The regimental Band of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, known as the Highty-Tighties, was formed in 1883. Originally established as the Glade Cornet Band, the Highty-Tighties have been the standard of musical and marching excellence within the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets for over a century. Over the course of it's history, the band has accumulated many honors. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented the band with the white cord, which they still wear to this day.

While it is not marching on the football field, the band participates in several local and national parades a year. The Highty-Tighties have received several awards for their marching excellence. In addition to their three consecutive wins in the Presidential Inaugural parade, the Highty-Tighties have won almost every competitive parade they have been in. The band has participated in parades at the World's Fair, halftime at a Washington Redskin's game, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, St. Patrick's Day in Savannah, GA, and more.

The Regimental Band operates as a company within the Corps of Cadets. Unlike many groups, the band is operated by the cadets. This provides many opportunities for leadership and hands on training. Cadets also pick out the performances that the band attends on a yearly basis.

In addition to the marching component of the band, many other musical opportunities exist within the Highty-Tighties.

Founded shortly after the Regimental Band, the Southern Colonels was once the preeminent jazz orchestra of Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In recent years, the jazz program has significantly grown and is once again a reckoning force in the Virginia Tech music scene. Membership in Band company is not required to be a member of the Southern Colonels, however the majority of the band is made up of Band Cadets. Prospective students with experience singing, playing piano, or bass guitar, or guitar are encouraged to join the Southern Colonels even if they do not join the band.

During the basketball season, the Highty-Tighties put together a pep band that plays at games for the Girls Basketball team. In addition to playing at all home basketball games, the band also gets to travel to tournaments with the team. In years past, the pep band has traveled to the ACC tournament, as well as the NCAA tournament.

In the spring, because the football season is over, the band reformats to a concert band. The band spends a few weeks putting together a concert, and will then put on one or more concerts. In spring 2006, the band traveled to Richmond, VA to play at the Virginia War Memorial.

Thanks to the Highty-Tighty Alumni, Inc., the band is able to offer a $1000 stipend to all incoming freshman cadets simply for joining the band. This stipend is not a scholarship, you receive $500 per semester for your freshman year (as long as you stay in the band) to spend however you want.

For more information about the HTs please contact Major George McNeill.

Web site: http://www.vtcc.vt.edu/unithomes/HT