ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 4, 1997 TAG: 9701060021
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
They may not have made the Orange Bowl, but Virginia Tech's Highty-Tighties regimental marching band hardly considers its latest invitation the consolation prize.
"We are very, very excited about it," Maj. George McNeill, director of the band, said. "I think the members really deserve the opportunity to go."
The 88-member band, once famed for its trophy-winning performances for presidents, steps off down Pennsylvania Avenue on Jan. 20, the day Bill Clinton takes the oath of office for a second time. It's the first inaugural parade performance for the Highty-Tighties, the Corps of Cadets band, since 1981, McNeil said.
The university says the regimental band retired the inaugural parade competition trophy back in the old days because they won more than anyone else - in 1953, 1957 and 1961. Then came 1985 - Ronald Regan's second inauguration - and the first time in years that the Highty-Tighties didn't make the parade.
The announcement that Tech will march in the Democratic president's second parade came last month from the office of Republican Sen. John Warner, chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. A number of music groups from Virginia will perform during inaugural festivities, including the James Madison University marching band, and the college choirs from Hampton University and the College of William and Mary.
High school bands slated to march include the Lafayette High School of Williamsburg, and the combined Eastern Fairfax County High School Bands of Mount Vernon and West Potomac.
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB