Bands

All students, regardless of major, are welcome to participate in the bands and orchestras at Virginia Tech!

Derek Shapiro, Conductor 

The premier auditioned wind band at Virginia Tech. The ensemble rehearses three times weekly, presents at least three concerts on campus each semester, performs regularly across the state and region on tour and at music conferences. This ensemble made its first appearance at the Kennedy Center in 2011, and appeared at Carnegie Hall in April 2013 and April 2017. Ensemble participation is open to all students through audition each semester.

• The group performs about 6 concerts each school-year, at a variety of places in and around the Blacksburg area
• Ensemble Size: Approximately 50
• Meeting Time: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 2:30-4:10 p.m. (Fall & Spring)             

Chad Reep, Conductor (In the Fall Semester)

Polly Middleton, Conductor (In the Spring Semester)

The Symphony Band performs a variety of works from traditional wind band repertory to contemporary works. Ensemble participation is open to all students through audition each semester.

• The group performs four concerts on campus each year and regularly shares programs with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Campus Band.
• Ensemble Size: Approximately 75–85 members
• Meeting Time: Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. 

Chad Reep, Conductor

The Campus Band is a non-auditioned concert band that rehearses one night weekly during the spring semester. The ensemble provides an opportunity for students who wish to play in a concert band with a lighter time commitment than the other ensembles. The ensemble performs a variety of works from the wind band repertory, including contemporary and traditional wind band works, transcriptions, and marches.

• The Campus Band performs one concert on campus each spring
• Instrument Rental: Bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor and baritone saxophone, euphonium, and tuba may be rented for a small fee each semester.
• Ensemble Size: Approximately 110 members
• Meeting Time: Monday from 7:00–9:00 p.m. 

Polly Middleton, Director

Chad Reep, Assistant Director

• In the fall of 2014, The Marching Virginians celebrated their 40th Anniversary of high-energy performances and exciting music to support the Hokies
• Since their creation in 1974, The Marching Virginians have performed for hundreds of nationally televised football games and parades. The MVs have received numerous compliments for outstanding performances at Virginia Tech's recent bowl games, including the 2008 and 2010 FedEx Orange Bowls and the 2012 Sugar Bowl.
• Members of the Marching Virginians include students from all walks of life and from majors across the university. Though none of the students who participate in the MVs will receive scholarships for joining this band, competitive auditions are open to all Virginia Tech students - even graduate students.
• Schedules and meeting times depend on the schedule of the football season.

• The Hokies Pep Band joins the basketball Hokies as a spirited sixth man each season, keeping the Hokies and their fans intent on victory.
• The band is a select ensemble, with keen competition for each of the 70 non-scholarship positions.
• The superior musicianship of the band has been acknowledged numerous times, including being named "best pep band" in the Metro Conference by veteran sportswriter Jack Bogaczyk and being the only pep band ever invited to perform at the VMEA Conference
• Schedules and meeting times depend on the schedule of the basketball season

James Bean, Director

The Virginia Tech Regimental Band is Virginia Tech's longest serving musical organization. In 1893, a cadet band company was formed as a permanent part of the cadet regiment. For almost 120 years, we have been known primarily as a field band with an unparalleled string of victories (including 129 first place trophies in 130 competitive parades!).