Roger Heath was hired in 1974 to create a new band at Virginia Tech, an all-university band. The Marching Virginians, only 10 days old and made up of nearly 100 mostly first-year students, debuted on Sept. 28 that year.
Fred Gibson ’78 was among those first members and has enjoyed watching the Marching Virginians (MVs) — “The Spirit of Tech” — grow into the “330 Strong” band it is today.
“It has been a pleasure to watch over the years as the band transitioned from new into an integral part of the university experience for both participants and fans,” said Gibson, who earned a degree in chemical engineering. “Not only do the MVs provide high energy and high-quality performances, but they live and breathe Ut Prosim through the service of the members both in and out of uniform.”
The Marching Virginians later became a family tradition when both of Gibson’s children joined the band — Freddie in 2002 and Mara in 2005. Their family is one of many who are generational members of the Marching Virginians. Jay Muscatello ’80, who has held several positions on the band’s alumni board, was proud to watch his daughter, Angela, become a Marching Virginian.
“The friendships I formed with my fellow alums from other classes helped me realize what a special organization this is,” said Muscatello.
Whether they played in the first band or they will march for the first time this fall, all band members are part of a legacy that began with an idea and grew to become an important part of Hokie Nation. Being part of the Marching Virginians means something special to each member, and for all, the lessons they carry with them after graduation are invaluable.
Lt. Col. Scott McKenzie ’94 earned a degree in music education and is the commander of the United States Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus in Sembach, Germany. McKenzie has twice conducted the combined Marching Virginians and Highty-Tighties, the regimental band for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, for Military Appreciation Day in Lane Stadium. This year, he supported ceremonies in Normandy, Frace, in celebration of the D-Day 80th anniversary.
“I will always remember my time as an MV with joy," McKenzie said. "I was a band kid in high school, and joining the MVs was a great way to start off college at a huge university by finding 330 others with a common interest before classes even started. But my biggest benefit of being a Marching Virginian was being part of an incredible team effort, and that shaped the leader that I eventually became. In college, being an MV was just fun; I didn’t realize at the time I was getting an education in people management.”
Kelley (Vaeth) McNamee ’12, ’13 is a dean at Brambleton Middle School who previously taught band at Christiansburg Middle School and Eagle Ridge Middle School. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, McNamee served as a student staff assistant for the Marching Virgnians while she finished her master’s degree. She also met her husband in the band, and the couple has two children.
“I learned so many life and leadership skills that are essential in my current position. [Former Director] Dave McKee and [current Director] Polly Middleton taught me time management, musicianship, teamwork, leadership skills, and so much more," McNamee said. "I would not be the leader I am today without their support. My students always made comments about how cheerful and energetic I was for a 7:30 a.m. rehearsal, and I would tell them that I learned from the best: Dave.”
Sarah McHugh ’05 graduated with her bachelor’s degree in communication. She is currently the HR systems manager for HHHunt, a mid-Atlantic real estate company. McHugh is also one of the band’s color guard instructors, a role she has held since 2008.
“I love that I have been able to continue to ensure MV traditions are upheld while helping the group grow and evolve over time," McHugh said. "Being a part of the MV staff that works to keep 350 college students moving the same direction all season has provided countless fun, challenging, and unforgettable experiences.”
Ashlyn McDonald ’21, ’23 graduated with bachelor’s degrees in math and computer science as well as a master’s degree in math. She is a software engineer in Arlington, Virginia, working on autonomous boats.
“Joining the Marching Virginians was quite possibly the best decision I have ever made," McDonald said. "It made me love music even more than I had before, and I made so many lifelong friends. NowvI am part of the Arlington Concert Band, which is a wonderful community band full of great people and fantastic music! I also have fun learning other instruments like piano and ukulele on the side.”
Linda (Gross) Correll ’03, ’07 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in education. After spending many years teaching high school biology, she transitioned into her current role as the instructional supervisor for K-12 science, health, and physical education for Fauquier County Public Schools. Both she and her husband, Paul, also a MV, still perform in local community bands and for musical productions. She has been involved with the alumni board in some capacity since 2006.
“I want to make sure the MV opportunity is there for future students," she said. "Things may have changed since we were in the band, but the experience is still fun, spirited, and full of friends and the memories you loved. It’s important that the newer members and VT community know the history of our group and we help to advocate to keep the MV experience amazing for another 50 years and beyond!”
