Highty-Tighties to perform at Virginia International Tattoo
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Regimental Band, the Highty-Tighties, have been selected to perform at the 19th annual Virginia International Tattoo on April 22-26.
Tattoos have evolved from a European tradition dating back to the 17th century. They are ceremonial performances of military music by massed bands. However, each Tattoo is different and influenced by the culture of the country in which they are presented.
The largest event of its kind in the U.S., the Virginia International Tattoo will be held at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. It is an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs and more. This year, 900 artists from eight countries will take part to create four performances.
As part of the massed band for the Tattoo, 40 cadet musicians from the Highty-Tighties will perform alongside some of the world’s most established bands to include the U.S. Marine Corps Band, the Guards Band of the Finnish Defense Forces, and the Royal Danish Navy Band.
“It is a distinct honor and privilege to be invited to participate in what is regarded as the most patriotic of the world's great Tattoos and to be performing with some of the most talented military musicians from Finland, Korea, Australia, Canada, UK and the U.S. just to name a few," said Lt. Col. George McNeill, director of the Regimental Band. "Preparation for our role in the opening and final segments of the shows has been challenging, but the cadets and I are committed to do our part to make this Tattoo the best ever. This is an experience we will never forget!"
The Highty-Tighties will be performing at a variety of events, including the four primary performances, during their five days in Norfolk.
Scope Arena Performances:
- April 22, 10:30 a.m., Student Matinee
- April 23, 10:30 a.m., Student Matinee
- April 23, 7:30 p.m., Performance
- April 24, 10:30 a.m., Student Matinee
- April 24, 7:30 p.m., Performance
- April 25, 7:30 p.m., Performance
- April 26, 2:30 p.m., Performance
Additional Performances:
- April 22, 6:35 p.m., National Anthem prior to Norfolk Tides minor league baseball game at Harbor Park
- April 25, 10 a.m., NATO Parade/Downtown Norfolk
- April 26, 12:10 p.m., Hullabaloo performance, Scope Plaza
- April 26, 1 p.m., Virginia Tech alumni reception performance/Virginia Arts Festival's Robin Hixon Theater
- April 26, 2 p.m. Tattoo pre-performance reception on Scope Plaza
Before the 2:30 p.m. performance on April 26, the Commandant of Cadets Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart will host a special reception for Virginia Tech alumni at the Robin Hixon Theater from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Due to limited space, registration is required. Register or purchase discounted tickets online to any performance of the Virginia International Tattoo.
