BLACKSBURG, Va., Dec. 15, 2004 – We made it!" a banner proudly proclaims on the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Regimental Band home page.
"It" is the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade for George W. Bush's second term to be held in Washington on Jan. 20, 2005. The corps of cadets band, commonly known throughout Virginia and the nation as the Highty-Tighties, received word on Dec. 10 that it has been selected to participate in the event. The Presidential Inaugural Parade Committee formally notified Maj. George McNeill, the band's director, that the 96-member Highty-Tighties would be one of 30 bands selected for a coveted spot among the total 75 floats and units that will participate in the two-hour parade. Originally, a total of 157 marching bands had applied for the chance to participate.
"The young men and women of the Virginia Tech Regimental Band are very proud to have the privilege of honoring President Bush on Jan. 20," McNeill said. "The Highty-Tighties will carry on the mission of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets to build leaders of character and integrity for the commonwealth and our nation."
Highty-Tighty drum major Ben Thomas, a senior in mechanical engineering, sees this as one of those rare and memorable opportunities of a lifetime. "To march in the presidential inaugural parade is the dream of every Highty-Tighty," Thomas said. "We really are very honored to participate."
This will mark the 11th inaugural parade appearance for the Highty-Tighties — a tradition that began in 1917 when the band appeared in President Woodrow Wilson's inaugural parade. The band also marched in the 1953, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1969, 1973, 1977, 1981, and 1997 inaugural parades, and in the initial three of those appearances was awarded first place honors. Beginning with the 1965 parade, and in large part because the Highty-Tighties had gained "undefeated champion" status in the previous three parades, the inaugural parade became a non-competitive event.
While the selection process for inaugural parade participants is based on a number of criteria, including submission of a comprehensive portfolio of visual, audio, and printed background material, it also helps to have the backing of influential individuals inside the Washington Beltway. In this instance, Virginia Sen. George Allen was particularly instrumental in supporting the Highty-Tighties' application, although Virginia Tech, corps, and Highty-Tighty alumni also contributed to the lobbying effort.
"The university and the corps are grateful for Sen. Allen's strong support and encouragement for the Regimental Band to participate in the inaugural parade," said Maj. Gen. Jerry Allen, commandant of cadets at Virginia Tech. "We are very proud of the Highty-Tighties, and pleased they will continue their tradition of award-winning performances in this important national event."
With roots dating back to 1883, when it began as the 10-piece "Glade Coronet Band" at the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in Blacksburg (now Virginia Tech), the Highty-Tighties boast a 121-year tradition of excellence secured by appearances at many other high-profile events, including professional football halftime shows, a number of college football bowl games, Cherry Blossom Festival parades in Washington, several World Fairs and International Expositions, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, among others.
The origin of the band's nickname, the Highty-Tighties, is somewhat a blur of legend and fact, but the general consensus is that it evolved early in the 20th century from a somewhat racy cadet band company cheer that contained the catch phrase "Highty-Tighty" in the first line. Over time and with repetitive use, the phrase was eventually applied to the band itself.