conductor and artistic director of the Boulder
Concert Band, the city of Boulder’s community band, and was the coordinator of the CU
Summer Music Academy, a two-week summer program attended by hundreds of middle and
high school students throughout the country.

7
FACULTY AND STAFF
Prior to his appointment at CU Boulder, Dr. Biggs served as the Acting Associate Director of
Bands in charge of directing the Wildcat Marching Band, the Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Pep Bands, and conducting the Symphonic Band at the University of Kentucky while
completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting. He received his
Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting from Eastern Kentucky University and
his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky.

MUSIC ARRANGER
James Sochinski serves as principal arranger for The Marching Virginians, with over 250
arrangements during his career at Virginia Tech. Dr. Sochinski holds a B.M. from the University
of Missouri-Columbia, a M.M. from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, and
a Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Miami. During his tenure as Director of Bands
from 1978-1990, he arranged and initiated the signature music and visuals that have become part
of the Hokie football tradition, including the VPI Victory March, the pregame Colors
Presentation, and The Hokie Pokie. His teaching responsibilities at Tech include courses in
analysis, history and literature, and orchestration.

PERCUSSION ARRANGER
Brian Nozny's career as a percussionist and composer spans a wide array of musical styles,
including classical, jazz, world and popular genres. His original works and arrangements have
been performed at respected academic institutions such as the University of Massachusetts-
Amherst, the University of South Carolina, and Florida State University. Notable ensembles that
have premiered Nozny’s compositions include the University of North Texas Percussion
Ensemble, the University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble, and NEXUS. Brian’s most recent
commission, an original work for percussion sextet, Sharps, was premiered by the Denkyem
Percussion Group on their tour of Costa Rica in March of 2010.

Nozny's performances and teaching experiences have taken him all over the world - from North
Dakota to Jamaica. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech, and Master’s
degrees in Composition and Performance from the University of Miami and the University of
North Texas, respectively. After completing his doctorate at the University of Kentucky, Dr.
Nozny is currently a Lecturer in Music at Troy University in Troy, Alabama.

PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR
Annie Stevens is the assistant professor of percussion at Virginia Tech where she teaches studio
percussion, directs the VT Percussion Ensemble, and assists with the VT Drumline. She earned a
D.M.A. degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied percussion with Michael
Burritt. Dr. Stevens has performed worldwide and has been featured at the Percussive Arts
Society International Convention on numerous occasions, the International Computer Music
Conference, Electronic Music Midwest, the International Trumpet Guild, the International
Trombone Festival, and Eastman’s China Connection Ensemble. Her percussion duo, Escape
Ten, has performed concerts from coast to coast, and most recently performed at the Leigh
Howard Stevens Summer Marimba Seminar. She also holds degrees from Northwestern

8
FACULTY AND STAFF
University (B.M.) and Rutgers University (M.M.), and spent a semester abroad at the
Hochschule für Musik in Detmold, Germany. While at Northwestern pursuing a performance
degree, she also elected to participate in the drumline for four years. She has held previous
appointments at Christopher Newport University and the University of West Georgia. Annie is a
Malletech Artist, a member of C.M.S., and an advisor to the music technology committee as a
member of the Percussive Arts Society.

FLAG INSTRUCTOR
Sarah McHugh has served as flag instructor since 2006. She graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's
degree in Communications. She marched with the MV Flag Corps from 2001 to 2004, serving as
rank captain in 2003 and captain in 2004.

Sarah married fellow Richmonder and MV, Matt McHugh (Horn '99-'03) in 2005 and they have
one son, Kyle, born the day before the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl. Sarah’s hospital room served
as Hokie headquarters in the maternity ward of the hospital that year!

Sarah is a Human Resources Information and Communication Specialist at HHHunt, a regional

real estate development and management company, where she manages the company’s intranet
and HR information system.

FLAG INSTRUCTOR
Lisa VanDyke has served as MV Flag Instructor since 1994. She graduated in 1990 with a
bachelor's degree in Housing, Interior Design and Resource Management. While at Tech, Lisa
marched with the MV Flag Corps from 1985 to 1990 and was a rank captain for the 1989 and
1990 band seasons.

Lisa married fellow MV alumnus, Chuck VanDyke (Snare '84 - '88 and past president of the MV
Alumni Association) in 1990. They settled in Greensboro, NC, where they still reside today with
their son Ryan and daughter Reilly. Lisa does contract work designing productive office
environments for companies in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina.

THE VOICE OF THE MARCHING VIRGINIANS

Mike Sparrer, has served as the "Voice of The Marching Virginians" at Bowl and Championship
games since 2012. He assumed the full time duties in 2015 when long time Voice Dr. Tony
Distler turned over the microphone at the end of the 2014 season. Mike was a member of The
Marching Virginians drumline and served as a Rank Captain and Section Leader during his time
with the band. He loved performing with The Marching Virginians then and loves his new role
just as much. “There is nothing like the game day atmosphere at Lane Stadium when you are
with 330 of your closest friends”, Sparrer said.

Mike can be heard as the voice of Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium's football pre-game and
halftime programs as well as at other athletic events across campus. Over the years, Mike has
served as the Public Address announcer for many athletic programs at Virginia Tech including
volleyball, baseball and softball and basketball. This past season he was named Public Address
announcer for Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball program. Mike attended the College of
Landscape Architecture at Virginia Tech and now resides in Riner, Virginia with his wife Holly
and their two children Allison and Tyler.
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STUDENT LEADERSHIP
FIELD LEADERSHIP:

DRUM MAJORS CALEB COPELAND

JENNA SHARER

FLAG CORPS CAPTAINS VIRGINIA KIBLER

KATIE LEDWELL

FEATURE TWIRLERS KAITLYN BOYER

SERENA BRONK

OFFICERS:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER EVAN FITTS

INSTRUMENT SUPPLY ADAM CHIODINI

DREW WITTER

LIBRARIANS DARLENE ACERO

MACKENZIE KNOX

ONLINE CONTENT BRI DAZIO

OPERATIONS ALEX EATON

TANNER SAVIDGE

PERSONNEL ABIGAIL SNYDER

PUBLIC RELATIONS SAMANTHA HALL

SERVICES ROMCHOLO MACATULA

TREASURER SAMI EASLEY

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP
SECTION LEADERS:

PICCOLO BRITTNEY WORRELL

CLARINET KATIE HALE

ALTO SAXOPHONE MATT JONES

TENOR SAXOPHONE TREVOR MCMILLAN

TRUMPET CAMMY COHEN

MATT MESSICK

HORN MARY CATHERINE STEGALL

TROMBONE JOSEPH TOLLEY

BARITONE DOMINICK BARBARIS

TUBA BILLY OWEN

PERCUSSION JOE MCDERMOTT

NATE ROGERS

FLAG CORPS VIRGINIA KIBLER

KATIE LEDWELL

HEAD MANAGER KELLY GUTHRIE

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP
RANK CAPTAINS:

PICCOLO TROMBONE
KIRSTEN CROFFORD JAMES BITTNER
JORDAN ESTEP ALEX GERIG
ALLIE GREENE EVAN HORNSTEIN
ELIZABETH PRATT KATE WOLLENBERG

CLARINET BARITONE
BILLY KONG JOE PAULI
JENNA O’BRIEN MEREDITH WIENERS
STEVEN RAINS
MITCHELL REICHNER TUBA
KAITY BLOHM
SAXES JACK MONK
JAY HORIN
TYLER MCKINNON PERCUSSION
NICHOLAS STINSON SARAH EBHARDT - CYMBAL
LINDSAY VANDER MOLEN J.D. GRIZZLE - BASS
BRIAN LINDSTROM - BELLS
HORN SCOTT MONTGOMERY - SNARE
RACHEL ABBOTT JAMIE SLADE - TENOR
BROOKE MARTIN
THOMAS NEIGH FLAG CORPS
SHELBY PIMM
TRUMPET DIANE SALING
COURTNEY AMOS
JACOB CASTAGNA
SAVANNAH HEPNER
SKYLAR MANTEUFFEL
CLAIRE PETRIE
BENJAMIN RIPPLE
JACOB STUBBS

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP
DRUM MAJORS
Caleb Copeland, a graduate student in his fifth year at Virginia Tech, graduated with the Class of
2016, completing undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Mathematics. He is currently
finishing his M.S. in Mathematics and is incredibly excited for his first year as Drum Major of
The Marching Virginians. Caleb is from Newport News and has been a member of The
Marching Virginians for five seasons, including three as the trombone section leader. When he
isn’t playing on the field or dancing in the stands, you can find Caleb watching movies with
friends, refereeing local soccer games, or spending time with his fiancé, a fellow trombone
player that he met at his first band camp. Caleb is looking forward to serving, celebrating, and
winning some football games with this year’s edition of The Spirit of Tech!

Jenna Sharer is a junior at Virginia Tech in the Pamplin College of Business majoring in
Business Information Technology. She is from Oak Hill and loves seeing the Washington, DC
monuments at night. Jenna plays the clarinet and it's her third year in The Marching Virginians,
last year serving as a Rank Captain for Rank 9. Outside of Hokie Football and The Marching
Virginians, she volunteers as a Pamplin Ambassador, recruiting potential students to Virginia
Tech and the Pamplin College of Business. In her spare time, she loves to hike to the waterfalls
of the Cascades, eat at The Homeplace, and admire cute ducks around campus. She aspires to get
as many candid shots as possible with the one and only Hokie Bird. Jenna is looking forward to
the Hokies' winning tradition under new coach Justin Fuente!

FEATURE TWIRLERS
Kaitlyn Boyer is a senior from Sykesville, Maryland, majoring in Human Development on the
health profession track for physical therapy with a minor in Business Leadership. This year will
be her fourth and final year twirling for The Marching Virginians and she hopes to be pursuing
Physical Therapy school next fall. She is a 3-time World Champion and currently the reigning
2016 College Miss Majorette of the Maryland, National and World Open 2-Baton Champion,
and Grand National Duet Champion. She is very excited for another great year of Hokie Football
twirling with Serena Bronk!

Serena Bronk is a freshman from Owings, Maryland majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med track.
This is her first year as a feature twirler for The Marching Virginians and she is so excited to step
out on the field for the first time. She is a 2-time World Champion and was selected to represent
baton twirling by becoming an ambassador for Peru. Serena can't wait to perform with Kaitlyn
Boyer by her side during the upcoming season.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Evan R. Fitts, a senior from Chester, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in
Political Science and a minor in Professional and Technical Writing. He is thrilled to start his
fourth and final season as a Marching Virginian. An aspiring politico, Evan has worked for the
Governor of Virginia, the Democratic Party of Virginia, the Office of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine,
and the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. He cannot wait to bring the same energy and
professionalism from those experiences to his position as Executive Officer for the band. As an
MV clarinetist, Evan enjoys the class and sass of his section and loves playing, cheering, and
especially dancing with his fellow Squidwards. Evan is a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi (National
Honorary Band Fraternity) and is currently the Vice President of Service for the Eta Beta

13
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Chapter. Outside of band, Evan serves the Virginia Tech community by acting as a College
Ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. He is excited to make many
more memories in Lane Stadium as a part of The Spirit of Tech!

INSTRUMENT SUPPLY
Adam Chiodini is a senior from Ashburn majoring in Civil Engineering and minoring in Russian.
Adam has experience working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and is looking
forward to working in the construction industry after graduation. Adam is a clarinet and tenor
saxophone player and has participated in Symphony Band, Campus Band, and the Hokies Pep
Band during basketball season. He is currently serving as Instrument Supply Officer and has
greatly enjoyed serving The Marching Virginians for the past three seasons. Adam is a brother of
Kappa Kappa Psi, Honorary Band Fraternity; Dobra Slova, Slavic Language Honor Society; and
a member of the American Society for Civil Engineers. He is looking forward to working with
Drew Witter as co-Instrument Supply Officers and another great season of cheering on the
Hokies and being a part of The Spirit of Tech!

Drew Witter is a fifth year senior from Fairfax majoring in Industrial Systems Engineering with
a minor in Green Engineering. He has been a member of The Marching Virginians for the past
four years and was a Rank Captain for the past two seasons. He has been playing french horn
since the fifth grade and has had amazing experiences because of it, such as playing in the
George Mason Flutopia Ensemble at Carnegie Hall. Drew is currently the Instrument Supply
Officer for The Marching Virginians as well as the Treasurer for Kappa Kappa Psi, National
Honorary Band Fraternity. He is excited for Hokie football and to continue serving the bands
during his final season with The Spirit of Tech.

LIBRARIANS
Darlene Acero is a junior from Weyers Cave studying Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
with a concentration in Dietetics. After graduating, Darlene plans to pursue a clinical dietetic
internship in hopes of becoming a Registered Dietitian. She is a member of the clarinet section in
The Marching Virginians and loves being in Lane Stadium on Game Days. Darlene is also a
sister of Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Service Sorority, where she currently serves
as the Vice President of Service. Darlene's favorite place on the Virginia Tech campus is
Torgersen Bridge, where she can be found doing homework and studying nearly every day of the
week. When she's not memorizing the glycolytic pathway, Darlene enjoys reading, taking
pictures, playing fetch with her dog, Socks, and running.

Mackenzie Knox is a sophomore Food Science and Technology major from Yorktown.
Mackenzie began playing the clarinet in the sixth grade. She began to learn new instruments in
high school, such as the tenor saxophone and the contra-alto clarinet, to suit the band’s need.
Mackenzie is an active community member in the Hillcrest Honors Community as well as a
sister of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Service Sorority. She embodies Ut Prosim in
everything she does and cannot wait to serve The Marching Virginians this year as Librarian
alongside Darlene Acero. When she’s not serving the band and Virginia Tech community, you
can find Mackenzie playing with her border collie, Sampson, or hanging out in Hillcrest’s third
floor lounge chatting with friends. Mackenzie is excited to welcome Justin Fuente to the Hokie
Nation and looks forward to cheering on the Hokies in another fantastic football season.

14
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
ONLINE CONTENT
Bri Dazio is a junior all the way from Red Bank, New Jersey majoring in Interior Design with a
Business Leadership minor. She's been involved in the MVs for the past two years serving as a
manager and clarinet. She is also a member of the Gamma Mu chapter of Delta Omicron, the
Professional Music Fraternity. One of Bri's favorite memories with the MVs is when she had to
learn the pregame show in just two practices before the Thursday night Miami game. She is
super excited to start her third season as a Marching Virginian and can't wait to make many more
great memories in Lane Stadium as a part of the Spirit of Tech.

OPERATIONS
Alex Eaton is a graduate student from Pearisburg with degrees in Accounting and Finance
focusing on audit for his Master's Degree. He has been a member of The Marching Virginians
since 2013 as a member of the saxophone section playing alto. This is his second year in
leadership, serving as one of the Operations Officers both seasons. Alex has also been a brother
of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity since his junior year and is excited to
serve the band even more this coming year! He is thrilled to enjoy his last season that will see
many new changes, performances, and fellow performers within The Marching Virginians!

Tanner Savidge is a junior from Alburtis, Pennsylvania majoring in Packaging Systems and
Design and pursuing a minor in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship. He was a
manager for The Marching Virginians for the 2015-2016 season and is thrilled to be a part of the
Virginia Tech Drumline this year. Tanner is a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary
Band Fraternity and can’t wait to serve The Spirit of Tech as one of two Operations Officers this
year. One of Tanner’s favorite memories at Virginia Tech and as an MV is collecting cans for
Hokies for the Hungry. When Tanner isn’t playing in front of 60,000 people in Lane Stadium, he
enjoys finding new music, playing intramurals with friends, visiting Tech’s #1 ranked dining
halls, and checking off the Hokie Bucket List. He can’t wait to see what this football season has
in store for Hokie Football.

PERSONNEL
Abigail Snyder is a senior from Williamsburg studying Music Education. She is a member of the
mellophone section and plays french horn in other campus ensembles. Abigail is a member of the
Gamma Mu chapter of Delta Omicron, the Professional Music Fraternity on campus. She loves
spending time with the MV Horns and looks forward to game day traditions like horn piling and
eating Dum Dums. Abigail is looking forward to serving The Spirit of Tech and cheering on the
Hokies for another season!

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Samantha Hall is a junior from Hampton majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management and
is seeking career in performing arts administration. Throughout Sam’s music career, she has
learned how to play piano, trumpet, euphonium, and alto saxophone before choosing percussion
as her primary instrument in high school. Sam spent two WGI seasons competing with the
Liberty University Indoor Drumline in the front ensemble as well as a semester in percussion
ensemble and symphony band at Virginia Tech. Sam is currently on the Virginia Tech Drumline
playing cymbals. As a sister of Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Service Sorority, Sam
strives to serve both the Virginia Tech Music Department as well as The Marching Virginians.

15
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
She has been absolutely thrilled to be able to fulfill her duties as Public Relations Officer so far
throughout the semester and looks forward to a successful Fuente Football season!

SERVICE
Romcholo Macatula is a junior majoring in Applied Computational Math as well as
Computational Modeling and Data Analytics from Ashburn. Both math and music are his
passions. While his classes are heavily STEM based, he hopes to always find time for music in
his life. In high school, Romcholo learned to play clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, flute, and
dabbled a bit on bass drums. He played in multiple ensembles within the school and in the
surrounding community. His love for music continues at Tech. This will be his third year in The
Marching Virginians on tenor saxophone. Romcholo always strives to keep Ut Prosim in his life.
He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the service fraternity for band, and Delta Omicron, the
professional music fraternity. When he’s not at Tech, he volunteers at band camps for his local
high school and middle school. He enjoys instructing music and marching to students. However,
he hopes to instill a love in music, just like his own, to the next generation of band kids.

TREASURER
Sami Easley is a junior from Martinsville. She is majoring in Finance with a minor in
Professional Sales through the Pamplin College of Business. Sami is currently on the Certified
Financial Planner track and hopes to become a financial planner after college. When she isn't in
class, you can find Sami at a Financial Planning Association (FPA) meeting or at band
practice! Sami is a clarinet player in The Marching Virginians and, as she enters her third year in
the band, couldn't be more excited to serve as Treasurer! She looks forward to this opportunity to
serve the band while cheering on the Hokies with The Spirit of Tech!

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SUPPORT AND STAFF
The Marching Virginians are grateful for significant financial support
from the following organizations:

Remo Drum Heads Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets

Sabian Cymbals Yamaha Instruments

The Marching Virginians appreciate the support of many individuals

and organizations throughout the year:

Marching Virginians Alumni Association

A Cleaner World, Uniform Repair and Maintenance

Aztec Rental, Equipment Rental

Casey Underwood and staff, Head Groundskeeper, Lane Stadium

Scott McKenzie, arranger

Brian Nozny, percussion arranger

David Holley, percussion arranger

Valley Repair Service, instrument equipment, repair, and maintenance

Virginia Tech Administration

Virginia Tech Athletics Department

Virginia Tech Tailor Shop

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MV FACTS
With a membership of 352, representing 11 states, 85% of the band members
are from Virginia.

The Marching Virginians will perform at six home games, two away games,
and an exhibition with the Marching Royal Dukes of James Madison
University at Bath County High School for the 2016 Virginia Music
Educators Association Conference.

The Marching Virginians is supported by a 31-member flag corps and two

feature twirlers.

Director of The Marching Virginians, Dave McKee, is in his 33rd year with
the band and has his own “bobblehead” character.

Assistant Director Dana Biggs is in his first year with the band.

Music Arranger James Sochinski is in his 40th year with the band.

The Voice of The Marching Virginians is Mike Sparrer, an alumnus from the
MV Drumline who graduated in 1993. Mike is also the voice of Virginia
Tech Men’s Basketball and is in his second full year with the band.

Daily operations of the band are managed by a student staff selected by the
band leadership.

Service to the band is also provided by Kappa Kappa Psi (ΚΚΨ) and Tau Beta
Sigma (ΤΒΣ), the National Honorary Band Service Fraternity and Sorority.

The Marching Virginians rehearse 90 minutes every weekday with occasional

additional weekend rehearsals in order to prepare a different show for each
2016 home performance.

Each show requires over 5,000 man-hours, resulting in a total of 35,000 hours
(four years) on the marching field.

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MV FACTS: INSTRUMENTATION
PICCOLO 36

CLARINET 36

ALTO SAXOPHONE 24

TENOR SAXOPHONE 12

TRUMPET 58

HORN 27

TROMBONE 36

BARITONE 14

TUBA 23

PERCUSSION 37

DRUM MAJOR 2

FEATURE TWIRLER 2

FLAG CORPS 31

MANAGER 14

TOTAL 352

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MV FACTS: HOME STATES
CONNECTICUT 1

GEORGIA 3

MARYLAND 12

MASSACHUSETTS 1

MILITARY 1

NEW JERSEY 11

NORTH CAROLINA 6

PENNSYLVANIA 12

TENNESSEE 3

VERMONT 1

VIRGINIA 300

WEST VIRGINIA 1

TOTAL 352

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MV FACTS: AREAS OF STUDY
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Agriculture and Applied Economics (AAEC) 3
Agricultural Sciences (AGSC) 1
Agriculture and Life Sciences (ALS) 1
Animal and Poultry Science (APSC) 16
Biochemistry (BCHM) 8
Dairy Science (DASC) 2
Environmental Horticulture (EHRT) 2
Environmental Science (ENSC) 1
Food Science and Technology (FST) 3
Horticulture (HORT) 1
Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HNFE) 11
Wildlife Conservation (WLC) 1

College of Architecture and Urban Studies

Architecture (ARCH) 7
Art (ART) 3
Building Construction (BC) 2
Industrial Design (IDS) 2
Interior Design (ITDS) 2

Pamplin College of Business

Accounting and Information Systems (ACIS) 9
Business Information Technology (BIT) 6
Business, Undecided (BUS) 3
Economics (ECON) 3
Finance (FIN) 3
Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) 3
Marketing (MKTG) 4

College of Engineering
Aerospace Engineering (AE) 5
Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) 3
Chemical Engineering (CHE) 9
Civil Engineering (CE) 8
Computer Engineering (CPE) 11
Computer Science (CS) 12
Electrical Engineering (EE) 6
Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) 4
General Engineering (GE) 33
Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) 6
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) 2
Mechanical Engineering (ME) 18
Mining Engineering (MINE) 2
Ocean Engineering (OCE) 1

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MV FACTS: AREAS OF STUDY
College of Liberal Arts and Human Science
Communication (COMM) 2
Criminology (CRI) 4
Creative Writing (CW) 2
English (ENGL) 3
German (GER) 1
History (HIST) 2
Human Development (HD) 6
International Relations (IREL) 1
International Studies (IS) 2
Literature and Language (LL) 1
Music (MUS) 23
Philosophy (PHIL) 1
Public Relations (PR) 1
Political Science (PSCI) 4
Residential Environments and Design (RED) 1
Sociology (SOC) 1
Theatre Arts (TA) 3

College of Natural Resources and Environment

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) 2
Forestry (FORS) 1
Meteorology (MTRG) 3
Packaging Systems and Design (PSD) 2

College of Science
Biochemistry (BIOC) 3
Biology (BIOL) 17
Chemistry (CHEM) 3
Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA) 3
Economics (ECAS) 1
Geosciences (GEOS) 2
Mathematics (MATH) 9
Microbiology (MICB) 5
Nanoscience (NANO) 3
Neuroscience (NEUR) 5
Physics (PHYS) 6
Psychology (PSYC) 5
Statistics (STAT) 2

University Studies (US) 10

*Double-majors have been included twice according to each area of study

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