“While we provide a home for the band, it's really a university-wide initiative. There are no better ambassadors for Virginia Tech than the Marching Virginians.” Sue Ott Rowlands A member of the Marching Virginians performs during a home football game in Lane Stadium.
Referring to the university’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), she added that members of the Marching Virginians “exemplify Ut Prosim through their service projects, and the nature of the Virginia Tech community through their spirit and enthusiasm.” When the new building is completed, the Marching Virginians will no longer store instruments in the lower level of the baseball team's batting cage facility. Along with space for storage and for the band's drumline to practice, the building will have restrooms and small personal lockers for band members. The building, pavilion, and practice field will give the band more suitable practice spaces. For the moment, it practices on the infield of the Johnson-Miller Outdoor Track Complex. "They needed a home, and we wanted to help them," said Tom Gabbard, associate athletic director for internal affairs. "This will make our rehearsals much more efficient and our instrument storage more secure," said Dave McKee, who along with directing the Marching
Virginians is a senior instructor in the School of Performing Arts. "It will instill a higher sense of pride for everyone involved in the band. There will be a sense of permanence now, a sense of home." McKee said he and the band are extremely grateful to the athletic and recreational sports departments, and to the many donors who have contributed toward the project so far. Fundraising is ongoing, with an interest in further developing the facility in a second phase down the road. While some generous donations “have come from Marching Virginians alumni who recognize that they had a unique experience during their time with the band,” the project’s success will depend not just on band alumni, but on a wide range of supporters who appreciate the role the Marching Virginians play in the life of Virginia Tech, McKee said. Virginia Tech News also ran a version of this story online.
Impact [ 19 ] Winter 2013